Heading East
May 21st - May 23rd 2027
Event Rules
Heading East is built on trust, respect, and the spirit of adventure. Every participant is expected to ride fairly, responsibly, and with respect for fellow riders, nature, and everyone you meet along the way.
1. Ride Your Own Adventure
Complete the entire route from start to finish under your own power. No outside transportation is permitted unless you withdraw from the event.
2. Be Self-Supported
Heading East is a fully self-supported bikepacking event. Riders are responsible for their own navigation, food, accommodation, equipment, and mechanical repairs. Private support crews or pre-arranged assistance are not allowed.
3. Respect Nature and Others
Please leave no trace, respect the environment, and be courteous to local residents, landowners, hikers, motorists, and fellow cyclists. We are guests wherever we ride.
4. Follow the Law
Participants must obey all local traffic laws and regulations in both the Netherlands and Germany. Safety always comes first.
5. Wear Your Helmet
A helmet must be worn whenever you are riding your bike.
6. No Drafting
Drafting behind other riders is not permitted. Participants should ride independently.
Exception: Riders entered in the Pair and Group category may draft each other.
7. Bike Check
Every bicycle must pass a safety inspection before the start of the event.
8. GPS Tracking
All participants are required to carry and use the GPS tracker provided by the organization throughout the event.
9. Ride Fair
Heading East relies on honesty and sportsmanship. Participants are expected to follow both the letter and the spirit of these rules, even when nobody is watching.
10. Ride for the Experience
Heading East is about adventure, challenge, and discovering new places—not prize money. The greatest reward is completing the journey and becoming an official Heading East finisher.
Race Manual
The full event rules and important information will be shared with all registered participants by email prior to the event. Please make sure to read these carefully before starting your Heading East adventure.
Refund Policy
We understand that plans can change, and sometimes an adventure has to wait.
If you cancel your Heading East registration on or before the 1st of April 2027, you will receive a €100 refund. Unfortunately, no refunds can be issued for cancellations after the 1st of April 2027, as event preparations and participant arrangements will already be underway.
Categories
Whether you're chasing a personal challenge or sharing the adventure with others, Heading East offers three ways to take on the route:
Solo Rider
The ultimate test of self-reliance.
As a Solo Rider, you'll tackle the entire route on your own. Every decision, every climb, and every checkpoint is yours alone. Ride at your own pace, manage your own time, and experience the satisfaction of completing the challenge independently.
Pair Rider
Adventure is better together.
Pair Riders complete the event as a team of two. You must stay together throughout the entire route, visit every checkpoint together, and cross the finish line as a pair. Share the navigation, encourage each other on the climbs, and celebrate every stamp collected along the way.
Group Rider
Everything is better with friends.
The Group Rider category is designed for teams of three or four riders. Groups must stay together for the entire event, visit every checkpoint as a team, and finish together.
Working together makes long days in the saddle more enjoyable. Share the navigation, support each other through the toughest climbs, and create memories that will last long after the finish line.