It was the late 80’s when the Kilworth forest was first used as an Irish championship event. Then it was considered challenging and was aptly named the branch dodgers for good reason. The forest had not been thinned out and every path had to be traversed with caution dodging the branches. When they were wet it was horrible but the ground under wheel was good .
For a few years Kilworth dropped off the calendar but latterly with the brilliant assistance of local’s Paul MC Carthy , John Lynch and Co , COC Hughie Os and George Buckley the event has once again gained in stature and popularity and last Sunday’s run was testament to the efforts put in . A pure Enduro in every sense , virtually no road ( cc 200 yards) , fire road ( save the test ) , but forest tracks that weaved their way back and forth , up and down the Kilworth forest . Nothing stupidly difficult but nothing easy either …. It was physical and had enough climbs and drops to test the mettle of all classes , enough roots to work the body and long enough to be considered a challenge . There was the bed stead mattresses guarding the trees in the event of an errant bike taking flight ( with the rider tumbling down afterwards ) and damaging the tree !
A lot happened …. Mervyn Griffin broke his hand not more than 5 minutes from the start , Dave Mc Nulty rode 3 laps with a flat rear and John MC Cann with a front flat all day . Jordan Scott made a welcome return and according to his Garmin clocked 105 MPH in the test ( That is MPH not KM/h! ) . There was a welcome big contingent of MRA riders and some good new blood in there . Philip Caldwell was on foot … taking a rest for the ageing bones ; Harold Crawford was in full flight and not a bead of sweat to be seen . Some riders cried enough , the body beaten but that does not take from the event ….. never in the history of Enduro has a track been so well marked ….. it was impossible to go wrong and all the above are to be congratulated for what was a real and proper Enduro.
The Dodgers is back
Kilworth B&B vs Germany
Kilworth 2016 Provisional Test Times Only
Jordan Scott at Kilworth Enduro 2016
Enduro.ie
Next event is Longross Series RD 2 run By Fastlane MCC Club at Brittas Co.Dublin venue. 10th July Adults and Youths are welcome. Entry’s are available on our website : Entry and Regs Sections.