The Best in the Land... chosen by you

Posted on January 8, 2016 @ 12:55 PM in

The Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails and associated MTB-friendly businesses were the big winners from the MountainBikeNI.com End of Year Awards for 2015.

Scooping all but one of the categories this year highlights the popularity of this national trail centre on the shores of Carlingford Lough and recognises the hard work of the local dedicated MTB-Friendly operators in the Mourne Mountains. 

HERE'S THE FULL LIST OF OUR 2015 AWARD WINNERS

Trail Centre of the Year – Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails

With 32% of all votes cast, the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails clinched the coveted 'Trail Centre of the Year' award for the third year in a row, seeing off a strong challenge from the Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails on 27% and the Davagh Forest Trails on 23%. 

Favourite Trail Section – Home Run, Rostrevor

In one of the closest fought categories, Northern Ireland's Favourite Trail Section went to 'Home Run' in Rostrevor with 16% of votes. The Great Escarpe in Castlewellan was runner up with 14% followed by the Stream Trail in Davagh Forest on 13%.

Favourite MTB View – Kodak Corner, Rostrevor

New for 2015, Kodak Corner stormed to victory in the 'Favourite MTB View' category with a whopping 58% of all votes cast. 

Favourite Trailhead Provider – East Coast Adventure, Rostrevor

Neck and neck right up until the final few hours of voting, East Coast Adventure (Rostrevor) clinched 'Favourite Trailhead Provider' by the narrowist of margins from Life Adventure Centre in Castlewellan. The final count saw East Coast Adventure secure 40% of votes and Life Adventure Centre a close second on 39%. 

Best MTB-Friendly Café – Kilbroney Park Café, Rostrevor

Another impressive performance by the Kilbroney Park Cafe saw Rostrevor's trailhead cafe secure 37% of votes to take the 'Favourite MTB-Friendly Cafe' award for the third year in a row. A strong late surge saw Urban Coffee in Castlewellan finish second place on 26% with the Lock Keeper's Inn (near the Barnett Demesne Trails, Belfast) voted third on 15%.  

Best Spot for Apres-Ride Pint – Maginns of Castlewellan

Maginns of Castlewellan, managed to break Rostrevor's grip on an awards 'whitewash' this year by deservedly topping the category for 'Northern Ireland's Favourite Apres-Ride Pint'. Maginns secured 28% of votes with the Kilbroney Bar & Restaurant second on 25% and last year's winner, The Shepherd's Rest, third on 20%. 

Favourite MTB Event of 2015 – Red Bull Foxhunt, Rostrevor

2015 was another great year for mountain biking events across Northern Ireland however it was the Red Bull Foxhunt which was voted 'Favourite MTB Event of 2015' with 28% of votes. Growing from strength to strength, the First Tracks Enduro Cup was runner up this year on 19% of votes with the Davagh Enduro (15%) just tipping Banbridge Cycling Club's round of the Irish XC National Points Series in Castlewellan (14%) to third place. 

Favourite MTB Accommodation - East Coast Adventure Camping Pods, Rostrevor

The final award this year for 'Favourite MTB-Friendly Accommodation' went to East Coast Adventure's quirky camping pods in Rostrevor with 21% of votes. The Shepherd's Rest was this year's runner up on 15% with the Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, third on 14%.  

Many thanks to all those who voted in our MountainBikeNI.com 2015 Awards and congratulations again to all nominees and category winners. 2016 is set to be an even bigger and better year for mountain biking in Northern Ireland and we look forward to seeing you out on the trails!   

Chris Armstrong  Mountain Bike Officer

Chris looks after all things mountain biking in Northern Ireland ...it's a tough job but someone's gotta do it!

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