Mountain biking is an incredibly fun sport, but it can also be a daunting one to get into. The assumptions people make about it can be off-putting, and even knowing where to go can be a challenge. In this blog, we aim to lay out the simple things you can do to get into mountain biking.
It’s Not What You Think It Is
For the average person on the street, it’s likely that when they think of mountain biking, they picture something like this:
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Rostrevor Mega Mission Downhill Trail - Image by MountainBikeNI
Pretty daunting!
The reality is though that the vast majority of mountain bikers are out on their bikes for a pedal, not to defy gravity. The best thing about it, is that it’s all scalable and easily recognisable. Green trails in the UK are rated as easy, blue are moderate, red are difficult, black are severe and orange are extreme.
When starting out mountain biking, make sure you build up gradually – check out a green trail at somewhere like Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails. Find it okay? Great! Now step up to a blue. And so on. One important consideration before stepping up however, is covered in our next point.
Go with Somebody Else (especially at the start)
Many people start off mountain biking by heading along with a friend who is already into the sport. It’s important to have somebody there, particularly if you’re trying a blue or red trail (and definitely on a black or orange) for the first time. Not only will it be more fun, but they’ll be able to give you advice or – if they’re new too – keep an eye on you, and vice versa, should anyone come off the bike.
For those who currently don’t have a friend who mountain bikes, there are clubs all over Northern Ireland who warmly welcome new riders. You can find the list of clubs on MountainBikeNI.com.
There are also great events, such as the upcoming “Introduction to Mountain Biking at Castlewellan Forest Park” session, being run by the team at The Outdoor Partnership Northern Ireland. Keep an eye on organisations like this and Cycling Ulster for the public events they run which encourage more people to get into the sport. 
Experiment Before You Commit
A mountain bike can be as simple or sophisticated as you want it to be, and costs can vary just as wildly. Before investing in your dream bike, try hiring different styles from local providers like Bike Mourne. It’s the quickest way to figure out if you prefer a hardtail (front suspension only), full-suspension aka full-sus (front and rear shock absorbers), or even an e-bike (with an electric motor to assist your pedalling). Each type has its own feel and advantages, and nothing beats first-hand experience in deciding what suits you best.
When the day comes to get your first bike, avoid scrimping on essentials—though there’s no need to break the bank to get started. It’s easy to eye up bikes that cost more than your car, but for your first MTB, find something durable, comfortable, and within your budget. And please don’t forget that the only item more important than your bike is your helmet. There’s a saying among MTBers that the best helmet is the one you’re actually going to wear—so pick one you like, and keep it firmly strapped on.
Know Where to Ride
Once you’ve got wheels sorted, the next step is figuring out where to go. MountainBikeNI.com is your go-to guide for all official trail centres in Northern Ireland. Not only can you see where the trails are on a map, but you can also check their grading and keep track of up-to-date trail conditions.
A A screenshot from MountainBikeNI.com
It’s easy to assume a “blue” is just your standard short spin, but some can be deceptively long or feature more technical sections than you might expect. Stick to your ability level at first—it’s better to finish a trail comfortably and want more of a challenge than to tackle something too difficult and end up walking your bike around half the trail centre.
Have Fun (and Don’t Worry About a Few Scrapes)
At the end of the day, mountain biking is about having fun. That’s why we do it. It’s also a great workout and way to immerse yourself in nature, but it also brings a sense of freedom and camaraderie you don’t always find elsewhere. You could join social rides or pick up new friends who share your enthusiasm for flying down flowy singletrack. Or as you get more confident, you might just go out for a ride to clear your head (and the mental health benefits of mountain biking are significant).
That’s not to say you won’t have the odd spill —it happens to everyone. But as long as you’re wearing a good helmet and ride within your limits, those moments usually just add a few tales to tell (and maybe a bruise or two). So, get out there, explore at your own pace, and embrace the thrill of rolling through forests, over roots, and across open landscapes.
Castlewellan MTB Trails – Image by MountainBikeNI
If you have any questions about getting started in mountain biking, give us a shout at info@mountainbikeni.com. We’ll be happy to help and point you in the right direction. See you on the trails soon!
Kilbroney Park features riverside walks and an arboretum. There is a two-mile forest drive which showcases panoramic views over Carlingford Lough. There is also a Play Park with children's play area and tennis courts, an Information area and a café all on site.
Located on Forest Park View, Castlewellan, County Down, in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, Castlewellan Forest Park has one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe. The beauty, vigour and perfect shape of the trees in the National Arboretum attract tree enthusiasts from around the world.
Epic adventures are on offer all year round at Life Adventure Centre. Their extensive range of activities include mountain biking, stand-up paddleboarding, wet bouldering, rock climbing, sit on top kayaking, coasteering, electric biking and open canoeing - something for everyone!
Experience the Mournes by bike on road, track and trail with the guided and self-guided bike and electric bike tours or do it yourself with bike and electric bike hire. Explore the majestic mountains, dramatic coasts, stunning landscapes, enchanting forests, award winning mountain bike trails and endless year-round cycle adventures.
Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails in Kilbroney Park and Rostrevor Forest offer challenging climbs with some serious descents and Ireland's first two official downhill trails and other trails suitable for families to use. Make time to stop off at Kodak Corner to take in the view over Carlingford Lough and beyond.
Castlewellan is home to one of Northern Ireland's most famous lakes, a stunning Victorian Castle, incredible panoramic views and flowing singletrack; all just minutes from the lively village of Castlewellan.
