Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge 2023

A resounding success

The weather, as well as the riders, was very kind as they set out on the Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge on Saturday and there are surely few places one would rather be than in the beautiful hilly countryside just west of Oswestry when it is bathed in sunshine on what must have been, the hotted day this year, so far. 

Jonathan Jones, who organises the event for Borderland Rotary said, “It’s always quite frantic when you come to the day of the event and you wonder if anyone will actually turn up at all, but as most people register on the website, we did have a rough idea. We’ve been so lucky with the weather this year, and it’s brought lots of people out on the day. Of course, it’s not all luck and I want to thank all the farmers who let us ride over their land – it couldn’t happen without their input, and the Marshals, the caterers and Morrisons for the cakes, Valley Medical Services, Raynet comms, Grum for the photos and all the members and friends of Borderland Rotary that helped make this such a great day. But most of all, I want to thank the riders for being so generous and entering into the spirit of the event. And let’s not forget what we’re raising the money for, the Air Ambulance has been the main benefactor of the ride for many years and do a wonderful job - we never know when we may need them to come and save us. Of course, our sponsors have also played a pivotal role in the success. Aico, ever supportive, Mule Cycles’ technical help, and last but by no means least, Tim Gray from Dairi-Pak, not only company sponsorship but also personally raising more than any other rider as he rode as Tail end Charlie on his E-bike (which failed halfway round)”.  

Tim said afterwards “It ended up being far harder work than I’d planned but this event was my father, Brian’s, brainchild way back in 1994 and I hope he’s looking down on us today, feeling very proud and I, in turn, am very proud to still be able sponsor and be part of this event and to actually ride in it, now the e-bikes are available. Hopefully this will inspire others who may feel that their riding days are over to gird their loins once more, get an E-bike, and get back on the hill”.

The challenge, which starts and finishes at Rhiwlas Village Hall, takes riders 22 miles over the beautiful foothills of the Berwyn mountains and is organised by Borderland Rotary. If you want to learn more about what Borderland do, explore this website.

Before the event  -  click on Bikes-13-5-23

Borderland Mountain Bike Challenge

 A major event in the cycling calender, is run by Borderland Rotary.  The unique course covers 22 miles below the Berwyn mountains and is based on the hamlet of Rhiwlas, West of Oswestry.

22 miles is the big challenge but there is also the 6 mile Family course.  E-bikes included.

To make a donation click here

Not riding ?

There is an opportunity to take part as a Safety Marshall.  Contact Jonathan (below) well beforehand.  Friends of Borderland Rotary are always involved.