The trip
Two days, one weekend, no racing
Join us for a two-day cycling adventure on some of the finest trails and roads the South West has to offer. Getting in the sea is all part of the fun.
Let's squeeze out the last of the summer by spending the first weekend in October outdoors in nature, with good people, seeing new sights and sounds and being away from our screens.
Whether this is your longest ride or you're an old hand at multi-day cycles, this will be an adventure. The purpose isn't to race or to smash the kilometres. The purpose is to talk to people, take a closer look at your surroundings, appreciate nature and, in turn, look after our hearts and heads.
If you're worried you don't have the right kit, or you're not sure how to carry food and a sleep system, don't be. Dinner, bed and breakfast are all included at Penzance Youth Hostel.
What it costs
£120
per person, covering one night at Penzance Youth Hostel with dinner and breakfast included
£50
minimum fundraised for Cornwall Mind, on top of your place
What's included
Turn up with a bike
- One night's accommodation
- Dinner on Saturday night
- Breakfast on Sunday morning
- Talks and activities on Saturday evening
- Curated routes as GPX files
- Safety tracker
- Support vehicle
- Maintenance support
Route, terrain and who it's for
The very best of the Cornish landscape
You'll get the route GPX files a few weeks before the event. They're built by Jon Butt of the Penzance Wheelers, who knows Cornish route planning better than anyone, and they follow part of the West Kernow Way.
Distance
Around 70km each day, combining off-road and quiet lanes. It makes for a tough day in the saddle.
Navigation
The course is not marked. You're responsible for your own navigation, following the routes we send you.
Terrain
Bridleways, byways and lanes across a mix of surfaces including mud, gravel and small rocks. Nothing technical.
Bikes
Gravel or mountain bike. Road bikes aren't suitable for this route.
Ability
You'll want to have ridden 50km in the last six months and be comfortable on off-road terrain. Nothing too technical, but two solid days riding.
Age
Minimum age 18. We want this to be accessible for most people, but you do need a level of competence on a bike.
Rough timeline
The weekend
Saturday 3 October
- 7.00amArrive and register
- 8.00amBriefing
- 8.30amStart
- 4–6pmArrive at Penzance YHA
- 6–8pmDinner
- 8.00pmEvening activities and talks
Sunday 4 October
- 7–9amBreakfast
- MorningDay two begins
- EveningFinish at Penzance YHA
Full logistics, kit lists, parking, checkpoint information and emergency contacts are sent in the rider manual once you've signed up.
Katy's dad
Katy's story
Why this ride exists
In 2024, Katy cycled the coast of Britain to raise awareness and funds for mental health and suicide prevention. She wanted to raise money for Cornwall Mind and support people struggling closer to home. She also wanted to show how much movement, getting outside and talking can do for your mental health.
Katy kept noticing the same two things. People were racing, and missing all the good moments on the bike. Or they were too nervous to sign up for a multi-day event at all. This weekend is the answer to both. Things can be hard and fun, or easy and fun, and not every bike ride needs to be a race.
I lost my Dad to suicide when I was 16 and I didn't know how to cope. Swimming in the sea, cycling, being outside and finding a community helped me, and still does. I want this event to encompass all of these things, I want people to be outside all weekend, meet new people, challenge themselves, while having the best time. Katy, Saddle to Sea Adventures
Why Cornwall Mind
1 in 4
people experience a mental health problem. It can happen to anyone.
Every rider fundraises a minimum of £50 for Cornwall Mind, and all of it goes towards their work for better mental health across the Duchy.
Although affiliated to the national charity Mind, Cornwall Mind is independently registered and funded, and depends on fundraising and donations to keep going. Money raised plays a direct role in keeping their wellbeing services running, and every penny raised stays in Cornwall.
No one should have to struggle alone. With your help, they can be there for everyone who needs them.
Photos
What a weekend looks like
Swipe to see more
Sign up
Come and ride the Wild West
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026. Start and finish at Penzance Youth Hostel, Cornwall. £120 per person, plus a minimum £50 fundraised for Cornwall Mind.
Book your placeLogistics and full details are emailed in the rider manual once riders have signed up.