Long Route
89km | 1950m
Medium Route
65km | 1350m
Ride Overview
One of our most remote & beautiful rides of the year, the Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic packs in beautiful back roads and some long, sweeping gravel sections.
A perfect big day on the bike on the Coronation Weekend. Choose between the 65km or full 89km route and escape onto the amazing off road trails of the Dales.
Highlights
- Stunning & remote off road trails around Malham
- Ride parts of the famous Pennine Way, one of the great long distance off road trails in the UK.
- Discover the off the beaten path side of the Dales, riding through rolling hills, and picturesque villages.
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
4th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
7th May – 7.45am: Ride village in Skipton opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
7th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
7th May – 6pm: Rider village closes
7th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
A spring gravel epic in the Dales! Starting in Skipton, the ride starts with a gentle 6km warm up and then we hit the first climb of the day – part tarmac, part gravel at 5,7km averaging 4.5%.
This climb and descent the other side through remote moorland takes us into the heart of the Dales. The meat of the ride is in and around Malham Tarn on hard packed gravel & dirt with stunning views of picture postcard Yorkshire.
This section (from 25km to 55km) is rolling but no massive climbs before we turn south & hit the second “main” climb of the day – 1.5km at 11%.
After a final feed stop we head back to Skipton over one final climb and roll back to the ride village for a well earned beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
89km
Elevation:
1950m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts out 23km of rolling terrain to the west of the long route and contains the main three climbs of the day and some glorious rolling through the remote & beautiful Dales.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
65km
Elevation:
1350m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
47km
Elevation:
350m
Difficulty:
1/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is 50% gravel & 50% back road so there will be times when you want a hardtail MTB & times when you want a gravel bike. The gravel trails in the Dales have an annoying habit of being smooth for 90% of the trail and then end with some short hike-a-bike or chunkier terrain. Road bikes are not suitable. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. A wider 40 – 50mm allrounder gravel tyre should be ideal for this route.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Likely to be mixed weather in early May, bring layers, arm / knee warmers and a lightweight waterproof jacket etc. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes in Skipton. 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.