Stunt rider Mattie performs ‘ballet on wheels’

Date Published: 25-Nov-2010

By Darragh McDonagh

Galway stunt-riding sensation Mattie Griffin is set to perform his array of signature motorcycle skills and tricks at the prestigious Top Gear Festival in Dublin this weekend.

The 31-year old has been polishing his world-famous routine near his home in Woodquay in recent weeks and is looking forward to thrilling crowds at the City West arena over the next three days.

“Visitors both old and young can expect to see non-stop action from start to finish that will always have them on the edge of their seats,” says Griffin. “This is always a highly entertaining show and there is always something different in each of my shows.”

The stunt rider’s routine has been likened to watching a “ballerina on a bike on one wheel” and is the culmination of years of relentless practice accumulated since he first fell in love with motorbikes at just six years of age.

“I was just six when I first caught the bug for motorcycles and started riding the bike by myself,” he recalls. “I’ve been crazy for two wheels ever since and I used to enjoy trials riding as a hobby for many years after that.”

The Galway man’s career began in glory when he won the first competition he ever entered in 2004 and finished in 14th place when he made his debut in the World Stunt Riding Championships in the Czech Republic later the same year.

His success won him international acclaim and he soon began performing at shows and events such as the prestigious Isle of Man TT and the RDS Motorcycle Show in Dublin between 2005 and 2009. He was ranked fifth in the world in successive years in 2008 and 2009.

Griffin’s success has also seen an influx of correspondence from a growing fan base, and he takes time trying to respond to every request personally.

Information on upcoming shows and the latest news from Mattie Griffin can be accessed on his website at www.mgstuntriding.com.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.