Name: Andrew Rackstraw

Job Title: Shop Owner

Saddle Safari Staff Since: 1993

Rides: ICE Adventure Steps recumbent trike, Hand trike

Lives: Marlow

Info: Andy started Saddle Safari in 1993 with a loan from the Prince’s Trust. He has enjoyed creating a growing business with wife Claire and their three children. Andy likes everything outdoors and also likes the odd rebellion beer! In recent years Andy was diagnosed with a neurological illness called NF2. However he is still fully immersed in the business and has adopted an Ice trike as his ride of choice .If your interested in a trike-Andy's your man!

Interesting fact: Andy was once a holiday Rep in Spain & and has also been known to perform magic shows as his alter ego Marko Frondini!

Name: Mark Wright

Job Title: Shop Manager

Saddle Safari Staff Since: 2003

Rides: Trek Superfly FS (MTB), Trek Madone 5.9 (road bike)

Lives: Stokenchurch

Info: Aside from being one of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet, Mark is the front man in the shop and manages all of the day to day activity. He has a background in FMCG sales, is a qualified water sports instructor. He still windsurfs regularly. Mark is trained in Bike-Fit and is also a keen motorcyclist.

Interesting fact: Mark purchases TV Chat EVERY week and has a personalised autograph from Ronnie Corbett!

Name: Daniel Slyfield

Job Title: Senior Sales and Bike Fit Technician

Saddle Safari Staff Since: Full time since 2002, Part time since 1999

Rides: Trek Remedy 9 (MTB), Trek Domane SL6 (Road) Federal Ty Morrow (BMX), Echo Pure 26’’ (Trials bike), Inspired Fourplay 24’’ (Street trials bike), Pashley 26mghz (trials bike), Flyer Custom build (Fixie), Old SchoolBike (MTB)

Lives: Marlow

Info: In-between other jobs Dan has worked at Saddle Safari since he did work experience whilst at school. He is a qualified Bike-Fitter and Cytech Level 1,2 & 3 mechanic, but has also taken over the Web/Online side if the shop. Dan is a passionate Trials and BMX rider and also teaches mechanical training for those wishing to learn more about their bikes. He has also travelled to every continent in the world (bar the poles!). Outside of the shop Dan also works as an international stage mechanic for Ride25 as they make their way around the world.

Interesting fact: In 2010 Dan was chief mechanic on the gruelling 3005 mile Race Across America (RAAM) for the Sir Steve Redgrave Team. This event is commonly known as the toughest cycle race on the planet!

Name: Claire Rackstraw

Job Title: The glue that holds it all together

Saddle Safari Staff Since: 1993

Rides: Ridgeback Vanteo

Lives: Marlow

Info: Claire is Andy's wife and has many roles around the shop. She keeps the shop and staff in tip top condition .

Interesting fact:

Name: Barry

Job Title: Shop Dog

Saddle Safari Staff Since: 2012

Rides: Running beside Andy's trike

Lives: Marlow

Info: Although Barry has a very limited knowledge when it comes to bikes, he more than makes up for it by sniffing random objects. He can often be found lounging in the sunny spot by the shop door or wandering about looking for affection from whomever is closest

Interesting fact: Barry is a bit of a Casanova when it comes to furniture, cushions and peoples shins!!!

Name: Ben Drew

Job Title: Workshop Manager

Saddle Safari Staff Since: February 2013

Rides: Jawbone 24” jump bike, 1950 Dawes Aristocrat fixie/single speed

Lives: Bracknell

Info: As a highly skilled cycle mechanic, Ben was previously an instructor at the Cycle Systems Academy in London. Whilst there, he trained many other cycle mechanics from all over the UK. Behind his laid-back image Ben is an extremely professional individual, with an eye for detail. Outside of riding he enjoys Snow Boarding and is also a keen Drummer/singer.

Interesting fact: Ben is the founder of the Mountain Mulisha MTB Club. He previously set-up and ran his own successful bike shop in the south of England.

Name: Matt Langridge

Job Title: Sales

Saddle Safari Staff Since: January 2013 part time, June 2017 full time

Rides: Willer Izoard XP road bike, Trek Stache 29'r hard tail MTB

Lives: Marlow

Info: Matt is one of the most genuine people you’ll meet and when talking to him it’s evident just how much he loves cycling. With an addiction for self punishment, he regularly attacks the infamous Winter Hill. Rather than climb to the top and continue with his ride Matt prefers instead to head back to the bottom and tackle it another 6 times! This often takes place before most of us have managed to get out of bed!

Interesting fact: In his previous career Matt was a member of the Thames Valley Police. Along with a number of other interesting roles, he was one of only a small number of officers to be qualified in bicycle self defence. In short, he’s like Bruce Lee on wheels!

Name: Alex Jarvis

Job Title: Sales/ Workshop

Saddle Safari Staff Since: March 2017

Rides: Custom Trek Ticket DJ, Trek Remedy 9 Custom Build

Lives: Marlow

Info: Alex joined us in March 2017 after leaving college. Interested in bikes for the last ten years, he is a keen mountain biker and a king at wheelies!

Interesting fact: Alex can do a wheelie with no front wheel.

Name: Michael McGrath

Job Title: Senior Mechanic

Saddle Safari Staff Since: 1997

Rides: Trek Fuel 100 with Alfina 8speed hub (MTB), Genesis Altitude (MTB)

Lives: Lane End

Info: Michael came to work at Saddle Safari on Election Day 1997. He has a wealth of experience with bike tinkering and has been building his own bikes since he was a boy. He has a good historical knowledge of all types of bikes and is abnormally fast when riding downhill!

Interesting fact: Mike is somehow able to repair almost anything be it bike or non-bike related

Name: Sam Sharp

Job Title: Part Time Weekend Staff

Saddle Safari Staff Since: September 2017

Rides: Giant Defy (road) Trek Dual Sport 2 (hybrid)

Lives: Marlow

Info: Always has a smile on his face

Interesting fact: Sam is currently studying in sixth form with the ambition to get into the medical profession.

Name: Charlie Mactear

Job Title: Part Time Weekend Staff

Saddle Safari Staff Since: March 2018

Rides: Argon 18 Custom TT Bike, Hardtail MTB

Lives: Marlow

Info: Charlie has been with High Wycombe riders for the past couple of months but previously with Marlow Riders for 2 years, so is no stranger to road bikes

Interesting fact: Charlie is choosing his university on the calibre of its cycle club!

Name: Toby Hill

Job Title: Part Time Weekend Staff

Saddle Safari Staff Since: August 2018

Rides: 2019 Trek Roscoe 8

Lives: Marlow

Info: Toby is currently studying creative media productions at Henley College.

Interesting fact: Has kissed a sea lion whilst on holiday

Name: Charlie Higgins

Job Title: Workshop Assistant

Saddle Safari Staff Since: April 2019

Rides: Boardman MTB

Lives: Cookham

Info: Charlie is our newest member to the Saddle Safari team, previous to this he was running the Maidenhead Cycle Hub charity as the workshop manager.

Interesting fact: Charlie can rebuild a motorcycle from the ground up and has done many a time.