Strathpuffer Beckons…

The sixth Strathpuffer 24 hour endurance race will be taking place in the frozen wilds of Scotland on the 15th/16th January. First started in 2005, the event has gained a reputation as one of the most brutal and challenging races in the world, which is hardly surprising as the weather in Scotland at that time of year can be a touch unpredictable.

While the challenge of Strathpuffer is attraction enough for most, four riders from Glasgow are taking on the race to raise vital cash for British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland.

Last year Kenny Montgomery (Monty), Andrew MacLugash and Andrew Neilson rode the West Highland Way non-stop in 24 hours to raise money for the bike recycling workshop they support – De’ils On Wheels.

“We spent months doing up the burnt out basement of a tower block as a great workshop, where we’ve helped loads of local kids get riding by showing them how to fix up bikes donated to the project.” explains Monty “But our work stands were rubbish, and we couldn’t afford good ones. Andrew came up with the WHW idea and we raised £1000 for 3 Kestrel stands. They’re awesome.”

You can see the story on the De’ils on Wheels blog.

Looking for a new challenge, they heard British Heart Foundation Scotland were looking for a team to take on the Strathpuffer, one of the most extreme events in the UK. Another De’ils on Wheels volunteer, Sam Gibb, signed straight up to make a 4 man team.

“When we found out about the BHF Scotland places in the Strathpuffer, it seemed an ideal match, especially as we have a friend who had a triple bypass at the age of just 28.”

If this has got you inspired to get out and suffer, a few team places are still available from the nation’s heart charity – for more information, contact Susan Furbank at BHF Scotland, on 0131 555 5891 or email furbanks@bhf.org.uk.

To sponsor the De’ils On Wheels team, visit www.justgiving.com/deils-on-wheels or to find out more about volunteering or donating bikes in Glasgow, email monty@dumbartonroad.com or visit their Facebook page.

Barbara Osborne, Head of Volunteer Fundraising at BHF Scotland, says: “We’re delighted that Monty and his team are competing in this fantastic event to help raise vital funds and awareness of our work. We all know someone who has been affected by heart disease, and it’s great to see that they’ve been inspired to support us in this way. But even if you’re not up for the challenge of the Strathpuffer, there are still many other ways you can support BHF Scotland, so please get in touch with us today.”

Matt and Jon are currently thinking about entering on a tandem, having a massive, massive argument and never speaking again. It’ll either be brilliant or the worst thing ever.