Ard Rock 2025 – Day Three: Flat Out, Foot Out, and Full Send in Hecklers Wood
Day three of Ard Rock 2025 brought everything we’ve come to expect from this iconic mountain bike festival—and then some.
Hecklers Wood lived up to its reputation as the rowdiest spot on the course, with crowds packed in tight, beers in hand, voices hoarse from cheering (or jeering), and eyes locked on every rider dropping into the chaos. It was an atmosphere that sat somewhere between a bike race and a rock concert, complete with dust, crashes, heckles, and a whole lot of heart.
Dust, Roots, and Roars
From the first rider of the morning to the final wave in the afternoon, the woods echoed with roars of encouragement and laughter. It was a day of committed lines and close calls. Some riders danced through the carnage with effortless flow, while others met the rocks with a little too much front brake and a lot of determination. There were faceplants, footplants, and plenty of “almost” saves that had the crowd gasping in unison.
But amidst the madness, there was no real harm done—just some bruised pride, dented wheels, and probably a few sore ribs. Thankfully, no serious injuries, which is remarkable considering the pace and the terrain.
The Riders, The Fans, The Magic
What makes Ard Rock so special isn’t just the trails or the stunning Dales setting—it’s the people. The riders show up and give it everything, whatever their skill level. The fans bring relentless energy and humour. And together, they create moments that you can’t capture anywhere else.
I was lucky to be right in the thick of it, camera in hand, catching the grit, the falls, the focus, and the celebrations. From the full-gas senders to the wide-eyed weekend warriors, every rider added something to the story.
More Than a Race
Ard Rock isn’t just about podiums and split times—it’s about that shared buzz, the post-run stories, and the photos that prove you nearly held that line (or definitely didn’t).
As always, massive credit to the organisers for pulling off such a seamless event in wild terrain, and huge respect to everyone who threw a leg over a bike this weekend. Whether you nailed every section or cartwheeled through a few, you were part of something brilliant.
⸻
Until next year… stay upright (or at least look good when you hit the deck).
— Gray
