Galway has a future World Champion in its midst. While the world of motorbike stunt riding may not register on most people’s radar, Mattie Griffin is rapidly moving to towards the top of his chosen profession. Fifth in this year’s Indoor Streetbike Freestyle World Championship held in Switzerland, Griffin only started riding competitively three and a half years ago and is now undoubtedly Ireland’s number one.
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“A lot of people think you’re off enjoying yourself at the weekend, you’re away. But it’s not, it’s work and there’s a lot of travelling involved.” The benefits of such exposure are obvious, though, as the 28-year old is now a well-known figure throughout the UK, and even as far away as Asia. Recognition within his native country is not such an easy task.
“80-90% of my shows are in the UK. I’m way more well-known all around the world than I am in my own country. I’m after doing a TV commercial for an Indian company along with five of the world’s best stunt riders that has been acknowledged as one of the best motorcycle ads ever made, and now they are contacting us wondering if we can fit in a few performances in India.
“Any show that I go to that there’s a lot of people at and they get a good kick out of it, that’s when I’m happy. If it’s in a safe place and the weather’s good, I really enjoy it. People say it to me, you’re sitting on the handlebars of the bike, pushing it to the limits of its capabilities, and you’ve a big smile on your face. But I do enjoy it, and if that rubs off on the crowd then all the better.”
Invention is a key to making it to the top of this sport. Coming up with a new trick that nobody has ever achieved before is a goal that is always on Griffin’s mind. “24/7 I’m constantly thinking what can I do next. A few years ago, I discussed a trick with my brother but didn’t think it could be done. Now everyone is doing it, so my mind has opened up and anything is possible.”
The recent deaths of some high profile motorbike racers has highlighted the dangers that are associated with motorsport in general. Griffin argues that there is a lot more control in his chosen discipline. “It looks more dangerous than it is. Even watching myself on the videos I would be on the edge of my seat, but in truth I put in so much practice that it’s safer than it looks. Any show I go to, I stress the safety element to anyone who wants to go out and try it, because you do need to know what you’re doing.”
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