Kirroughtree - I'm looking for hints/tips/advice

Betabob

Hi folks, I'm new to the forums so bare with me!

I'm heading to Kirroughtree this weekend to tackle the full 31km "black craigs" red/black, now first things first I'm not that well versed in 'black' sections as all my trail experience lies in the red graded routes at mabie, glentress, Ae and Dalbeattie - all of which I'm comfortable with. (no, I haven't tackled the slab at dalbeattie, watching a wipeout there took away my bottle a bit!)

Thing is I really want to know what I've let myself in for with this route, particularly if there are any bits I should be really cautious of, or just simply avoid.

Kit wise I'll be on my Kona Kikapu Deluxe '05 - as stock except for upgraded XT shifters - I assume this should be adequate for the trail.

All advice welcome - I'm really keen to try what everyone tells me is the single best trail in the UK (if it's better than Dalbeattie it'll be great!)

thanks all.
BB

woodywmb

The Bupa hospital at Kirroughtree and the undertakers next to the visitor centre at Palnure both offer good discounts to anyone using the black trail.

chemdog

When doing the black route, the 'black' sections of Kirroughtree are avoidable just dont get too carried away with your speed in the black area and get forced to ride something your not comfortable with. Several of the black bits are more technical than 'dodgy' i.e. rocky climbs rather than drop offs and you'll be able to have a good shot at them. Theres also McMoab which is technical but you can dab the whole way round if required and not bother with the chute as you dont have a death wish :twisted:.

Theres nothing that really springs itself in the way that I can think of. The bike will be fine. I would say definately better than Dalbeattie although I havent done Dalbeattie in the past 12 months.

Iain

Chris Bcp

I'd start with the red if possible, it's a cracker.

The black has similarly hard traily bits as the red but has technical sections as described above, Mcmoab for example is more of a trials challenge.

chemdog

Chris Bcp wrote:

I'd start with the red if possible, it's a cracker.

The black has similarly hard traily bits as the red but has technical sections as described above, Mcmoab for example is more of a trials challenge.

The red route links into the black so its red, black then red again to finish so the red will warm you up. I wouldnt do just the red and I did do the Kirroughtree black when I was inexperienced of other black routes (I just took my time) and its ok nothing too daunting or dangerous.

Enjoy

Betabob

Thanks for the tips, the ride was postponed a week after my riding partner (aka: Dad) wrecked his forks. 1 new set of forks and a larger disk rotor (not sure why he feels he needs an 8inch disk) later and we're back on for a week tomorrow.

I'll reply and let you all know how we get on.
thanks again,
BB.

timberjack

did the black last week i had to use my old hardtail giant xtc4 [wifes new bike] as i snapped a bolt on my stumpy the night before. The day started badly with three punctures then i realised i had left my glasses on the side of the trail i was just getting into it when i went over the bars and buckled my front wheel and broke my rear shifter on one of the easiest bits between the judgement and mcmoab the singletrack through the wood just after the quarry, i just wanted to go home it was peeing down but i had to go on i straightened my wheel the best i could by standing on it and stuck my rear gear on no2 and persevered, it was fantastic i cant wait to go back i hope you enjoy it

Mongoosemtb

Betabob wrote:

not sure why he feels he needs an 8inch disk
BB.

I'm sure it's a bit like why a bird flies.... because it can

Just upgraded forks and brakes to Marzocchi mx pro eta's and clarks 203mm 6 pot front and back - stopping power is imense - 1 finger is fine on each and I'm 18+ stone. :oops:

Does have some drawbacks - you end up approaching things about twice as fast as before, so if he gets it wrong it'll hurt more than twice as much.

Betabob

numerous delays culminated in finally doing the route last weekend... I was really really impressed. I threw on some race face padding and tried the lot. I nearly bottled the first chute (an optional finish at the end of one of the red route sections) but my dad did it so I had to turn the bike around and go and do it - cant let the old man do things I won't! Especially in front of the group of 12 that were watching from the bottom!

After that I felt confident enough to tackle everything including McMoab - although in fairness that was way beyond me and was frankly hilarious! I was well chuft when I managed to actually stay on the bike cycle the last few hundred yards of it!

End result, no accidents or injuries and although I failed to successfully navigate 1 or 2 of the harder features I had an amazing time... well worth it.

my one tip is to do the whole thing.. missing out the black section eliminates some great sections (although I could have done without heartbreak hill).

Happy cycling,
BB.