Cycling in Helmsley

Situated between the North York Moors, The Howardian Hills and the Vale of Pickering, YHA Helmsley is one of the best locations in the country for cycling. Whether you’re a family, regular club cyclist or world-class mountain biker, with many miles of quiet country roads, bridleways, forest tracks and disused railway lines, plus two dedicated cycling centres at Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest, the area has something to offer cyclists of all abilities and interests.
 
(FF denotes family friendly routes)
 
The infamous Rosedale Chimney, one the country’s steepest classified roads, with a section at 33%, tops most cyclist's tick lists when visiting the area, but this is only one of many equally challenging climbs that the North York Moors has to offer: White Horse Bank, Boltby Bank, Blakey Bank, and Carlton Bank. However, if you don’t fancy one of these demanding routes across the North York Moors, then you also have the option of the Howardian Hills to the south of Helmsley. These rolling hills and richly wooded parkland, with lanes connecting picturesque villages make for fine cycling. For the less strenuous, the Vale of Pickering makes for an easy-going ride: quiet, flat lanes through a pastoral landscape.

National Cycle Route 65/66 from Hull to Middlesbrough (The White Rose) runs a few miles to the west of Helmsley through Kilburn, Sutton Bank and Hawnby.
 
The Pickering and Esk Dale Loop, described by British Cycling as “A tough fifty miles of climbing and moor crossings, but with a variety of roads and scenery you would struggle to match anywhere else in England” can be joined as it passes within a few miles of Helmsley. This is a challenging route only for the experienced rider.
 
The Bransdale Loop, starting in Helmsley, is another challenging route with some steep ascents and descents that takes you around one of the less well known valleys in the area before returning via Kirkbymoorside (25 miles/40km). 
 
The Ryedale Grand Prix (Sunday 10th 2016  Sunday 18th August), which is part of British Cycling Elite Road Race Series is held 4 miles from Helmsley at Ampleforth College, and has featured as the National Road Race Championship Race in 2005, 2008 and 2012.
 
Tour of Yorkshire, Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2015, the 3rd day of this year’s event will be passing through Helmsley. A highlight of this year’s Tour will be the first ascent of the infamous Sutton Bank, which the cyclists will tackle before dropping down into Helmsley. The riders will then continue across the North York Moors, before finishing on the promenade at Scarborough. Unfortunately the hostel is already fully booked for the weekend itself, but has beds available in the week before or after if you want to spend a few days enjoying the route the tour takes.
 
Coxwold Cyslists' Service

This event is second only to the older service held at Meriden near Birmingham. Started in 1927 by Teeside CTC and Canon Gibson Black in the aftermath of WWI, this service, held at St Michel’s Church was, and still remains, a thanksgiving for the enjoyment of the open road and comradeship of fellow cyclists. Coxwold is 4 miles from Helmsley, and the service attracts cyclist from across Yorkshire and Teeside.
 
Velo 29 hold a number of events across Yorkshire and Teeside during the year. The Daffodils Sportive from Thirsk to Farndale (16th April) and the White Horse Sportive from Stokesley taking in a series of challenging climbs in the western moors (24th September).
 
Castle Howard Triathlon Combine your love of bikes with a swim and a run. In its sixth year, the growing popularity of this annual event has seen it increase to a two day event in 2015, and it includes events for children as young as eight.
 
Malton Festival of Cycling (FF)
 
Started in 2014 this family friendly event looks to continue to grow over the coming years.
 
Goldeneye North York Moors cycle map
  
Available online from Sustrans this excellent full colour map shows the NCN network in the area, and includes 10 recommended circular rides and 6 traffic-free family routes, ranging in length from5 to 52 miles.
Cycling Facilities Available:
3x Internal Sheffield Stands (6 secure bike parking spaces)

2x External Sheffield Stands (4 secure bike locking spaces)
 

Wall Mounted Repair Station with selection of tools. 
 
Portable Washer and brushes. 
 
A basis selection of spares is available for sale onsite.