Epas Winter

Winter is the third event in the Epas series, a self-supported bikepacking challenge that grew out of Hydra, one of the toughest bikepacking events in the Baltics, and moves the idea into the rawest weeks of the year.

The route leaves the Tartumaa Sports Base, follows the Tartu marathon trail and crosses into Latvia before looping back to the same base. The organisers tell riders to expect anything from knee-deep snow to mild, almost autumnal conditions, and the rules ask everyone to carry a proper cold-rated sleeping bag whether or not they plan to ride straight through.

Every rider is followed by a tracker and must manage without outside help, although friends and family are welcome to cheer along the way. Pairs can enter together or team up on the road and share gear and navigation. Epas is run by the association Baltijos bekelė.