DALES BIKE CENTRE, YORKSHIRE

A perfect pit-stop in the heart of 2019 Road World Championships country…

Set in the Yorkshire Dales, just outside of Reeth, the Dales Bike Centre is much more than a cafe. There’s a bike shop, bike hire, accommodation and guided riding on offer, but if you only come for the cafe you still won’t regret it. CyclingPlus recently spent two days in the area, and we stopped here both days, we were that impressed!

On the first day we tucked into fresh baguettes filled with local cheese and apple chutney at lunchtime, returning later for enormous portions of Victoria sponge and almond cake with locally-roasted coffee to wash things down. The cakes are all home-baked (you really are spoilt for choice), and the cafe prides itself on sourcing food locally.

The tea is also locally-produced, so if you’re an old-school rider that still prefers beans on toast and a pot of tea from your cafe stop we can vouch for the Yorkshire brew that washed down our three-rasher bacon sandwich the following morning.

The weather was good while we were here and the place was constantly busy with a stream of roadies and MTB riders

calling in. Stuart and Brenda make excellent hosts, and if you’re looking for ride inspiration Suart knows the Dales as well as anyone.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the bacon and egg sandwiches, but remember that you’re in a valley so whatever you eat you’ll be carrying up the next hill.” Robert Severn, Manchester

“The cheese and bean toastie is an epic post-ride pickme-up.” Kenny Rush, Newcastle

“The range of cakes is incredible. I’ve tried most and I’ve never had a bad one.” Gary Sharpe, Richmond