Long Route
121km | 2550m
Medium Route
84km | 1500m
Short Route
56km | 1100m
Ride Overview
One of the highlights of the UK gravel season.
A mix of dense woodland and open moorland is in store for you on this gravel epic taking you through one of the most sparsely populated & beautiful areas of England,
All three routes take you way off the beaten track into a glorious, remote part of the Moors. The gravel is excellent and smooth making this a perfect ride for anyone looking for a massive day on the bike.
Highlights
- Ride parts of the ancient Cleveland Way.
- The route varies between stunning woodland & heather filled moors with huge views in all directions.
- Start and finish at the beautiful Duncombe Park – the route involves about 10km of private gravel roads on the estate.
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
8th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
10th June – 7.45am: Ride village at Duncombe Park in Helmsley opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
10th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
10th June – 7pm: Rider village closes
10th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
One of the most epic gravel rides in the UK,
If you have not visited the Yorkshire Moors before, you will be blown away by the unique scenery, charming villages and numerous ancient ruins along the route.
Starting in Duncombe Park, we head out onto the private gravel roads on the estate before going over the moors & onto a gravel section in Boltby forest.
After some open moorland, we enjoy uninterrupted gravel loops around the Bilsdale transmitter before a descent and another tough summit near Arden Hall before finishing on flowing smooth gravel singletrack.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
121km
Elevation:
2550m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts out 35km mostly from the top of the route so still takes in moors and brilliant gravel in the forests.
The route is rolling throughout with not many easy miles and 3 big climbs.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
84km
Elevation:
1500m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route cuts out the top 25km of the medium route so stays close to Helmsley at all times going around the town in a big loop.
There are two big climbs to get over and it’s a challenging 50km route but the gravel is excellent, the scenery stunning and most riders should be able to get round fine.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
56km
Elevation:
1100m
Difficulty:
3/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is about 65% on gravel and 35% on back roads. 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.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is excellent so a 35 to 40mm fast rolling or all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route as we go into remote areas without phone signal (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: The Yorkshire Moors can get all sorts of weather even in June and things can change quickly so make sure you bring some layers (arm & knee warmers, lightweight jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at the stunning Duncombe Park in Helmsley – home to a stage finish of the Tour of Britain in 2022. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. 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.