We are excited to share that two of our Route YC cycling ambassadors, round the world cyclist and ‘Great British Gravel Rides’ author Markus Stitz and Guinness World Record Holder Mark Beaumont, will embark this Friday (15 December) on a 1,100km journey by gravel cargo bike from Edinburgh in Scotland to Erfurt in Germany.
This epic trip will see them test the developing touring route from Staithes to Hull, specifically for us on the Yorkshire Coast, which will be ready to be launched in late January 2024
How to follow their journey
Markus and Mark will be documenting their journey in a short film and sharing daily updates on Instagram, X (Twitter) and Facebook, and you can see exactly where he is on the map below.
What will Markus be riding?
Markus’ ride is supported by German bike manufacturer Hase Bikes; he will ride a Hase Gravit Dust, a gravel cargo bike. At around 20 kg the bike is not only lightweight, but also becomes ultra-compact when the movable parts of the telescoping frame are pushed together, so it fits into bike sheds and hotel rooms.
Cycle touring in the busy time before Christmas has become a bit of a tradition for me. I have done this journey five times now, and look forward to another adventure this year. I arrived at Hull by ferry from Rotterdam on my trip in 2011.’
‘This year I am looking forward to travelling in the opposite direction and being joined by Mark Beaumont for the journey there. This is not only a great opportunity for us to put the new cycle touring route from Staithes to Hull to a final test, but also to enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the people in Yorkshire. And there is enough space on the cargo bike to take some presents for my family in Germany as well. The new routes will inspire visitors from the UK and the countries I will be passing on my journey, to experience the wonderful Yorkshire Coast on two wheels. Having the ferry connection from Hull to Rotterdam will be a great asset for people who want to travel more sustainably to get here.’ Markus Stitz