Big Rides in England’s Largest County Th e world’s toughest cyclocross race and the Tour de France have links to Yorkshire

FThe world’s toughest cyclocross race and the Tour de France have links to Yorkshire

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Britain is exceptionally well-blessed with great riding areas, thanks largely to the centuries old road and trail networks that cover its accessible yet tranquil green expanses. One of the best areas of the country to ride is Yorkshire, the country’s biggest county, and a region steeped in cycling history and tradition. Tom Simpson and Beryl Burton and Steve Peat are but three of Yorkshire’s greatest cycling names.

It’s a land famous for its stainless steel, and its terrain and riding are just as tough and polished. If Yorkshire was a country in its own right, it would have ranked 12th in last year’s Olympic medal count, which offers some reflection on its sporting wealth. As well as the annual homegrown 3 Peaks Cyclo- Cross race, Yorkshire has hosted both World Cup road and mountain bike races in the past. In 2014, it will host the Tour de France’s Stages 1 and 2 on July 5 and 6.

The Yorkshire Dales region of the county is an impressively visual and very rugged and mountainous area. It is blessed with some of the finest rough-stuff riding in the whole of the country, making it the perfect place for a spot of “attainably epic” ’cross bike touring.

The rugged terrain, scenery and ever- changing weather never ceases to impress me when riding in the Dales. There are long-rolling, rock-strewn off-road climbs, perfect stone-wall-lined trails, lush green Dales vistas all the way. The roads meander through small villages and farmland, dipping and diving steeply every few minutes. It’s tough and gritty riding, but very rewarding. It’s easy to see how this terrain has carved out the great cycling characters of Yorkshire.

Details

Where to ride

Yorkshire is a huge county with many riding opportunities of every kind. The Dales area takes up the hilly northwestern corner of the county and is arguably the best place for two-wheeled fun. The best base for riding here is Settle, a small and very well-facilitated market town. But, be sure to avoid the Trans-Pennine main roads (such as the A59), and to stick to “B” and minor roads whenever possible.

A cyclocross bike is perfect for riding in this area as you can mix and match road and non-technical trails. However, there is some awesome pure road and mountain biking here, too.

Where can you ride

The U. K. has a system of paths governed by “rights of way” laws. Generally, bikes are allowed on paths designated bridleways or byways. Footpaths are off limits, but, to cause a bit of confusion, many of the footpaths in the Dales have a “permissive” usage status for bikes, which is generally marked on the ground.

“It’s a land famous for its stainless steel, and its terrain and riding are just as tough and polished.”

When to go

The north of England has very fickle weather, and it does rain a lot – all year round. The prime times for riding are between April and September, midsummer. It pays to avoid U. K. bank-holiday weekends, as it gets very crowded on the roads and trails, and accommodation is at top-rack rates.

Getting there

The best international air gateway is Manchester Airport, although the Leeds Bradford International Airport is also a good option. Rental cars are relatively cheap in the U. K. (although fuel is not), and your own transport does make things very easy.

The train is another option. From Leeds, you can get to Settle, which is also the starting point for the scenic steam-train Settle- Carlisle railway.

Bike spaces on trains are best reserved in advance. Check out the National Rail website for more information (

nationalrail.co.uk).

Eating, drinking and sleeping

There

is no shortage of accommodation options in the Yorkshire Dales. Rates are similar to slightly higher than those in Canada. Luckily, the area is well served with campsites and bunkhouses, meaning that you can travel on a low budget if you wish.

All villages and towns have pubs, and many have cafés too. These are the best options for eating out. Be sure to sample the famous Yorkshire bitter beers, typically served lukewarm.