NORTH YORKSHIRE GRAVEL EPIC- 25TH JUNE, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

A glorious mid summer 105km gravel ride in North Yorkshire. Taking in parts of the Pennine Way and some of the best gravel in the north, this is a wild, remote and challenging off road epic suitable for one of the longest days of the year ???

DISTANCE: 105KM | ELEVATION: 2,500M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 4/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 65%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is 40% backroads and 60% gravel on a mix of smooth and heavier trails. Some of the off road sections are quite wild so we would recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres if you are experienced & a good bike handler or a MTB for everyone else.

RIDE HIGHLIGHTS

 – Wild & remote riding in North Yorkshire

 – Ride parts of the Pennine Way

 – See the highest pub in the UK, the Tan Hill Inn

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Leyburn: 105km, 2,500m

We start in Leyburn with a gentle 10km stretch on tarmac to get the legs warmed up to Castle Bolton. From here we head off road for an undulating 10km before the first big climb of the day: Newbiggin Common, nearly 6km at 6% (on road).

After descending off this climb, most of the next 70km is off road into the wilds of North Yorkshire taking in sections of the Pennine Way and past the highest pub in the UK. The terrain is a mix of fast gravel tracks and rougher paths. It’s mid summer so the route should ride well but there will be sections where a mountain bike would be better and other parts where a gravel bike is preferred.

The last 10km is back on the road and mostly downhill back to the rider village for a well earned beer & food.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

A real mix in terrain and 40% of the route being on backroads makes this a tough event to get the “right” bike for. Most of the off road sections are on nice, fast gravel but there are some heavier sections where a hardtail would be more comfortable.

HOW DO I FIND OUT MY START TIME?

We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.

WHERE IS THE START / FINISH?

The ride starts and finishes in Leyburn, near Richmond in North Yorkshire. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

WHAT SHALL I PACK WITH ME FOR THE RIDE?

You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.

WHEN WILL I GET MY GPX FILE

Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

ROUTE GPX

GPX sent to you a week before the ride with a full route description & packing list.

FEED STOPS

We have feed stops approx every 30kms with fruit, cakes, coke, water, hydration tabs & tasty ride nutrition from the experts at Outdoor Provisions.

FULLY MARKED ROUTE & TIMING CHIPS

Focus just the stunning views & thrilling ride. The route is marked out all the way & you can check your time for the route at the end.

RACE VILLAGE AT THE FINISH

After an epic ride, grab a pint, coffee or cake at the end. Free parking for the day, toilets & bike wash also included in your entry.

BIKE RENTAL & MECHANICS AVAILABLE

New to gravel riding? Hire a Pearson Off Grid gravel bike for the day. We also have mechanics on site to support with any issues before & during the ride.