Ramsay's work and play machine is a Nicolai Ion 16 GPI. At first glance, it's a radical enduro machine with 160 mm of travel and a particularly flat, long geometry. But if you look closer, something else stands out: Instead of a chain, cassette and rear derailleur, Ramsay's ride features a Pinion gearbox and Gates Carbon Drive drivetrain. MacFarlane finds this setup perfect for Scotland. "I regularly ride in wet and muddy conditions, which would greatly affect a regular drivetrain. The Gates-Pinion setup, on the other hand, is a real treat in such conditions. I no longer have to laboriously clean and lubricate my chain after every ride. Just hose down the belt drive with water and that's it. That saves a lot of time. Pinion gear shifting aims in the same direction. No exposed shifting parts that can get dirty or damaged and also here, as with the Carbon Drive, a significantly reduced maintenance and care effort. Plus the advantage that the Pinion system can be shifted not only when pedaling, but also when freewheeling or while standing still. "More performance, less time spent on maintenance, service and repairs, means more time and more fun on the trail," Ramsay says.

MacFarlane is proud of the impressive trail network in the Highlands and just outside Glasgow that he is involved in building, maintaining and improving on a continuous basis. "A new trail of mine now snakes up a hill behind the WheelCraft bike store where I worked as a teenager." When Ramsay isn't shoveling and shaping, he's coaching bikers looking to improve their skills. for example, at Cathkin Braes, on a rocky hill overlooking Glasgow, which has also hosted the European Mountain Bike Championships. But the Highlands offer so much more: bike parks and trail centers, the Tweed Valley, Dunkeld and legendary Fort William, to name just a few hot addresses. "I've seen a lot of Scotland over the years, but there are still so many new places and hidden trails to discover," says MacFarlane. And those who travel with him as a bike guide can be sure that the tour will include some of the most exciting trails and impressive landmarks from Ramsay's vast repertoire.

So if you're planning a trip to Scotland and would like to explore the best spots of the Highlands on your bike, or improve your riding technique with a few tips from a master of his craft, we highly recommend contacting the friendly Scot via trailcoach.co.uk. You can get a good taste of what to expect there on Ramsay's social media feeds on Instagram and YouTube. 

https://www.youtube.com/c/RamsayMacFarlane
https://www.instagram.com/macramsay/
https://www.trailcoach.co.uk