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
Kirsten Ellis
RIPA Female Coach & Guide
Kirsten’s passion for biking began in her childhood in County Durham and was reignited through the cycle-to-work scheme after university. Now, she explores new trails on her two full-suspension bikes and beloved carbon hardtail.
Known as “the route planner” among friends, Kirsten always has a map handy in her rucksack.
She has participated in various MTB events, including the Ten Under the Ben and Aberdeenshire Enduro series.
When not biking, Kirsten enjoys skiing, adventure racing, and gravel biking. She also took part in the ‘Grinduro’ race on the isle of Arran.
In 2018, Kirsten qualified as an MTB leader with British Cycling, guiding youth groups and earning additional qualifications as a Go MTB instructor and night leader. She joined Ride in Peace Adventures to share her love of biking and the outdoors, especially encouraging female riders in the sport.
QUALIFICATIONS
Mountain Biking
British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader, Level 2
British Cycling Mountain Bike Leader, Level 3
British Cycling Night Leader
Go MTB Level 3 Instructor
First Aid and Child Protection
Outdoor First Aid Certificate
Child Protection in Sport and Active Leisure Level 2
SAMH First Aid
NSPCC Child Protection in Sport
Online Neurodiversity Training (Autism & ADHD)
PVG Registered
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.