Ryedale Special Families’ (RSF) annual Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge has regained its popularity following the Covid pandemic, with just short of 200 cyclists taking part and helping to raise just over £35,000 for the charity.

The 11th running of the annual event took place over the first weekend of July and despite occasional wet and windy weather was deemed to be one of the most successful to-date.

Cyclists from all over the north of England set off in small groups from Norton College early on the Saturday morning, following the circular route in a anticlockwise direction via Leavening, Thixendale & Millington to the first refreshment stop at the Gait Inn. Then onwards to Pocklington & Market Weighton and the second stop of the day at the Tiger Inn in North Newbald at two-thirds distance for the day.

The last leg of the first day took the riders through Beverley to the halfway overnight camp at Hutton Cranswick where a pleasant relaxing evening in the sunshine was had complete with barbecue, live music, a few glasses of Wold Top and a chance to share experiences with others following the days ride.

After an early breakfast the next morning the riders headed off again for another 72 miles via Driffield and Bridlington to the Ship Inn at Sewerby, then on to Bempton, Hunmanby and Foxholes before arriving at the last refreshment stop, Weaverthorpe Village Hall. This was the first time the event has used the village hall following the closure of Rarey Halt Tea Room and it proved to be a real highlight of the weekend.

Lisa Keenan of RSF said: “The village hall committee really excelled themselves by laying on an incredible spread and making the cyclists feel really welcome. It was greatly appreciated by everyone and our sincere thanks to all involved.”

Martin Pearce of the committee said: "What a pleasure it was to host the final stopping point on this year's Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Challenge. We set out to try to ensure that we catered for all comers - including vegetarian, vegan and gluten intolerant participants.

"But, what made the whole thing such a pleasure was the cyclists themselves. What a great group of easy-going and interesting people. Marvellous. Our whole volunteer team thoroughly enjoyed our day and look forward to hosting the first stopping point for the 2023 event."

Following their afternoon tea, the last 20 miles of the day saw cyclists ride via Sledmere, Kirby Grindalythe and Settrington, back to Norton College where completion certificates, goody bags and a warm welcome back by the charity awaited them.

Organiser of the event, Rob Davies, said “Following the cancellation of the event in 2020 and a reduced version of it last September, we were determined to get entry numbers back up to pre-pandemic levels and then put on the best event we possibly could. The feedback we’ve received has been wonderful and makes the hard work all worthwhile. Of course, the most important thing is the amount raised for RSF, in particular at this time when their campaign to raise £1m towards the building costs for their new premises in Pickering has just been launched.”

“A massive thank you must go to our 60+ volunteers who give up their time in order to help make the event happen, including marshals, Guardian Angel cyclists, helpers at the start and finish and the committee and helpers at Hutton Cranswick Sports Fields.”

“Lastly, I’d like to thank our sponsors, without whose generous support over the 11 years we’ve run the event we simply wouldn’t have the confidence to put on such an event, so a big shout out to Bannisters Farm, Big Bear Bikes, Inntravel, Kent Building Developments, MKM Malton & Pro-Pak Foods”.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event which will once again take place over the first weekend of July. Anyone interested in taking part should keep an eye on the event website which is www.yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk or email info@yorkshirewoldscyclechallenge.org.uk for more information.