Happy St Patricks day!
Irish enduro talend Kelan Grant just joined Team Wideopenmag. Here’s his guide to the very best of Irish mountain biking!
With people, regardless of their lineage, worldwide donning green and necking pints of the Black Stuff and claiming Irish heritage, what better way to celebrate Irish mountain biking than through the eyes of our newest team member, Mr. Kelan Grant?
Photos by Martin Kennedy unless stated otherwise.
1. Trails.
We have some rad people committed to trail building over here so we have some of the world finest dirt lines to shred on. Everything from blue way-marked routes to the craziest hand-built technical nonsense out there.
You can read about Hutch’s three day Irish road trip here on Wideopen. We’d recommend giving Rostrevor and Davagh visit!
2. “The Craic”.
Its hard to go out on the bike in Ireland and not have “the craic”. Abuse will be given and abuse will the taken but its all in a days craic on the bike.
“Irish word for fun/enjoyment that has been brought into the English language. usu. when mixed with alcohol and/or music.
‘Bhi craic agus ceol againn’ : We had fun and music.
Fun doesn’t really cut it though. General banter, good times had by all.
Also, a person who is good fun/great company.”
3. Potential.
The potential of riders these days in Ireland is insane! Young youths putting in the miles and its paying off. Everyone is flat out. Just look at my team mate Chris Cumming, young, focused and wickedly quick.
4. Racing.
Enduro racing especially has grown like no other. With three series in Ireland now its a race every other weekend if your keen! Let’s not forget the double fairytale of Mr. Greg Callaghan winning the Emerald Enduro back-to-back.
5. Brands.
Ireland is home to some great brands and great companies. Team Wideopenmag’s head sponsor Nukeproof is one of course.
6. Weather.
Photo by Ross Bell.Probably not the best all the time for it rains 80% of the year but that’s why the Irish are so good in the wet. But when the sun shines its hard the beat!
7. Facilities.
We have it all, sweet trail centre loops that go on for miles, enduro and DH trails crafted from some of the locals with uplifts to get you there if your not a big pedaler, pump track, BMX track you name it!
8. Spirit.
I don’t think there anywhere else like it when you can rock up for a solo spin and end up having 30 pinned legends tagging along for the ride. The people are humble and friendly, everyone is out for the same reason, to have fun on their bike!
