New North Tipp Mountain Bike Park has ‘Nationwide’ Appeal
-Family-run Venture in RTE Spotlight
Picturesque Fairymount Farm in Ballingarry is the scene of a newly launched mountain bike park venture which looks set to attract biking enthusiasts from across the country and beyond. Bike Park Ireland, which opened its doors in May 2014, is the brainchild of the Kenny family who have set themselves the task of creating a unique mountain bike park which will offer an action packed day out for everyone from beginners to professionals. This exciting new park, which sees bikers enjoy the thrill of a gravity-fed bike experience and tracks for every level of rider, was featured on RTE’s Nationwide programme on Wednesday 21st January 2015. Watch here…
WATCH IT HERE
Thanks to 25 years of experience in the tourism business, the Kenny family knew that catering to the real needs of their target market, mountain bikers and biking experts, would be key to their success. Who better to consult than world- renowned biker, designer and trail builder Rowan Sorrell from Back-on-Track, Wales? The family extended an invitation to Sorrell to see Fairymount Farm for himself and he first visited in September of 2012. On seeing the vast potential offered by the unique location, Sorrell was immediately taken with the idea of working with the Kenny family to develop what he now believes could become an international hotspot for biking.
By the time Sorrell came back with his team to start building trails in 2014, Fairymount Farm had already hosted three Cycling Ireland affiliated Downhill competitions, including the 2013 National Downhill Championship. Today, riders have six downhill trails to choose from and three of the trails and the large pump track have been designed and built by Sorrell. Bike Park Ireland also offer riders a dedicated uplift service using ex-army trucks with purpose built trailers that will transport bikers and their bikes safely up the road which has been expertly carved to reach the top of the trails. Bike Park Ireland also has a bike shop which offers bike hire and a café on site so it is the ideal place for individuals, families and groups to spend a fun-filled day out with a difference.
Speaking about this exciting local initiative, Owner and Managing Director of Bike Park Ireland, Graham Kenny said: “Naturally, starting a new business can seem a little daunting at times, but we know that we have done our research and sought the expertise of leading bikers who really know their stuff and we are committed to working as hard as we can to make Bike Park Ireland the success we know it can be. Phase one is now complete and we are working hard on phase two which will see us developing more trails, building a larger Reception area, showers & changing area and setting up coaching courses which we hope to see commence in early summer. As for phase three, we will worry about that when we finish phase two!’
Visit www.bikeparkireland.ie
