Biking Bonanza – Cycling Events 2024

There is so much to offer cyclists in the South of Scotland. This year sees the spring launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C South of Scotland cycling route, which came out in digital versions last year to much acclaim. The Gralloch, a world class gravel event returns this May to Gatehouse of Fleet after a huge success and much news coverage last year. And there are plenty of rides for those wanting to push themselves or just have fun. Whether you want to take part, go along for the atmosphere, or just experience a day out in the fresh air with some exciting rides taking place in front of you, the South of Scotland is the place to be. Cycling Starts Here!

Kirkpatrick C2C, South of Scotland’s Coast to Coast

The official launch of the Kirkpatrick C2C road cycle route is set for spring, but you can already find ideas on how to enjoy the route at your own pace with our suggested itineraries. If you want to test your cycling mettle, you might like to try our Challenge itinerary, completing the 250 mile route in just four days! But why rush? There is so much to discover along the way, why not try our Explorer itinerary which takes eight days. Or if you’re a bit short of time, or simply want to dip your toe, then try our Bitesize itineraries which let you tailor the route to suit you!

In addition there are spur routes that can be added on for more of a challenge. The route will start in the southwestern town Stranraer, and head all the way to Eyemouth on Scotland’s east coast. Are you ready to tackle the 250 mile-long route?

Muck N’ Mac Fest

Where: Traquair House

Kicking off the season is the festival with the best name, the Muck N’ Mac Fest. What, you may wonder, is this? It’s a weekend of Gravel Riding, live music, beer, yoga and family friendly activities. Staged for the second time at Traquair House – Scotland’s oldest inhabited house, which happens to be located next to the finest gravel trails the Tweed Valley has to offer!

It’s still an odd name, what does it mean? The Muck stands for the mucky, gritty, gravelly roads while Mac accounts for the Tarmac sections of the routes. It’s about 65% Muck and 35% Mac, so you get a bit of everything on these courses.

Once the riding is done there is live music entertainment in the evening and if your friends or family want something other than cycling there is a variety of activities on offer including yoga classes.

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The Gralloch

Where: Gatehouse of Fleet

The Gralloch launched last year and it remains the only top level international gravel cycle race in Scotland. And, as part of the TREK UCI Gravel World Series, The Gralloch is also a qualifying event for the World Gravel Championships. Riders will tackle a hilly 110km (68 mile) route through the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, racing in age and gender groups with the fastest 25% in each group qualifying for the Worlds. This event will add to the growing cycling buzz around Gatehouse of Fleet and will attract a huge variety of cyclists, from keen amateurs all the way through to professionals, all experiencing the beauty and wilderness of the Scottish countryside.

Scott Frontier 300

Where: Colvend to Borders coast

The Scott Frontier 300 is a coast to coast cycle ride that starts at Colvend and is all about the voyage. The route takes you through the captivating landscapes of the old Border Marches, immersing you in the essence of the journey itself. The destination is not merely a point on the map, but a beachside haven offering warm hospitality, delicious food, and a fireside welcome. This year there is the option of a two-day ride as well with the same start, route and finish and one big party for all!

E24 TweedLove Electric Weekend

Where: Innerleithen

The E24 TweedLove Electric Weekend is a fabulous two-day adventure, designed specifically and exclusively for eMTB riders. After a successful launch event last year, E24 offers different race stages on both days and after a big day in the hills, you and your friends can enjoy the buzzing event village with food stalls, bar, outdoor cinema & DJ. Expect twists, turns and stunning scenery at Tweedlove this spring.

TweedLove Bike Festival

Where: Peebles

The TweedLove Bike Festival grows year on year. It is a huge celebration of riding bikes, for every kind of rider. Each year the festival brings thousands of bike fans to the Tweed Valley for a weekend of fantastic riding and good times – both on and off the bike. In amongst this will be the TweedLove Enduro Series The International Race and on Sunday, Love Touro, a one-of version of the Tour o the Borders (see below). There are bikes, kit, riding and racing plus great food & drink, free movies and DJs all weekend – what more could you want from a celebration of cycling?

Love Touro 2024

Where: Peebles

The Orbea LoveTouro supported by Cycle Law Scotland is being incorporated into the Tweedlove Festival in June this year. The LoveTouro will be an open road event in the same place the Tour o the Borders closed road race has been for years, but with a huge bike festival as part of the fun.

The aim is to keep the spirit of Tour o the Borders alive with this one-off special edition, with smiles for miles on idyllic quiet roads with the friendliest bunch of riders you’ll ever meet. There should be plenty of familiarity for Touro veterans, but with different course lengths of approximately 70km and 100km, it’s a great chance for first time sportive riders too.

Scottish National Road Race

Where: Newton Stewart

The Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club are proud to be hosting the Scottish National Road Race Championships for Senior Open and Senior & Junior Female riders in Newton Stewart. This will see the fastest road racers from all over Scotland descend on the town to battle out for podium positions on the 4th August. The Hillbillies have a fantastic course with some punchy climbs, winding roads and fast descents that really showcases what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer. It will be a great day out with plenty of racing so why not come along and cheer the racers on!

Galloway ReCycle Sportive

Where: Kirkcudbright

This volunteer-run fundraising cycling event aims to raise money for charities and offers cyclists the chance to hone their racing skills. Starting and finishing in Kirkcudbright, three amazing routes (30 miles, 67 miles and 80 miles) cater for different levels of fitness and stamina. All routes take riders through a variety of quiet, beautiful scenery along the coast, beside lochs, through woodland and up and down some fantastic hills. And there are the necessary ammenities on hand on all routes – so why don’t you challenge yourself to take part and raise money for a good cause this summer?

Glentress Weekender

Where: Peebles

The Tweed Valley’s classic Cross Country Endurance Race is back and it’s going to look a bit different. The race will have a new course with new trails and an event village and transition area at the start/finish line of the UCI Cycling World Championships from last year. Ride solo or in teams of two or three – the most laps in seven hours wins. Simple! The second day of the weekend will launch a brand new event called the Hope Enjoyro EVO presented by Ridelines. This intermediate level enduro will provide the perfect progression from the beginner’s enduro event Enjoyro which takes place during the Tweedlove weekend in June. It’s suitable for riders who want to race an enduro, but don’t wish to take on those full technical and physical demands.

Raiders Gravel

Where: Gatehouse of Fleet

From the word gravel you can probably guess what this one is all about. Indeed, the Raiders Gravel is a Scottish gravel adventure ride, held over four days in the heart of the Galloway Forest Park in south west Scotland.

Over three stunning routes riders will explore the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere, witnessing its stunning beauty and wildlife. Accompanying the competition is a festival with an expo mixing global partners with local businesses showing their wares. Each evening, events including presentations and talks, musicians, poets and dancers will add a truly local taste of Scottish culture.

This competition sets out a mix of adventure, exertion, culture and relaxation making for an unforgettable cycling event in one of Scotland’s most beautiful areas.

Cross Border Sportive

Where: Lanercross Priory

Fancy trying your first cycle event? Then consider signing up for the Cross Border Sportive set to take place on 1st September. Early bird sign ups until the end of May qualify for a discount. You’ll start out from Lanercross Priory and have a choice of three routes of differing abilities on quiet roads. First time? Then the Recce is for you – a 30 mile route with a 600m ascent, complete with snack stop! The pressure is off here, ride with friends, enjoy the countryside and have a natter! Or perhaps you’ve done a few and want more of a challenge? Then the 50 mile Raid route should be on your agenda. This ascent of 1100m will take you along sections of Hadrian’s Wall and along the quiet roads of the Borders river country. The hardened cyclists among you will be hankering to try the 80 mile, 2000m Invasion route. Not for the faint of heart, but definitely rewarding at the finish line.