Exploring the Outdoors with e Bikes: A New Way to Experience Nature

I wouldn’t call myself a true bike enthusiast, but Marius, my husband is absolutely obsessed with cycling. When we first met in Belfast, he was riding his bike to work every single day—well before any cycle schemes even existed! He even managed to convince me to cycle through Africa with him, which, let me tell you, wasn’t an easy sell.

Despite not being the most passionate cyclist, I found myself enjoying the freedom it brought. In Africa, the bike became a welcome escape from the suffocating heat of cramped bush taxis and the uncomfortable tin-roofed hotels. It gave us the chance to explore the countryside, connect with local villagers, and structure our days around the essential “sieste” when the midday heat made everything come to a standstill.

It’s hard to believe that electric bicycles were first documented in the 1880s and 1890s, with patents filed in both France and the United States. Thanks to the addition of an electric motor, cycling has become more accessible to riders of all ages and backgrounds. With an electric mountain bike, even routes and trails typically reserved for experienced riders are now within reach, allowing you to explore off-the-beaten-path areas with ease.

So, I’m still not a passionate cyclist, but I do enjoy heading out for a ride in the hills on my electric mountain bike. I love the wild, rugged beauty of West Fermanagh. There’s something special about spending an afternoon knowing I won’t encounter anyone else. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the landscape, and every now and then, I might turn a corner and stumble upon an ancient Neolithic tomb, a mass rock, or some other relic from the past.

I believe e Bikes have the power to transform how people experience the world around them. Electric mountain bikes, in particular, open up fantastic opportunities to escape to the countryside and truly enjoy the outdoors.

Corralea in the West of Northern Ireland offers both e Bike hire and e Bike tours.

Corralea’s team will provide you with an e-bike in your size, supply all necessary safety equipment, and offer guidance on the best routes based on your experience and skill level.

Come and give it a try—I guarantee you’ll be won over by how easy they are to ride. You will savour the incredible thrill of reaching the top of a rugged hill and enjoy the breathtaking landscape unfolding before you.

And the best part? You don’t need to be an avid cyclist to enjoy it!

Isabelle