Equinox Sun Race | Unsupported Cycling Trial

All riders start in Tynemouth and must visit the mandatory checkpoints before returning to Tynemouth. The route between those points is chosen entirely by the rider, subject to the restricted roads and other route rules set out in the Rider Handbook.

No. There is no organiser GPX linking the checkpoints. Riders decide how to travel between them using publicly accessible roads that comply with the Rider Handbook.

The final 2027 checkpoint list is still being developed and is expected to contain around five mandatory locations. The confirmed checkpoint list will be issued before the trial.

The exact distance depends on the route chosen by each rider, but a typical coast-to-coast-to-coast route is expected to be approximately 450km. Route choice can increase or reduce both distance and climbing.

The trial begins at 0600H on Saturday 25 September and closes at 1800H on Sunday 26 September, giving every rider 36 hours to complete all mandatory checkpoints and return to Tynemouth.

A Trial Pass is earned by visiting every mandatory checkpoint and returning to the Tynemouth finish within the 36-hour trial window. As a core Solstice Series trial, a successful Sun Race completion counts towards the four Trial Passes required for passage to the Perseids Prime.

Inside the 36-hour trial sits a harder challenge: reach the west coast by 1800H on Saturday and return to Tynemouth before 0600H on Sunday. Doing so completes the coast-to-coast-to-coast journey within one full rotation of the Earth. Completing the 24-hour challenge is not required for a Trial Pass.

The Sun Race is shaped by the movement from day into night and back towards morning. Riders travel west through the first day, turn back east through darkness and continue towards the next sunrise. The 24-hour challenge asks whether the entire coast-to-coast-to-coast journey can be completed before the Earth has turned through one full day. The wider trial remains open for 36 hours.

You can continue. Reaching the west coast by 1800H forms part of the 24-hour challenge, but it is not required for a Trial Pass. The Trial Pass requirement is to complete all mandatory checkpoints and return to Tynemouth before 1800H on Sunday.

No. The Sun Race is unsupported. There are no organiser feed stations, following support vehicles or private support crew. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, water, sleep and onward decisions. Publicly available commercial services such as shops, cafés, hotels and petrol stations may be used.

Yes. Riders carry a Follow My Challenge tracker throughout the trial, allowing their progress to be followed from the 0600H start until the 1800H Sunday deadline.

Yes. There are three classifications: Female Solo, Male Solo and Pairs. Riders entering as a pair must remain together throughout the trial, reach each mandatory checkpoint together and finish together.

Hi-vis, a foil blanket, bike lights, a helmet and a charged mobile phone are mandatory. This is the minimum required personal safety equipment. Riders are responsible for carrying any additional clothing, food, drink, tools, navigation equipment and spares they judge necessary for a 36-hour unsupported trial. The supplied Follow My Challenge tracker is required throughout the attempt but should not be presented as part of the rider’s personal mandatory-equipment list.

Yes. All riders must hold valid third-party public liability insurance and provide proof at registration. A minimum of £1 million cover is recommended. Riders are responsible for confirming that their policy covers participation in the trial.

GPS computers, phones and paper maps may be used. Riders plan their own route between the mandatory checkpoints and are responsible for ensuring it complies with the restricted roads and other route rules in the Rider Handbook.

Any roadworthy, non-motorised bicycle may be used. Because riders choose their own route, bike choice forms part of the planning. Riders should select a setup suited to the roads and terrain they intend to use and to riding through both daylight and darkness.

Notify the organiser as soon as possible using the contact details provided at briefing. Riders who scratch are responsible for making their own safe onward arrangements and returning their Follow My Challenge tracker as instructed.

Entry fees are non-refundable unless the trial is cancelled by the organiser. If the trial is cancelled, riders will be offered a transfer to the next available trial date or a full refund. Entries are personal and non-transferable unless expressly permitted by the organiser. Full details are set out in the Terms & Conditions.