4th july 2026

PPG began back in 2019, with its first edition seeing a small group of inspiring female cyclists, take on the challenge of completing one of the toughest cycling routes in the country.

Since then, as the event has grown, we have seen some incredible riders take on the event, testing themselves in both body and mind. 

However, one thing is apparent, not just in PPG but across the wider ultra endurance cycling community. 

The number of female participants in events like ours isn't proportional to the number of cyclists out on the road. 

We want to make every effort to change that, and to offer an inclusive way into the sport of ultra distance cycling. A sport that we love.

That is why we have devised the PPG Prologue.

What is it?

The PPG Prologue is a event which runs alongside the main PPG event, exclusively for female* cyclists.

The format has been designed in direct response to the low proportion of female representation at ultra distance cycling events. 

The event starts at the same time as the main PPG event, but tackles one of the loops of the famous course, around 200km in length and taking in around 4,500m of climbing. 

The hope is that female riders taking on the PPG Prologue will then tackle the main PPG event in following years, having experienced a way into the world of ultra distance cycling and help them bridge the gap to other events as well. 

Why have we introduced it?

After speaking with members of the ultra endurance cycling community, and those who have not yet taken part in an event like PPG, one of the common bits of feedback we encountered was the lack of a route into events like this. We always want to keep the main event as close to the original format as possible, ensuring it remains one of the most challenging events in the UK calendar. However many female riders we spoke to felt they needed a way into the event which was supportive, and would be a step into perhaps taking on the main event the following year. This is where the idea for the PPG Prologue was born. 

What support is on offer?

We want to offer a range of support to female riders entering the PPG Prologue. Some examples include:

• All of the usual support from the PPG team at the event HQ before, after and during the event. If you get in a pickle we'll do our best to bail you out!

• No time limits: purely about participation.  Riders can maximise the whole 72 hours the HQ is open for food, showers and camping options.

• No strict rules: you can receive support on the course and make use of whatever facilities make your ride smoother and more enjoyable.

• Dedicated WhatsApp group for participants

• Q&A sessions leading up to the event

• Mentoring from previous female PPG participants and other ultra-distance riders 

This is the first year we have run the PPG Prologue, therefore the support needed really is determined by the participants. So if you want something, just ask, and we will do our best to help. We encourage riders to have a self supported ethos to get the most out of their experience and we will not necessarily be able to directly support, recover or rescue riders on the course but we will help guide you on the best options if things don't go to plan.  

Any questions?

If you have any questions, or want to discuss the PPG Prologue, or the main PPG event, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us on purepeakgrit@gmail.com

*By female, we're welcoming anyone  from across the wide range of FLINTA gender identities. FLINTA is a German acronym that refers to people who are not cis men, and stands for: Frauen: Women, Lesben: Lesbians, Intergeschlechtliche: Intersex, Nichtbinäre: Non-binary, Trans: Trans, and Agender: Agender.

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