THE Tweed Valley hosted the UK’s first ever race festival designed specifically and exclusively for eBikes at the weekend.
More than 170 riders entered TweedLove’s Electric Weekend, demonstrating the growing popularity of battery-powered riding in the world of mountain biking.
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Although it is not unusual to see eBike categories featured in most race events, this is the first time electric bikes have had their own dedicated festival weekend in Scotland, or across the UK.
This has been a massive summer for cycling in the valley, further helping to showcase the area as a biking destination for all.
Chris Astle, of event supporters Bosch eBike Sytems, said: “It was a no-brainer for Bosch eBike Systems to support the first ever TweedLove Electric Weekend. This was the fourth event we’ve delivered with the fantastic TweedLove crew and we’re already looking forward to the next one.
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“Riding eBikes on some of the UK’s best trails with a load of like-minded people in a stunning location for two whole days – what’s not to love?”
The two-day adventure took riders into the wilder reaches of the valley and on some of the area’s most famed mountain bike trails.
Taking in 14 stages over the weekend, riders and their eBikes were put through their paces on the hills around Caberston Forest, Traquair and Glentress – with local rider William Brodie taking the overall win in the men’s event and Team GB athlete Tracy Moseley taking top spot for the women.
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And there was plenty of festival action off the bike too. Competitors were treated to a weekend in the stunning grounds of Traquair House – Scotland’s oldest continually inhabited house.
A pop-up campsite featuring street food and drinks, an open air cinema, a DJ and plenty of locally-brewed beer all added to the unique festival experience.
Although two eBikes were stolen from the event base on Saturday night, feedback from the event was still overwhelmingly positive from those riding and supporting.
“When you live and ride in a valley so entrenched in cycling, organised bike theft is sadly a fact of life,” said festival director Neil Dalgleish. “Of course we were devastated that two of our competitors didn’t get to finish their E23 race adventure, but we didn’t let it put a dampener on the whole weekend.
"We’ve been blown away by the messages of support we’ve had for this first event of its kind – it’s a definite sign that eBike events are going to be a big feature of the mountain bike calendar going forward.”
For more details on TweedLove visit: tweedlove.com
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