The Nire Valley Drop.

There are few places where you encounter nature in the raw. There are even fewer places where you and your bike can challenge nature knowing if you don’t tame nature it will tame you. In years to come when all is forgotten the whisper of the words “Nire Valley Drop” will get you adrenaline pumping as you smile and say “I was there too”.

The Nire Valley where we do it in the wild…….

Where? Ballmacarbry, Waterford, Ireland.

When? 11am, Sunday October 27th 2013.

What is it? The Nire Valley Drop is an off road cross country cycle challenge, up hill and down hill, crossing forestry and moorland.

How much? €25

Is it a fundraiser? Half of the funds raised at the Nire Valley Drop will go towards Community Development Programmes on the island of Île à Vache in Haiti, where volunteers will return with Haven next Easter from 18th¬-27th April 2014. The remainder of the funds will go towards the Nire Football Club.

Can I register online? Course, https://eventmaster.ie/event.php?event_id=421

What about on the day? You can also sign-in/register on the day from 9:30 in Ballymacarbry Hostel and Community Centre.

Where do I sign in? You must sign-in no later than 10:40am at Ballymacarbry Hostel and Community Centre.

Where does the cycle leave from? The cycle leaves from Ballymacarbry Hostel and Community Centre at 11am.

How to I get there for Dublin? Allow 3hrs from the Red Cow. Take the M8 (to Cork) and come off at Cahir junction 10. Take the Waterford, Clonmel road after that, when you arrive in Clonmel head for Dungarvan, Ballymacarbry is 10 miles from Clonmel.

What do I need to bring? The cyclists will need to bring a helmet, 2 tubes, change of clothes, cycling gloves, a small first aid kit and a bike suitable for tough terrain. Please note: Cyclists with no helmet will not be permitted to partake in the Nire Valley Drop. 

Do I need cycling experience? Anyone can take part but it will be an added advantage to have road cycling experience. The track is challenging in parts but thoroughly enjoyable.

How long is the trail? There are two options; 20km and 40 km.

What if I choose the 40km and change my mind? There will be "Cut-outs" on the 40km course, this means you could go on the 40k course and then short circuit a leg and thus ride 30k instead. We have about 4 cut-outs. We will have maps on the day, and advise from locals.

What happens after the cycle? There will be soup and brown bread available at the Community Centre after the cycle. Tea and coffee will also be available.

Are there showers? Hot showers are available (although we cannot promise for how long the hot water will last!).

Lastly, the Drops?

1. Condons Drop 4.3km Forest Track Fast Descent

2 .The Horseshoe Drop 9.22km Single Track mud

ClimbMarkley KOM Start climb 12.2km Forest Track / Boreen

3. Halpin's Drop 13.67km Single Track Steep descent

4. Coffin Drop 15.52km Single Track Rocks / Fast Descent

5. Tear Drop 15.8km Single Track Rough Terrain

6. Rocky Drop 18.62km Single Track Rocky Steep Decline

7. Hunters Drop 18.88km Single Track Steep Decline

8. Woodcock Drop 19.55km Single Track Fast decline

9. HAVEN Drop 20.4km Single Track / Firetrack Rough Terrain

10. Cannonball Drop 21.85km Single Track Steep decline / Rough Terrain

11. Bambi's Drop 22km Forest Track Grassy surface

12. Yahoo Drop 25km Single Track / Firetrack / Road Rough Surface / Tarmac

13. Lynch's Drop 27.27km Single Track Steep Descent

14. Nire Valley Drop 28.48km Single Track Steep Descent

15. TEAL Drop 29.68km Single Track Rough Terrain

16. Badgers Drop 31.3km Firetrack Rough Terrain

17. The Chicken George Run 33.23km Single Track Steep Decline / Rough Terrain

18. Abhann Drop 36.5km Single Track Rough Terrain and stream.

Youtube video of the drop.