The momentum of cycling in the Newton Dee Camphill Community – a life sharing community with an inclusive social development approach to supporting adult with special needs - is coming full circle. Four passionate community members, colleagues and friends have been inspired to join for a 24hour endurance mountain bike race in the Highlands of Scotland on the 10th -11th January 2026, the renowned Strathpuffer (“Puffer”). The enthusiasm of riding and fixing bikes in Newton Dee has been a real motivation to prepare for this special event.

The resurgence of the momentum around cycling in Newton Dee has been revived thanks to the support from cycling.uk with funding from NESTrans and the Health Improvement Fund by the Health and Social Care Partnership of the Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian.

https://www.cyclinguk.org/cycle-access-fund/newton-dee

This link to an article by cycling.UK shows very nicely what cycling means to many of us living and working in Newton Dee. Cycling being accessible to all abilities makes active travel and exciting outings possible. Some of you visiting Newton Dee’s Summer festival might have had a shot at riding one of these amazing adaptive bikes.

The quote from one of the villagers in particular shows what a positive cycling can have: “I was emotionally down earlier. Now I am much happier, the cycling is so much fun. Great that we can do that in Newton Dee”

Looking after the bikes in the community has become a newfound passion for us. During repair sessions we learn more about the fascinating engineering of bicycles while getting hands on experience in changing tyres, maintaining brakes, adjusting gears, greasing bearings and many more bike mechanic jobs.

Thanks for taking the time to visit our fundraising page and read the story of how adaptive bikes are transforming daily life in the Newton Dee Camphill Community. It is super inspiring to become part of this full circle moment when passion for cycling can give back to the community. Your support for this special event and personal challenge for those taking part in the bike race is very much appreciated.