Self supported adventure

If you want to ride the Calder Divide Trail but can’t make the bikepacking event in September there are self-supported bikepacking rides sometimes called an ‘ITT’ - an ‘individual time trial’. It sounds like a race-oriented approach to riding but in reality most riders take on a self-supported ride that they record on their Strava or Garmin in the spirit of adventure rather than racing.

The success of the Tour Divide in the USA led to a set of rules with the desire to help create an inclusive environment. If every rider takes care of themselves and does not accept outside assistance then it makes a level playing field. There is now a commonly accepted set of rules, four of which I have copied from https://www.selfsupporteduk.net. They are;

  • Complete the entire route, under your own power

  • Be completely self-supported throughout the ride

  • Only use commercial services that are available to all challengers

  • If you have to leave the route, you must re-join it at the exactly same spot.

Connecting with other bikepackers

By undertaking your own self-supported bikepacking adventure a rider becomes connected to the cooperative format of the Calder Divide Trail Challenge as;

  • they use the same gpx files as other riders and so experience the same ‘12 valleys, 6 moors and 1 floodplain’  

  • they have access to the same public services such as shops and campsites as other riders

  • they start and finish at MYCC or any place along the route that suits their plans

  • their name and personal achievement is put up on the Calder Divide Trail website

  • entry to the self-supported ride on the Calder Divide Trail is free of charge

  • riders can choose to support the Calder Divide Trail by buying the green badge and/or map

GPX of the 150 mile 'black' grade MTB with a starting point in Mytholmroyd ---

GPX of the 150 mile 'black' grade MTB with a starting point in Mytholmroyd ---

 

San Kapil on Marsden Moor, during his and Saul’s self supported ride on the 150 mile mtb route.

Photo by Saul Muldoon

the ride is the prize

There are no race numbers and there is no reward for FKT as this is not a race. A self-supported bikepacking ride is about personal achievement and experiencing the ‘12 valleys, 6 moors and 1 floodplain’ on your own terms. We look forward to hearing from you.

Adrian Wright

Calder Divide Trail

calderdividetrail@gmail.com