FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in membership?

We offer discounts across our rides, camps and parties, find our full list of RIPA membership benefits here.

What are ability / fitness ratings?

We grade our rides and courses to enable you to get the most out of them.

To do this we use two scales, one that matches them to your skill at mountain biking (Technical Rating), the other to your overall fitness and stamina (Fitness Rating).

We want you to enjoy yourself and come back again, so let us know where you fit on these two scales and we’ll help you choose something that will be fun and challenging, but not leave you so utterly trashed that you vow never to ride again.

You can find our ratings guide here.

Where is RIPA located?

RIPA Bike Hub is located at Deeside Activity Park (Dess, Aboyne, AB34 5BD) located on the Deeside Corridor just 5 minutes from Aboyne.

What do I need to bring?

BIKE GEAR:
– Your bike, either full suspension or hard tail. Make sure its in good working order!
– A lock for your bike. It’s pretty rare for stuff to get nicked in our part of the world, but we can’t make any promises.

PROTECTION:
– Helmet
– Knee and elbow pads (or full armour for downhill)
– Goggles or riding glasses
– Riding gloves
– Riding shoes
– Helmet
– Knee and elbow pads (or full armour for downhill)
– Goggles or riding glasses
– Riding gloves
– Riding shoes

CLOTHING:
– Base layer
– Long sleeved riding jersey or fleece
– Riding shorts (padded if you have them)
– Sun hat (you never know!)
– Fleece hat (more likely!)
– Warm gloves
– Waterproofs (jacket and trousers)

Your coach or guide will have some essential equipment and spares, but mostly for safety and if you’re in a group they aren’t going to be able to stop everything to fix your problem.

If you’re unsure about any of the equipment listed or want more details about likely weather on your trip please contact us for more information.

What does RIPA offer?

Ride In Peace Adventures offers mountain bike coaching, guided rides in Aberdeenshire, and we have our own purposely made bike hub riding area. We also offer bike hire.

What is RIPA Bike Hub?

The RIPA Bike Hub is Ride in Peace Adventures’ base of operations for coaching and bike hire. RIPA Bike Hub is open to ride daily as long as there is a staff member on site.

What else is on-site?

Also located on site is Deeside Activities, a café, access to toilets, Lost Loch Distillery, Hilltrek, Norvites, a dog groomer & Angus Oink BBQ.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a form of skill development in which an experienced qualified person, “the coach”, supports the client in learning and achieving a specific personal goal by providing knowledge, training, repetition, progression and guidance.

What is guiding?

A guide is an an experienced qualified person that leads and shows customers routes/trails and provides local knowledge, expertise in equipment, activity, & emergency procedures.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, for guided rides and coaching sessions you must book in advance. For Bike Hub sessions and for hiring bikes please check availability before arriving.

Do I need my own bike?

You are welcome to use your own bike (as long as it is appropriate and safe to use). The RIPA Bike Hub has bike hire, helmets and protective pads to use.

Bike hire is available during the online booking process.

What session should I book my kids onto?

Kids options are divided by age and ability, due to their physical, neurological and social developments.

The pathways for kids sessions are Mini RIPA for ages 3-5 years old, Little RIPA for ages 6-9, RIPA Riders are for ages 10-12 years old and Teenage RIPAs are for 13-16 years old.

What are the terms & conditions / booking policies?

You can find our terms & conditions for any ride you book with us here. This information is also available during the booking process for all online bookings.

Question not answered here? Get in touch and we’ll be happy to help!

Ask Us a question