About
Meet The RIPA Team
RIPA has hand picked a team that shares a passion for cycling, coaching and the outdoors. Our entire team are qualified guides ready to give you the best experience.
Chris Roper
Chief RIPA
Ride in Peace Adventures was founded by Chris, a passionate mountain biker, to foster the growth of mountain biking in Aberdeenshire and the Cairngorms.
Chris’s journey began at the first World Cup in Fort William in 2002. Since then, he has ridden, coached, and guided across the globe.
Holding a wealth of qualifications, including the Scottish Cycling MBLA, British Cycling MTB Level 2, an HND in Sports Coaching, a degree in Sports Science, and international certifications from Austria and France, Chris brings unparalleled expertise to every adventure.
From gentle cycle paths to challenging enduro trails and majestic mountain routes, Chris’s love for biking knows no bounds. His greatest joy comes from coaching and sharing the peace and excitement of mountain biking with others.
Join Chris and Ride in Peace Adventures for a journey of discovery, respect for nature, and unforgettable biking experiences.
Contact Chris
+44 (0)7399 564842
chris@rideinpeaceadventures.co.uk
QUALIFICATIONS
Mountain Biking
Scottish Cycling Mountain Bike Leader Award
British Cycling Level 2 Mountain Bike Coaching Award
British Cycling Level 1 Leader
GO MTB Level 5 Instructor
Mountain Bike Instructor Award Scheme Level 2
Österreichischer Radführer
Carte Professionnelle d’Educateur Sportif
Velotech Mechanic Bronze Award
Velotech Mechanic Silver Award
Academic
HND Sports Coaching with Development of Sport
BSC Honours Sport and Exercise Science
First Aid and Child Protection
BASP Emergency First Aid
SAMH First Aid
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport
Online Neurodiversity Training (Autism & ADHD)
PVG Registered
Work with us!
We have helped others fund training, refine their riding abilities, and gain valuable work experience. RIPA actively collaborates with local coaches and guides, and we’re always looking for like-minded individuals to join our team.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your biking journey, we’re here to support you every ride of the way!
Current Opportunities
We have opportunities for female-led positions to run girls and ladies only sessions.
Young Leaders (15-18 years old) to gain work experience and qualifications to assist with bike hub sessions.
Experienced coaches and or guides looking to develop and run their own rides without the hassle of starting their own business.
Please email if you are interested in joining the RIPA team!
RIPA Values
RIPA is built on sustainability and community. We provide riding along the Deeside Way to reduce driving, and we are based just 15 minutes from Aboyne and 5 minutes from Dess waterfall. Constructed from locally sourced materials, the RIPA Hub supports local businesses, including Cyclehighlands and events like Doon tha Brae and Thrive Ballater.
We’re committed to giving back by supporting local schools, clubs, and charities, and only guide on sustainable trails with landowners’ consent. We contribute to community projects like Tarland Trails, Aboyne Bike Park, Deeside Collective, Alford Friends of Haughton Park, and Aberdeenshire Trail Association, offering both hands-on help and donations. We also collaborate with organizations like Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland (DMBinS) and North East Adventure Tourism (NEAT) to grow sustainable tourism in the region.