April 7th 2019 will be the 8th running of the Ronde Van Calderdale (RVC). A cobbled climb classic around the Calderdale and Kirklees districts with a great combination of  dramatic scenery, fast road sections and the added dimension of manyh different profiles of cobbled climbs. 

The 2019 event will feature distances providing all levels of ability with the opportunity to enjoy this unique event. For those looking to challenge the cobbles but not overdo it, select the medium distance which is about 54 miles (often takes 4+ hours), for everyone else, select the long route of circa 74 miles (often takes 5.5-6.0 hours for most riders), with the course record being around 4.5 hours. 

Both ride distances test the skills, stamina and endurance of every rider entering, and its great to see so many of you coming back each year as part of your season opening entries. Our team are made up of decent folk all dedicated to cycling, ensuring you have a memorable day with great support and the funds raised are directly helping young riders at Kirklees Cycling Academy, of which two have now made it onto Team GB in Summer 2018 and many others have made the Olympic Apprenticeship or semi-professional race teams in the UK and abroad.

The entry fee will include a fully signed route, three main feed stations en route and a splash and dash gel station at the top of Trooper Lane about 9 miles from home. We have changing facilities at the HQ, Spen Valley High School. We have over 200 on-site parking spaces available, and additional parking is available nearby. many local riders are able to arrive on bikes given the central nature of the route in Calderdale and Kirklees. As in recent years, all riders can access self-service tea and coffee at the start and finish and free hot porridge at sign on too.

The event will have around 300 signs to keep people en-route, before and after each junction.

We look forward to greeting you on April 7th 2019 and updating you via both the British Cycling email system and via our Facebook page, Ronde Van Calderdale.

See you in April. 

Please note, we do not offer refunds as the administration is a pain, we have allowed people to defer a place to a following year, or pass a place to a club mate etc with prior approval. This has worked so far as all funds go the club and everyone involved is a volunteer, giving their time as cyclists, for cyclists and we have up front costs for gifts, food and premises to pay for that we cannot get back either.

Darren, Andy, Mark, Claire, Craig, and many other on the day RVC volunteers look forward to welcoming you, supporting you and looking after you throughout the day.

A unique RVC gift and a bottle of RVC celebration ale will be provided to every rider on the day upon completion.

Info for Riders

Start times will commence from 09:15 staggered at 2 minute intervals. The entry fee remains unchanged at £25. Your entry includes 3 x well manned feed stations, the gel station at the top of Trooper Lane and a unique Ronde Van Calderdale gift. Starting from Spen Valley High School (Roberttown Lane, Roberttown). This ride is a local version of the infamous Tour of Flanders and will include up to 13 cobbled climbs. The Route will be well signposted before and after each junction along the ride. A garmin file will be available to download before the event for those needing one. Soemtimes we need to undertake minor re-routing due to local road works, so please use the file as a guide and follow the RVC signs on the day. This is a ride using open roads therefore the highway code must be followed at all times.