Set deep in North Yorkshire's most testing landscape, Struggle Borderlands promises to test the hardiest of cyclists over two days of beautiful but brutal terrain. 

Borderlands is the newest event from Yorkshire cycling events company Struggle Events. As the team behind the notorious Struggle Dales and Struggle Moors sportives, they are experts in curating challenging rides in God's Own County.

Borderlands sees the Struggle team venture off-piste in search of even tougher challenges amid Yorkshire's network of gravel trails.

The debut edition of Struggle Borderlands takes place on the weekend of 2-3 September 2023, with a road route on the Saturday followed by a gravel ride on the Sunday.

On Saturday 2nd September riders will take on 100 miles over bucket-list climb including Buttertubs Pass and Kidstones Pass (as seen in the 2014 Tour de France Grand Depart).

The route navigates the tough terrain surrounding the Yorkshire Three Peaks and features other epic climbs like Fleet Moss and Grinton Moor, which featured in the 2019 Road World Championships.

For newer riders, there's a 100km option that still takes in the main bucket-list ascents.

On Sunday 3rd September is Borderlands Gravel, a 100km off-road route that's no bimble around bridleways. Borderlands takes riders over pedal-grinding climbs such as Oxnop Scar, Apedale Head, Great Pinseat and more.

 

"The route is amazing," says Struggle Events Director Matt Mannakee said.

"Stoney shooting tracks guide you over rocky moonscapes and dip you down through abandoned mines. The landscape is worth the hard work, with 360 degree views on top of the moorland.

"The area is a playground for epic MTB riding. Borderlands treats riders to some of this awesome terrain, still unchartered by a gravel bike."

Riders will have the chance to pitch up for the weekend at the start venue, Dales Bike Centre in Reeth, and max-out the weekend by choosing to ride both events. With 100km and 100 mile road options and 50km and 100km gravel options, riders of all abilities can enjoy the weekend amid some of the UK's most rugged and spectacular scenery.

Entries for Struggle Borderlands open on 1 April at 12 noon. Riders can pre-register now at www.ridethestruggle.com.

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