YORKSHIRE DALES GRAVEL EPIC- 7TH MAY, 2022

RIDE OVERVIEW

One of our best & most remote rides of the year, the Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic packs in beautiful back roads and some long, sweeping gravel sections. Starting from Skipton, we head up to Settle via Malham and then along the Pennine Way up to Semer Water and almost 35km of remote, stunning off road riding. On the way home there is a gravel climb before a quick descent back to Skipton. A glorious, remote and challenging 108km loop.

DISTANCE: 100KM | ELEVATION: 2,000M

RIDE DIFFICULTY 4.5/5

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY 4.5/5

PERCENTAGE OF ROUTE OFF ROAD 50%

Terrain & Bike Choice: The route is 50% backroads and 50% gravel trails with a couple of short hike-a-bike sections. The gravel can be quite heavy in the Dales 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

 – Beautiful remote riding in the Yorkshire Dales

 – Glorious off road sections around Malham Cove

 – Ride parts of the Pennine Way

 – Social drink at the finish village

THE ROUTE

Skipton: 100km, 2000m

Starting in Skipton, we head off road within 2km for a short climb and then hit the backroads past Malham and a technical section to Settle. After a feed stop. we hit the beautiful gravel of the Pennine Way heading north and start to get more remote.

At the half way point we hit some tarmac for 5km before getting to the most remote off road sections around Semer Water and heading south. This includes some glorious gravel and epic views in all directions.

After such a long off road section, we have a fast and welcome 14km back on the tarmac before one last gravel climb before a long (14km) descent part on gravel and part on tarmac. In total there 5 main climbs, 4 of which are gravel on a lumpy but very rewarding route.

PHYSICAL DIFFICULTY: 4.5/5

FAQS

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE SHOULD I RIDE?

The off road sections in the Dales can be quite heavy so we recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres for experienced riders and MTB for those wanting more comfort.

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 Skipton. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I HAVE A MECHANICAL / ACCIDENT?

We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.

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.

NEW TO GRAVEL RIDING?

Rent a Pearson Off Grid bike (£49)

Available in all sizes

Mechanics on hand for bike fitting

Pre ride briefing

Discover the Off Grid HERE

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.