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Who are redspokes?
For over 25 years, redspokes has been creating cycling adventures in some of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations. Our story began in 1990, when a group of passionate cyclists started organising rides for friends in places that combined exceptional cycling with rich cultural experiences.
What started as a shared love of exploration soon grew into something more. We founded redspokes with a simple goal: to offer adventurous, off-the-beaten-track cycling holidays that provide genuine insight into a country’s landscapes, culture and people, while remaining accessible and affordable for independent-minded travellers.
Today, our tours continue to follow the same philosophy. We travel beyond the usual tourist routes, seeking out extraordinary journeys that are as rewarding culturally as they are physically. Safety is always a priority, comfort is provided wherever possible, and every itinerary is designed by people who genuinely love cycling and travel.
Why Travel with redspokes?
At redspokes, we believe travel should be a positive force for both visitors and the communities they visit.
We work closely with local guides, drivers and support teams, stay in locally owned accommodation wherever possible, and build long-term relationships with communities along our routes. By doing so, we help ensure that tourism directly benefits local economies while respecting local traditions and ways of life.
Sustainability is also central to our approach. We aim to minimise the environmental impact of our tours and welcome travellers who share our belief that travel can foster understanding, respect and meaningful connections between people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Our Charity
LVCF was established in 2004 by redspokes founder Dermot MacWard and a group of cyclists inspired by the warmth and hospitality they experienced while cycling through Laos. Over the next 22 years, the charity funded community-led projects in Laos, Pakistan, Burma (Myanmar), Tibet, Peru and Vietnam, supporting sustainable initiatives with strong local involvement. We were especially proud that every penny donated went directly to the projects we supported, with all fundraising, administration and management carried out free of charge by volunteers.
In 2026, LVCF was formally closed after more than two decades of successful work. We would like to thank everyone who donated, volunteered and supported the charity, and especially Stephen Palframan, whose dedication and countless hours of unpaid work were instrumental to its success. Although LVCF has completed its mission, redspokes continues to support the Bagrot Sewing Centre in northern Pakistan through direct funding. The LVCF website remains available as an archive of the projects, communities and achievements that were made possible through the generosity of our supporters.
MEET THE TEAM
Many of our tours are run by experienced local guides. Some of our more adventurous, remote itineraries are led by a UK redspokes guide in addition to the local team. All our guides are seasoned cyclists and travellers. It is their job to lead the group, provide support, and ride with you throughout the tour. Selected for their knowledge of destinations and leadership qualities, our guides are from a range of backgrounds; each has their own individual qualities which add to your experience. They will, in most cases, be fully trained in first aid for adventure travel and are competent bike mechanics. On some tours, a bike mechanic will also accompany the group and look over and service your bike daily.
Dermot Macward
Before setting up redspokes, Dermot had a wide range of jobs – from welder in his native Scotland to mental health crisis worker in London. He has travelled extensively throughout the world and has a passion for finding areas that are less travelled.
Linette Marsden
A longstanding member of the team, Linette has many interests and, not surprisingly, travel comes high on the list as well as running, trekking, zumba dancing and the sanctuary of yoga retreats. Iceland is earmarked as her next country to visit.
Anna Marsh
A keen cyclist since childhood, Anna loves the freedom that cycling has given her to explore the world. When not in the saddle, she enjoys the challenge and excitement of planning memorable journeys – a perfect combination of pursuing adventure and her passion for travel and the outdoors.
Sam Seddon
Sam first joined one of our tours to Laos in 2009, an experience that sparked a lasting interest with cycling adventures. With a professional background in social work, he brings a thoughtful, people-focused perspective to the team. He will be supporting the logistics behind our tours, combining his love of cycling with a passion for helping others enjoy meaningful travel experiences.
Giles Gibson
Giles is a keen cyclist, and lover of distant places, wonderful food and encouraging people to make it to the top with a smile on their face. He has been on tours across Tibet and even cycled all the way to Brighton. Giles is always looking forward to his next adventure.
Stuart Williams
As well as being a bike mechanic whizz, Stuart’s leadership skills and logistical approach make him a safe pair of hands while leading our tours. His favourite tour eulogy reads: ‘Stuart the tour captain. Ran a good ship, well organised and great fun. Likes a drink and was disappointed by my lack of alcohol consumption. Strong on a bike.’
Lee Timms
Lee helped develop our off-road rides in the UK and Pakistan, and has led tours in the UK, Peru, Tibet and India. He always seems to be on hand if anyone needs help – nothing is ever too much trouble for him. Lee is a strong, passionate mountain biker whose welcoming and supportive nature makes him a valued leader.
Carl Magnus-Hannaford
Carl has been lead guide for some of our more challenging tours. His easy-going nature and calm, decisive manner – developed in his job as a firefighter – are valuable qualities for a redspokes tour leader. Carl is a keen, strong cyclist with a love of travel and adventure.
Ian Pierce-Hayes
Ian has been lead guide for our Scottish tours over the last few years, as well as on some of our trips in South East Asia. In addition to being a very popular guide, Ian is a nurse and his medical expertise and strong interpersonal skills are a winning combination.
Suresh Dulal
Suresh is a former Nepal national cycling champion who now lives in the UK. He has led two of our tours to Nepal and Tibet, with people commenting not only on his cycling expertise but also on how they appreciated his attentive and supportive approach to tour leading.
Aiden Prior
Aidan has been a tour leader in China, Thailand, Laos, Tajikistan as well as on the Karakoram Highway to Kyrgyzstan tour. His approach is all about helping people stay within their limits and still enjoy themselves. Aidan has a truly adventurous spirit and in his spare time enjoys completing the odd triathlon.
Craig Thomas
Craig is well travelled and has broad experience of guiding activity holidays. With an easy-going personality, he has proved to be a calm, supportive and organised trip leader, who is popular both with redspokes cyclists and the local team.