Take on one of the UK’s most iconic cross-country mountain biking challenges, Rat Race – The Crossing. This is a Rat Race event spanning 200 off-road miles from the Irish Sea at St. Bees to the North Sea at Scarborough, an epic ride that carves a dramatic line through three of England’s most breathtaking national parks: the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North York Moors.
For the fat-tyre brigade, this has become a bit of a UK cross-country mountain biking rite-of-passage. Get ready to tackle 200 gnarly miles over 3 days as you take on the cross-country mountain bike tracks and trails.
The cycling challenge route is pure Rat Race with loads of trails, connected by fast-flowing gravel and rural road sections, allowing you to sample some of the UK’s finest cross-country mountain biking as you ride England from coast to coast. Accommodation and all food is provided, including an ice cream at the seaside on us upon arrival in journey’s end in Scarborough! After arrival day, the riding takes place as follows:
Day 2: Friday – Lake District
- Distance: 70 miles → 112.7 km
- Ascent: 6,500 ft → 1,981 m
- Notes: Big day with the most climbing, includes hike-a-bike sections.
Day 3: Saturday – Yorkshire Dales
- Distance: 65 miles → 104.6 km
- Ascent: 4,500 ft → 1,372 m
- Notes: Easier terrain with more road sections, quicker progress.
Day 4: Sunday – North York Moors
- Distance: 61 miles → 98.2 km
- Ascent: 5,300 ft → 1,615 m
- Notes: Final push to the coast, superb trails and scenery.
All meals are included, with hearty breakfasts, pit stop snacks, and finish-line fish and chips. Accommodation is in quality hostels and B&Bs, and support includes mechanics, medics, safety staff, and expert guides.
Are your legs feeling ready? For more details and to enter Rat Race – The Crossing, click here.