Etape du Dales

Continuing the theme of last year's event the Etape du Dales will run in a clockwise direction, with the finishing climb being the north side of Fleet Moss.Covering 110 miles in the Yorkshire Dales the Etape du Dales sportive starts and finishes in Threshfield, near Grassington.Due to popular demand, this year we will again be running a shorter event. So, if you don't feel up to the full distance, or want to try out what the Dales has to offer before commiting to the challenge of the main event, this could be just the ride for you!

The Etape du Dales sportive starts and finishes in Threshfield near Grassington. The Etape du Dales route is an extremely difficult ride and requires an excellent level of fitness. It takes in the major climbs in the Yorkshire Dales and that means steep and technical descents as well. The course has good signage but you should be aware of the route and terrain. Make sure you have adequate clothing and your equipment is in perfect order, a bottom gear of 39 x 25-28 minimum is recommended. Please be prepared for multiple punctures on such a ride. Safety is our priority and so tri-bars are not permitted and approved cycle helmets are compulsory.

CAN I DO IT?Thinking about riding the Etape du Dales? Well YOU CAN! It's well within the reach of any fit and determined rider. BUT, you'll need to put in some hard work and prepare properly - don't underestimate the challenge. The ride passes through some of the most remote countryside in England and there is virtually no mobile phone signal throughout the ride.JUST HOW HARD IS IT?Well here are some stats;Length: 110 miles. Max gradient: 25%. Meters Climbed: 3,500Average ride time: 8hr 30mins | Record Ride Time: 5hr 42mins​WHAT CAN I EXPECT AT THE FEED STATIONS?There are plenty of feed stations, ALL have TORQ energy drink, flapjack, bananas and cake. There is also a free meal and drink at the finish.HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE TO ENTER?We have a minimum age limit of 16. However, there is no maximum!CAN I CAMP AT THE RUGBY CLUB?Sorry, there is no camping or motor homes allowed at the Rugby Club. Please head over to the event accommodation page for details of where to stay.ARE THERE SHOWERS, TOILETS AND CHANGING ROOMS?The Rugby Club HQ provides both male and female changing facilities with showers and toilets.CAN MY FRIEND DRIVE ROUND AND GIVE ME DRINKS OR SUPPORT?No following (or leading) cars or motor cycles are allowed. See the event Terms & Conditions page for more infoIF I HAVE TO CANCEL WILL I GET MY ENTRY FEE BACK?No, it will all be donated to the Dave Rayner Fund. You can however have another rider take your place, but substitutions will only be allowed up to 14th April. See the event terms & conditions for more information.IS THERE A TIME LIMIT?There is not a time limit imposed per se, but for safety reasons there is a cut off at The Moorcock Inn and at Tan Hill - the cut off times will be in your rider information pack and can vary according to the weather conditions. If you start the ride at 07:00hrs this should give you 11 hours to complete the event.WHO ORGANISES THE ETAPE DU DALES?The event is organised on behalf of the Dave Rayner Fund, a charitable trust that provides bursaries and grants to aspiring young riders to ride on the continent. Full details of the trust's support activities can be found at The Dave Rayner Fund.