Here’s news about a local cycling business that is helping build Yorkshire’s reputation as a world-class cycling destination:

“Proud Yorkshireman and cyclist with 25 years’ experience, Charles Oxtoby set up Yorkshire Velo Tours in 2015, largely on the back of the visit of the Tour de France to Yorkshire and the subsequent establishment of the annual Tour de Yorkshire race. Charles and his team are passionate about cycling in Yorkshire and want to attract riders of all abilities to come and experience the world class cycling routes available.

2016 was the first full year in business and the response of visiting cyclists has been fantastic, especially from those who have never been to Yorkshire, let alone cycle here. If you’ve watched TV coverage of the Tour de France and the Tour de Yorkshire you will have seen the gorgeous and varied terrain in Yorkshire. Although there are no long climbs like mainland Europe, the roads are just about all up and down and some wonderful and challenging climbs are on offer for the serious roadie. Remember, these are roads that the Brownlee brothers, Lizzie Deignan and Scott Thwaites train on!

The 2017 programme is out now with a vastly expanded the range of options catering for both experienced cyclists to those wanting a more leisurely trip where the cafe stops and evening dining are as important as the cycling.

What‘s on offer in 2017?

TOURS

3 options now available typically comprising 3 days’ riding and 4 nights’ luxury accommodation. Two of the tours are based in Ilkley, an ideal base for routes in all directions and also there is a 2 base tour with overnight stays in Ilkley and Wensleydale.

CHALLENGE RIDES

Classic Yorkshire rides one Saturday a month. Ride in small groups each with a ride leader and have dedicated van support and mechanic on hand at all times. Weekend package also available for these events that also includes a steady ride on the Sunday morning.

GROUP CYCLING DAYS

‘Cycling is the new golf’, so YVT have teamed up with a local hotel to offer a corporate cycling day package as well as a ‘group cycling adventure’ for groups to book and tailor the ride and hospitality exactly to their specification

ROUTE STORE

Option for cyclists to purchase some of our classic routes for £5 each. Not only do you get all the ride/map info, including download to GPS device, you need, you also receive all sorts of key info for the ride, including where the main climbs are and most importantly recommendations for cafe stops using tried and tested local establishments. You also get off road parking and toilets/changing.

The route guides draw on invaluable local knowledge, which is like gold dust for a visiting cyclist and can turn an average trip into a truly memorable adventure.

Since the recent announcement on the World Championships in 2019, there is certainly no better time come and cycle in Yorkshire!”