Ride the North 2023

In 2011 we decided in to run a small cycling event in our native North East Scotland – an area famous for Castles, Whisky, the Cairngorm mountains, some beautiful scenery and (among local cyclists at least) for mile upon mile of quiet rural roads that are just perfect for riding a bike.

The first Ride the North found it quite hard to attract 37 willing cyclists. It was intended as a one off and as a fundraiser for a local cancer charity. The sun shone and the one-off bike tour somehow turned into an annual event.

The one thing that was clear from the outset was that this would not be a competitive event …but an attempt to be more sociable than other events. There would be no timing chips, no placings, no podium …just a challenge ride that would be a celebration of cycling and with coffee stops, lunches and some small detours to take the more scenic or quiet roads and notable climbs.

The nature of the challenge is always intended to be achievable (with training) for those with limited cycling experience, but to be tough enough to work for the more regular cyclists. North East Scotland is far from flat and the ride is always shaped to include some tough terrain.