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Starting to think about an event (or events) to sign up for in 2026 but struggling to find any that particularly appeal. It needs to be challenging as the whole point (for me) of signing up for an event is to keep me motivated for training during the cold winter months. In the past I've done various road sportives, enduro races and MTB non-race events, and most recently gravel races/sportives. There's plenty of events to choose from, but I have quite a specific set of criteria so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated:
- Must be challenging - it needs to be something I'd struggle to do without training in order to keep me motivated to train/ride
- Ideally in June / July - any earlier doesn't give me enough time to get any gravel miles in beforehand (the clay mud around Cambridgeshire makes offroad impossible until we've had a significant dry period), later interferes with holiday plans.
- Suits solo riding or riding in small groups - I'm not a fan of riding in a pack, especially off road. It's not that I can't do it, but I find it stressful and I'd far rather not. My ideal event would be a long distance gravel time trial, but those don't really exist. So a course that results in people being split up early on is ideal.
- Not too big - for the same reasons as point 3, and because I'm an autistic weirdo who doesn't like really big events and crowds of people.
- Has technical sections - not interested in endless fire roads. Long sections of those are fine but I want something to keep it interesting and fun.
Last year I did the Grand Old Dukes event in Aberfoyle. This was pretty much perfect for me. Early climbs meant the pack split up almost immediately (plus I entered the race category as so was dropped fairly quickly by the fast guys), there was a great mix of terrain, and it was a really tough ride. In the absence of other options I'll sign up for this again, but ideally I'd like to do something different and use it as an opportunity to ride somewhere new.
I also did the Glorious Gravel Double Centurion in Salisbury. This was not what I was looking for - the 200km course was physically challenging (especially in the 30+ degrees heat), but I found the course boring and lacking much in the way of technical terrain. I also found myself in fairly large groups of riders at times that I was happy to drop or be dropped by.
So, what suggestions have you got? Maybe I should just accept that I'm a miserable git that should ride on his own and just set myself a personal challenge, but there's something about a proper event that motivates me slightly more.
Frontier 300?
I'd second the Frontier 300. Great route, well run, not a huge event but very friendly. With 4500m + of climbing you will need to train. Not much in the way of technical riding but some proper remote terrain on road and off. Groups break down quickly once you get to the first real gravel section. Probably the best event I've ever done.
The North Yorks Moors 300 would fit the bill, but unsure whether it'll be running next year as Stu Rider, the organiser, has moved from Red Sky Bikes in Thirsk to West Yorkshire.
But, if it IS on, it'd fit the bill.
It's more an ITT, but with around 20-30 other people setting off at the same time.
I did it last year - it's definitely tough! Lots of it is gravel - bike suitable, but NYM gravel can be pretty chunky! There's a few nice/challenging bits of singletrack too, plus some hike-a-bike. I did it on a rigid Ti HT with fast 2.2/2.3 tyres, but wish I'd had a suspension fork. I'd personally not choose my gravel bike as you'd be battered by the end of it. It is (or was) held at the start of July.
The other event I'm eyeing up for next year is Richard Rothwell's "The Land Between". 500km up in Northumbria. Apparently much more gravel-bike friendly, still small-scale (80-100 riders maybe?). But, it's usually over the August BH weekend, so that may not suit your plans.
"Grand Old Dukes event in Aberfoyle"
Was going to be my suggestion
Frontier 300 again, although I think its in late may next year.
I also really enjoyed the Stone circle. Both probably aren't techy enough for you.
If you really aren't keen on crowds, why not just commit to doing your own big ride? Have a look at https://fastestknowntimes.org.uk/fastestknowntimes/ for inspiration.
Fastest Known Times is a good shout, I'm keen to try the Tour of the Cairngorms and the Fife Coastal Path (on different weekends 😎) next summer.
I'll be doing Grand Old Dukes again just because I DNFed this year ☹️
There's a Glorious Gravel event I think called Wild GOAT which us basically a longer sportive version of the Gralloch which also appeals to me.
Liking the sound of Frontier 300 though!
Gravel Rocks near Helmsley - no idea of the formats etc but heard its good.
Frontier 300 does sound good but I’ve always been put off by the logistics of end-to-end rides. Definitely worth considering though.
Muc and Mackfest has a 200km option next year.
Starting at Traquair House , Tweed Valley.
I did Frontier 300 in 2023. Had a cracking day out. Having to box up your bike is a bit of a pain, but once I parked up at Duridge on the Friday, the organisers handled all the logistics of getting me to Rockcliffe and getting my tent back well ahead of me.
Look at the racing collective
i thought the Oxduro event had a great route. Varied and with some challenges
It might be too easy for you but they have harder events
Shout out for the Moray Raid
For roadie stuff, have a look at the Audax-UK calendar, although you'll probably have to wait for March-ish before a lot of them appear. There's a very different feel to sportives though, much more like a large clubrun, except if you're dropped you're dropped.
https://www.sundaycreekclassic.cc/
I doubt this would feel too busy for you. Logistics might be awkward though.