What is it about Yorkshire and epic cycling challenges? Hot on the heels of last week's route announcement for the Tour de Yorkshire Ride comes news of Struggle Moors, a genuine contender for the title of UK's toughest sportive.
It's run by Harrogate-based Struggle Events - dubbed the "Tough Mudder of the UK cycling scene" - whose flagship Struggle Dales sportive attracts aspirational cyclists from across the country. Our reporter Jim Cotton rode it last year, and it's safe to say he suffered: you can read his report here.
But Struggle Moors, at 110 miles (177km) and with 10,239 feet (3,120m) of climbing, looks set to be even harder than its older brother. While Struggle Dales riders enjoy the gravitas of completing 108 miles over 9,430ft of climbing, Struggle Moors riders will be able to add killer climbs such as the infamous Rosedale Chimney to their palmares.
Struggle Moors is in its second edition, and with last year's inaugural riders labelling it the hardest cycling event they've ever completed the sportive looks set for cult status.
Rider Alex Jones said: "I've ridden both of the Struggle events this year. Really well organised, great enthusiastic team and amazing routes, The Moors is definitely the Daddy to the Dales.
"For regular sportive riders I would say the Moors is as tough as the mighty Fred Whitton. I would recommend both events 100% to anyone who rides a bike - don't underestimate them though!!"
Struggle Moors starts and finishes at one of the most beautiful venues in Yorkshire, Ampleforth Abbey and College. This jaw-dropping setting also offers accommodation, which gives the many riders travelling across the country bed and breakfast before setting off into the Yorkshire Moors National Park.
As for route options, you won't find any short, fun or 'medio fondo' nonsense here: this is Yorkshire! Struggle Moors has only one distance; 110 miles of very tough terrain among the breathtaking Yorkshire Moors landscape. The scenery offers riders exposed and open landscapes where, at times you feel on top of the world.
Rider Anthony Clark said: "After completing and enjoying The Struggle last year, The Struggle Moors was a no-brainer. Leading up to the ride and looking at the route it was clear it was gonna be a bit of a monster and it certainly delivered.
"This ride was on a par with other well known "tough" sportives but it just seemed to keep pushing you as a rider to the end. Well organised with great marshalling and feed stations and a backdrop to rival anywhere in the world, this was a truly stunning day on the bike!"
The parcours includes climbs such as Boltby Bank, Carlton Bank, Limber Hill with Cote du Grosmont, which has 33% ramps leading up to the tops which exposes views of Whitby and the coast. Riders then swoop down past the Goathland Railway Station and through the village made famous by the TV programme, Heartbeat.
The Glaisdale valley will lead riders into a false sense of security, with the event's two toughest climbs coming at 85 and 91 miles. Glaisdale Horror (Caper Hill) is a brute, which carves straight up and over the steep hill with a 14% average gradient. Once riders have clawed their way up The Horror, they are faced with the infamous super-steep ascent of Rosedale Chimney; this climb has caught out many riders with its 1:3 ramp, due to cramp or just lack of gears.
And should that ignominy befall you, take some comfort from the fact that event photographers Cadence Images will be there to capture the scene for posterity - with all riders getting free event images to remember the day. Even if you'd rather forget.
Struggle Moors opens for entries to pre-registered riders on Friday 2nd November at Noon. Pre-register now at www.ridethestruggle.com.
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