The OTC Team Takes on Hike Bike Paddle 2026
- Team OTC
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Behind every successful Hike Bike Paddle team is a mix of personalities, strengths, determination and, occasionally, questionable decision-making when signing up for endurance events.
Representing The Official Test Centre at the 2026 Hike Bike Paddle are Emma Maguire, Tris Best, Scotty Stallman, Kevin Greenslade and Joe Adams—a team united by a love of the outdoors and a shared desire to raise money for an incredible cause.
Some are seasoned competitors, some are embracing the challenge for the first time, and some are simply hoping their bodies hold together long enough to cross the finish line. Together, they will take on one of the outdoor industry’s most iconic charity events, hiking, biking and paddling their way around the spectacular Jurassic Coast while raising funds for the Youth Adventure Trust.
By Emma Maguire
The challenge will test endurance, teamwork and resilience, but those qualities are already part of everyday life at The Official Test Centre. Whether coaching on the water, supporting wellbeing projects, testing equipment or helping people discover new adventures, the team understands the positive impact that outdoor experiences can have on people’s lives.
On Thursday 9th July 2026, they’ll swap their usual roles for a day of sweat, determination and probably a fair amount of friendly competition, all in support of a charity that helps vulnerable young people build confidence, resilience and brighter futures through adventure.
Set against the striking backdrop of the Jurassic Coast, the annual Hike Bike Paddle returns to the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. Delivered by Threshold Sports, the event has become a fixture in the outdoor industry calendar—part endurance challenge, part meeting point, and part reminder of why so many people are drawn to life outdoors in the first place.
This year, The Official Test Centre will once again be joining the challenge, determined to push themselves physically while raising vital funds for the Youth Adventure Trust, a charity that helps vulnerable young people build confidence, resilience and brighter futures through outdoor adventure.
Meet the Team
Tris Best
Leading the charge for The Official Test Centre is director Tris Best, who is taking on the event for the second time.
“Very excited to be competing on the Hike Bike Paddle for the second time, especially as it’s on our home turf. Feel honoured to be supporting such a worthwhile cause - supporting children and young adults is in The OTC’s DNA with the Well Being projects we provide locally, so to be able to host the Youth Adventure Trust for 2026 is really special. May the best team win!”
For Tris, the event perfectly reflects what The OTC stands for: adventure, community and creating opportunities for people to discover what they are capable of.
Emma Maguire
Emma is embracing the challenge with determination and a clear focus on the difference the fundraising will make.
“I am so proud to be taking part in this challenge, pushing myself and raising money for such a worthwhile cause. Each step we take as a team will make a lasting impact for vulnerable young people.”
Her words perfectly capture the spirit of the event: every mile covered and every pound raised helps create opportunities for young people who need them most.
Kevin Greenslade
Every team needs a realist, and Kevin Greenslade is keeping things refreshingly simple as preparations continue.
“I am currently in training with my foot up, this will be the furthest I’ve ever walked biked or paddled so I am confident my preparation will be perfect. I know if all else fails my team mates will carry me.”
Despite the injury setback, Kevin is determined to play his part as the team tackles one of the outdoor industry’s most iconic charity events. His sense of humour and team-first attitude will no doubt help keep morale high throughout the challenge.
A sentiment many endurance athletes can probably relate to! We’re all hoping Kevin’s foot behaves itself and gets him to the finish line.
Scotty Stallman
Scotty brings his trademark enthusiasm and team spirit to the challenge. Having taken part in the event before, he knows exactly what to expect and is excited to be back on the start line.
“Really looking forward to taking part in the Hike Bike Paddle challenge again! The last time I took part was in 2022 and we smashed it. We’ve assembled a new team this year, so I’m sure we can do just as well.
“Aside from the competitive side, it’s always great fun, and knowing it’s all for a good cause makes it even better. Having it local to us makes it even more exciting too… we’ll be keeping all the local knowledge to ourselves.”
Scotty’s experience, enthusiasm and competitive spirit will be a valuable asset as the team takes on the spectacular Jurassic Coast course.
Joe Adams
A familiar face at The Official Test Centre, Joe is no stranger to pushing his limits outdoors. His experience, determination and competitive spirit will be a valuable asset as the team tackles the hike, bike and paddle stages around the Jurassic Coast.
"I’m taking part to support a great cause and challenge myself alongside a brilliant team. I’m looking forward to the adventure, teamwork and the laughs along the way."
Supporting a Worthwhile Cause
At The Official Test Centre, supporting wellbeing through outdoor activity is something we are passionate about. Through our local wellbeing projects, we have seen first-hand the positive impact that adventure, challenge and community can have on people’s lives.
That is why we are proud to support the Youth Adventure Trust and to welcome the event to our home waters in 2026.
Please Support Our Team
If you would like to support The Official Test Centre team and help raise funds for the Youth Adventure Trust, please consider making a donation.
Our fundraising page can be found here:
Every donation, no matter the size, will help make a real difference to vulnerable young people.
Thank you for your support, and wish the team luck as they prepare to hike, bike and paddle their way around the spectacular Jurassic Coast.
See you at the start line!
Comments