My name is Fergus, Bike Mechanic at The Edge Sports Shop, and I’m going to use this as an introduction to some of my favourite rides and why I chose the bike I ride.
First up, is one of my favourite local loops which only opened up to me with the purchase of my Orbea Terra.
As I leave home it’s a cold start so I decide to hit out straight into a 2k average 6% road climb which soon gets the heart pumping and I soon forget about the 5deg temperature. A sharp right towards the mass rock and it’s on to bumper terrain and time for my 38c panaracer gravel king sk’s to earn their keep. As usual with this type of spin trying to find a happy medium pressure wise is a challenge. Today the pressure feels slightly high but as I’ve not been riding off road lately I decide to persist with what I’ve got.
Onwards to the single track descent of the day which opens out to a now disused Knockananig Reservoir. This gives a great overall view of your location with both the ballyhoura and galtees clearly visible most days. From here back to some tarmac for a few kilometres before a sharp left brings you on to a trail which brings to mind the hairy footed hobbits from the lord of the rings.
This is usually the point where I try to put the terra through its paces. Today I am more of an over 40, grumpy bike mechanic than MVDP. Luckily, the 40/36 which the terra was previously spec’d out (2020 models all come with GRX single or double options)with makes for a cruise to the top of the trail. From here it’s a short stint on the old Fermoy to Ballyhooly road before a sharp drop into some sweet single track which the terra even with its longer chainstays and more relaxed head tube hands with easy making this section fun with just enough roots to keep you wide eyed. On through some fire road and out on to the tarmac heading towards the castle tavern which always brings a smile as blurred memories of a past life usually flood back in to my normally occupied head.
No time to dwell, straight up from here a short steep road climbs bringing you to the trail entrance which kicks straight up with a nice 11% climb. This is where the terras long wheel base helps with taking on the climb. From here it’s fire road and single track into farmers yard before a dodgy exit on to the tarmac again. The rocking rolling spin for home out past Ballyhooly castle serves as a reminder that a climber I am not. Not far from home, a short sweet spin puts the rider and bike through it’s paces.
My Orbea Terra is fitted out with a SRAM force1 groupset with 11/36 cassette which at times can be testing off road. Flat mount disc brakes with 12mm axles Mavic all road pro upgrade and 38mm panaracer gravel king sk’s purely for aesthetics but turns out to be perfect for the type of riding I am doing when mixing tarmac, fire/gravel roads and plenty of single track… The terra is a perfect choice for an all road bike. It responds really well on road proving to be stiff enough when the power goes down. A narrow set of tyres and an added chain ring would make this a more than capable road bike. Also tyre clearance up to 40mm makes the stiff carbon frame a lot more user friendly off road. Tubeless tyres are a must for riding a curly handle bar bike off road. These trails are shared with walkers so be kind and considerate. Above all have fun in the great outdoors.
Check out my gravel/unpaved cycling activity on Garmin Connect. #beatyesterday
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4679532256
