Moray youngsters awarded for Puffer spirit
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CYCLING enthusiasts who took on a gruelling 24-hour mountain bike race for charity have won both an award for youth performance as well as parliamentary praise.
Lossiemouth-based outdoor learning and adventure youth charity Outfit Moray was represented by 22 people at Strathpuffer 2020, which played out at Strathpeffer at the weekend.
The 18 youngsters and four adults formed a number of junior teams as well as a senior squad to take on the legendary endurance challenge and were backed by a enthusiastic support crew.
They all took part in the event's 15th outing to raise funds to support Outfit Moray’s work with young people in Moray, particularly those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
In doing so, they came away with new friends as well as Strathpuffer's Doug Stewart Award for youth performance. And they were further congratulated in a parliamentary motion by Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston.
He said: "My congratulations go to all those who took part, but especially to the 22 people who represented Outfit Moray. Their efforts were to support such a worthy cause and one which, since it was founded in 2003, has helped an impressive number of young people."
Pupils from both Elgin's two secondaries as well as Forres Academy, Lossiemouth High and Milne's High made up Outfit Moray's youth teams and had to endure 17 hours of darkness, freezing temperatures and overcome fatigue to keep going.
Elgin Academy pupil Carrie Brown (15) was among those who took part and said she can't wait to get back in the saddle for next year's experience.
She said: "All together I thought the Strathpuffer was an awesome experience. This year was my third, and just as good as the previous years... if not better!
"Through the training I got to know the people I would be racing with and made some new friends along the way. Everyone is so supportive and during the event you all cheer each other to keep going."
In preparation, the youngsters underwent training at various locations in both daylight and hours of darkness to develop their skills, confidence and endurance. And while conditions this year were particularly muddy, the entertainment and camaraderie kept spirits high.
Carrie, who experienced blue sky, light rain and hail on her laps of the course, said: "The muddy conditions just made it more exciting as you had to concentrate and stay balanced so you wouldn’t slide around.
"Admittedly I did fall off my bike a few times (putting my knee pads to good use) but that didn’t stop me and I kept going. It is a great experience and I would highly recommend it to any mountain biker who up to the challenge!"
The Moray youngsters were among more than 1000 people who took part.
Outfit Moray's lead instructor Kirsten Petrie said: "The young people showed an amazing spirit, confidence and resilience, throughout the event, with few complaints, even about getting up at 3am in the morning to de-ice their bikes for their lap.
"Event participation is not all about the riding, there are so many friendships and memorable experiences made around the Outfit Moray campfire.
"Team Outfit Moray were the recipients of the Strathpuffer’s Doug Stewart Award for youth performance, which mirrors the charity’s ethos around giving young people opportunities to live the spirit of adventure and challenging them to be all they can be."
Since its foundation in 2003, Outfit Moray has worked with more than 15,000 young people across the Moray area and further afield.
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