About the Club
What is MBUL?
Mountain Biking UL was founded in September 1998 by two second year mechanical engineering students to cater for the needs of the growing community of mountainbikers in UL and the surrounding area. Our aim is to promote mountain biking as a fun recreational activity, both in UL and beyond. From humble beginnings, with about 3-4 cyclists on each outing, we have grown to the extent where we routinely have up to fifteen cyclists out every week, whatever the weather. We have also expanded our activities to include racing as well as recreational rides. We hope to expand our currently high number of cross country racers into other areas, like Downhill.
What do we do?
The main focus of the club is having fun while mountain biking. Our main activity is a cycle every Sunday, leaving from the Boathouse on the University of Limerick campus at about 11:00am. From there we follow the path by the river Shannon into Limerick City, continuing on to Cratloe Woods in Co. Clare, about 13km from UL. We're usually at one of the entrances to Cratloe Woods by 12:00 or so, then go off-road on forest trails. The cycle usually covers about 45-55km, at a leisurely pace, taking less than 4 hours during the winter, and about 6-7 hours (or until it gets dark or people get really hungry during the summer when there is more daylight and it's warmer. You don't really need much fitness for the Sunday cycle (more strenuous cycles are organised for other days - often Saturday, email us or contact us via the forum if you're interested) and you can exit to the road anytime if you do get tired. The cycles are paced for the slowest people in the group, so there's no danger of getting left behind :-).
How Do I Join?
Membership is open to anyone with a mountain bike and a helmet, though if you don't have either, the club has a limited number of bikes and helmets which can be loaned to members. To join, contact any member of the committee, or meet us on the cycle. Membership fees are here. All members are free to use the club bikes if they need them. As a recognised club of the University of Limerick, we have an obligation to act responsibly while on cycles, and to this end we have a Code of Conduct which all members are bound by. To view it, click here.