Always keen to keep an eye on developments in the North Yorkshire cycling scene, we grabbed a few minutes with Yorkshire True Grit gravel sportive organiser Andrew Wright to learn a bit more about his upcoming challenge

 

A quick introduction…
 
Andrew Wright, I own bikewright.com, Easingwold’s local bike shop.

 

Why did you create Yorkshire True Grit?

 

I wanted to bring Gravel Biking to Yorkshire. I’ve lived here all my life and have enjoyed all kinds of riding on the open moorlands. The extensive network of gravel tracks on the moors really lend themselves to the “gravel grinder” format of event.

 

Why did you choose the Yorkshire Moors specifically?

 

Is there anywhere else? The Moors are on my doorstep – I know the best routes and trails. Gravel biking requires more than just a map – some bridleways you can ride on a mountain bike but might struggle on a gravel or cross bike. It’s that intimate knowledge of the moors that really brings this event to life. We’ve worked alongside National Parks, Forestry Commission, Bransdale Estate and Duncombe Park Estate to create something really special.

 

When not in the Moors, where’s your favourite place in North Yorkshire to ride?

 
Whilst you can’t beat the Moors – the variety is amazing – even from Kilburn to Hawnby the diversity of trail and scenery is dramatic, then the second best place would be dependent on the bike – the coast has some good gravel tracks, the dales has some great mountain biking, the wolds are good for road biking. Yorkshire is the best place to ride because there really is nowhere like it!

 

With so many other events in North Yorkshire, what sets your event apart?

 

We are the first Gravel Biking Challenge event to take place in North Yorkshire – it’s our knowledge of the area that has allowed this event to come to fruition – we are passionate about riding bikes and still love getting out and riding the routes that we have created for the event. Being able to use private land means that entrants get to see Yorkshire from an angle they’ll never have seen before.

 

What advice would you give to riders tackling the route?
 

Get some hill practice in. The general thought seems to be that this part of Yorkshire is flat – well we might not have the height of the dales but we can certainly pack a punch with the climbs!

 

Is there still time left to enter and if so how?
 

Advance entry close on Wednesday 31st August – entry is via the website www.yorkshiretruegrit.co.uk. We are taking Entry on the Day (at Registration) on the Saturday evening and Sunday morning but at a higher price.
 

Anything you’d like to add?
 

We are donating a percentage of the profits from the event to Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue and The Yorkshire Air Ambulance both who do great work in the area. And also to St. Monica’s Hospital in Easingwold.