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 as well as the 3 beautiful dales of Wharfedale, Wensleydale and Swaledale.

The rolling route up Wharfedale to Buckden warms you up nicely for the first climb of Fleet Moss and the stunning beauty of 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, its 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.

The majesty of Malham Cove looks out over the Village of Malham and has been attracting visitors for centuries. For cyclists, it just happens that a classic road climb runs up the left hand side of the Cove. We have blended a visit to Malham with a loop back through the untouched gem Littondale, the hidden valley.

To start with, the ride skirts up the Wharfe valley and then through the Calendar Girls village of Rhylstone to Malham. The reward for reaching the top of the climb is sight of the impressive world famous limestone pavements. After crossing the bleak moor you descend to Settle for the caf stop. After the welcome break you join the route of the famous Etape du Dales and climb out of Stainforth past Pen-y-Ghent, one of the 3 Peaks of Yorskshire visited by the iconic cyclo cross race. A treat is now in store as the scenery to your right on the descent is majestic as you enter Littondale. You soon reach Wharfedale and head past Kilnsey Crag. To make this is a triple climb ride, the punchy Langbar awaits near the finish, although those with tired legs can easily miss this out if they wish.

Finish the 2018 Challenge Rides series on a blinder, this is one of our favourite routes! An undulating 20 miles to start with takes us to the foot of the infamous Park Rash, which we think is the toughest climb in the Dales! The reward for reaching the top though is a superb 12 mile descent to the town of Middleham and then on to a great cafe which serves the most wonderful selection of homemade food. Refuelled we catch a bit of the TdF day1 route and then head over to Pateley Bridge ready for the last significant climb of Nought Bank. Save a bit in the tank though as the final few miles are a bit more than rolling!