Focal Events, the organiser of UK gravel events Dirty Reiver, Grinduro UK and Frontier 300, has confirmed the return of its two-day bikepacking event – The Distance.
Taking place over the weekend of May 12-14, 2023, the event will take in much of the trails and scenery that the Central Lake District has to offer in northwest England.
Often referred to as ‘backpacking with advantages’, The Distance is a two-day event that has a unique concept whereby rider routes and total distance vary according to individual travelling speed.
“In a nutshell, all riders finish in a similar time having had their own unique adventure,” explained Focal Events Director Neil Atkinson. “The Distance offers something for everyone where you can make your own challenge whilst riding in some of the most scenic spots the country has to offer.
“As ever with our events, the fun and community feel after the ride is also championed, with a party overnight allowing riders to share stories and meet friends old and new.”
The event format sees riders start from one location before riding to a series of checkpoints throughout the day using a combination of GPS and printed maps. How they get between the checkpoints will be dependent on their rate of progress and the style of riding they choose.
There are up to three route options for each checkpoint and arrival time will determine which route options are chosen. Total ride routes vary between 45km to 100km.
The Distance is positioned as an event for first time bike packers wanting to try the sport through to seasoned gravel riders.
At the end of the first day, riders are welcomed into camp with a drink and meal. They can listen to sponsor brand ambassadors and chill around a fire with a beer. The second day is a more gentle affair with all riders following a shorter, more social route back to the start.
The event was originally launched back in 2017 with three years of running before being postponed due to the pandemic. For 2023, Focal Events has announced deuter and Sea to Summit as headline sponsors, supported by Dolan Bikes, Rawvelo, Hutchinson Tires and GRVL, with Spookton providing the beer for the overnight stop.
