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Who are redspokes?
The roots of redspokes go back to 1990, when a group of passionate cyclists began organising adventurous rides for friends in destinations that combined exceptional cycling with rich cultural experiences.
Those early journeys eventually led to the creation of redspokes. For over 25 years, we have been organising cycling adventures in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, guided by a simple idea: to offer memorable cycling holidays that combine great riding with genuine insight into a country’s landscapes, culture and people, while remaining accessible and affordable for independent-minded travellers.
Today, our tours continue to follow that same philosophy. From classic cycling routes to more adventurous journeys, we aim to show you much more than the view from the saddle. We seek out rewarding routes, interesting places and opportunities to experience the culture and everyday life of the countries we visit. Safety is always a priority, comfort is provided wherever possible, and every itinerary is created by people who genuinely love cycling and travel.
Our Charity
LVCF was established in 2004 by redspokes founder Dermot MacWard and a group of cyclists inspired by the warmth and hospitality they experienced while cycling through Laos. Over the next 22 years, the charity funded community-led projects in Laos, Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Tibet, Peru and Vietnam, supporting sustainable initiatives with strong local involvement. We were especially proud that every penny donated went directly to the projects we supported, with all fundraising, administration and management carried out free of charge by volunteers.
In 2026, LVCF was formally closed after more than two decades of successful work. We would like to thank everyone who donated, volunteered and supported the charity, and especially Stephen Palframan, whose dedication and countless hours of unpaid work were instrumental to its success. Although LVCF has completed its mission, redspokes continues to support the Bagrot Sewing Centre in northern Pakistan through direct funding. The LVCF website remains available as an archive of the projects, communities and achievements that were made possible through the generosity of our supporters.
MEET THE TEAM
Many of our tours are run by experienced local guides. Some of our more adventurous, remote itineraries are led by a UK redspokes guide in addition to the local team. All our guides are seasoned cyclists and travellers. It is their job to lead the group, provide support, and ride with you throughout the tour. Selected for their knowledge of destinations and leadership qualities, our guides are from a range of backgrounds; each has their own individual qualities which add to your experience. They will, in most cases, be fully trained in first aid for adventure travel and are competent bike mechanics. On some tours, a bike mechanic will also accompany the group and look over and service your bike daily.
Dermot Macward
Founder & Director
Before founding redspokes, Dermot had a varied career, from working as a welder in his native Scotland to working with homeless people and later as a mental health crisis worker in London
A lifelong traveller and cyclist, Dermot has explored extensively around the world and has always been drawn to places away from the well-trodden tourist trail. That passion led him to establish redspokes and create cycling adventures that offer much more than simply getting from A to B.
For Dermot, travelling by bike is about experiencing a country at a slower pace, meeting local people and discovering places and communities that most visitors never see. That philosophy remains at the heart of redspokes today.
Linette Marsden
Office Manager
Linette is a longstanding member of the redspokes team and, as Office Manager, plays a key role in keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes. With years of experience at redspokes, she knows the ins and outs of our tours and is often one of the familiar voices helping customers with their bookings and travel arrangements.
Travel has always been high on Linette’s list of interests, and she enjoys discovering new places whenever she gets the opportunity. Away from the office, she likes to keep active and can often be found running, trekking or Zumba dancing, balanced with the rather more relaxing sanctuary of a yoga retreat.
Anna Marsh
Travel Advisor
A keen cyclist since childhood, Anna has always loved the freedom that travelling by bike brings and the opportunity it gives her to explore the world at a different pace. Her enthusiasm for cycling, travel and the outdoors makes her a natural fit for the redspokes team.
Working both from home and from our Inverness office, Anna helps customers with everything from choosing the right adventure to preparing for their trip. She particularly enjoys the challenge of planning journeys and helping turn travel ideas into memorable experiences.
When she’s not working, Anna loves spending time outdoors and, whenever possible, getting back in the saddle herself. For her, the combination of cycling, adventure and discovering new places is hard to beat.
Stuart Williams
Guide
As well as being a bike mechanic whizz, Stuart’s leadership skills and logistical approach make him a safe pair of hands while leading our tours. His favourite tour eulogy reads: ‘Stuart the tour captain. Ran a good ship, well organised and great fun. Likes a drink and was disappointed by my lack of alcohol consumption. Strong on a bike.’
Aiden Prior
Guide
Aidan has been a tour leader in China, Thailand, Laos, Tajikistan as well as on the Karakoram Highway to Kyrgyzstan tour. His approach is all about helping people stay within their limits and still enjoy themselves. Aidan has a truly adventurous spirit and in his spare time enjoys completing the odd triathlon.
Craig Thomas
Guide
Craig is well travelled and has broad experience of guiding activity holidays. With an easy-going personality, he has proved to be a calm, supportive and organised trip leader, who is popular both with redspokes cyclists and the local team.
Lee Timms
Guide
Lee helped develop our off-road rides in the UK and Pakistan, and has led tours in the UK, Peru, Tibet and India. He always seems to be on hand if anyone needs help – nothing is ever too much trouble for him. Lee is a strong, passionate mountain biker whose welcoming and supportive nature makes him a valued leader.
Carl Magnus-Hannaford
Guide
Carl has been lead guide for some of our more challenging tours. His easy-going nature and calm, decisive manner – developed in his job as a firefighter – are valuable qualities for a redspokes tour leader. Carl is a keen, strong cyclist with a love of travel and adventure.
Ian Pierce-Hayes
Guide
Ian has been lead guide for our Scottish tours over the last few years, as well as on some of our trips in South East Asia. In addition to being a very popular guide, Ian is a nurse and his medical expertise and strong interpersonal skills are a winning combination.