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A self-supported bikepacking odyssey spanning the length of Great Britain
Wheelbase team photographer Dan Monaghan (Cadence Images) has been following the progress of Lachlan Morton, EF Pro Cycling rider and current race leader. Morton is closing in on the second checkpoint of the 2,000km route which started from Lands End and finishes at John o’ Groats in the north west of Scotland. Dan has followed the Australian pro rider through the heart of the Welsh mountains over a mix of gravel roads, tarmac and singletrack. Morton is riding the brand-new Cannondale Topstone Carbon, kitted out with full bikepacking equipment from Rapha.
GBDURO is a new event for 2019 and the devised route aims to ‘link Britain’s wild places with its rich industrial past’. The ride consists of 4 timed stages and the rider who finishes with the lowest aggregate time is crowned the winner. Although there is no actual prize awarded. The event combines hard riding and community, challenging riders to find their limits in some of Britain’s most remote and beautiful places.
During the second stage riders will pass through landscapes and ride along roads we know well. At the time of writing Morton is currently riding through Dentdale, not too far from our Lake District store. Heading north towards Kirkby Stephen, he and the other riders will continue through the north east corner of Cumbria and up and over the famous Great Dun Fell road climb, where Dan is looking to catch up with him once again.
2019 is the inaugural edition of GBDURO. With only 30 riders taking part there are no wheels to follow so the riders will have to navigate through the dark and light on their own and fix any mechanicals. Experienced bikepackers will know how to strike the balance of travelling light and smart, only carrying what is necessary and stopping as and when they can along the way. With Lachlan Morton at the head of the race, these intrepid riders will continue into uncharted territory and no doubt share a beer and a story at the finish line.
All photos from Dan Monaghan, Cadence Images.
