Three peaks to two seats: Scot’s longest ride with Greg James
The first time Scot supported BBC Radio 1 DJ Greg James on a charity fundraiser was in 2018 during the Pedal to the Peaks challenge, a gruelling ride that linked climbs of Scafell Pike, Snowdon and Ben Nevis.
Last Friday 13 March he was reunited with Greg for another cycling challenge in aid of Comic Relief 2026.
BBC Radio 1’s Longest Ride
Greg’s Longest Ride challenge started at Weymouth Pavillion on the south coast of England. This cycling challenge is a 1,000 km (630 miles) ride on a tandem across the UK over eight days, arriving in Edinburgh on Red Nose Day.
Different celebrities are joining Greg throughout the journey. Whilst they pedal behind Greg on the tandem for one hour each day, Scot is riding alongside him for the entire route every day as his chaperone.
Keeping the wheels turning
Scot’s number one priority is Greg’s safety, well-being and motivation so, whilst chatting away to him, he is in covert comms with the lead vehicle, the medic car and the mechanic vehicle.
However, he also liaises with the production team and the camera tracking car so that he can guide Greg into position for footage and commentary that the team requires.
It’s a demanding undertaking, made more intense by its public nature and the scale of the production surrounding it. Not to mention the early starts and late finishes after the daily full-crew brief at 9 pm.
But for Scot, it isn’t unfamiliar territory.
The unassuming right-hand man
Since 2018, Scot’s worked alongside a wide range of celebrity riders on similar fundraising events, building a reputation for being someone organisers trust when things matter.
That trust doesn’t come from big gestures or loud motivation. Scot’s role is never about coaching or cheering from the sidelines. It’s about being present, attentive and responsive. He notices small changes and takes action before they become problems, keeping everything moving calmly, and supporting his riders in a way that feels natural and unforced.
Experience and dedication across the board
This year, Scot’s also been responsible for planning the route itself. It’s a role that draws heavily on experience: understanding how a day will feel as well as how it looks on a map, where fatigue is likely to build, and how to balance challenge with sustainability over multiple days.
It’s the same thinking that underpins our supported cycling trips in Scotland. Good guiding isn’t just about knowing the roads: it’s about judgement, empathy and timing. It’s about creating the conditions for others to succeed, often without them ever needing to think about how or why things are working.
We’re incredibly proud to see those skills recognised beyond our day-to-day work. Whether it’s a week-long tour or a nationally broadcast charity challenge such as the Longest Ride, the principles remain the same: care, professionalism, and a deep respect for the people we’re supporting.
If you fancy a cycling holiday with the same expert support Scot gives our celebrities time and time again, discover our itineraries here and start planning your adventure!
And if you haven’t yet thrown any coins in the jar for Comic Relief 2026, please consider making a donation – every penny helps.
