The objective was to photograph mountain biking action on what turned out to be the first truly hot day of May. The beautiful sunshine and clear blue skies created perfect conditions for both the cyclists and the photographers, making the outing a memorable success for everyone involved.
The group arrived early, and all seven were ready to set off by 10 AM. The GAP management kindly transported the group by bus to the top of the tracks,, where they were deposited at the start of the Black (hardest) and the Red (next hardest) tracks. The rugged Wicklow landscape, combined with the colourful mountain bikes and protective gear of the riders, provided excellent opportunities for dynamic sports photography. Riders of all skill levels tackled jumps, berms, rocky descents and winding forest trails, allowing the photographers to capture a wide variety of action shots.
Members experimented with different settings to yield acceptable images. In some cases it proved difficult to expose for the shadows and bright areas as the bikers proceeded at a very fast pace down the tracks. Fast shutter speeds were used to freeze riders in mid-air during jumps, while slower shutter speeds helped create a sense of movement and speed as cyclists raced past.
The atmosphere around the park was energetic and friendly, with many bikers happy to pause and chat about their sport. The warm weather added to the enjoyment.
The group returned either by bus or on foot to Grizzleys coffee shop for well-earned refreshments, including some delicious ice cream on a hot day
The visit provided an excellent opportunity for members to improve their sports photography skills, exchange ideas and enjoy a shared creative experience. By the end of the day, everyone returned home with memory cards full of exciting images and plenty of inspiration for future outings.
Some images (click on an image to open in full-screen mode) from the outing can be seen below:
