Riding High: School bikers brave the Strathpuffer

The event is open to solo riders, pairs of riders and quads. The Arran High School Mountain Bike Club (AHSMBC) team raced as two quads - a team of four boys and a team of four girls - and a mixed pair. The ten riders from Arran were joined by 201 solo riders, 76 other pairs and 63 other quads: 645 riders in all.

The Arran team joined teams from all over the country setting up camp. AHSMBC staff member, Steve Garraway, said: “Erecting our club gazebos in the dark was great fun, clearing the snow for them and our five tents kept every one warm. This was useful until we got the wood-burner and pizza oven going. Yes - hand-made pizza on site, rolling out the dough, with a choice of topping, and then cooking your own food. Excellent experience for everyone.”

The pedals had been removed from the bikes for ease of packing, so the first job on Saturday morning was to rebuild the bikes and safety check them. This done, the bikes belonging to the first three riders – one from each team – were positioned at the side of the track.

The Strathpuffer employs a Le Mans style start, with the first riders racing to their bikes on foot to the sound of the pipes playing. Then they were off up the first of the icy climbs.

Steve said: “So began the pupils’ brilliant effort over the next day, learning, not only about riding in extreme conditions, at night as well as day but also about themselves, how the body and mind function under such duress - and there was much of that about over the following hours.”

Due to age restrictions, some of the riders had to be chaperoned by a qualified mountain bike leader, so the support team were kept very busy both on and off the course. The wood burner had temperatures up to 10 degrees Celsius in the gazebo despite it being minus five outside, where everyone could rest, warm up, refuel and rehydrate. 

Steve added: “There was so much happening all the time but the camaraderie was joyous to behold all weekend and Arran’s pupils were in good form the whole time. The sense of achievement on their faces after completing a lap was worth the effort.”

Feedback indicates that pupils got a huge amount from participating. Every parent reported that their child returned home elated and buzzing with stories of camaraderie and a tough challenge faced together. 

Rosie McNamara summed it all up as: “An absolutely amazing experience, very, very fun, tested our determination and motivation to the max!”

Support team member Lisa Morrison concurred: “Just what an incredible team of kids and support. What an adventure. But most of all thanks to Robert for all the hard work he put in to organise. He is incredible!”

Arran High School head teacher, Vicki Lockhart, said: “I want to congratulate our AHSMBC pupils who took part in the Strathpuffer 24 hour race. This was an extraordinary challenge in extreme conditions, and our pupils showed outstanding resilience, teamwork and ambition throughout. 

They pushed themselves physically and mentally, supported one another, and represented the school with real pride. I am incredibly proud of the pupils involved and grateful to the staff and volunteers who made this possible.”

Steve said: “Thanks to the pupil riders: Euen Davies, Finlay Bowers, Jay Pearcey, Logan Barr, Nye Bowen, Eirlys Bowen, Niamh Sturgeon, Rosie McNamara, Molly Cook and Katie Cook. And all the adults who came along: Lisa Morrison, Vicki Sturgeon, George Inglis, Gregor Morrison, Ewen McNeice and Robert McNeice for such a great weekend. Special thanks to Robert for all the arranging and inspiring the kids, and also for the video that you can see on the club social media.

"I’m not going through that again though.

“Well, maybe next time!”