RIDE The Dales 2026

The northernmost of our RIDE Series – it features one of the most unrelenting climbs on offer in Nidderdale. 

Yorkshire doesn’t really do flat. Riders on the Champion & Classic routes are challenged to conquer the infamous Lofthouse climb (Trapping Hill) on our toughest RIDE, whilst those looking to simply enjoy some of the most scenic cycling Yorkshire has to offer can opt for the Cool route.

Starting out from Ripon racecourse, RIDE The Dales provides the opportunity to climb one of the toughest climbs in Nidderdale, Trapping Hill, or Lofthouse. Featured in the Tour de Yorkshire 2016 and UCI Road World Champs 2019, at 1.7 miles in length, and height gain of 248 metres with an average gradient of 9.9%, maxing out at 17%, it’s an absolute beast! The views from the top are totally worth it though!

Looking for something more sedate, but equally spectacular? Our Cool route takes riders past Fountains Abbey as well as picture-postcard villages such as Boroughbridge and Bishop Monkton.

As ever with an Action RIDE Series charity sportive, you can expect a great day in the saddle with first-class support from the charity that get cyclists!