The Strathpuffer: Lessons learned the hard way

A true bucket-list event for riders everywhere. And Ian’s first experience showed that the challenge begins long before the first lap. The 350-mile, seven-hour journey from his home was a test in itself. Snow gates on the A9 had been closed for days, and at times it was looking like he wouldn’t even make it. Snow chains were required on parts of the route and just to get into base camp, and by the time he arrived, already tired and cold, he realised this race is more than just riding laps - it’s endurance in every sense.

The Strathpuffer itself is brutal. Over 24 hours, riders must complete as many laps as possible of a 12.5 km forest mountain track in snow and ice, with roughly 17 hours of darkness to navigate. Each lap climbs around 230 m of elevation, starting with a punishing 3.5 km uphill on an icy fire road, before twisting through technical forest trails. The cold, the ice, and the relentless climb make each lap as much a mental battle as a physical one. Every rotation tests stamina, strategy, and sheer determination.

On paper, I knew it would be tough but, in reality, I underestimated the challenge completely. Once the sun dropped and the cold settled in, everything changed. The physical riding was hard, but the real battle was mental. The cold doesn’t just slow your legs, it creeps into your head, clouds decision-making, and quietly chips away at your confidence.

I went in with a plan. It didn’t last long. Every part of my planned approach changed as the race unfolded – pacing, stops, clothing, nutrition – all of it had to be adapted on the fly. What became clear very quickly was how important teamwork is in a race like this. Even though I was riding my own laps, I wasn’t riding alone. Everyone on the team brought different strengths, different abilities, and different ways of dealing with fatigue and the cold.

That contrast highlighted my own shortcomings. My training and build-up fell well short of what this race demands, and that directly affected how much I could contribute. In an event like the Strathpuffer, you don’t just ride for yourself as your effort impacts the whole team. Watching others dig deep made it clear that my challenge is to step up more and give more back next time.

The Strathpuffer makes the balance between physical ability and mental resilience impossible to ignore. Your legs might still turn, but it’s your mindset, and your willingness to push when it matters, that decides whether you head back out for another lap. That’s the real test this race offers.

I didn’t conquer the Strathpuffer this time, but it did introduce itself. It showed me where my limits currently are, how much the team dynamic matters, and exactly what I need to work on. I’ll be back, better prepared, mentally tougher, and ready to contribute at the level this race (and my teammates) deserve. The Strathpuffer always gets the final say, but next time I plan to answer back.

Personal Goals for Next Year

• Train with intent, not just volume — build endurance specifically for long, cold, back-to-back efforts
• Prepare for the mental battle, especially riding through the night and managing decision-making under fatigue
• Dial in cold-weather systems – clothing, nutrition, transitions, and problem-solving with numb hands
• Increase consistency, so every lap I ride is reliable and useful to the team
• Step up as a teammate, contributing more physically and mentally when the race gets hard
• Arrive ready to endure, not just hopeful I can get through it

The Strathpuffer reminded me that endurance isn’t just measured in laps or kilometres, it’s measured in patience, perseverance, and the ability to keep going when every part of you wants to stop.

Next year, I want to show up not just get through it, but to truly meet that challenge and contribute to my team.

Events like the Strathpuffer are built on grit, teamwork, and resilience. These are the same qualities that make great outdoor brands stand out.

At The Foundry, we help outdoor brands turn those moments into meaningful design and storytelling. Got a story to tell? Get in touch to see how we can work together to make your brand Rise + Shine.