Couple of miles from Glentress (GT) is Peebles with two campsites for tents/caravans/motorhomes with statics aswell and more B&B's/Hotels than you could want. At GT are Glamping Pods and a Hotel, there are bunkhouses in the area and down the valley beyond GT lies Innerleithen (Inners) with more Hotels and Campsite plus its on MTB Trails. Numerous food options for every budget and plenty good pubs. You can cycle to GT from Peebles via dedicated cycle paths are slog up the infamous Janets Brae forest road to right slap bang in the middle of GT's Trails by the upper car park.
Although GT is retrobike rideable even on a rigid, most folk agree a hardtail is better as you need a wee bit front bounce to deal with the rocks and roots. Also looks like some of the trail for the event is only opened up for riding at events. I know a lot of the off piste stuff but every once in a while I ride something new and thus going equipped for surprises seems sensible.
Hope to see some of you southern guys signing up and joining in !