Travel to the U.K. and Participate in the Ride Across Britain

Do you have a desire to visit the U.K. and experience it via bike while taking in its scenic landscape, specifically England or Scotland? If you visit on your own or book a trip with a travel company, you may only get to see the most touristy parts of the country. But what if you could ride a multi-day event that covered a huge swathe of the country?

Similar kinds of rides and events (sportives as they are sometimes called) are held in the United States. Ragbrai (ride across Iowa) and Ride Across America are two examples that come to mind. Many states feature events for cyclists.

An international cycling event, however, is more like a vacation. While participating in this sportive, you may be exposed to cyclists from all over the world and create new friendships all while taking part in a challenging experience. That’s what the U.K.’s Ride Across Britain is all about.

What is The Ride Across Britain?

The Ride Across Britain is a 9 day/ 9 stage event that began in 2009. Participants cycle from the southern part of England (Land’s End) to its northern tip at John O’Groats. The average daily mileage is 110 miles, but the actual full distance is 980 miles.

This sportive is open to groups or individual riders 18 years old and above and is held every year in the autumn. The 2024 edition of the event occurs from September 7 to September 15th. Entrants may fundraise for the event, but that isn’t necessary in order to participate in the ride.

The website states that even though each day involves high mileage and some hilly terrain, an individual can finish each day easily if they maintain at least a 10 mph. The course is open for 12 hours each day. All riders wear a chip so their time is tracked.

Costs For the Ride Across Britain Event

Because it is such a big event, and to attract as many riders as possible, the Ride Across Britain offers several options to participants. The reason for that is to satisfy not only those who want to take on the full 9 days, but it’s also for those who wish to ride a shorter version. Riders can select, for instance, a 6 day ride through England or a 3 day ride in Scotland.

Keep in mind this is a camping-oriented event. If you don’t like camping, there is an option to stay in a hotel each night but this comes with a high additional cost.

A deposit of £99.00 is required to secure a spot for the event. The full cost of the ride is £2,150.00 (that’s $2,695.62).

What’s Included in the Cost for The Event?

The event includes luggage transfer, meals, showers, and other services at the daily basecamps. The overall cost can be reduced if you do the event with a charity or corporate entry. Here’s a detailed list of what is offered at each basecamp.

• Toilets
• Showers
• Pamper area with hairdryers and mirrors
• Towels (one per person per day)
• Drying room
• Medics & Sports Therapists
• Dining Area
• Stretching Area
• Chill out space
• Charging facilities
• Bike storage (manned by our security team)
• Bike washing
• Laundry (Bath, Haydock and Edinburgh only and must be pre-booked)
• Bar

Last Thoughts

If you want to visit the U.K. and you are an in-shape, regular cyclist, then this event is perfect. You will see and experience parts of the U.K. that most tourists don’t get to see, even those booked on a trip with a bicycle travel company. How often do you get to ride across a country in an international location?

While the cost is high for this event and requires you to book a flight and bring your own bike, this is one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. Sure, visiting a country like England you can fondly look back on. But you will always remember the details of cycling across it in vivid color. This ride fills up fast every year, so if you are interested signing up at as soon as possible.