Meet CUBE Bikes UK's new ambassador, Leanne Wrightson!

At CUBE Bikes UK we’re proud to welcome a new voice to our ambassador community: Leanne Wrightson. Based in Scotland, Leanne is a mountain leader, bike guide and passionate adventure cyclist who spends as much time as possible outdoors. From long-distance bikepacking to self-supported ultra events, she thrives on pushing boundaries while inspiring others to discover the joy of riding off the beaten track. We sat down with Leanne to hear more about her story, her favourite bikes and her ambitions for the years ahead.

How did your passion for cycling begin?

About 10 years ago, I was a carer for people with dual sensory impairments. I loved my job but the shift work was beginning to take a toll on me. I recognised something had to change before I reached that ‘burn out’ stage.

So, I got an entry level hardtail and injected some fun back into my life. I fell in love with the sense of freedom it gave me. I got to and from work quicker which gave ME more time, I was getting fitter and stronger and I was able to explore places I couldn’t reach before. That was what got me hooked. Each adventure was getting longer and more remote, it was liberating.

Shortly after, I changed careers and started working in the outdoors. Now I’m a mountain leader and bike guide and stoked to be playing outside for work. That hardtail and the leap of faith to change my career were the best decisions I’ve made.

What type of cycling do you focus on most?

I prefer being off-road. I bought a steel framed touring bike years ago and always seemed to take it places it had no business going. When I got a CUBE Nuroad Ex, I felt like I could easily cover lots of distance getting to wilder locations but also take on most of the terrain that comes with being in the wilderness of Scotland.

It’s the environment that inspires me. I love the ever-changing landscapes, especially in those really remote places. The effort to reach those places is huge, but the views make it epic. It’s exhilarating to get there by pedal power.

Which sporting achievement are you most proud of, and why?

During the past ten years I’ve been working on building up the distance I can ride and I’m truly happiest when it’s just me and my bike for days on end. This had led to lots of long-distance bikepacking routes and, more recently, self-supported ultra races.

For about three years I didn’t have the confidence to put my name forward for these events as I’m not elite nor particularly speedy. But I wanted to see more women on ultra start lines so I stepped up and gave it a go.

Recently, I started the Alps Divide. Due to a myriad of reasons I unfortunately scratched a few days into it, but I’m proud that I made it to the start line and it’s given me fuel for more. I have my eye on three ultras in 2026 and they are biggies.

Which audience or community do you primarily engage with?

I would say most of the people I interact with are keen off-road bikers, adventure cyclists. The experience levels are very varied and I love that. I speak to people who have just started riding bikes, those who want to build up confidence in their skills for solo missions and people who give me advise from their years of ultra endurance experience.

Ultimately, if you like bikes, adventure and appreciate nature then I’m more than happy to chat, give advice or answer questions.

What are your ambitions within the sport?

I’m really keen to follow my goals and to take on as many ultras as I can. I’m drawn to the aspect of being completely alone, just me and my bike in the middle of nowhere whilst working through the physical and mental challenges that come with ultras.

At the same time, I’ll keep running my Introduction to Bikepacking courses and organising community rides. I've also created a Bikepacking route in Dumfries and Galloway which I plan to release in 2026 as a rally event. It will be open to everyone with varied routes, making it relatively accessible.

Why do you feel CUBE is a good fit for you? What do you like about the brand or the community?

To me CUBE are very transparent, there’s no smoke and mirrors. Their bikes are well made, moderately priced and there’s a great range of bikes that are suitable for all terrain and sizes (I’m very petite). They are also very supportive, encouraging and authentic which really aligns with my values.

As for the community, I’ve had a warm welcome and I’m very excited to spend some time riding with folks and getting to know more like-minded people.

What’s your favourite CUBE product or bike?

That’s a tough one. My Nuroad Ex gravel bike, "Winona Rider", has taken me to some incredible places around the UK and Europe and really opened up the door to long distance routes for me.

However, I’ve just welcomed "Ru Pawl", my CUBE Reaction C:62 Race, and each time I’ve gone for a ride or adventure I’ve fallen in love a little further. Ru Pawl and I have some very big adventures ahead and I’m buzzing to get her all set up.

As for products, I’d have to say the Snack bags from the Acid Pro bikepacking range.

What do you hope to contribute as an ambassador?

I believe I’m the only female on the team, so I’m really hoping to step up to the mark. I want to encourage, support and inspire people, especially other women, to ride bikes as much as possible. To go for solo adventures, tackle the tech or work on their mindset to overcome their limiting self beliefs. I love seeing people progress and go further with more knowledge and confidence.

Of course, I want to reach all bike riders, but I hope to showcase how liberating bikepacking is support anyone who wants to get started.

Do you have a fun, unique, or memorable cycling story you’d like to share?

So many! Some are embarrassing, others full of “series of unfortunate events.” But most are about adventure, self-discovery and overcoming fears, misconceptions and bogs. I hope to share them on a ride sometime.

Where can people follow you?

🌐 Blooming Wild Adventures

📷 Instagram: @blooming_wild_adventures

📊 Strava: Leanne Wrightson