The GBDURO is a 2000 km self-supported bikepacking enduro down the length of the UK. It was created by The Racing Collective, a not-for-profit bikepacking club for self-supported racers. Under normal conditions the ride consists of 4 timed stages (500km each): the rider with the lowest aggregate time over the 4 stages 'wins' (although there are no prizes, just respect and bragging rights). Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event adapted into a fully self-sufficient, non-stop race with no checkpoints and no access to public buildings. No shops, no stocking up on supplies and no assistance whatsoever. 2020 winner Josh Ibbett shared his experience of the race with us.
“Yes, you can have a spot in GBDURO, however we are thinking of changing the race format to a non-stop race with no checkpoints. You’ll need to be fully self-sufficient with no access to any public buildings. What do you think?"
It's amazing what you can get yourself into with a short phone conversation with an event organizer – that’s pretty much how I found myself lined up for GBDuro at Land’s End, the southernmost point of the UK, with a 32.5 kg bike loaded with enough food for 8 days. 1200 miles lay between me and the finish line – John o ‘Groats in the far North of Scotland.