MTB Epics UK: Steel Ring 200 (Bikepacking) - Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire

The self-supported bikepacking version of MTB Epics UK's Steel Ring 200, on the same route as the supported event. Ride solo or as a pair, with no time limit. Starts 9.30am (TBC) on Saturday 15 May 2027, finishing Sunday 16 May.

The Steel Ring 200 is a 210 mile (338 km) off-road loop with around 16,500 feet (5,030 m) of climbing that orbits the city of Sheffield in an anti-clockwise direction. It starts in the Sherwood Forest area, heads north, turns west through Greno and Wharncliffe woods, crosses the Eastern Peaks and White Peak, uses the Derbyshire Dales, and returns east to finish near Mansfield. Expect bridleways, byways, singletrack, moorland, woodland, urban sections and some purpose-built MTB trails.

Entry is £60 per person and includes an event information pack, a Geotracks GPS tracker, a comprehensive route guide, fully detailed OS maps, GPX files, public liability insurance, and parking if required. Camping the night before (Friday) is £10 per person per night. Note the pub toilet facilities at camp are only open between 7am and 11pm.

Start/finish: Ravenshead, Nottinghamshire (what3words: coins.vanish.trails). Ample parking at the start/finish, with details to come; the organisers strongly encourage train travel or car sharing.

Bikes: a short travel mountain bike, either hardtail or full suspension, would be ideal. A gravel bike shod with the biggest possible tyres could also be suitable. Bikes need decent off-road tyres and must be in good working order. The event runs in bad weather; if sections flood, a diversion will be in force.

Entries are open on SiEntries and are limited to 75 for the supported event and 75 for the self-supported adventure. Entries close 10 days before the events start; no day entries. An XCover refund option is available at checkout.

Source: MTB Epics UK event page