WELCOME TO POLARIS CHALLENGE
The Polaris Challenge began in Autumn 1991 as the very first two-day Mountain Biking Orienteering event in the World. It is still the biggest event of its kind and regularly attracts riders from all over the world, year after year. There are three events in the UK each year, now with similar events in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, France and Germany. The Polaris Challenge is a two-day event, combining mountain biking with navigation and touring. Teams of two (or solo) ride between checkpoints scattered over a large area of rugged country. Each checkpoint has a value and the aim of the challenge is to accumulate as many points as possible within each day's time limit. Distance and 'difficult to access' checkpoints carry higher values and there are tough penalties for exceeding the time limits. The Polaris Challenge is an opportunity for a great weekend's riding through some wild country on trails and tracks- each event is very different. Who takes the Challenge? 'Anyone who loves mountain biking.' You can take the Polaris Challenge seriously and go for maximum scores or treat it as a good excuse for a fun weekend of adventurous riding.
The Polaris Challenge is two days of self-supported mountain bike orienteering in wild country. Checkpoint locations are planned and mapped by experienced mountain bikers. Participants ride to visit as many of these checkpoints over the two day* period. The three events always take place in late March, late June (or early July) and ealy October. There are three distinct formats as follows;
Spring 'Classic' Polaris Challenge. 2 Day event. Remote overnight campsite. Participants ride with equipment for 7 and 5 hours, including overnight camping kit.
Summer Polaris Challenge. 2 Day event from Basecamp. Participants ride with equipment for 7 and 5 hours.
Autumn 'Light & Night' Polaris Challenge. 2 or 1 Day event choices from Basecamp. Participants ride with equipment for 6, 2 and 4 hours. 2 hour night stage.
