Lancashire and Wharfedale Cocktail

Most people think of Yorkshire climbs as short and steep, well this ride will prove you wrong! Three major climbs feature on this ride, all before lunch. They are characterised by Alpine like gradients of 5-9% occasionally creeping into the lower teens. 

The route heads over to Silsden, Connonley and Carleton where the first climb, 4 miles long, starts as you head over the Lancashire border to Colne. Shortly after Colne the next gradual climb of Gisburn Road out of Blacko allows you to hit a comfortable tempo on the consistent gradient of around 7%. After the descent, you will enjoy some gently rolling country lanes and villages taking you back to Ilkley via Airton, Hetton and Burnsall.

About YVT Challenge Rides

Put simply, one Saturday each month from May to September we are hosting a fully supported classic day ride. The routes are incredibly varied with each one having its own very distinct character to show off the wide variety of terrain and scenery in the Yorkshire Dales and South Pennines. 

The rides are an exclusive individual guided and supported experience similar to ‘sportive’ ride in that there is a set route, but are 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 YVT 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.