Joe’s been obsessed with bikes since one tried to chop the top of his finger off at age 8. But seven stitches later, far from deterred, bikes and the places they take you became the preferred way to explore the world around him. Growing up during the troubles of Belfast in a big family but a small house, getting outdoors (whatever the weather) and away from the social tensions was welcome escapism.
From tinkering with hand-me-down racer and BMX bikes in dubious states of safe operation, to getting his first MTB at age 12, any bike was a partner in discovery.
When the 90’s MTB boom came, Joe lapped up the scene, riding, racing, watching and involved in anything bike related, including working in shops and wrenching as event mechanic for teams and organised charity rides.
After working the bike industry in Europe and the US, fast-forward XX years, Joe’s move Downunder brought vast new territory and adventures to explore. There’s only really one way to discover and understand Australia, and that’s to get amongst it.
As much as cars can take you between places, bikes show you places; and through that, help develop true understanding of the vastness, the diversity, the soul of the country full of towns teeming with character, unique history and stories.
Joe Mullan
Having lived in 5 states and travelled across the country multiple times, Joe has been involved as organiser, racer, volunteer in everything from Downhill MTB to Road cycling. Joe considers himself fortunate to have been exposed to the highest levels of cycling organisation and cycling industry in Australia, Europe, New Zealand and the US, including UCI MTB World champs, National MTB Champs, The Herald Sun Tour, UCI Tour Down Under, various State level events, all the while enjoying new and character filled towns and regions.
These days Joe prefers multi-day, medium distance adventures with groups of mates, discovering new towns and trails, staying in local accommodation and selflessly 😉 giving the local pubs and cafes some business as they pass through or settle in for an overnight. Joe has always got a kick out of dragging others, friends, family, randoms! along for the discovery, always evoking positive reactions – whether it be experiences with nature and history “I didn’t realise”, “I’ve never considered/ Seen that up close/ the kids loved…” or sampling local produce “Wow this Pizza/ Beer/Wine/Olive/Cheese tastes so good”… maybe it even tastes a little better because we threw in a few pedal strokes to get here…?
Now, Joe combines his passion for the Bike Economy with his experience in Regional Development. Joe been engaged across Australia to design and implement local benefit and social dividend programs for multibillion dollar mega projects through to 100k sporting club projects ensuring funds are secured and spent in the most sustainable way.
As a Founder of Rocky Trail Destinations, Joe helps destinations across Australia to understand, embrace and sustain visitation from a wide variety of active and eco-tourism seekers. Joe maintains several committee positions with local cycling clubs, volunteers as a mechanic for annual charity rides through regional Australia, is an MTBA Commissaire, is IMBA trained, a committee member of the Australian Sports Diplomacy network and is one of the founders of the Australian Museum of MTB.
Joe Mullan
Founder, Advisor