The Solstice 100
A challenging off-road adventure

June 21st, 2025, Northampton, Northants

What is the Solstice 100?

This is the original 100 mile (or a shorter 50 mile) mountain bike/gravel sportive that takes place close to the Summer Solstice and marks the longest day of the year – in daylight hours and possibly on the saddle!

The Solstice 100 is back for a 10th year and is once again hosted by The Pomfret Arms – a bike friendly pub close to the centre of Northampton.

As always, we love to mix things up and this year’s 10th anniversary event will feature yet another interesting new route. We are also introducing live tracking and timing to this year’s edition.

The route, around 60% off-road, starts and finishes in Northampton and will do a full orbit of the town via the surrounding countryside. Highlights on this year’s route include many lesser-known and hidden trails derived from riding the area for 25+ years.

The trails will consist of bridleways, byways, double & singletrack, cycle paths, forest tracks and quiet lanes, all with a wide variety of surfaces. There are no mountains, but this single loop event is one of the longest of its kind in the UK.. Are you up for the challenge?

To celebrate this 10th edition of the Solstice 100, we are donating ALL profits to charity this year!
We are also planning a pre-event charity pub quiz at the Pomfret Arms that will feature special rounds on the subject of cycling! This will take place on Thursday 24th April – follow us on Facebook for all the latest.
Our chosen charity is Animals in Need Northamptonshire

Distance

100 miles (160 km)

Elevation

5,000k feet (1,524m)

Follow us on Facebook to keep up to date with all the event news.

What’s included ?

– Event information pack

– Comprehensive route guide

– Fully detailed OS maps

– GPX files

– Public liability insurance

– Feed/water stops

Something For Everyone!

Always an interesting route with a great atmosphere and camaraderie – overall a top day out and an annual riding highlight for many riders – Shane M (multiple Solstice 100 rider)

Loved the event, though certainly a tough challenge. A nice venue too at the Pomfret Arms with it’s promise of good beer and food providing the motivation to keep going! – Tim N (multiple Solstice 100 rider)

Register

FAQ’s

– What type of bike would be suitable for this event?
Hardtail or full suspension mountain bikes and cyclocross/gravel bikes would all be fine. eBikes are also allowed.

– Will event run in bad weather?
Yes, for example if part of the route is flooded, a diversion will be in force.

– What time does event start?
Early! signing on will be from 6.00am to 6.55am.. The event will be a mass start scheduled for 7.00am.

– I’m planning on arriving the night before, is there anywhere to camp/stay?
There are numerous budget hotels in and around Northampton and a very large campsite for tents, camper vans, caravans etc at the nearby Billing Aquadrome.

– Is the route signed?
No, though some of the more trickier-to-follow sections may be signed. However, using the GPX files (which will be emailed to entrants before the event), will be the best and least time-consuming method of navigation. Fully detailed OS maps will also be provided to make navigation easier.

– Can I enter on the day?
Yes, unless event is sold out. (NB. On day entry will be £30 – cash only)

– What happens if i can’t make it to the finish?
This year’s route is a little different from previous editions as it orbits Northampton – so you’re never too far from the finish!