York Cycle Rally and Retro Bike Show – welcome!
After a successful York Rally 2023 we are now looking forward to 2024. The now confirmed dates for the next York Rally are 21-23 June 2024.
NEW: For 2024 we’re developing plans to host an exciting new classic MTB and off-road event: the UK Retro Bike Show at the York Cycle Rally
Famous since 1945 as the annual ‘gathering of the cycling clans’, the York Rally draws cycle tourists and Audax riders; club cyclists and racers; vintage, veteran and retro cycle riders and experts; grasstrack and cyclocross racers; cycle campers and bikepackers; HPV, adaptive and recumbent riders; everyday cyclists and many more.
It’s a grand, traditional and refreshingly non-commercial celebration of cycling in a family-friendly atmosphere, with camping on site.
Please watch this website, follow us on Facebook or subscribe to our newsletter for latest updates! We’ll open campsite bookings for 2024 ASAP and we look forward to seeing you in June!
The all-volunteer York Rally organising team
Whether you cycle already or not, please do come along! There’s a family atmosphere and plenty to do all weekend, including live music, food and a real ale bar. And entry is free!
The York Rally, founded in 1945, is famous as the UK’s historic gathering for cycle tourers, grass-roots racers, vintage/retro cycle experts and more! And it’s also 100% volunteer organised!
There’s camping on site for the many visitors who stay for the whole weekend – book early for the lowest prices!
Or just turn up and pay on the day – there is plenty of room. We’ve space for tents, caravans and motorhomes alike.
I feel the need to express what an incredible weekend we had at our first York Rally. Absolutely everything was perfect, from the communications beforehand to ensure our group were sited together on the fantastically spacious pitches, the day-parking organisation, clean toilets (unheard of for portaloos after a weekend!), reasonably priced food, friendliness of the volunteers, and the provision of what I can honestly say is the best and quietest route I’ve ridden in the UK… (from a visitor in 2018, left on our Facebook page)
What’s on and when
Buy a show programme on the day for just £1 to see the full schedule!
Friday
- Gates open 4pm
- Catering and bar open 4pm
- Evening quiz: 7:30pm
- Evening rides
Saturday
- Throughout the day: rides for all abilities, catering and bar, trade show and cycle displays
- Morning: children’s activities, live music
- Afternoon: Cycle auction, talks
- Evening: More talks, live music, food and good company
Sunday
- Throughout the day: rides for all abilities, catering and bar, trade show and cycle displays
- Morning: Church service ride, children’s activities open, Saddlebag Sale
- Afternoon: Talks
- Close: Event closes at 4:30 pm (although some campers and volunteers stay on site until Monday)
Eat, drink and be merry
There’s a great range of caterers offering food and hot drinks on site at the Rally, covering the whole event from when gates open on Friday afternoon, to the early mornings for breakfast and through the day into the evenings. For 2022 we also have vegan pizzas! Plus there’s a real ale bar from award winning craft brewers Caps Off, coffee and ice cream… Please do support the on-site catering with your custom so that they’ll continue to support the event – and because a percentage of the takings goes towards the cost of running the Rally! Find out more.
Thoroughly enjoyed my visit to York Rally over the weekend. Excellent organisation, super atmosphere and very very busy indeed. Full credit must go to the volunteer organisers who worked tirelessly in both organising this event and then working throughout during the hot weather this weekend – all done with a smile on their faces […] I was surprised by the 1,000s in attendance each day at York, I can see this event going from strength to strength. Very well done everybody involved and see you again next year! (from a visitor in 2018, left on our Facebook page)
Bag a bargain at the Rally
Auction sale
Cycles go under the hammer! Buy or sell on the Saturday of the Rally, Any cycling item welcome.
Saddlebag Sale
At the cycle jumble on the Sunday of the York Rally you can join eager buyers or book a table and sell – or donate your spare items for us to sell to raise Rally funds!
The trade show
The York Rally trade show is a great opportunity to see the latest cycling gear and consult industry experts about anything from electric bikes to wheelbuilding, and to obtain specialist kit for e.g. touring. You might also bag a bargain or two! Find out more about the trade show.
Rides at the Rally
The York Rally is the starting point for masses of rides, ranging from short, family-friendly pootles to evening pub rides to all-day adventures into the Yorkshire Moors and Wolds. Find out more about the rides.
