26/08/2026
We are delighted to host Ride the Norths first ever checkpoint at a farm!
Come down on Saturday 29th August to watch the cyclists clock in on their first checkpoint between 7am - 10.30am. Jemma from ‘Home Sweet Home Coffee’ will be at the farm to help fuel the cyclists for their long cycle and for any spectators who want to cheer the cyclists on ☕️
RtN 2026: Checkpoint 1 – Mill of Inverarity
This might have been a slightly left field event aspiration, but it has been a genuine aspiration for some years.
Our checkpoints (2011-2025) have been in cities, towns, villages, churches, castles, distilleries, school playgrounds, public parks, sports fields, villages halls, visitor attractions, laybys and once upon a time in the garden of someone who lived on the route. A true taste of life in rural Scotland …BUT this is an area of agricultural production - the breadbasket of Scotland. The heritage of our wider region is more tied up with farming than it is castles or wh**ky …and we have never visited a farm! This is about to change!
Heartfelt thanks to the Stodart family who farm at Mill of Inverarity. I acknowledged it was a very strange question to ask …but within 5 mins of dropping in, we were chatting about Paris-Roubaix. The Council are yet to agree to the cobbles I’ve suggested!!
Mill of Inverarity is a working farm – a true cultural experience for the city dwellers! Our commitment is to make sure we don’t get in the way of farm business on the day. Beyond event day, those of us who love to visit the countryside and to cycle on the beautiful backgrounds are prompted to remember that we are sharing those roads with those working on the land and to show respect and consideration.
🚴🚜👨🏻🌾🐄🌾
