BIKE THE BORDERS
Entries Now Closed For 2025
Start: Edinburgh, Scotland
Finish: Windermere, England
Bike the Borders is a six-day mountain bikepacking epic running from 9–14 March 2025, designed for experienced cyclists ready to tackle Scotland's Southern Uplands, the Northern Pennines and the Lake District. Teams of two must navigate challenging terrain, carrying their own overnight supplies and collecting checkpoints en route. With distances of 80-120km (50-80 miles) per day, unpredictable weather and demanding MTB Red Routes, this event is a true test of endurance, navigation and resilience. Rest and replenishment await at stage stops, but the race to Windermere is all about strategy and grit.
Need a team?
We offer a matchmaking service for people in search of a team, drop us an email to join our list of ‘singles’ info@wild-remote.com
Step 1
Reserve Your Spot for Just £20!
Step 2
Pay Your Way!
Secure your team’s place in the event with a fully refundable £20 deposit. Don’t miss out—limited spots available!
Choose the payment plan that works best for your team:
Pay the full balance as a team.
Split the balance into 4 instalments—either as a group or individually by team members.
Step 3
£20 Deposit
– Fully Refundable!
Not ready to commit? No problem! Your deposit is fully refundable if you change your mind before the payment deadline.
Step 4
Final Payment Due One Month Before the Event
Make your final payment—either in full or in instalments—at least one month before the event to confirm your place.
Step 5
Book Now,
Pay Later!
Get your team ready for an unforgettable adventure. Reserve your spot now and sort out the details later.
The Challenge
Bike the Borders will test your endurance, technical skills and teamwork over rugged, remote terrain.
Teams of two must plan their own routes to collect checkpoints, balance speed with strategy and carry essential supplies while cycling 50-80 miles daily.
With unpredictable March weather, it’s a race against the elements as much as the clock.
Difficulty
Physical: High – demanding daily distances over six consecutive days.
Technical: High – includes challenging MTB red routes, rugged terrain and navigation.
Environmental: Unpredictable early spring weather in the UK uplands and mountains.
Event Schedule
Stage 1 Day 1-2 (9-10 Mar): Edinburgh to the Southern Scottish Uplands
Stage 2 Day 3-4 (11-12 Mar): Kielder Forest & the Northern Pennines
Stage 3 Day 5-6 (13-14 Mar): The Lake District, finishing at Windermere
Each stage includes:
Riding 80-120km (50-80 miles) to collect checkpoints.
A self-supported during each stage - but we supply the campsite mid-stage.
A Stage finish with campsite, hot food, drinks, and resupply.
The Stage cut off-time is the cumulative total of teams over the two days of each Stage.
What you need
Mountain bike with bike-packing capability.
Camping gear to carry on your bike (lightweight tent, sleeping bag, stove, etc.).
Navigation gear (compass, pens, etc.).
Emergency equipment for UK uplands (warm clothing, survival bag).
Personal first aid kit and bike repair gear.
Food and fluids for six days, split into bike carry for Stage 1 and a resupply pack to top up for Stages 2 and 3.
Personal insurance for adventure competition.
Transport to and from the finish. We suggest rail to Edinburgh and from Kendal is the easiest if you don’t have a friendly taxi available.
What we provide
An event guide and rules.
Stage route books & maps.
Electronic checkpoint GPS tagging.
Finishers medal & WR Cap.
A campsite mid-stage - self supported.
Campsite with hot drinks and food at the end of each Stage.
Carriage of your resupply pack for top ups at the end of Stage 1 and 2.
Trophy for the winning team.
Fun prizes for 2nd, 3rd, 4th places + other categories.
Medical and support, including bike repairs and emergency transport.
Support and Safety
The event is fully audited and meets BS8848 expedition safety standards. Qualified medical staff and bike mechanics will be on standby throughout the event. Emergency transport is available if required. Teams resupply packages will be transported between stage stops to lighten the load during each stage.