Top cycling events to enjoy this summer in the North York Moors
With June being the official start of summer - it’s time to get out on your bike in the stunning North York Moors. It is the perfect season for cycling enthusiasts to hit the road or trail and experience the thrill of some of the best cycling events in the country. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just getting started, these events offer a unique blend of challenge, entry level or family fun all within breath-taking scenery. Here are five of the top cycling events you won't want to miss this summer:
1. Minds and Miles, Sutton Bank National Park Centre
A new event for all the family with a ride to suit everyone’s taste. Mind and Miles is an opportunity to slow down as part of Mindful Month, before speeding up as you cycle through the North York Moors. A family friendly off-road loop, a gravel route or two road routes all starting from Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Helping support the North York Moors Trust and connecting more people with the National Park. A bespoke National Park event run by Struggle events.
Date: Sunday 29 September 2024
Booking on Struggle Events.
2. Mini shredders and rippers time trail, Sutton Bank National Park Centre
These exciting events are about building kids confidence and are run by Sutton Bank Bikes, taking place at the dramatic Sutton Bank National Park Centre, they offers young cyclists a chance to showcase their skills while having fun and an opportunity to race against the clock in a non-competitive way. Mini shredders take place in the morning around the skills loop while the rippers is in the afternoon on the gravel loop using sections of “off-piste” for added challenge and variation.
Dates: 15 June, 13 July, 21 September, 26 October, 23 November
Booking via Sutton Bank Bikes.
3. Gravel Rocks Focal Events, Duncombe Park, Helmsley
Introducing a unique new gravel event created by the well renowned organisers of the Dirty Reiver. This two-day cycling festival has a distinctly unique format. Experience the thrill of night riding with two timed segments spanning over a 10km loop, followed by four daytime timed segments covering a 75km loop the next day. Enjoy some of the best gravel in the country (we think!) around the North York Moors, taking in sections along the Cleveland Way, open moorland and Forest gravel tracks.
Date 12 - 14 July 2024
Booking via Gravel Rocks – A different kind of gravel event
4. Kinesis UK Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash, Whitby
Dirt Dashes – organisers of a series of gravel and bikepacking events set amidst the stunning landscapes of Scotland and England. Tailored for cyclists who relish the excitement of off-road adventure riding, Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dashes is a new event for the area and welcomes individuals of all skill levels, whether seasoned gravel enthusiasts or newcomers to bikepacking and adventure riding. A non-timed, self-supported events offer an unforgettable bikepacking experience, complete with overnight camping. Over two days, participants will traverse the Route YC Adventure Weekender Route, soaking in the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Coast and the North York Moors National Park. Join the adventure and discover the thrill of exploration with Dirt Dashes. A relaxed event more about the adventure and discovery than racing the clock.
Date: 13-14 July 2024
Booking via Kinesis UK Yorkshire Coast Dirt Dash gravel bikepacking event.
5. Struggle Moors, Duncombe Park, Helmsley.
Proudly known as the hardest sportive in Yorkshire and a major event in the calendar, set in the breathtaking North York Moors landscape. Taking in some of the most iconic and bucket list road climbs in the National Park, including Chimney Bank and White Horse Bank. This year with a 100 mile and 100km option for those looking to reach the acclaimed century ride, pacing, preparation and plenty of fuel make it an achievable ride for any aspiring road cyclist.
Date: 16 June 2024
Booking via Struggle Events.
These five events represent just a taste of the incredible cycling opportunities available this summer. Whether you're chasing personal records, seeking new adventures, or simply looking to enjoy the ride, there's an event that will suit your style. So, dust off your bike, start training, and get ready for a summer of cycling!
Head to the North York Moors National Park website to see all cycling events in the National Park this summer.
Although not in the National park – Yorkshire Wolds Cycle challenge takes place on the Yorkshire Wolds Cycleway supporting local charity Ryedale Special families.