Last weekend was the second time I've done the Frontier 300, a 300km ride from Rockliffe on the Galloway coast to Druridge bay on the Northumberland coast. 300km of mixed terrain (roughly 50% gravel, 50% road) with a lot of hills, four feed stations, and one hike-a-bike. Sadly I don't have any pics to go with this write up, but I wanted to put some thoughts down as, IMO, it's a fantastic event. A long read, but maybe anyone considering doing this in the future will benefit!
Given the forecast on Friday, I was expecting to start in heavy rain and be rained on for most of the day. I'd put a complete change of clothes in my drop bag for feed 3 (180ish km) and committed to wearing my wet weather gear: heavy duty waterproof with LS baselayer, 3/4 tights and toe covers. Enough to stay warm even if soaked. But in the end the first 4 or 5 hours were really quite nice - dry and calm.
The muted start at Rockliffe is a little odd as everyone is quiet so as not to disturb nearby residents (it being 4am). Without any fanfare, we were away. The first stage to Ae forest is relatively straight forward, though still has a few climbs, especially through Mabie forest, to get your legs going. At that point, there's still a lot of people around with fresh legs which leads to a fast pace through the bike paths of Dumfries and over the hill to Ae. Faster than I should’ve been going to be honest! The lack of wind meant the midges were out in force at Ae so I stopped only to refill a bottle then got going again.
Was thinking I had miscalculated my kit choice as there still hadn't been any rain as I climbed alone through Ae. But the cloud was coming in and leant an eerie atmosphere while passing the many wind turbines. I punctured in Ae the last time I did the Frontier so was careful on the descents this time. It’s quite a nice route through the forest, and pops out onto a small fast road down towards Beattock. I latched on to a wee group of five here as we started the biggest climb of the day over to Eskdalemuir.
The first part is all rideable, though certainly not an easy climb. But then comes the hike-a-bike. And with it, the rain. Was feeling quite good all things considered so I got my head down and started pushing. 20 mins of solid effort on an awkward wee path, but the rain eased up by the top. It’s another km of uphill riding to reach the main summit which after the steep push feels like an effort. Fortunately, the 10km or so down to Eskdalemuir is fast and flowy. Feels good to make some decent progress.
The feed was sponsored by RawVelo so I restocked a couple of gels (passionfruit for the win). And the coffee followed by salted potatoes absolutely hit the spot and I had to restrain myself from gorging. The next section is a big chunk of (very nice and quiet) road. Last time out, I'd suffered here on the rolling terrain, but felt much stronger this time. Rode the entire way with new pal A while the rain came and went. The climb out of Langholm is a tough one, but I knew what to expect and it passed relatively pain free. Some decent views but no wild goats today. A fast spin down to Newcastleton and we started the trek across the border to Kielder.
Joined up with another couple of folk for this section. Had a moment near the border where my legs were going a bit. Forced down a bar and some more drink and came good again for the run in to Kielder. Had barely arrived and my bike was whisked away by the Fenwicks team for a wash and lube (excellent job - thanks!). Soup and sandwiches were the order of the day - nice to get something savoury. My wife met me there so I had a good half hour break to re-charge, put some juice in my bottles, some juice in my GPS, and enjoy the dry weather.
I wasn't too wet so didn't bother changing, and I still suspected more rain was on the way. Felt fine heading down the north-east side of Kielder but crossing over the dam I hit a bit of a wall. And then the rain really started. Hadn't done this section before and the relentless climbs, desolate views and pelting rain had me cursing. I'd been alone since the feed station and despite seeing a couple people up ahead, couldn't close the gap. On a ride this long, there are always going to be low points. Tried to channel some perspective and patience – it's too easy to get sucked down into a black hole of despair when in reality, a bit of food and downhill make everything better. Lo and behold, I made it out onto a wee road into Bellingham as the rain eased up. More food and drink and my legs started to come back. Suddenly I was flying towards the fourth and final feed station.
A smashing cup of tea and refuel before I headed out alone again towards Harwood forest. Some decent climbs on the way there, and it's a tricky section at this stage of the day - more climbing than you think. The accumulated fatigue at this point meant I was very keen to be done with the tough terrain. Was a relief to make it to the high point and get a glimpse of the coast.
The wee roads that make the last 35km are quite nice, but it certainly isn't all downhill. Plenty of kickers and my legs did not have much more to give. Caught up and rode the last 20km with A again, still getting the odd shower but with the end in sight. Lots of twists, turns and a final blast along the coastal path and a cheer across the finish line.
15 hours and 22 minutes after leaving Rockliffe. 298km by my computer, 4,500m+ climbing. 15th place out of 60 or so. I slumped in a deckchair by the fire and ate a great burger before crawling into my tent. Breakfast the next morning was fun, catching up with other riders and hearing tales from the road from the organiser.
Some points to note:
- I knocked over 2 hours off my time since doing this event 2 years ago (and generally felt much stronger all round) so was pretty chuffed. First rider home just under 11 hours(!) and final rider a little under 24 hours.
- Organisation, feed stations, supporting brands, catering, etc, is top notch. Really couldn't ask for much more.
- Training consisted of lots of long road rides (typically 70-100 miles) from Jan to April, then a few weeks of gravelling with lots of climbing (around 1,500m to 2,000m per ride) and seemed to work quite well. I'm not particularly fast, but I felt pretty strong generally.
- I don't exactly like riding in a waterproof jacket, but while a lot of folk were constantly putting one on or taking it off, I rode the entire day in the same kit and was fairly comfortable. Endura waterproof softshell - more comfy than a normal shell jacket, very breathable and easy-to-use pit zips, and three back pockets - recommended.
- Used Specialized Tracer TLR tyres on my Camino (50mm). Brilliant all rounders. Enough grip but not draggy, felt quick on the road too. Also recommended.
- This is such a good event for pushing yourself. You see bikepacking events and feats of endurance all the time, and this is a great option for anyone who wants to increase their distance, but with plenty of support. Lots of camaraderie on the road, great feed stops, tracking for supporters, and an epic route (and a two-day option is also available). Stick it in your calendars for next year!
Great write up and good effort! 👍
Have you done rides this length before? Am building up to 200km over similar terrain but 300km still seems too big a jump 😂
It's good being able to recognise that the low points come and go, I hit one on my last big(ish...) ride and panicked but rode through it.
What was your moving time?
Thanks! Prior to my first go at the Frontier, my longest ride was the Fred Whitton at 180ish km. Not sure if there's an ideal way to train for such a big distance. I tried to do one long ride a week through the year and 1 or 2 smaller rides during the week. Getting in plenty climbing is key though - there aren't many easy parts on this route.
If mixed terrain like this sounds good, the 2-day version of the Frontier might be up your street. To Kielder on day one with a camp, then the remainder on day 2 (which is when the 1-day riders start). But honestly, I think if you can be relatively comfortable on the bike for 6 or 7 hours, keep on top of your fuelling and not lose the head(!), it's just a case of keeping on.
Previously I've been quite bad mentally when things get tough. Legs feel bad, moving slowly, why am I doing this, this is poop, etc. I've been making an effort to think positive and stay calm and sort myself out.
Moving time was a smidge over 14 hours (21.2km/h average).
Moving time was a smidge over 14 hours (21.2km/h average)
Great effort, I'd be delighted to average that over the GOD this weekend (175km, 3500m) but I'm realising I just haven't done enough climbing this year, think it's going to hurt!
That'll be a big day out! You know it'll hurt, but if you're prepared for that, it won't be so bad. Eat and drink plenty. Sodium tablets are handy if you're prone to cramp. Try to ride with someone else for a chat. Just keep going! And good luck.
Good effort.
I'm currently training for the Great North Trail. No huge days, but a few bigger ones on a laden mountain bike.
I'm starting to realise that half the battle for endurance is having a well fitted bike and eating and drinking. Then you just keep pedalling.
I did it in 2022 - the first "public" year. Yep, great day out. We had a howling tailwind for the majority of the way, which meant I was way faster than expected and could never do the event again, as I'd be slower!
Very well organised and decent foodstations. The fresh coffee at FS 2 was *exactly* what I needed, and I remember Bry's soup at Kielder too. "Food in, miles out" was the mantra. Forcing myself to eat something on the hour, every hour.
I remember the brilliant road descent into Newcastleton, the never ending climb over to Kielder (rode all of it but it was a close thing); hating the Wark Forest bit after Kielder Resevoir as it was so boring; then seeing the sea shortly after Winter's Gibbet, thinking I was nearly there and then it taking forever to actually finish! The hike-a-bike was pretty mundane by MTB standards, don't actually remember having to carry at all.
Super read, I'm from Dalbeattie originally done lots of orienteering in ae forest as well in my younger years. Been looking at a few events that go on up there like the gralloch as well, but I don't have a gravel bike. Looking at these long range races maybe I should get one.
Have you got the gpx files for the event at all?
Thanks
Most people I spoke to during the event felt the same about food - just keep trying to get enough in. Which is hard when you're craving something that isn't a bar/gel, but if you eat enough, just need to keep pedalling.
Route is available on Ride With GPS.