Highlands and Steel

Highlands and Steel – Dortmund, Germany

• Date: August 27, 2027
• Distances: 600 km
• Event Type: Unsupported ultracycling road bike challenge

Highlands and Steel is an unsupported ultracycling event starting in the Ruhr region of Germany. The event offers a single 600-kilometer route with approximately 5,000 meters of elevation gain, which participants must complete within a 60-hour time limit. It is designed as a personal challenge, not a race, and drafting is not permitted except for those riding in a pair.

The route first explores the hills of the Sauerland region, passing through towns like Winterberg, Schmallenberg, and Attendorn. It then returns to the Ruhr to take in the industrial heritage of cities including Dortmund, Bochum, Essen, and Duisburg. The course also passes notable bodies of water such as the Möhnesee, Sorpesee, and Phoenix-See.

This is a self-supported event. Riders are responsible for their own food, repairs, and accommodation. Checkpoints along the route will serve as stamp controls but are not planned to be stocked with supplies. All participants must carry mandatory equipment, including a helmet, front and rear lights, an emergency blanket, a first-aid kit, and a reflective vest. The organizers provide a GPS tracker for live tracking, a GPX file of the route, and a cycling cap. The start and finish locations have not yet been announced.

Participation is open to solo riders and pairs, with a limit of 160 total participants. Registration opens on November 1, 2026. For complete rules, equipment lists, and registration details, please visit the official event website.