Bikepacking as a cycling discipline is growing and growing, and with that expansion the list of events is becoming as long and varied as the road to freedom itself. To help navigate the global calendar, here is a curated selection of the ‘must-do’ bikepacking events.
The Bikepacking Guide : The Must-Do List of Events
1
The Atlas Mountain Race, Morocco, February
followers of Café du Cycliste will know we have a real love affair with Morocco. Beautiful gravel roads, the heat of Northern Africa, the height of the Atlas. Organised by the same people behind the Silk Road Mountain Race, it may seem like a bit of jaunt to get there, but the first edition looked like a hoot.
2
The Tuscany Trail, Italy, May
surely one of the most attractive names on the calendar, there is more than just Strade Bianche to this event. One of the more relaxed ones, with no time limit but the terrain is not to be underestimated.
3
The Highland Trail 550, Scotland, May
speak with any native Scottish person and they’ll wax lyrical about the beauty of the Highlands. Pretty yes, but also brutal. Technical trails, Scottish weather and ‘the midges’….
4
The TransAtlantic Way, Ireland, June
the green green grass of Ireland. With the next stop west being America, there’s a lot of sea to make weather systems - you should expect four seasons in one day of riding. The western coast of Ireland is wilder and parts of it are stuck in a previous era. Hard riding despite the lack of high mountains.
5
The TransAtlantic Way, Ireland, June
the green green grass of Ireland. With the next stop west being America, there’s a lot of sea to make weather systems - you should expect four seasons in one day of riding. The western coast of Ireland is wilder and parts of it are stuck in a previous era. Hard riding despite the lack of high mountains.
6
The Tour Divide, America, June
one of the original routes and ‘races’. It follows the Great Divide Mountainbike Route which traces America’s Continental Divide from Banff, Canada to New Mexico on the US - Mexico border. The Tour Divide is a true off-road adventure (a trend that is growing in the bike packing world). Plan for endless plains and deserts, a lack of water, bears, several high mountain passes, the full spectrum of weather possiblities, very little sleep, and a huge feast at the end.
7
The TCR, Europe, July
is best known of the modern-day bikepacking races. Most bikepackers have done or are planning to do it. Such is its lure, it’s literally a lottery to gain your first entry. Plan for major roads, petrol stations, several high mountain passes, very little sleep, and a big party at the end. And no matter how good your preparation might have been, remain humble and respectful before actually crossing the start line and discovering the reality of the challenges this race presents.
8
North Cape 4000, Europe, July
if you are seeking an alternative to the TCR, North Cape 4000 could be for you. Sophie Gateau preferred to ride past reindeer instead of rabid dogs and didn’t regret it, despite some cold nights.
9
The Silk Road Mountain Race, August
maybe one of the biggest challenges in modern-day bike packing. James Hayden described it to us as an expedition not a bike ride. Elevation above 4,000m with the meteorological implications, lack of civilisation and rough tracks that go with such heights. One to build up to.
10
Torino-Nice Rally
the most relaxed and free-spirited of the events listed here. The only rule is ‘don’t be a d*ck’. It’s popularity has lead to a post-card entry lottery. That gives you a indication of the culture of the event. And we can vouch for the route being mind-blowingly stunning.