We are branding this event ‘Self Supported with benefits’ as it really does not conform to any current event format.
The event focuses on the growing trend in rackless touring, but with a unique twist.
From a single start point, each rider will visit a series of checkpoints throughout the day. How they get between the checkpoints will be dependent on their rate of progress and the style of riding they choose. From ‘adventure roads’ to mountain bike trails, there are up to 3 route options at every checkpoint and your arrival time will determine which route options are open to you.
Simply the faster you are, the further you ultimately ride… or as we like to view it, the more sociable you are the shorter the distance to the comfort of camp.
Oh and you won’t know the routes until you get to the checkpoint and you won’t know your ultimate destination until you get there … fun? We think so.
Some will ride 80+ miles, some won’t reach 50 miles, but all will arrive to hot food, a comfortable camp and a complimentary beer (don’t worry, there’s Gin and Tonics and soft drinks too). The overnight gives an opportunity to relive the day with friends old and new. There will also be some inspirational adventures to be told by some brand ambassadors.
The Distance Lake District, is presented by Deuter and Sea to Summit. With support from Dolan, Rawvelo, GRVL, Spookton Hutchinson's.
The Distance will require riders to travel a combination of on and off road routes, in a self supported manner.
All riders start together along a set route to the first checkpoint.
At each checkpoint, the next section of route will be unveiled. This will be a printed map and GPX. Riders won’t be told which route they are following – just how far to the next checkpoint. The faster they go the further they will ride.
Along the way, a brevet card will be completed and they will be encouraged to note key points of interest – proof (if needed) that they have travelled that route.
The end goal is an overnight camp … pack your sleeping bag and shelter.
The following day all riders will follow a single, much shorter route back to the start.
The event HQ is in South Lake District. The Address/ location will be emailed to all entrants one month before the event.
Facilities:
Entry includes;
The required kit is the minimum that must be carried.
The Distance is a time limited adventure. We will aim to keep you riding for 8 hours or so –just long enough to earn dinner. The distance you travel will be determined by your enthusiasm to cover the miles.
The weather conditions can be variable and navigation is your responsibility. To ensure the safety of all participants a strict set of cut off times will be in place for each checkpoint, after which shorter route options will be given. We reserve the right to vary these cut off times based upon weather conditions and other adverse influencing factors.
If the rider, for whatever reason, cannot continue they MUST contact event staff on the numbers provided on the route map and brevet card. In a non-emergency, we will do what we can to assist, but you will have ensured you have sufficient equipment and supplies to spend the night outdoors.
The location of the overnight camp will not be communicated to riders in advance of the start. At the overnight there will be:
In an effort to ensure every rider is well informed please review the detailed rider briefing which will be emailed to all riders 1 month before the event (please check the email address used for your entry profile).
This presentation should be viewed prior to sign on. However, we will make an effort to present this information at the Event HQ.
Please email us at [email protected] should you have a query regarding your entry.
The Distance is a self supported ride (the benefits are earned at the overnight). There will be no feed stations, but the route is planned to pass ‘re-supply/re-fuel’ opportunities.
Marshals will have emergency supplies and some mechanical support.
The event will have a starting window from 8am to 9am. Riders can choose to start any time within this hour, but must have already registered to ride and be at the start line 20 minutes early for a final rider briefing and updates to the event.
In association with:
