For regular readers it will come as no surprise to hear that we hold a special place in our hearts for the cycling in Yorkshire.
With Victoria and I both originating from ‘God’s Own Country’ we always find it comforting, rewarding and yet very challenging when we get to ride back in the homeland.
Earlier this year we had the opportunity to join an organised group ride with Ilkley-based Yorkshire cycling tour operator Yorkshire Velo Tours. The ride we joined that day was a challenging 77-mile jaunt over hill and down dale that sat long in the memory, taking in the gorgeous scenery of Yorkshire and Lancashire.
Cycling in God’s Own Country – We Ride out with Yorkshire Velo Tours
Recently Yorkshire Velo Tours Founder Charles Oxtoby contacted us with details of the company’s 2017 vastly-expanded ride programme, featuring options catering for both experienced cyclists and those wanting a more leisurely experience.
There are three tours on offer in 2017: Ilkley into the Dales, Tour de Wensleydale and Introduction to Yorkshire Dales Cycling; each typically comprises of three days riding and four nights luxury accommodation.
Two of the tours are based in Ilkley, an ideal base for routes in all directions and also there is a two base tour with overnight stays in Ilkley and Wensleydale.
Yorkshire Velo Tours is also once again offering its Challenge Rides (this is the ride we reviewed earlier in the year).
These are small group rides along classic Yorkshire routes and are hosted one Saturday a month. Each ride features a designated ride leader and comes complete with dedicated support van and mechanic facilities on hand. A weekend package is also available for these events that includes a steady ride on the Sunday morning.
Yorkshire Velo Tours has also teamed up with a local hotel to offer a corporate cycling day package as well as a ‘group cycling adventure’ for groups to book and tailor the ride and hospitality to their specification. Further details are available at: YorkshireVeloTours.com
Also a new offering from YVT is its ‘Route Store’ option, providing cyclists the opportunity to purchase details of our classic routes for £4.99 each. All the ride/map info including GPS downloads, key info for the ride, details of the main climbs are and recommendations for cafe stops using tried and tested local establishments are also included as part of the download. You also get off road parking and toilets/changing location data. Vital information for those looking to venture out for the first time on some iconic Yorkshire routes.
The route guides draw on invaluable local knowledge, which is like gold dust for a visiting cyclist and can turn an average trip into a truly memorable adventure.
