Borders 50-miler 2022

Borders 50-miler 2022

Zoe shares her experiences of taking part in the 2022 Borders 50-miler ride, a day she’ll never forget for all the right reasons.

Zoe giving a jubilant high five with Francis Bakker

All photos courtesy of John and Barbara Austin

Ever since this ride was first announced five years ago, I knew it was one I just had to do as it ticked all the boxes for a challenging endurance event.

Riding in the Northumberland National Park and the stunning Cheviot Hills is very similar to the riding I have at home here in the Cambrian Mountains, mid-Wales, so, what’s not to like? I’ve walked the St Cuthbert’s Way, so I knew exactly what was in store.

This year I had my chance. Having taken Cherry Cottage Lad (Dylan) to Advanced before lockdown, I knew he was up to the task.

The ride itself

Colin Sykes, a truly smashing bloke, is the creator and organiser of this unique competitive ride. It’s a linear route starting from Akeld near Wooler, finishing in Clennell in the Coquet Valley near Morpeth.

No crewing is allowed during the ride, you only have one helper at vet gates, and you must look after your horse and yourself, so saddle bags, with all the necessities you may need, are a must. There is no route marking, only pink tape on gates you go through, and there are a lot of gates with minimal ground markings at points of options. You are sent the route via GPX file to download to your device. I also printed off the maps and put them in my saddle bag as I knew the mobile signal would be sporadic.

We were given 13 hours to complete the ride, and this included two vet gates with 40-minute holds that started as soon as you arrived, not when you present. Your results are worked out from your horse’s performance at all the vettings, and announced the next day after the best condition checks and trot ups. So, first across the line is not necessarily the winner. The terrain is tough, very hilly and a good mix of stone and grass tracks, plenty of river crossings and whatever the weather throws at you. We rode through torrential rain, strong winds, mist, and beautiful sunshine, so waterproofs are a must. Trot was our main gait and you really have to risk assess all the time to determine what speed you will ride at.

Zoe Powell having an emotional handshake towards the end with Chris Macmillan & Francis Bakker

Zoe Powell & Dylan,Chris Macmillan & Stinky, Francis Bakker & Phoebe

“We were given 13 hours to complete the ride, and this included two vet gates with 40-minute holds that started as soon as you arrived, not when you present”

Great team work

For safety reasons you ride in pairs or your chosen groups. Chris Macmillan and I had already decided long before that we wanted to ride together, and Francis Bakker joined us as her ride partner could not start, so I was in great company.

We formed a cohesive group and all rode to our individual strengths to support each other. We were also fortunate to pass our vettings and continue riding together to the end, and what an emotional end it was for me.

To complete safe and sound would have been enough, but Dylan felt good and strong to the last and the three of us completed in 11 hours and were first across the finishing line. Passing that final vetting was a triumphant feeling I will never forget, the emotional hugs all round, thanking my husband Chris for all he did for us and sheer pride in my boy Dylan.

Dynamic duo Chris Macmillan and her fabulous Connemara Coolagoree Glen Thunder were the worthy winners. I am delighted to say we came second and to top it all won the Best Condition award, which was beyond my wildest dreams.

Third was Robert Newall with Kambel de Fignols, fourth Francis Bakker and Aratehanes Phoebe and fifth was Julie Banks with Croftys Springtime Frost.

Proud hug for Dylan. & her husband & Crew Chris

Well worth it

I highly recommend this event for those of you who enjoy this kind of riding. Colin is running it as a three-day trail ride the first week in June 2023 so this will definitely give you a flavour, as the next Borders 50-miler will be in 2024. There is also a 25-mile route and more details can be obtained by emailing borders50ride@ gmail.com

John and Barbara Austin popped up everywhere smiling and snapping away. They say a picture paints a thousand words and their images certainly did. Thank you for my photographic diary of a brilliant ride I will never forget.