Sponsorship Proposal
March 2016
This open call for sponsorship is being made by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership
with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid Ulster District Council.
1. Background
“ALIGN YOUR BRAND WITH ONE OF EUROPE’S
FASTEST GROWING MOUNTAIN BIKE DESTINATIONS”
Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Mid
Ulster District Council is seeking a sponsor for Northern Ireland’s iconic National Mountain Bike
Trail Centres in Rostrevor, Castlewellan and Davagh Forest.
In 2013, £2.3 Million was invested in the generation of over 100km of purpose-built mountain bike
trails across Northern Ireland. The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium was established to promote
these National Trail Centres and work with the private sector to transform Northern Ireland into the
‘must visit’ mountain bike destination in the UK and Ireland.
Three years on, Northern Ireland’s mountain bike trails continue to receive critical acclaim from the
world’s leading mountain bike media and visitor numbers at each National Trail Centre continue to
vastly exceed all initial forecasts (over 190,000 cumulative visits from June 2013 – December 2015).
Outdoor Recreation NI is currently delivering a 10 year strategy for mountain biking in Northern
Ireland and there is now an opportunity for a sponsor to gain targeted brand recognition through
aligning with one of Europe’s fastest growing mountain bike destinations from April 2016 – March
2017 with the potential option to extend until the end of March 2018.
Key outputs of this sponsorship will include:

Brand Association
Sponsor’s brand will be synonymous with the MountainBikeNI.com brand as well as each of
Northern Ireland’s National Mountain Bike Trail Centres

Naming Rights
Sponsor will have the opportunity to name two predetermined trail sections from each
National Trail Centre including Northern Ireland’s only official downhill trails in Rostrevor

On-Site Branding
Sponsor’s branding will be incorporated into trailhead information and throughout each of
Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres

Consumer Marketing
Sponsor will be incorporated within industry leading consumer marketing activity including
integrated offline/online campaigns with specialist media
This document outlines this unique sponsorship opportunity in more detail including an overview of
each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres, current MountainBikeNI.com marketing activity,
benefits of sponsorship activation and process which applicants should follow.
2. Three World Class Mountain Bike Trail Centres
2.1 Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails
On the shores of Carlingford Lough, the Rostrevor Mountain Bike Trails boast over 45km of
exhilarating cross-country trails as well as Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built downhill trails.
Listed as ‘Editor’s Choice’ in MBUK’s Top 50 Trail Centres in UK (2015), the Rostrevor Mountain Bike
Trails have been ridden over 50,000 times (2013 - 2015) and have hosted a number of major events
including the World Police & Fire Games, Red Bull Foxhunt, Irish National Marathon Championships,
Irish National Cross-Country Championships and Irish National Downhill Championships.
What specialist media say…
 “Rostrevor is a landmark moment for mountain biking in Ireland” MBUK
 “Although this is a trail centre it feels like more of a proper big day out in the mountains,
with a committing feel from the start” Singletrack
 “Unlike much else in the UK” mbr
 “This (Kodak Corner) has to be one of the best mountain biking views in Ireland” Outsider
What pro mountain bikers say…
 “The trails are fast and rough, I love this place” Gee Atherton (Former DH World Champion)
 “Rostrevor has to be one of the best Trail Parks I've ridden” Blake Samson (Slopestyle Rider)
2.2 Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
Northern Ireland’s most popular trail centre, the Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails have been ridden
over 85,000 times (2013 – 2015) and with a range of trails to suit all ages and abilities, not to
mention stunning ‘mountainscape’ views of the Mourne Mountains, it’s easy to see why this place
has been such a success story.
Located just minutes from Castlewellan village, this National Trail Centre is an ideal mountain bike
event venue and has already successfully hosted the Single Speed European Championships, Ulster
Cross-Country Championships and First Tracks Enduro Cup.
What the media say…
 “Fast, flowing manmade trails set against a stunning backdrop” MBUK Magazine
 “A rollercoaster ride of twisty, technical trails that just feel like they are happy to have you
there. It’s totally inviting from the first pedal stroke” Singletrack
 “Tight, rock lined and demanding …A banging trail that never let up” mbr
 “Nicely designed with some great rock gardens, berms and switchbacks …but its is the
scenery that is the real winner, forcing you to stop to simply take it all in on more than one
occasion” Outsider
What the Pro Riders say…
 “Backdrop is nothing short of what you’d expect in the Alps” Glyn O’Brien (Former Irish DH
Champion)
 “Fun, singletracky and tight” Blake Samson (Pro Slopestyle Rider)
2.3 Davagh Forest Trails
Situated in the Sperrin Mountains, previously little known Davagh Forest, has been transformed into
one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting mountain bike venues with an unrivalled reputation for fast
flowing trails and iconic rock features.
Selected as the cover feature for MBUK’s Top 50 Trail Centres in the UK (2015), the Davagh Forest
Trails are now recognised as amongst best in the UK and Ireland and this popularity is reflected
through Davagh Forest’s visitor numbers; over 52,000 visits from 2013 - 2015. The Davagh Forest
Trails have also successfully hosted a number of entry level Enduro events.
What the media say…
 “This is possibly the best bit of purpose-built trail we’ve ridden. Anywhere. It is rare that I am
lost for words to describe a trail, but Wolf’s Hill is pure perfection” Singletrack
 “Davagh offers incredible trails” MBUK
 “There are fast, tacky berms and well-placed kickers, as well as technical sections with
intimidating stone slabs” mbr
 “The joy of this trail is that it is simply fast flowing singletrack through stunning wilderness”
Outsider
What the Pro Riders say…
 “Beautiful part of the world and great times to be had” Blake Samson (Pro Slopestyle Rider)
3. MountainBikeNI.com Consortium
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium (established in April 2012) is led by Outdoor Recreation
Northern Ireland and includes trail managing representatives from each of Northern Ireland’s
National and Regional Trail Centres.
Consortium Representatives



Newry, Mourne and Down District Council - Rostrevor & Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails
Mid Ulster District Council – Davagh Forest Trails & Blessingbourne Trails
Belfast City Council – Barnett Demesne Trails
This consortium aims to increase local participation in mountain biking and drive activity tourism by
showcasing Northern Ireland as a ‘must-visit’ mountain bike destination. Through the establishment
of a strong umbrella consumer brand, MountainBikeNI.com, the consortium provides an excellent
opportunity for nationwide sponsorship rather than being restricted to individual trail centres.
3.1 Industry Leading Marketing Activity
Below are some highlights of work delivered by the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium’s dedicated
Marketing Officer.
Annual Social Media Reach of 1.4 Million
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has established targeted social media platforms including an
engaging Facebook Page boasting over 15,500 likes and 1,600 followers on Twitter.
Official Trail Centre Videos Watched over 250,000 Times
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has delivered six official trail centre videos which have been
hosted on MountainBikeNI.com’s Official YouTube Channel and shared via specialist media outlets.
Over 10,000 E-Newsletter Subscribers
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has cultivated a significant segmented E-Marketing database
of over 10,000 mountain bikers of which 55% currently reside within Northern Ireland.
Over £1 Million EAV Generated from Direct PR
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has hosted FAM Trips and secured editorial with leading
specialist magazines in the UK and Ireland including MBR, MBUK, Singletrack, DIRT and Outsider.
Over £50,000 Invested in Marketing Campaigns
The MountainBikeNI.com Consortium has delivered five marketing campaigns in the UK and Ireland.
Key outputs have included over 20 ads in specialist media, 28 000 inserts, offline/online advertorials,
targeted social media advertising and exhibiting at consumer shows e.g. London Bike Show.
Nationwide Mountain Bike Volunteer Scheme
The MountainBikeNI.com Trails Team (Volunteer Ranger Scheme) has over 80 registered volunteers
and has delivered over 700 man hours of trail maintenance across Northern Ireland’s trail centres.
4. MountainBikeNI.com Sponsorship Opportunity
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland in partnership with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
and Mid Ulster District Council is seeking one sponsor to become associated with the
MountainBikeNI.com Consortium Brand and each of Northern Ireland’s three National Trail Centres.
This sponsorship will run from 1st April 2016 until 31st March 2017 after which, subject to contractual
agreements being met, the sponsor will be offered a one year extension until 31st March 2018.
During this period additional trail centres may be developed and added to the MountainBikeNI.com
Consortium however it will remain the decision of the trail manager as to whether they become a
partner in the sponsorship agreement.
Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will act as the key liaison between the MountainBikeNI.com
Consortium and the sponsor.
4.1 Sponsorship Revenue
Revenue from the agreed sponsorship will be used by Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland to invest
in a dedicated Mountain Biking Marketing Officer to continue the marketing activity outlined above.
All members of the MountainBikeNI.com Consortium will also be contributing towards this
marketing role to promote Northern Ireland’s mountain bike trail centres and in turn the brand of
the future sponsor.
4.2 Benefits to Sponsor
Brand Association

The sponsor’s brand will be synonymous with the MountainBikeNI.com brand e.g.
MountainBikeNI.com in association with ‘Sponsor’
Naming Rights

Northern Ireland’s three National Trail Centres will be named and officially referred to across all
marketing communications as ‘in association with’ the successful sponsor

The successful sponsor will have the opportunity to name two predetermined trail sections from
each of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres including both downhill trails in Rostrevor
On Site

Sponsor’s brand will be incorporated within trailhead information panels and throughout each
of Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres*

Sponsor’s brand will be incorporated into MountainBikeNI.com trail cards*

Sponsor will have the opportunity to propose a ‘trailhead gateway’ to be erected at each
National Trail Centre*

Sponsor will have opportunities to carry out promotional activity e.g. photo shoots at each of
Northern Ireland’s National Trail Centres on pre-arranged dates
Marketing Collateral

Sponsor’s logo will be incorporated within offline/online MountainBikeNI.com marketing
collateral including;
o
Specialist Media Advertising / Magazine Inserts
Over 20 ads placed in specialist media to date / 28,000 inserts in specialist magazines
o
MountainBikeNI.com
Visible on every page including homepage, 1.25 Million Page Views (Apr 13 – Dec 15)
o
E-zines & Social Media
Visible in bespoke E-Newsletters sent out to over 10,000 subscribers every month
o
Promotional Flyers
Inclusion within in-store competition cards and promotion at consumer trade shows
* Indicates where sponsor will be required to purchase, design and install branded collateral e.g.
branded information panels, branded waymarker disks and trailhead gateways etc.
5. Sponsorship Proposal Submissions
All sponsorship proposals must be completed on the supplied application form and be submitted
before 4 p.m. on Tuesday 22nd March 2016 to:
The Office Manager
Outdoor Recreation NI
The Stableyard
Barnett’s Demesne
BELFAST, BT9 5PB
Sealed tenders should have ‘MountainBikeNI.com Sponsorship Proposal’ clearly written on the top
left corner and should not bear any name or other distinguishing matter or mark revealing the
identity of the sender.
Please note:
1. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland does not accept submissions by either e-mail or fax
2. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will not accept any submission that comes in after the
submission time and date.
3. Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will not be responsible for any costs and expenses incurred
in preparing the submission.
4. Failure to submit any of the required information as detailed in this document will automatically
result in the submission being rejected.
5.1 Sponsorship Proposal Queries
All queries regarding the sponsorship recruitment process should be made via email to
[email protected]. Any points that require clarification must be received a minimum
of three working days before the submission deadline date.
5.2 Sponsorship Proposal Evaluation
The applications will be assessed on the following criteria:
Revenue – 70%
This is the amount of money the sponsor is willing to pay to become associated with the
MountainBikeNI.com brand. This revenue will cover the period from April 2016 until March 2017.
Payments may be made in instalments.
Added Value and Marketing Support Required – 30%
Whilst revenue is of key importance to allow Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland carry out
marketing activity for the MountainBikeNI.com consortium it is also anticipated the sponsor will be
able to add significant value to the brand and lend marketing support through their already
established channels.
This section will be assessed under three key headings:
Onsite Branding: 10%

Support that can be provided to employed Trail Rangers e.g. supply of clothing, equipment etc.

Proposals for ‘Trail Gateway’ Signs
Volunteer Ranger Scheme: 10%

Indicate how your sponsorship will support the Volunteer Ranger Scheme e.g. supply of clothing,
reward scheme etc.
Marketing Support: 10%

Indicate the marketing support that can be provided e.g. website, e-marketing, social media, PR,
cooperative campaigns, photoshoots, in-store presence etc.
Once the sponsor is appointed both the revenue and added value proposals will be drawn into a
contract outlining Outdoor Recreation NI’s responsibilities to the sponsor and the sponsor's
responsibilities to Outdoor Recreation NI and the MountainBikeNI.com brand.
Please note, Outdoor Recreation NI has the right to refuse applications from those organisations
which are in conflict to their ethos.
6. Submission
Submissions must be typed or word processed in black ink within tables provided
Contact Details
Organisation Name
Organisation Address
Telephone Number
Mobile Number
Email
Name of main contact
Role in Organisation
Company Overview
In no more than 200 words
please provide an overview
of your company
Revenue Submission – 70%
Amount of sponsorship revenue proposed for period from April 2016 until March 2017 in pounds
sterling:
Added Value – 30%
Please clearly detail below the added value and marketing support that your organisation will bring
to the MountainBikeNI.com consortium:
Onsite Branding: 10%

Support that can be provided to employed Trail Rangers e.g. supply of clothing,
equipment etc.

Proposals for ‘Trail Gateway’ Signs
____________________________________________________________________________
Volunteer Ranger Scheme: 10%

Indicate how your sponsorship will support the Volunteer Ranger Scheme e.g. supply of
clothing, reward scheme etc
_________________________________________________________________________
Please continue on additional sheets if necessary
Marketing Support: 10%

Indicate the marketing support that can be provided e.g. website, e-marketing, social
media, PR, cooperative campaigns, photoshoots, in-store presence etc.
_________________________________________________________________________
Please continue on additional sheets if necessary
Please sign below to confirm the details submitted within this document are accurate.
Signature ____________________________
Date
_________________________
Name of Signatory (BLOCK CAPITALS) ________________________________________