With the Yorkshire Grand Depart just around the corner it’s time to look at a small selection of Yorkshire cycling events. A lot of the road cycling events cross the routes taken by the Tour, while some explore Yorkshire’s other hidden gems. Links have been provided for further information on each event. A full list of British Cycling approved Yorkshire sportives can be found here.
Heart of the Wolds Sportive
Date: 27th April 2014
Distances: 37km, 100km (64 miles) or 134km (86 miles)
Start point: Driffield
This event is set in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, taking in the beautiful scenery around the historic market town of Driffield. 3 East Yorkshire cycle routes that cater for all abilities.
More info / enter online: www.woldssportive.co.uk
Why not come for the whole weekend and visit Yorkshire’s stunning coastline. The Yorkshire Wolds stretch from Bridlington to Hull and almost across to York. Click here to find your Wolds accommodation.
Pock Pedal Cycle Sportive
Date: 3rd May 2014
Distances: 40km (25 miles), 97km (60 miles) or 161km (100 miles)
Start point: Pocklington
The 25 mile entry level course takes in the picturesque village of Stamford Bridge, just a few miles outside of York. The longer ‘midi’ route takes on some more challenging climbs as it meanders to Malton and back, whereas the longest course passes Malton and Stamford Bridge as it takes you over 6400ft of climbs.
More info / enter online: www.pockpedal.co.uk
Malton is the perfect destination to spend the May bank holiday. There is plenty to do in Malton, as well as being within easy reach of York, Scarborough and the North York Moors. What are you waiting for?
Three Peaks Classic Sportive
Date: 15th June 2014
Distances: 98km (61 miles) or 134km (83 miles)
Start point: Settle
Based almost entirely in the glorious Yorkshire Dales National Park, and using some of the Tour de France Grand Départ’s course through Grassington. The longest route, Gran Fondo, has many categorised climbs, including one category 2. It follows the quiet country lanes past the famous Pen-y-Ghent and Ribblehead Viaduct, and then climbs over into Dentdale and up out of the valley to Ingleton and back to Settle. The Sprint route avoids the climb over to Dentdale, returning to Ingleton past the famous White Scar Caves. A donation to the local charity, Henshaws Society for blind people, is made from each entry fee.
More info / enter online: www.3peaksclassic.co.uk
If you’re looking to explore the picturesque Yorkshire Dales and see some of Le Tour Yorkshire route this might be the event for you. Come and stay in Settle for easy access to the event, as well as Malham Cove and the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct.
White Rose Classic
Date: 29th June 2014
Distances: 80km (50 miles), 135km (84 miles) or 177km (110 miles)
Start point: Ilkley
The White Rose Classic is a sportive run by Ilkley Cycling Club which takes riders around the best roads the Yorkshire Dales have to offer. It offers 3 challenging routes of varying distances to suit riders at all levels, each route finishes up the local climb of Langbar providing the riders with a descent back to Ilkley Rugby Club where hot food and a goody bag will be waiting. All routes head first to Grassington over Norwood Edge, then the short route returns through Whardefale as the Medium route heads up and over Halton Gill to Settle, the Long routes goes to Settle via Fleet Moss and Hawes. The event is fully supported with mechanical backup, signs on every turning and well stocked feedstations.
More info / enter online: www.whiteroseclassic.com
Another way to see what the Yorkshire Dales has to offer, you’ll certainly want to stay and explore. Why not relax in a Yorkshire Dales cottage for the week.
Tour de Yorkshire
Date: 13th July 2014
Distances: 120 miles
Start point: Ilkley
Starting at Ilkley Rugby Club, the route goes up through the Yorkshire Dales covering much of the Grand Départ stage 1, taking on some very challenging climbs before finishing back in Ilkley. You can also ride 30 mile sections as a 4 person relay.
More info / enter online: www.railwaychildren.org.uk
Skipton is a perfect gateway to the Southern Dales. It is on the Leeds & Liverpool canal and has a fantastic historic castle, a lovely place to explore.
Bronte Sportive
Date: 20th July 2014
Distances: 23 miles, 55 miles, 71.5 miles, 88 miles
Start point: Keighley
In aid of Sue Ryder, this event has a wide selection of distances for all abilities. The 3 longest routes each cover 30 miles of the Grand Départ, stage 2. Even the short route takes in 7.4 miles of the route.
More info / enter online: Bronte Sportive
Another event due to use the Tour de France 2014 route, this time exploring the day 2 Western Dales section. From here you can go into Leeds or Bradford or again up to the Dales.
York 100
Date: 17th Aug 2014
Distances: 40 miles, 67 miles or 102 miles
Start point: York
Starting in the historic city of York, you’ll head out to the scenic Yorkshire Wolds, up through Malton (medium and long routes) and back via the Howardian Hills, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. A great ride with a nice mix of climbs and descents, perfect for all abilities.
More info / enter online: www.action.org.uk/york_100
Stay at a hotel in York, spend a day seeing the sites or doing a spot of shopping before heading out to Castle Howard or Kirkham Priory.
The Otley Sportive
Date: 13th Sept 2014
Distances: 50 miles or 70 miles
Start point: Otley
Unlike other Dales sportives this one doesn’t take in the Grand Départ routes. Instead they like to stick to the amazing scenery of the Wharfedale Valley. Starting at Otley both routes go out towards Harrogate, the shorter of the two then turns off at Ripley, while the longer one heads North towards Masham before coming back through Pateley Bridge.
More info / enter online: www.otleysportive.co.uk
Perfectly positioned between the historic spa town of Harrogate, the bustling city of Leeds and the dramatic Yorkshire Dales, Otley is a wonderful place to explore Yorkshire.
Big Leeds Bike Ride
Date: 21st Sept 2014
Distances: 100km (60 miles) or 160km (100 miles)
Start point: Leeds
The Big Leeds Bike Ride is now in it’s second year raising money for Leeds Children’s Hospital. Both routes start at Leeds Roundhay Park, traveling on country roads to York. The shorter of the two then heads back while the 100 mile route heads into the Howardian Hills.
More info / enter online: www.bike-events.com
Leeds always makes for a good weekend, whether you like shopping, live music, the theatre or good food and drink this is a city worth a visit.
We hope you enjoy exploring Yorkshire by bike and if you know of any other good Yorkshire cycling events, or have partaken in any of the above, please let us know in the comments section below.
Happy riding!