The Borderlands Cycle

👏 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏⁣

⁣❌❌❌❌❌
𝐒𝐈𝐆𝐍 𝐔𝐏 𝐍𝐎𝐖⁣
𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒⁣
⁣❌❌❌❌❌

DON'T MISS OUT - limited numbers to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣

Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣⁣
🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴⁣
⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟⁣
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⁣
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⁣
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⁣
⁣⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏⁣
⁣⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

👏Get ready for the Hot & Sunny - 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏

⁣⁣
Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴
Plenty of pit stops, food stations - then relax at the famous post ride burger and beer party. 🍔🍺🍔🍺🍔
⁣⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️
⁣⁣
This years event is limited to 400 riders to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣
😃😊😃😊
⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

👏ONLY 4 WEEKS UNTIL - 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏
⁣⁣
Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴
Plenty of pit stops, food stations - then relax at the famous post ride burger and beer party. 🍔🍺🍔🍺🍔
⁣⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️
⁣⁣
This years event is limited to 400 riders to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣
😃😊😃😊
⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

The Borderlands Cycle - Buy Tickets The Borderlands Cycle is a gravel and backroads event in Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. 4 x distances - 100K, 85K, 65K and 55K.

𝐖𝐞 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐚 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐦𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐨𝐥.⁣
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Our top tips will ensure you stay comfortable even in yet another heatwave⁣
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A cycle ride in the summer is something we all look forward to, but the combination of heat and strong sun can make any ride less pleasurable. If you’re doing a longer or more demanding ride – in hills, for instance – it could result in a number of health conditions; for example, you could be affected by heat exhaustion, heatstroke, sunburn and dehydration.⁣
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧.⁣
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𝟏. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐡𝐲𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝⁣
Cycling in the heat will mean you sweat more, so you will need to drink more than normal. Don’t wait to feel thirsty to have a drink: drink water little and often throughout your ride.⁣
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You can also aid your hydration before you even start cycling by ensuring you drink sufficient water throughout the morning and even the day before. Eating a good pre-ride meal will also help.⁣
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If you’re feeling dehydrated, drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted squash or fruit juice. These are much more effective than large amounts of tea or coffee. Fizzy drinks may contain more sugar than you need, and may be harder to take in large amounts, with the carbonation making you feel bloated.⁣
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Sports drinks help replace essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium – known as electrolytes – but can be expensive. A bit of salt in some orange juice is a good DIY option.⁣
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𝟐. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐧⁣
Use a sweat- and water-resistant sunblock with a high SPF factor – it offers the best level of protection. Cyclists often forget to use sunblock on the back of their necks and ears – areas that are particularly exposed when on a bike.⁣
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If you’re not wearing gloves, the back of your hands is another area that will get a lot of sun. Don’t forget to reapply your sunblock every few hours.⁣
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Cycling UK members can claim a 25% discount on Pelotan’s high-performance sun protection.⁣
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𝟑. 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐲𝐞𝐬⁣
Sunglasses aren’t (just) about looking cool! Protect your eyes from the glare of the sun with a good-quality pair of sunglasses with 100% UV filtering lenses. This will also help prevent dust and insects from getting in your eyes and spoiling your ride. Avoid rubbing sunblock too close to your eyes as it can irritate them.⁣
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A person on a gravel bike is riding through a forest⁣
An off-road ride in a forest will provide cover from the sun. Photo: Joolze Dymond⁣
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𝟒. 𝐃𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫⁣
Wear lightweight clothes that will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat. This could be loose-fitting clothing or more technical gear with sweat-wicking properties or UV protection.⁣
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Fingerless cycling gloves can help prevent sweaty palms from slipping on the handlebars. Thin socks and vented shoes will help to keep your feet cool.⁣
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Layering is the way forward here as it allows you a certain amount of flexibility – and keep in mind that you might want to cover up bare arms and legs to protect yourself from fierce sunshine. If you’re going to be out for a long time, it’s a good idea to take a lightweight waterproof, just in case.⁣
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𝟓. 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭⁣
Warmer weather tends to bring out insects like midges and mosquitoes, particularly in damp and still conditions. Invest in a good-quality insect repellent and when required use on any uncovered skin.⁣
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Being eaten alive by midges can ruin any camping trip, so if you’re touring or bikepacking in midge-prone areas make sure you pick a camping spot away from shady, damp areas, cover up your skin and pack a head net.⁣
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Scotland is particularly well known for midges. If you’re planning on riding our latest long-distance route, Gallovidian Gravel, check out Smidge’s midge forecast.⁣
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𝟔. 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐜𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬⁣
If you’re riding off road, be aware of ticks which are active in warmer weather and prefer shady, damp conditions including woodlands and moors. After a ride, brush down your clothing to remove any unattached ticks.⁣
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When you change or shower, check your skin – paying particular attention to moist areas like elbows and behind the knee. If you find a tick, use a proper tick remover to take it off. Read our guide for everything you need to know about ticks and Lyme disease.⁣
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𝟕. 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞⁣
If you can, avoid riding in the hottest part of the day. Early mornings and evenings will be cooler with less bright sunshine than midday. With dawn so early at this time of year, it’s easy to get out for a nice leisure ride in the coolest part of the day.⁣
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If you’re a utility cyclist, try planning your trips for when the shops first open. If you can, you could even get to work or school a bit earlier than usual.⁣
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Two people are sitting at an outside table at a café next to a canal. They have drinks on their table. They are looking at a young child climbing a bollard. A bike is leaning on the wall behind them. And there's another person riding towards them⁣
Rehydrate at a shady coffee shop! Photo: Joolze Dymond⁣
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𝟖. 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬⁣
A baking hot day might not be the best time to take on your furthest or fastest ride – now isn’t the time for chasing Strava segments. When planning your ride take into account the conditions, whether that means slowing the pace or limiting the distance.⁣
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Leave yourself a bit of extra time to get to work in the morning, too, so you don’t find yourself rushing.⁣
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𝟗. 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐬⁣
You will need to take more breaks in warmer weather, particularly if riding with children, so make sure you factor in rest stops. Places where you can get out of the sun are best – whether that’s sheltering under a tree or inside a nice café.⁣
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𝟏𝟎. 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐮𝐩⁣
Taking snacks with you will help fuel your ride. But make sure they’re weather appropriate – for example chocolate will just melt in the heat.⁣
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Choose food that isn’t sticky or likely to disintegrate in your pocket, such as flapjacks, fruit like satsumas or apples or, as suggested below, frozen bananas. It’ll save you having to clean melted chocolate out of your kit too! We have more in-depth advice for what to eat on longer rides.⁣
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𝟏𝟏. 𝐂𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐩𝐬⁣
If your summer cycling involves taking a trip overseas, make sure you’re covered with travel insurance. Be aware that some travel insurance policies do not specifically cover cycling, so make sure your policy includes medical care or repatriation following a cycling accident.⁣
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Remember that Cycling UK members receive a 10% discount off policies with specialist cycle travel insurers Bikmo.⁣
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𝟏𝟐. 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐳𝐞 𝐚𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝⁣
The night before, freeze one bottle of water (only fill it up 75% as ice expands). As you ride the ice will melt and you’ll have a refreshing cold drink. If you are feeling very warm you can also use your icy water bottle to sq**rt yourself to cool down, too.⁣
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You can also freeze bananas for a cold nutritious snack that won’t be mushy – although you will need to eat them before they defrost!!

👏Taste the gravel @𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏
⁣⁣
Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴
Plenty of pit stops, food stations - then relax at the famous post ride burger and beer party. 🍔🍺🍔🍺🍔
⁣⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️
⁣⁣
This years event is limited to 400 riders to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣
😃😊😃😊
⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

The Borderlands Cycle - Buy Tickets The Borderlands Cycle is a gravel and backroads event in Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. 4 x distances - 100K, 85K, 65K and 55K.

👏Earn your medal @ 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏
⁣⁣
Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴
Plenty of pit stops, food stations - then relax at the famous post ride burger and beer party. 🍔🍺🍔🍺🍔
⁣⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️
⁣⁣
This years event is limited to 400 riders to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣
😃😊😃😊
⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

The Borderlands Cycle - Buy Tickets The Borderlands Cycle is a gravel and backroads event in Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. 4 x distances - 100K, 85K, 65K and 55K.

👏6 WEEKS AWAY - !!!BOOK NOW - secure your place😄 - 𝐁𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔⁣⁣👏
⁣⁣
Some of the best gravel and border roads on the island or Ireland.⁣⁣🚴🏾‍♀️🚴🚴🏾‍♀️🚴
Plenty of pit stops, food stations - then relax at the famous post ride burger and beer party. 🍔🍺🍔🍺🍔
⁣⁣
With 4 routes....⁣⁣
𝟏𝟎𝟎𝐊⁣⁣🌟🌟🌟🌟
𝟖𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝟔𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️⭐️
𝟓𝟓𝐊⁣⁣ ⭐️
⁣⁣
This years event is limited to 400 riders to ensure safety and a high-quality experience.⁣⁣
😃😊😃😊
⁣⁣
𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘧𝘦𝘦: £50⁣⁣
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐠𝐨 𝐝𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬⁣⁣
👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
⁣⁣
Secure your place and book now⁣⁣👍👍👍👍

The Borderlands Cycle - Buy Tickets The Borderlands Cycle is a gravel and backroads event in Fermanagh, Cavan and Leitrim. 4 x distances - 100K, 85K, 65K and 55K.