Solstice Alleycat | Unsupported Cycling Trial

Ten checkpoints, ten hours and no prescribed route. On the shortest day of the year, every checkpoint is a choice between points, distance and the daylight still available.

The shortest day decides

The Winter Solstice

The winter solstice is a turning point held in darkness. For centuries it has been met not by retreat, but by gathering: fire against cold, movement against stillness, company against the long dark. It is the old midwinter instinct, a quiet festival of return at the moment the light is almost gone.

The first trial takes its shape from that threshold. Riders leave the warmth of HQ and enter a landscape where daylight is scarce, roads are quiet, and every choice carries more weight. This is not an escape from the darkness. It is a meeting with it: a solstice gathering of judgement, nerve and route craft before the year turns back towards the sun.

About this trial

The first trial belongs to the shortest day: ten checkpoints, ten hours and no prescribed route. The locations are released in advance, giving riders time to study the map, build a plan and decide what they are prepared to chase when the trial begins. Some will go after the early bonus points. Others will favour a cleaner line or protect the chance to reach all ten.

Speed matters, but it does not rule the field. Every choice changes what remains possible, and the best route on paper may look very different once winter has had its say. As the afternoon light begins to disappear, ten scattered points become a trial of judgement, nerve and route craft before darkness closes around the road.

Series role
Core Series trial · Winter
Current edition
2026 edition
Trial date
19th December, 2026
Distance
Variable · typically around 160KM
Location
Warwick, Warwickshire
Format
Checkpoints Upfront Alleycat
Entry fee
£50
Entry status
Availability via Eventrac

Trial entry

2026 edition takes place on 19th December, 2026. Entry costs £50. Current entry status: Availability via Eventrac. Eventrac, Solstice Series' booking partner, handles availability, rider details and payment.

What’s included

  • Curated Solstice Alleycat trial
  • Checkpoint list released in advance
  • Rider registration and pre-trial briefing
  • HQ start and finish
  • Pre-ride tea and coffee
  • Hand-designed take-home checkpoint map by Nicky Shaw
  • Completion recorded in the Series archive

Trial format

  • 10-hour trial window
  • 10 checkpoints
  • Checkpoints Upfront Alleycat format
  • No prescribed route
  • Checkpoints may be visited in any order
  • Early-arrival bonus points within each classification
  • Trial Pass for reaching all 10 checkpoints within the time limit
  • Unsupported throughout
  • Female Solo, Male Solo and Pairs classifications

2026 Checkpoints

Ten checkpoint locations define the 2026 Alleycat, but the route between them belongs to the rider. Once the checkpoint list is released, the locations will be published here alongside the 2026 checkpoint map. Riders may visit them in any order and choose their own line between them, subject to the restricted roads and other route rules set out in the Rider Handbook.

2026 checkpoint map to be published after checkpoint release

Trial schedule

Pre 08:00
Registration, tea and coffee, final briefing
08:00
The field departs
08:00–18:00
Ten-hour trial window
18:00
Checkpoint scoring closes. Any checkpoint reached after 18:00 does not count.
18:00–21:00
Riders return to HQ, results are recorded and stories from the road exchanged.
21:00
HQ closes

Gallery

  • Mass start of the Solstice Alleycat (2025)
  • Rider crossing a stone bridge in winter light (2025)
  • Lone rider disappearing into morning fog (2025)
  • Rider climbing through rolling green hills (2025)
  • Two riders approaching through the mist (2025)
  • Riders on exposed open road under a stormy sky (2025)
  • Rider on a winding rural road with front light blazing (2025)
  • Rider in full tuck with a stone folly on the hill behind (2025)
  • Rider passing a historic church during the Solstice Alleycat (2025)

Community media

Common questions

How does the Solstice Alleycat work?

Ten checkpoint locations are released in advance of the trial. Riders decide the order in which to visit them and build their own route between them, subject to the route restrictions in the Rider Handbook. From 08:00 they have ten hours to score as many points as possible before checkpoint scoring closes at 18:00.

How is the Alleycat scored?

Each checkpoint is normally worth 1 point. At every checkpoint, the first five entries within each classification score 11, 9, 7, 5 and 3 points respectively. These positions are calculated separately for Female Solo, Male Solo and Pairs. Every subsequent entry reaching the checkpoint before 18:00 scores 1 point. Final classification is by total points. If two or more entries finish on the same score, they share the position.

What is a Trial Pass?

A Trial Pass is earned by reaching all ten checkpoints within the ten-hour time limit. It is separate from ranking: a rider or pair can record a valid Alleycat score with fewer than ten checkpoints, but they do not earn the Trial Pass.

Do I need to reach all ten checkpoints?

No. Riders can finish with fewer than ten checkpoints and still record a score and classification result. Reaching all ten within the ten-hour time limit is required to earn the Trial Pass.

When are the checkpoints released?

The ten checkpoint locations are released in advance, giving riders time to study them and carefully plan their route before the trial. Riders must also account for the restricted roads and other route rules detailed in the Rider Handbook.

Is there a set route?

No. Riders choose both the order in which they visit the checkpoints and their own route between them. Route choice is a fundamental part of the Alleycat, although all riders must comply with the restricted roads and other route rules detailed in the Rider Handbook.

What is the time limit?

The trial runs for ten hours, from 08:00 to 18:00. At 18:00 checkpoint scoring stops and any checkpoint reached after that time does not count. A rider with nine checkpoints at 18:00 therefore finishes with nine and does not earn a Trial Pass.

Can I ride solo or as a pair?

Yes. There are three classifications: Female Solo, Male Solo and Pairs. A pair is treated as one scored entry. Both riders must remain together and reach each checkpoint together throughout the trial.

What equipment is mandatory?

Hi-vis, a foil blanket, bike lights, a helmet and a charged mobile phone are mandatory. This is the minimum required safety equipment. Riders are responsible for carrying any additional clothing, food, drink, tools, navigation equipment and spares they judge necessary for ten unsupported winter hours.

Is the trial supported?

No. The Alleycat is unsupported. There are no organiser feed stations, following support vehicles or private support crew. Riders may use publicly available commercial services such as shops, cafés and petrol stations.

What bike is suitable?

Any roadworthy, non-motorised bicycle may be used. With no prescribed route, bike choice forms part of the judgement. Riders should choose something appropriate for the route they intend to ride and the winter conditions.

What happens if I scratch?

Notify the organiser as soon as possible using the contact details provided at briefing. Riders who scratch are responsible for making their own safe onward arrangements.

Are entries refundable?

Entry fees are non-refundable unless the trial is cancelled by the organiser. If the trial is cancelled, riders will be offered a transfer to the next available trial date or a full refund. Entries are personal and non-transferable unless expressly permitted by the organiser. Full details are set out in the Terms & Conditions.

Explore the Series

The core journey begins with this winter trial. Next trial: Equinox Omniloop.

Solstice Series