It is now year 6 with Ride the North for "Team Stronachs" and we are delighted and proud to be part of this event. As always, the team sheet, with appropriate biographies, is further down the page .... scroll down for the stories ....

This year we are fundraising for a Ride the North charity partner and Stronachs’ chosen charity of the year, CLAN. 

So now to introduce our rather fabulous team ... and interestingly ... our female contingent is growing!

Neil Forbes – We hear a back injury has flared up again, but we doubt that will stop Neil conquering the hills; especially as his brother, Alan, joins the team again … it wouldn’t be the same without him and Neil’s grumbles of having to share a room with him. 

Bobby McDonald – Another stalwart of the team who is also currently ‘out injured’.  With a freshly broken wrist from not clipping out in time, we are hoping he heals in time for his 6^th RtN event!

Colin Sandilands – our Inverness racing snake…although very quiet of late; perhaps he’s keeping training under wraps to wow us on the day!

Hamish Lean – Mr Lean is a seriously experienced cyclist…but will the past few years of non-cycling have caught up with him?  He doesn’t think so and there might have been some secretive training rides taking place whilst on ‘farm visits’…hmmm!  His return as an original RtN-er is eagerly anticipated.

Callum Armstrong – having progressed from 3 borrowed bikes to his own bike, Callum hasn’t quite made it to owning his own helmet yet; an integral part of the RtN uniform!  A house move and an engagement haven’t deterred him form training and he’s back for more this year.

Scott Craw – Scott joins the team for his RtN debut, although he trained with us last year.  Given that he was beaten up ‘Monument Hill’ last year, he seems to have spent most of his spare time training with his brother who happens to be atri-athlete…watch out team Stronachs!

Alexandra Smith – With a now impressive collection of RtN shirts, there might be room for a quick costume change or two for Alex during RtN this year.  This might become a requirement if the serious tan lines from last year are anything to go by…!

Mitchell Webster – Mitch is our team trainer and has spent endless hours telling us to ‘change to granny gears’ when a hill is coming, shouting ‘clear’ at junctions for those less adept at unclipping.  Some might say a glutton for punishment, but when he’s up at 5.30am for morning rides, it would appear he’s accustomed to it!

Jamie Hunter – Now Jamie has been signed up for RtN more times than Bobby and Neil have cycled in it…the trauma of his 10 mile detour due to a blown down sign three years ago has now been put behind him and rumour has it he’s got himself a neat bike, broken it once due to overuse, but is now raring to go! We hope that’s still the case come August!

Liane Munro – Liane, in the past 18 months has lost an astonishing 3 stone, is a pro deadlifter, has conquered Ben Nevis, numerous 10km races and cycled up Gairn Sheill without cleats and is ready now to take on her first RtN challenge…and we believe she’ll do it and some more!

Dave Whiten – Dave is being coy about his abilities; all we know is that he is an avid sportsman with touring experience…his only request has been for no wind with a beer (or two) in appreciation in return!  We think he’ll fit in just nicely!

Anna Harris Evans – Anna has joined the team this year with a serious competitive flair.  She has taken part in a few organised rides already so will undoubtedly be a pro by the time RtN 2016 comes around.  I think the boys might be a bit worried…!

David Ridley – probably the longest cyclist to ever take part in RtN! We are not sure there is bike big enough to accommodate his lengthy limbs, but this surely means two big pushes and 20 miles are done already?  We have high hopes for David!