Looping over the rugged Yorkshire, Borderlands Gravel is a new gravel event taking place on the 3rd of September and promises equal parts challenging climbs and 360 panoramas.
Hosted by Struggle Events who also organize the Struggle Dales and Struggle Moors, two of the hardest road sportives in the UK.
There are two fully off-road route options to choose from, covering either 100km with 1,712m of climbing, or 50km which ascends 950m. Although the routes are relatively short for a gravel event, don't expect an easy day out. The route navigates the around the same area that is famed for the Ard Rock Enduro race and scales some significant peaks including Oxnop Scar, Apedale Head, and Great Pinseat. Before lining up you will need to make sure your fitness is ready and your technical skills are sharpened in the run-up to the event.
Struggle Events Director Matt Mannakee said, “The route is amazing. Stoney shooting tracks guide you over rocky moonscapes and dips you down through abandoned mines. The landscape is worth the hard work, with 360-degree views on top of the moorland.”
If you want to make a weekend of it, you can also enter the Borderlands Road event that will take place on the Saturday. There is the option of a 174km or 100km route, but don't think they will be any easier just because they are on the road, as the longer route will notch up 3,000m of climbing. The routes include some of the hardest climbs in the UK, including Buttertubs Pass, Fleet Moss, and more.
There will be mechanical support en route courtesy of Scott Bikes and a feed station stocked with Maurten and Veloforte sports nutrition. There are tent and camper pitches available, as well as local bunkhouse options as well.
Entries cost £55 for the gravel ride, or £99 if you want to also do the Saturday road ride. If you need to stay the night, the camping pitches are charged at £20 a night with toilets and showers available.
Riders can enter now at Ridethestruggle.com.
