We’re proud that our very own farmer Richard will be taking part in Doddie’5 Triple Crown cycling challenge 10-13 March 2026. An epic 800 mile cycle ride from Melrose to Dublin over 4 days in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
The Pedalling Ploughmen
Richard is raising funds with a team called ‘The Pedalling Ploughmen’ – 9 cyclists and 2 support crew. The majority of the team are farmers and not cyclists. The two non farmers are the boys in the pic above – Marc Gentles (left), he manages St Andrews Golf Travel and has very kindly donated the support team driver and bus. The support bus is branded up with key sponsors logos so look out for it on the roads! The smiley face on the right of the pic is Graham Thomson AKA Thomo – he is a GP and farmer. We’ve taken this pic today as they set off from Lindores to collect the rest of their team on route to Melrose.
This charitable relay style challenge is quite an undertaking because none of the boys are regular bikers – Richard didn’t own a road bike until last month – eek.
In 2025 the original team of six raised an incredible £64,000 for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. At the time of writing this the team have raised £63,710 and counting for the 2026 challenge. They’re incredibly grateful to their sponsors and every individual who supports them.
The 2026 riders are: Alan Hay, Mike Wilson, Gavin Baillie, Sam Reid, James Brunton, Robert MacKenzie, Graham Thomson, Marc Gentles and Richard Black. They are being supported by the ground crew Ben Scrimgeour and Euan Crolly.
While the challenge will be physically demanding for the team, at its heart it is a fundraising event for the Foundation, supporting vital research towards a world free of MND.
800 mile charity cycle route
From 10-13 March 2026, the team will cycle from Melrose to Dublin. They will stop off at schools and rugby clubs for pit stops across three nations. There will be 40 other teams attempting this challenge and as a collective and with pioneering leaders Rob Wainwright and Mark Beaumont, everyone will make a considerable fundraising difference.
Their route will take them daily from Melrose to Leeds, Leeds to Gloucester, Gloucester to Pembroke, Pembroke Ferry Crossing (with galeforce winds according to the forecast – yikes), then finally Rosslare Port to Dublin. Before finishing in time for the Ireland v Scotland rugby international match on the Saturday.
When the boys push through their tired legs, cold mornings and long days in the saddle they will be riding for those affected by MND – so that future diagnosis’ come with more hope than heartbreak – for earlier diagnosis, better support and ultimately, a cure.
Please support The Pedalling Ploughmen by donating to the charity My Name’5 Doddie Foundation:
