It was a COVID thing!
I decided to "retire" from ultramarathons in January 2020 after completing the winter Spine Race and then wanted to spend the rest of 2020 getting bike fit again so I could start bikepacking.
Little did any of us know what was coming.
As events were being cancelled on an ongoing basis as we were pulled in and out of lockdown, living on Dartmoor, I was able to go out on the deserted trails and explore. And as restrictions were extended, I just kept on exploring (within the exercise rules). And the more I explored, the more I found, and my original Dartmoor 130 (miles) route was born.
The Dartmoor 200 is not significantly different, but over the last few winters, tracks have got worse, so a few have been removed/replaced as needed. I always wanted to make the ride:
- 95%+ rideable.
- Gravel-friendly.
- Enjoyable.
I like to think I have achieved the above, but if you think not, please let me know.
It's not a race though. It takes in what I believe are many of the best parts of Dartmoor and allows you to enjoy it rather than endure it. There are no rules so you can stay where you choose, book ahead if that works best for you, and take as long as you want to complete it. There are many pubs, cafes and places to stay all on or very close to the route.
But I think the best thing about Dartmoor is that you can wild camp legally. And there are so many great spots that I could not list them all; the few I have are places I wild camp, but you can find many others that will work for you just as well.
I hope you get to wild camp at least once.
PLEASE NOTE
- Some short sections are hike-a-bike for most riders.
- I've ridden the route twice on my gravel bike, but it's just as enjoyable on an MTB.
- I've included the best tracks and avoided the worst tracks. It's not meant to be a sufferfest!