Solstice Alleycat
All Events ROAD

Solstice Alleycat

Warwick, UK December 19, 2026
Distance 160 km
Elevation 2000 m
Surface Road
Difficulty Beginner
TERRAIN
CLIMBING
HEAT
REMOTE

What to Expect on Solstice Alleycat

On the shortest day of the year, the Solstice Alleycat invites you to race against the fading light, navigating between 10 checkpoints spread across the landscape before the sun sets. Unlike traditional races, there is no set course – each rider must choose their own path to beat the setting sun on this fleeting day.

The winter solstice has long been a time of both reflection and renewal, marking the rebirth of the sun as days soon begin to grow longer. In the spirit of this ancient tradition, the Solstice Alleycat challenges you to make the most of the limited daylight, just as communities in times past would gather and prepare for the long night ahead, celebrating the promise of brighter days to come.

With only a few precious hours available, riders must carefully plan their route to reach each checkpoint, balancing speed and strategy to complete their manifest (the list of required stops) before darkness takes over.

Will you make it to all the stops before night takes over, or will the shortest day leave you chasing its fading rays?

Bike Setup for Solstice Alleycat

Bike Endurance Road Bike
Tires 30-35mm Tubeless
Cassette 10-36T
Chainring 46/30T-50/34T (2x)

Plan your ride

Estimate your finish time for Solstice Alleycat with the Pace Calculator, pack right with the Packing Checklist, and prepare with the Field Manual.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Solstice Alleycat?

At 160 km with 2000 m of elevation gain, Solstice Alleycat is roughly the distance of 4 marathons back to back.

Estimate your finish time with the Pace Calculator →

What bike do I need?

A Endurance Road Bike is the right tool for Solstice Alleycat. Set it up with 30-35mm Tubeless rubber and gear it low — a 46/30T-50/34T (2x) chainring and 10-36T cassette will keep you spinning on the steeper sections.

How difficult is it?

We rate Solstice Alleycat as Beginner overall. Riders should be ready for mostly smooth, fast-rolling surfaces, fairly flat elevation gain, and cool conditions.

When does it take place?

Mark your calendar for December 19, 2026 — Solstice Alleycat's winter timing means so cold-weather gear and shorter daylight hours are part of the planning.

What surface is it?

Solstice Alleycat runs primarily on road, and we'd recommend 30-35mm Tubeless tires to handle it comfortably.