Welcome to the Borderland

Borderland is a tough 160 mile loop, planned out to offer a mix of offroad and quite lanes, with a few “hills” thrown in to keep you busy. You will ride a real mix, from forest to country lane, to mountain top. It’s not flat!

This event is self supported, not a race and is designed to be ridden over 2 days, although some will look to ride through in one go I'm sure, its up to you. Its aimed at the general bikepacker as well as the guys looking for their first proper adventure. 

There are variously places to get food and refreshment on route, should you wish to camp that bits down to you.

As this event is being held in March, be prepared for all types of weather!. Bring ya wellies!

Ride Details:

• Format: a self supported bikepacking adventure over 2 days

• Start time: The ride starts at 8am on Friday 14th March 2025 from the Pelican Inn.

• The Route: 160 miles over 2 days. Starting in Gloucester, taking in the Malverns, Hereford. before heading to The Black Mountains, Symonds Yat and the Forest of Dean and back to the Pelican Inn, Gloucester.

• Entry:

  • BORDERLAND 2025 - £45 - 

• Navigation: A GPX route file will be supplied so you can navigate with your device. NO SIGNAGE ON ROUTE!

• Bike: If your bike is suitable for riding offroad over rough terrain and can carry everything you need for the weekend then that’s the bike for this event. And yes a Gravel bike will be fine if you are used to rough terrain.

• Terrain: EVERYTHING. Road, singletrack, mountain tracks and forest trails.

• Gear you must have: A reliable bike, warm clothing, a cycle helmet, 2 sets of lights, a means to carry enough water, first aid kit, phone or GPS for navigation, multitool, tool kit, puncture repair kit, tent/bivi bag/tarp. 

• Insurance: You will need your own insurance.

• Refunds: Entries can be transferred only. The cut-off for transfers is one week before the start of the event.

• All finishers get a little “surprise”.

   

Event Timetable:

• Sign on from 7.00am Friday 4th July 2025

• Rider Briefing, 8.55am

• Ride starts, 9am. Note - You have 15 minutes to leave, it’s not a race. Please make sure you leave by 9.15am.

• Event closes Saturday evening, when the pub shuts!

Start/Finish Location:

The event is based at The Pelican Inn, Gloucester.

What3Words - https://w3w.co/chew.plan.powder

To Get there:

By train: Gloucester train station is just a few minutes away

https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/gloucester/

Parking: There is some on-street parking near the pub, or you can use the local ASDA store, use this link - https://www.justpark.com/uk/parking/gloucester/s/bruton-way-gloucester-gl1-1ds/

Local campsite - https://gloucestercamping.co.uk/

Hotel with parking - Premier Inn Gloucester

The Rules:

• Be respectful to your fellow riders and members of the public.

• Do not litter, drop gel rappers or anything else. Leave no trace, even when riding.

• Wear a proper cycle helmet.

• You must have working lights on your bike. This event is before the clocks go forward so longer nights.

• You must contact us if you wish to withdraw from the event. We do not want to be hunting for you for days. Our contact details will be supplied at sign on.

• If you are injured your first contact should be the suitable medical service, not us. It just slows things up. This also applies should you find somebody in need of assistance.

• No Electric bicycles/E-bikes. It really complicates things should you have power issues. Very sorry.

IMPORTANT PLEASE READ:

• By entering this event you are aware that the route is offroad and contains rough downhill sections, some road crossings and is a distance of 160 miles.

• You understand that you and you only are responsible for yourself and your bike for the duration of the event.

• You understand that you are responsible for the clothing you wear, your helmet being attached and fastened correctly.

• You are responsible for the condition of your bicycle and equipment.

• You agree that the event organiser is not liable for any injury you may suffer due to taking part in the event.

• You agree that by entering the event you accept full personal responsibility for your actions.

• You understand that you are responsible for navigating yourself via the GPX route file supplied via your navigation device, the device chosen is your choice.