Cycling UK and Ordnance Survey have announced details of a year-long “bikepacking” challenge to help more people discover and enjoy the great outdoors.
The #12NightsOutIn1Year challenge will encourage entrants to head out on their bike and experience a night beneath the stars, in a tent, bivi bag or hammock, at least once a month over the course of a year and to photograph their experiences.
Each month, participants who have posted their photos and experiences on Instagram using the #12NightsOutIn1Year hashtag will automatically be entered into a monthly competition to win a range of cycle and navigation related prizes.
Nick Giles, managing director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, said: “We passionately believe in the benefits the great outdoors can bring to us all. Through our app, OS Maps, we are proud to help connect people with the outdoors through comprehensive mapping and routes at your fingertips.
“The last year has shown that you can still deliver adventure from your doorstep, and we are delighted to be working with Cycling UK to encourage people to keep challenging themselves to try something new, with OS Maps being a central tool to helping people adventure more by bike over the next year.”
The challenge has been adopted by adventure traveller and youngest woman to ride solo around the world, Vedangi Kulkarni, who will provide advice and encouragement to would-be bikepackers throughout the year.
“To enjoy the British countryside, it doesn’t take much more than the curiosity to explore what’s just around the corner, the OS Maps app, and adequate snacks. Add some camping gear and a bike into the mix and I’m sure you’ll have a lovely night under the stars,” she said.
“You don’t need fancy kit or to travel to far flung places to have an adventure and discover the wilds of your local region. With everyone looking to get away this year but not necessarily able to travel far, Cycling UK and OS Maps’ challenge gives an incentive for people to get outside and discover new sights round where they live.”
To take part in the #12NightsOutIn1Year challenge and receive a month’s free access to OS Maps see cyclinguk.org
Main image: © Robert Spanring/Cycling UK