Event: 12-13 July 2014
The fourth running of the annual Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge will for the very first time tackle the route in the opposite direction - anti-clockwise!
The fantastic 146 mile circular route, which was developed and launched by Sustrans in 2011 and is now part of the British Cycle Network, was originally designed and signposted to be cycled in both directions but for the first three years the two-day challenge event stuck to the clockwise version of the circuit. Following many requests from cyclists who had entered the event previously, the decision was taken to reverse the route!
The event is scheduled for the weekend of July 12-13, with cyclists covering 73 miles at their own pace each day, around the stunningly beautiful byways of the Yorkshire Wolds. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are most welcome and full medical and mechanical support is provided. Once again it will start and finish at Norton College, with the halfway overnight camp at Hutton Cranswick Sports Centre, where riders will enjoy a well-earned rest, with barbecue, licensed bar and live music!
Event organiser Rob Davies (Funding Coordinator of Ryedale Special Families) commented: “After the incredibly successful event last year we received quite a few requests from people who had done it two or even all three times before, to try it in the opposite direction, so in true Tour de France style we decided to reverse the route!
“In fact I was ignorant to the fact that the Tour de France alternates between a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction each year, so we thought it fitting to make the change this year with the Tour starting in Yorkshire the previous weekend!
“Three years since its launch, the event has become an extremely important contributor to our fundraising, having raised almost £40,000. The money raised is a vital contribution to our continuing programme of offering care, support, activities and events, for over 400 families who have children with disabilities and/or special needs, throughout the Ryedale region. We’re looking to increase the number of entries this yearfrom 150 to 175 and by telling people about it early we hope it can become the perfect New Year’s resolution for anyone looking for a challenge in 2014.
We’re also delighted that our corporate sponsors have all agreed to continue with their support and would like to say a huge “thank you” to Bannister’s Farm, Big Bear Bikes, Escada Systems, Inntravel and Wold Top Brewery. For the first time the event has also been co-opted into British Cycling’s event calendar, which we feel is great recognition of what we have achieved so far with the help of our sponsors, supporters, marshals and cyclists.”
Rupert Douglas, Sustrans Area Manager for North and East Yorkshire said: 'It's great to see the Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route being used to encourage locals and visitors alike to very actively discover some lovely countryside and heritage, whilst benefiting local businesses and raising money for a good cause all at the same time.”
Anyone interested in taking part in the Cycle Challenge can look at the website for more details, which includes case studies and photos from previous year’s events, tips for training, details of the route, and how to enter. See www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk
Entry fees are just £30 to reserve a place, which includes luggage transfer to and from the halfway campsite, Saturday evening barbecue, Sunday morning breakfast, as well as full back-up and support along the way. In addition, cyclists are asked to commit to raising a further £50 in sponsorship by the time of the event in July. This year, an award will be made to the group which raises the highest amount of sponsorship and any individual raising £350 or more will receive a special commemorative T-Shirt!
