WIREDGOV

The #12nightsoutin1year challenge is simple. Entrants are encouraged to head out on their bike and experience a night beneath the stars, in a tent, bivi bag or hammock, at least once a month over the course of a year and to photograph their experiences.

Each month, participants who have posted their photos and experiences on Instagram using #12nightsoutin1year will automatically be entered into a monthly competition to win a range of cycle and navigation related prizes.

The two organisations have a shared passion for encouraging the British public to be active and get outside. They will be working together not just to help cyclists make the most of the countryside, but also to introduce the joys of exploring the outdoors to those who hadn’t considered doing so by bike.

Nick Giles, Managing Director of Ordnance Survey Leisure, said: “We passionately believe in the benefits the great outdoors can bring to us all. Through our award winning app, OS Maps, we are proud to help connect people with the outdoors through comprehensive mapping and routes at your fingertips.

"The last year has shown that you can still deliver adventure from your doorstep, and we are delighted to be working with Cycling UK to encourage people to keep challenging themselves to try something new, with OS Maps being a central tool to helping people adventure more by bike over the next year.”

The #12nightsoutin1year challenge has been adopted by adventure traveller and youngest woman to ride solo around the world, Vedangi Kulkarni, who will provide advice and encouragement to would-be bikepackers throughout the year.

Vedangi said: “To enjoy the British countryside, it doesn’t take much more than the curiosity to explore what’s just around the corner, the OS Maps app, and adequate snacks. Add some camping gear and a bike into the mix and I’m sure you’ll have a lovely night under the stars!”

“You don’t need fancy kit or to travel to far flung places to have an adventure and discover the wilds of your local region. With everyone looking to get away this year but not necessarily able to travel far, Cycling UK and OS's challenge gives an incentive for people to get outside and discover new sights round where they live.”

As lockdown restrictions have eased across the UK, Cycling UK and OS want to see this bikepacking challenge inspire the adventure-curious to take the plunge into the world of cycle adventures. They also have a serious aim to educate everyone to leave no trace and take away from the countryside more than what they take in.

Cycling UK’s Cape Wrath Fellowship custodian Sam Jones, who has camped out at least once a month for the past two years, wants to see everyone make the most of the wilderness they can discover from their doorstep and leave it in a better condition than they found it.

“Anyone who enjoys the countryside, whether they’re walking, riding or running will have seen that all too familiar blight mark of others’ passage: litter,” said Sam.

“12nightsoutin1year will be just as much about you enjoying nature, as ensuring it’s in a better state than when you found it.

“Trash free trails are something we can all work towards every time we head out.”

To take part in the 12nightsoutin1year challenge and receive a month’s free access to OS Maps go to: https://www.cyclinguk.org/12-nights-out-in-1-year