Events

The scenery and quiet but challenging roads of the Yorkshire Dales means that it hosts a wide range of events each year. Many of these provide competitors with the chance to take on a real challenge, and often take place to raise money for different charities.

Cyclosportives often feature a number of different length loops as challenge rides. They are organised events which follow way-marked routes, and have a number of refreshment stops along the way. You are normally timed although they are not a race, and so you can always come back the next year to try and improve your time. They can be really good social occasions with hundreds of riders out on course.

You can get a full list of this years events from the above link, but below you will find the best known in the region which take place between April and October:

Etape du Dales

The Etape du Dales regularly features in the Top 10 of UK rides. Taking in some classic Dales climbs this is 176km and 3,450m of climbing that you will not forget. The events are normally held in early May, starting and finishing in Grassington - a quiet and delightful town centred around a pretty cobbled square. Early booking is essential – it is normally fully booked within hours.

Richmond Cyclosportives

The Richmond Cyclosportives take place towards the end of May and have a 50 mile, 80 mile and 100 mile versions. These are challenging rides with plenty of hills.

White Rose Classic

The White Rose Classic is firmly established as one of the seasons must do events and a true classic in every sense of the word. There are three route distances to choose from, offering something for riders of all abilities on quiet roads in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

Roses Round

The Roses Round takes place in June. The event starts from Tosside near Settle and has two distances of 75 miles and 35 miles, and there are plenty of activities for the kids while you are out riding.

Scotton 100

The Scotton 100 is one for those who want to try something a bit different. Over a third of the 100km route is off tarmac using a mixture of bridleways, farm roads and white roads. The route can be done on mountain bike or road bike and there is a 60km version. Takes place in April and starts near the historic spa town of Knaresborough.

Race the train

In July there is the Race the Train event which starts in Keighley and offers a selection of routes from beginners courses through to a 90 mile route through the stunning South Pennines.

Death in the Dales

A new end to the season of sportives in the Dales - the Death in the Dales is a 100 mile route through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines takes place in October, and is the last chance to challenge yourself in 2010.

Audax rides

Audax rides are organised events but you need to be more self contained, organising your own food and often doing the navigation.