The diary of a mountain bike novice

You all know our motto by now – Live It Experience It. Eleanor McGillie is doing just that. Last weekend, she committed to taking up a new hobby which frankly will see her going downhill pretty quickly.

It’s just like riding a bike, they say. You never forget, they say.

But, there’s riding a bike and then there’s riding a mountain bike, on trails and signing up to do the Davagh Enduro Challenge – all within six weeks.

Exciting? Yes. Scared? No. I actually can’t wait . The bug has kicked in after my first spin out and I haven’t even hit the trails yet.

My brother is a keen mountain biker and I often thought it would be a great thing he and I could do together at some point.

So, with the itch itching, and me looking to challenge myself, I have decided to try mountain biking and have committed myself to doing the Davagh Enduro Challenge on June 25 – a challenge organised by Michael Regan – a mountain biker and photographer from Draperstown.

Michael and I connected on social media about two years ago. I love his pictures detailing his adventures with the MTB community, with his little son and obviously his outlook on life seemed to fit with that of Live It Experience It.

So, inspired and feeling challenged, first stop for me was bike shopping. I like to shop local so I went to Cycleology in Armagh. I bought a Saracen Mantra – 27.5 inch wheels, hardtail, 17inch frame, 27 gears. I am a total novice and no doubt over the coming weeks I will get to learn more about the bike as I use it. The bike is designed for off-the-beaten track adventures or is also suitable for negotiating pot-hole ridden urban landscapes.  It has a lightweight frame and a quality Suntour suspension fork to keep the ride smooth. The ladies model comes with a lowered toptube for ease of mounting and dismounting and there’s a suspension seatpost.

I contacted Michael to tell him about the purchase and he has signed me up for the Davagh Enduro Challenge and so the training has commenced and the excitement is building.

In fairness, I have no idea what I am supposed to be doing but I guess getting out on the bike, getting used to it, putting the miles in and building up muscle is something I should be focusing on.

Firs day out was last Sunday. I did a few loops of Caledon village in Co Tyrone where I live. A speedy and very smooth ride by all accounts.

Then midweek, I took myself to Bonds Bridge at The Argory and cycled about 10 miles round the Co Tyrone and Co Armagh country lanes.

And then on Friday, I drove up to the Sperrin Mountains to get a bit closer to where all the action will take place in June. Class going downhill, a killer going uphill. I cycled from Beaghmore Stone Circles to the entrance of Davagh Forest. I was on limited time so that five mile cycle was enough. When you haven’t been used to riding a bike at all and then getting out on mountain roads is a challenge in itself. But, it’s peaceful, it’s tranquil, the wind would have blown the head of you, the sheep looked at me strangely, there were warm spells and cold chills and the stunning Sperrins scenery just blows you away.

The thing about biking is it takes you places. You see so many beautiful landscapes. From the walls of The Earl of Caledon’s estate, to the blossoming orchards of county Armagh and the sweeping sunlit hills of the Sperrin Mountains – it’s been a beautiful week really.

So, I am feeling the bug let’s say. I didn’t go through the gates of Davagh Forest Trails though. When I took this next picture and sent it to my brother – the message I got back was ‘go easy Jessy – Ha!’

Next time, however, I will go through the gates as I intend on putting a bit of practice in there.

If anyone wants to join me on the challenge just let me know – safety in numbers and all that jazz. But a big thank you to Michael Regan for his encouragement to date and also for his shout out to the MTB community to offer some tips and guidance on our FACEBOOK PAGE

Here are some of them:

Lesley Archer said: “When I first started MTB the best thing I did to gain confidence, was to go out with a friend who was more experienced than me. It’s good to follow somebody who knows the lines to take and you ride bits you probably wouldn’t ride yourself. Good luck! :)”

Molly Stack: “I second Lesley’s comment. The best success I had with learning to find a line through something challenging or finding the courage to ride over something out of my comfort zone was to follow someone’s wheel. And I don’t mean to ride with folks who ride on faster than you who disappear beyond the next corner but someone who would ride at your pace who you can simply follow through everything.. And lower your saddle, get your bum over the back wheel and get ready for the time of your life! LOL!”

Julie Beckett: “All good advice 🙂 time on the bike makes all the difference too so just get out as often as you can – good luck. You’ll love it!”

Debbie Irvine said: “Basically everything they said. I’ve found nothing beats time in the saddle. Relax and enjoy yourself. It’s for fun remember that. And when you fall off, cos you will, get back on and keep going. You’ll love it!”

Guys, thanks very much – I really appreciate it.

Onwards and upwards. Week two of training coming up. #liveitexperienceit

If you would like to sign up to the Davagh Enduro Challenge – CLICK HERE

Live It Experience It’ is a group of journalists and travel writers who tell the story of our members. We work  collaboratively with our members, which are tourism businesses, to promote Northern Ireland through water, air and land based activities, food and drink and great places to stay. Together we let our visitors know of all of the amazing things Northern Ireland has to offer.  To become a member business in of ‘Live It Experience It’ call our office on 028 3756 8436 or please submit your information through our online form. T&Cs apply –  Sign Up Here Let us tell your story! Live It Experience It is the NW200 tourism partner for 2018. 

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