WHAT IS IT?

This is it. This is where it all began, back in 2017 when frustration at putting off my own Land's End to John o'Groats trip led me to put out a call for anyone willing to meet me down at Land's End on the morning of Saturday 13th May 2017. Put a date in the diary and magic starts to happen. That morning some thirty riders showed up, on all manner of machines. From Honda C90s to a Suzuki GSX1250. The Garbage Run was born. It was never about the bike you arrived on, just that you brought what you rode and took it on one of the most epic adventures you could ever have in the UK.

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The route is all scenic A and B roads, the only motorway being the bit around Bristol, but that can easily be avoided for anyone on L plates. This is a self guided adventure, with a suggested route and chance in advance to team up with other riders and make some great friends along the way. There'll be a support van bringing up the rear, making teas and bacon butties in the morning to get you all going, with catering all offered in the evening. You won't even need to pack your stove!

 

WHEN DOES IT START?

The ride commences Saturday morning at 8.30am on the15th June from the Land's End signpost. You will need to stay in the vicinity the night before, with a campsite booked for the group a short ride from Land's End. Campsite fee for Friday night is not included in the price.

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WHEN DOES IT END?

The ride ends the following Friday evening at the John o'Groats sign post, giving you the weekend to get back home. This last night's camping is included in the price.

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WHO IS IT FOR?

The Garbage Run is for anyone who wants to ride the full length of Britain with like-minded people with no emphasis on speed and rushing. With riders encouraged to ride their own pace, it suits novice riders and more experienced riders alike, on any bike, large or small.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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HOW DOES IT WORK?

Riders take responsibility for their own navigating from the outset. A recommended route will be provided, both in paper and digital formats, with riders able to enter and ride as teams, ride solo, or be paired up with like minded individuals prior to the event.

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There will be nightly camp spots and checkpoints to aim for for lunch, with a back up van and support riders in case anything goes wrong along the way. The route is entirely on Tarmac.

HOW LONG ARE THE DAYS?

Daily mileage is between 180 and 220 miles, with option to shorten or lengthen it depending on your preference. Total mileage for the route will be around 1400 miles, with an additional 800 or so for the journey down to Land's End and back from John o'Groats.

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WHAT WILL I NEED TO BRING?

You'll need a well serviced and reliable road worthy machine, with anything from 90cc scooters up to large capacity adventure bikes having completed the run in the past. It's also worthwhile having breakdown cover as whilst the support van will scoop you up off the side of the road and take you on to somewhere safe, it won't take you all the way back home!

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For camping you'll need a sleeping bag, tent, roll mat and a pillow. Bring a stove if you want an early morning brew. 

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WHAT BIKE?

Any bike will do, as long as it's reliable. In the build up to the event any solo riders who want to join a group will have the chance to be partnered up with similar powered machines. 

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HOW MUCH IS IT?
£445 per person camping. £120 for a pillion

Book on with a £75 deposit.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?
All route maps and guides. Seven nights camping. As much tea and bacon butties as you can eat and four evening meals.

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IS THERE OPTION TO HAVE MY BIKE SHIPPED BACK FROM JOHN O'GROATS?

Unfortunately not. Experience dictates that the easiest way back down from John o'Groats is to ride the bike back down, and after 7 days in the saddle it doesn't seem as daunting as it does at the start.

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