BB200 Event
The reliability trial ... a test of bike, mind and body
Latest News
Event date: Weekend 4/5 October 2025
In 2024 the BB200 became an invitational event. However, it is possible to have your name added to the invitation list even if you’ve never attempted it previously. Simply email us with details of one of the following to check your eligibility:
- You have ridden other bikepacking events – tell us which ones and when.
- You have downloaded a previous BB200 route and ridden it – send us your gpx file.
- You have a friend who is already on the list and can vouch that you are experienced and have the capability to attempt a BB200.
- If you have entered previously but believe you’re not on the invitational list, then get in touch and tell us which year(s) you rode.
An invite does not guarantee an entry, you will still need to enter. You will be sent a link to the entry on July 1st 2025 when 80 places will be up for grabs.
Photo © Mike Clarke
Who can enter the Bear Bones 200?
There are many bikepacking events/challenges and while the Bear Bones 200 isn’t the longest, it is perhaps one of the toughest. It’s a genuine test of body, mind and bike … no matter how fit you are, that fitness alone simply isn’t enough. The terrain can be unforgiving and the climbs unrelenting and riders are expected to attempt it completely unaided, so it isn’t a group endeavour either. In truth, if you’re relatively new to bikepacking or only possess limited experience, then the Welsh Ride Thing will provide a much better introduction.
What is the Bear Bones 200?
The BB200 is a self supported, long distance bikepacking event. The challenge is to complete the route with no outside assistance, support or back-up, meaning you’ll need to rely on your own skills, fitness and determination to get you to the end. The route changes each year but you can expect a distance of around 200km, 5,000m of ascent and with a good percentage of the route being ‘off road’, it’s never an easy undertaking. The Cambrian Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop, so expect remote tracks, hike-a-bike sections and steep valleys, which obviously means steep climbs too.
There are a number of items that must be carried by all riders (sleeping bag, shelter, lights and phone) and a few others that while not compulsory should find their way into your kit (first aid, tools, spares, etc) … hopefully common sense and experience will prevail here. It is also advisable that you carry a back-up means of navigation should your GPS fail mid-route. While not compulsory for the Bear Bones 200/300, a SPOT tracker or Garmin Inreach can be a worthwhile investment … it provides peace of mind for the rider and for those at home.
Should you complete the entire route within 24 hours, you will be awarded a coveted black badge, less than 28 hours and you’ll receive a blue badge and sub 36 hours will result in a green.
To enter the BB300, you must hold a BB200 black badge and consider yourself capable of completing the ride within 36 hours.
Where is the start/finish?
Llanbrynmair, Powys, Mid Wales.
Featured Products
Latest News and Reviews
Looking for bikepacking related product reviews, Make-your-own-gear, articles, interviews and reports? The reviews page is a continually updated gold mine of bikepacking information - just be careful not to lose yourself in there!
Read all the Latest News and ReviewsForum
Need some advice? Looking for people to ride with? Do you want to tell the world about your latest trip? The Bear Bones Bikepacking Forum is the place to do it. With over 2000 members and growing, it's clearly the place to be to talk bikepacking.