OS Champion

Katie May

Meet Katie May, Mountain Biker, Runner and Lover of Adventure

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you like to get outside?

I’m a mountain biker, runner and lover of adventure. Wild places are my playground. You can find me getting outside on my mountain bike, holding on for dear life down technical mountain bike trails, trying to push myself. Or running my local hills, Scottish munros and Lake District fells (usually ending up with bogs to jump over, heather to bash through and trees to climb).

I’m also a mountain bike guide and coach, helping others to get outside and explore the incredible landscape around us. I’m a passionate advocate for the progression of women’s mountain biking, through women’s specific coaching, race guiding and the award-winning mountain bike festival I co-founded Limitlass.

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What’s your favourite route or place to go and why?

Katie May’s Favourite Off Road Cycling Route – Heartbreak Ridge Ballater

One of my favourite mountain bike routes is Heartbreak Ridge. Starting from Ballater in Scotland, it’s a long technical mountain bike descent of black grade with big granite rocks and slabs through the vast heather moorland. For a relatively short ride, it certainly delivers the mountain goods with its wild remote feel and bang for buck! It has breath-taking views across Royal Deeside and the Cairngorm Mountains. For those who like technical trails, the route can be extended to take in multiple other black trails. A little de-tour can also take you to a fabulous wild swimming spot, perfect for summer adventures!
You can find the route below (you must be comfortable with black graded natural trails):

Katie's Favourite Off Road Cycling Route – Heartbreak Ridge Ballater

Want to find out more about how to Mountain Biking

Read our complete guide to Mountain Biking for Beginners, everything you need to get started from essential equipment to fitness and safety advice – Mountain Biking For Beginners

What’s your fave bit of kit available on the OS Shop?

My favourite items in the OS Shop have to be the maps. I love pouring over them planning adventures. It’s the best feeling exploring up little dotted lines to find where they go and stumbling on a real gem! I also love the Wild Guide books in the shop. I always have Wild Guide Scotland in my campervan for inspiration when I’m visiting a new place.

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Find and follow Katie May

Instagram: @KatieeMay31
Deeside MTB
www.mayridebikes.wordpress.com

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