Yorkshire, avoiding the world champs

rubberbullet

Hi all

I'm lucky enough through work to have a ticket to the prawn sandwich brigade area for the men's world champs on Sunday 28th.

I'm wondering about driving up to Harrogate from London on the Saturday (or Friday night if I can get out of family stuff) and fitting in a 3-4hr ride that day. I've never ridden in Yorkshire or anywhere close/en route (Peak District?), and am wary of road closures etc. Tempted to stay in a hotel outside of the area on the Friday night!

Can anyone recommend a looped route (say 70-100 miles) that is a decent "best of" around the area but that won't be affected by the road closures or interfere with the pros?

alanp23

On the Saturday, the Women's race goes from Bradford to Harrogate via Otley and Pateley Bridge. That gives you the freedom to ride any route you wish south and west of Bradford.

My recommendation would be to follow the Tour de France Stage 2 route from 2014. Depending on where you are staying, you can then pick up the route going as far north or as south as you wish. Personally, I'd go as far north as Haworth and head at least as far as Holme Moss. (I'd never recommend riding up Woodhead pass on a Saturday.)

You can cut out most of the hills by completing the loop going through Bradford. That would give you the chance to see the start of the Women's race and then head off in a different direction.

I hope that helps.

hdow

For you classic Yorkshire Dales ride taking in a fair amount of the Male Elite race I'd like to suggest the following:
Start in Leyburn then up Coverdale via Middleham and descend Park Rash into Kettlewell. You are now on route. Up Wharfedale to Buckden, over Kidstones and down Bishopdale to Aysgarth. Up Wensleydale to Hawes and over buttertubs to Thwaite (at this point you can continue north to Tan Hill then down Arkengarthdale to Reeth). From Thwaite down Swaledale to Reeth. From Reeth stay on route over Grinton Moor back to Leyburn. About 68miles with 1900m of climb or 78miles with 2100m taking in Tan Hill

Four classic climbs (five with Tan Hill) as featured on TdF, TdY and the World Champs. Lots of villages with tea shops and cafes. Highly scenic and unbeatable in good weather. Enjoy the prawn sandwiches in full knowledge of what the racers are going through