Weekend Overview
One weekend, two varied and classic gravel rides in glorious North Yorkshire.
On Saturday we start on the coast in Scarborough for a rolling ride going inland to Dalby Forest and then north to Robin Hood’s Bay and back south on the Cinder Track – a great mix of wild moorland and riding along the lovely North Yorkshire coast.
The following day we head to Duncombe Park in Helmsley for a classic North Yorkshire Moors ride taking in parts of the ancient Cleveland Way and miles of remote gravel on the Moors.
This is a stunning part of Yorkshire with charming villages, old Abbeys, sandy beaches, forests & picturesque moorland. We have partnered with the excellent Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough, a great base for this gravel weekend.
Highlights
- Two varied and beautiful routes in this glorious corner of North Yorkshire.
- Ride parts of the former railway line, the Cinder Track, a smooth gravel track taking you along the picturesque North Yorkshire Shores.
- Ride parts of the ancient Cleveland Way.
Included in Entry
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with Proper Food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30 - 35km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more .
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Event Program
30th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
1st June – 8am to 6pm: Yorkshire Shores Gravel Epic. Ride starts and finishes in Scarborough.
2nd June – 8am to 6m: North Yorkshire Moors Gravel Epic. Ride starts and finishes in Helmsley.
2nd June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Yorkshire Shores Gravel Epic
The ride starts in Scarbrough and after a pedal along the sea on Marine drive, the route heads west and starts to climb up to the Moors. The route then dives into the Forests of Wykeham and Dalby. Keep an eye out for deer through Dalby, the route then descends to the first feed stop.
After a good feed, the route climbs up the empty gravel tracks of Langdale Forest, to reach the highest point of the route at Lilla Cross. (Weather dependent) you will be able to see the North Sea and the distance you have already covered. Don’t be fooled, you have just reached the halfway point.
Descending on forest tracks, bridleways and b-roads to the coast, the second feed stop is just after you join the cinder track. From here all the way to Scarbough, you will be on the cinder track for some smooth gravel riding and just a final climb to Olivers Mount to the finish line. It will have been a truly epic day out on the bike.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
114km or 84km
Elevation:
1500m or 1050m
Difficulty:
4/5
North Yorkshire Moors Gravel Epic
Starting in Duncombe Park, we take in some smooth gravel within the private estate before heading out past Rievaulx Abbey onto the Cleveland Way. From the 7km mark we are on a long false flat / gentle climb for 15km before a long and fun descent on both gravel & tarmac all the way to our first feed stop in Swainby.
From here we climb up to the Moors with a very short hike a bike section and then a glorious 6km descent with sweeping views of the area.
As we drop into Hawnby we go up onto the smooth gravel on the Hawnby Estate for a brilliant 10km loop before getting to our second feed stop at the 62km mark.
From here, the route heads South West onto our final main gravel section with a short punchy climb and then lovely long ride on the tops before descending down into Helmsley.
We turn back into Duncombe Estate and one final test – a super punchy 200m gravel climb up to the finish straight.
A delightful and mixed ride in one of our favourite spots in the UK!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
93km or 65km
Elevation:
1950m or 1400m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Short Route
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
1150m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: Almost all of the off road sections are smooth but there are a couple of very short linking sections where you may need to walk. We recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.. Mountain bikes will be fine but slower, road bikes are not allowed. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. A 40mm allrounder gravel tyre should be ideal for this route.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Early June in North Yorkshire should be nice but we always recommend you bring layers and a thin waterproof. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
Saturday’s ride starts & finishes in Scarborough. Sunday’s ride starts & finishes in Helmsley. The two venues are about 50 mins apart by car, we recommend staying at the brilliant Bike & Boot Hotel in Scarborough for the weekend. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments at both venues. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Yes, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.