Yorkshire Velo Tours: Upper Wharfedale Grand Depart

The CycleSaturday series offers an exclusive individual guided and supported experience similar to ‘sportive’ rides in that there is a set route, but it is not timed. What you get over and above a typical sportive is a pre-ride bike check, a support vehicle and team mechanic, the benefit of riding in a small group with your own dedicated ride leader and a top café stop.

The rides are a great way of exploring new territory in safe hands of Yorkshire Velo Tours and will be of interest to local riders as well as visitors to the area. We guarantee to give you an epic day out that will last long in your memory! If you are concerned about running out of energy on the ride, there are up to 5 spaces available in the support vehicle, so you can hop on board if necessary.

To celebrate Tour de France month, the ride will follow a large part of the 2014 Grand Depart day 1 route. This is a real epic route and includes 4 of the most iconic climbs in the UK.

The rolling route up Wharfedale to Buckden warms you up nicely for the first climb of Fleet Moss and the stunning beauty at the source of the river Wharfe. A quick descent to Hawes follows and then, after passing the hotel of the famous Top Gear ‘steak’ incident, it’s the majestic Buttertubs. You need a pause at the top before the next descent as the view down to Swaledale is guaranteed to take your breath away! A much needed flatish section follows before the next climb of Grinton Moor and then the Cote de Cray before you coast back into Wharfedale and enjoy the pleasant canter back down the valley.

There is an option on this route for the slower group/s to shorten the route and miss out 2 climbs. The group/s will make a communal decision after reaching Hawes.

Key Climbs: Fleet Moss, Buttertubs (TDF cat 2), Grinton Moor (TDF cat 2), Cote de Cray (TDF cat 2)

104 miles / 2,587m ascent

Shorter option: 85 miles / 1,714m ascent