At the heart of the York Rally is the programme of free, mostly led rides. We are proud to host rides run by numerous local and national clubs and organisations, as well as some led by generous volunteers.
New for 2023: Pre-registration for faster departures
To help us streamline rider registration and to get rides away on time, if you can, please register in advance for rides at Rally HQ.
Rides are all free of charge to join, and you are still welcome to just turn up on the day. but we do need to record a few details for safety and insurance purposes – so if you possibly can, please provide your details at Rally HQ least 30 minutes before the ride is due to depart. This will significantly speed up ride departures.
Exact departure locations will be clearly marked on site (see map in the show programme for the rides departure area), and details are also at Rally HQ.
Thank you!
The all-volunteer Rides team
How do I join a ride?
It’s best if you register for your chosen ride, well in advance at the Rally HQ. If you are short of time, then you can just turn up with your cycle! Departure points are located along the fencing by the main tarmac road leading into the Rally: see the site plan in the show programme. Which departure point you need will be shown on multiple posters around the departure area or in Rally HQ.
That said, it would be hugely helpful to speed ride departures if you could please go to Rally HQ at least 30 minutes before the ride is due to depart to sign up for the ride and provide the basic details we need for insurance purposes (name, address, contact number, emergency contact etc.)
Is it free?
All rides are free of charge unless otherwise stated.
What if I can’t keep up?
If you think this could be an issue, please ask just the ride leader or at Rally HQ. In general we do request that riders must satisfy themselves that they and their machines are capable of the pace, distance and type of the organised rides. The Rally Committee, organisers and ride leaders can not be held responsible for riders who fail to do so, and although we will do our best to help, we cannot normally provide any sag wagon or pickup service. It would be wise in any case to have a puncture kit, map and/or charged smartphone so that you can always get back independently if you need to. It’s recommended that you download the What 3 Words app onto your phone, in case you get separated from the group and need assistance – it lets you pass on your exact location easily.
Can children and/or vulnerable adults join the led rides?
Children under 16 years of age and vulnerable adults are welcome to participate but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
If you’re having issues downloading the GPX files (typically, because they open up as a mass of code in your web browser) please first try right-clicking on the link and select “save file as” or “save link as” or “download link” (the exact wording depends on which web browser you’re using – e.g. Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Firefox). That should then allow you to save the files to your computer.
If that doesn’t work for you, then visit the link to the map instead, for the route you’re intereted in. Once it opens up on the mapometer website, look for the “Actions” option on the left, and within that select the “Export” button. That will let you download the GPX files in a variety of formats…
If all that fails, then I’m afraid you may be out of luck, and I’m not sure what else we’ll be able to suggest – our rides team are not ‘power users’ when it comes to GPX devices and software. But feel free to email us on rides@yorkrally.org and we will do what we can!
Guided Rides Programme for 2023
Friday rides
6.30 pm: Chips & pub ride
York Greenways evening pub ride to Deighton then on to Bishopthorpe for a pint! Ride leader Peter Huxford, a Greenways volunteer, says “The route is along the Solar System Greenway and quiet country roads. It’s about 8 miles each way. Lights needed!
SATURDAY RIDES
09:00 Challenge Ride: The Tour de York.
Join Eamon Prendergast of the York Wednesday Wheelers for this 68 mile epic ride encircling the city of York. At a medium pace, riders will enjoy riding along mainly quiet roads and country lanes. There will be a refreshment stop. Route map and GPX file below: (Mapometer app) Saturday Challenge Ride : The Tour de York. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451378
09:10 The Tour of the Ainsty.
Join Gary Knighton (York Rally Committee) for this 31 mile tour of the lowlands to the west which were known, historically, as the Wapentake of Ainsty. There will be a variety of surfaces to ride and, as Gary says “There are some very green, green lanes.” This ride is NOT suitable for road bikes with narrow tyres. There will be a refreshment stop at Doyly’s tearoom at Bolton Percy. The pace will be medium. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Rally Tour of the Ainsty 2023 V2. Mapometer.com cycling route #5459025
09:20 On road ride to Stamford Bridge.
Andrew Richardson, of York Wednesday Wheelers, will lead this medium to fast paced 37 mile ride to the east of York to the historic town of Stamford Bridge. Here in 1066, King Harold’s army defeated invading Danes, and then marched south to fight William of Normandy. The rest is history! There will be a refreshment stop. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Rally Road Ride to Stamford Bridge 2023. Mapometer.com cycling route #5456858
09:30 The Non-Conventionals
Ian Prince (York Rally Committee) is leading this ride for those who ride tricycles, recumbents, hand cycles, Moultons, Bromptons etc mainly along a traffic-free cycle path to the Tearoom at Naburn Lock, where you will be able to enjoy delicious snacks and drinks. Route map and GPX file below: The Non-Conventionals 2023. Mapometer.com cycling route #5459964
09:45 Easy ride to Riccall
Barry Raynor (York Rally Committee) will lead this leisurely 19 mile ride along a traffic-free track and quiet roads to the village of Riccall, where there is a tearoom. Route map and GPX file below: Saturday’s Family Ride to Riccall. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451405
10:00 Westwards with the Rouleurs
Mark Presley from York Rouleurs is leading this medium-paced 35 mile ride through villages to the west of York, calling at Tim’s Bistro at Thorpe Arch for refreshments. All are welcome on this ride along quiet roads. Visit The York Rouleurs’ stall at the Rally, to find out more about this friendly and inclusive club. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Westwards with the Rouleurs 2023 v2. Mapometer.com cycling route #5462546
10:30 The Solar System Greenway
Join Peter Huxford of York Greenways and the York Rally Committee, for this leisurely, traffic-free 17 mile ride along York’s Solar System Greenway, visiting the Planets along the way. This former railway line is now home to a wealth of wild flowers and small animals. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Rally Solar System Greenway. Mapometer.com cycling route #5458777
12:30 The Way of The Roses.
Bill Ramage is leading this leisurely-paced, mainly traffic-free ride along the York Riverside path and quiet roads to the Home Farm café at Beningbrough. The route follows part of Sustrans’ Route 65. The Riverside Path is shared with people out for a stroll, so be prepared to take it easy! Beginner cyclists are especially welcome on this 23 mile round trip. (This ride will be repeated tomorrow) Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Knavesmire to Beningbrough Farm Shop. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451368
13:00 RSF Ride: Dunnington and Beyond.
Join George Nutt of The RSF Off-Road Cycling And Touring Club for this 26 mile ride to Stamford Bridge. There are lengthy off-road sections on farm tracks and bridleways. Enjoy both quiet roads and interesting traffic-free tracks through lovely countryside. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app) The RSF’s Saturday ride to Stamford Bridge.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451375
Sunday rides
08:30am – Church service ride
To Naburn. Mostly traffic free. An all age worship service will take place at St Matthew’s, Naburn, at 9:30 AM. There will be a marshalled ride back after the service. Gather opposite Rally on cycle path across the horseracing track – see map in programme. More details and pictures here. Leader Paul Reid.
Route map here and GPX file here
09:00 Challenge Ride to Fridaythorpe.
Join Roger Bilsby of The York Wednesday Wheelers for this medium-paced 62 mile ride to Seaways Café at Fridaythorpe. The scenery is varied, from the lowlands of the Derwent Valley to the steep climbs of the Wolds. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Sunday’s Challenge ride to Fridaythorpe.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451371
10:00 Westwards with The Rouleurs
Erin Bagral of The York Rouleurs, is leading this medium-paced 35 mile ride, which is aimed at encouraging women and non-binary people to ride in a non-competitive situation. There will be a refreshment stop at Tim’s Bistro at Thorpe Arch Route map and GPX file (Mapometer app) below: Westwards with the Rouleurs 2023 v2. Mapometer.com cycling route #5462546
10:20 RSF Ride to Skipwith and Selby
Join Ian Wood ofThe R SF Off-Road Cycling And Touring Club , for this 34 mile ride, with off-road sections to Skipwith and Selby. This route includes byways, bridleways and the Solar System Greenway. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Rough Stuff Fellowship’s ride to Selby on Sunday.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451373
10:45 RSF Solar System Greenway
Geoff Smith of The RSF Off-Road Cycling And Touring Club is to lead this 17 mile off-road, traffic-free ride to Riccall. The pace will be slow/ medium, as this ride is along a shared use path. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Sunday’s RSF ride along the Solar System Greenway.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451374
11:15 The Way of The Roses
Join with Bill Ramage for this relaxed-pace 23 mile round trip to the Home Farm Café at Beningbrough. Much of this route is traffic-free along York’s Riverside Path, and also some quiet roads. The Riverside Path is shared with people out for a stroll, so be prepared to take it easy! (This is a repeat of yesterday’s ride) Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): Knavesmire to Beningbrough Farm Shop. Mapometer.com cycling route #5451368
13:00 The Col de Kimberlow
Peter Huxford (York Greenways and York Rally Committee) is leading this relaxed pace ride along mainly traffic-free paths to York’s highest point (Kimberlow, c. 40 metres above sea level!) and on to the York Velodrome for refreshments. Route map and GPX file below (Mapometer app): The Col de Kimberlow. Mapometer.com cycling route #5452128
The York Cycle Rally CIC Organising Committee hopes that that weather conditions are favourable for its Guide Rides Programme, but reserves the right to change or cancel rides should the need occur.
We ask that prospective riders ensure that their cycles are in a good mechanical condition and roadworthy, as we wish all of our riders an enjoyable ride.
Self-guided rides – use at any time
- Self-guided rides are also very popular at the Rally – just head out with your friends! If you’re short of ideas iTravel York have 8 free route sheets to download… and the York CTC have a helpful list of cyclist-friendly cafes.
- For gentle, largely traffic free self-guided rides, check out the routes developed by Sustrans as part of their Slow Tour of Yorkshire. Two of them start very close to the Rally site:
- York to Naburn is just five flat miles each way, almost entirely on an old railway line and going past the scale model solar system. You can join it between Points 3 and 4 on the free PDF map direct from the Rally site. Several of the short rides listed above will also use some or all of this route.
- York to Beningbrough Hall is a little longer at nine miles each way, but again it’s largely off road and flat. Start point on the map is York train station, just a few minutes’ ride from the Rally via Sustrans Route 65.
Finally, anybody wishing to lead or assist with rides (backmarkers and group leaders for rides with larger numbers) is invited to express an interest by emailing the Rides Co-ordinator on: rides@yorkrally.org.
Many thanks to the following organisations for their help with the rides:
Rides from previous years
Friday rides
6.30 pm: Chips & pub ride
York Greenways evening pub ride to Deighton then on to Bishopthorpe for a pint! Ride leader Peter Huxford, a Greenways volunteer, says “The route is along the Solar System Greenway and quiet country roads. It’s about 8 miles each way. Lights needed!
Route map here and GPX file here (for original route – a diversion may be needed as below!)
Saturday rides
9.00 am: ‘Bridleways and Quiet Lanes’ C Ride
Tadcaster, 35 miles, medium pace.
Not suitable for road bikes! Café stop at Walkers Kitchen in Tadcaster. Estimated return 2 pm. Leader: Lynn Bland. Lynn says “This route was designed with cyclocross / gravel bikes in mind but a hard tail MTB or touring bike with very chunky tyres would also be suitable. Some of the vegetation was very high two weeks before the Rally so be prepared for a few nettle stings. The ground is very hard at the moment, so it is quite bumpy in places and the track into Tadcaster is a bit rocky so narrow road tyres are not suitable.”
Route map on RidewithGPS. Mapometer route map and GPX coming soon
9.10 am: ‘D’ Ride
Stamford Bridge, 37 miles, medium pace, return ~2 pm. Leader: Bryan Stanton of York Wednesday Wheelers.
Route map here and GPX file here.
9.20 am: ‘Easy’ Ride
Slow/family ride to Riccall, where the Methodist Hall will be open with refreshments. 19 miles, return about 1:30 pm. Self-led (please ask for map at HQ).
Route map here and GPX file here (for the original route – a diversion may be needed as below)
9.40 am: Retro Ride
Calling connoisseurs of classic cycles! Our Retro Ride is a 27 mile ride through undulating countryside to Tadcaster and beyond, with a refreshment stop at the midpoint. Estimated return 1:30 pm. Leader: David Kimberley.
Bikes: no hard and fast rules, nobody will be turned away, but this ride is aimed at fans of ‘classic’ pre-90s bikes, usually steel-framed, and which could have e.g. toe-clips, downtube shifters, brake cables from top of brake hoods…
Route map here and GPX file here.
10.00 am: York Greenways “Easy family eco” ride to Naburn Bridge
Super easy ‘Eco’ family ride to Naburn Bridge. “A traffic free eco ride along the Solar System Greenway with stops to see York’s unique iridescent Tansy Beetle habitat, and Urban Buzz’s wild flowers. Refreshments at Bishopthorpe Marina. About 5 miles each way.” Leader: Peter Huxford. www.yorkgreenways.org.uk
Route map here and GPX file here.
11.30 am York Greenways “Way of the Roses” ride
A gentle ride on the ‘Way of the Roses’ to the National Trust’s Beningborough Hall, 9 miles each way – largely traffic free but with a couple of miles on road. Lunch there, back about 3.30 pm. Leader: Ken Groom.
Route map here and GPX file here.
1.30 pm RSF Ride: To Dunnington (and maybe beyond!)
A ride organised by The RSF Off-Road Cycling And Touring Club. About 20 mainly flat-ish miles using cycle tracks, bridleways and quiet lanes. We will have to cross some main roads. Refreshment stop en-route. Expected return 4.30 pm, leader John Hitchen, RSF.
Route map here and GPX file here (for the original route – a diversion may be needed as below)
6.00 pm ‘VV’ Pub ride
Easy pub ride (under five miles each way, almost traffic free) to the Blacksmith Arms, Naburn. Self led – maps at HQ.
Route map here and GPX file here
Sunday rides
8:45am – Church service ride
To Naburn. Mostly traffic free. An all age worship service will take place at St Matthew’s, Naburn, at 9:30 AM. There will be a marshalled ride back after the service. Gather opposite Rally on cycle path across the horseracing track – see map in programme. More details and pictures here. Leader Paul Reid.
Route map here and GPX file here
10.00am – RSF Ride to Pluto
A ride organised by The RSF Off-Road Cycling And Touring Club. Off road – destination ‘Pluto’, Riccall – leader Geoff Smith. About 8 miles each way.
Route map here and GPX file here.
11.30 am Easy ride to Naburn
Ride to a Naburn area refreshment stop, ca 4 miles. Details TBC.
Route map and GPX coming soon
12.15 pm York Greenways “Col de Kimberlow ” ride:
Cross the University Campus on what – in York – passes for a hill. Great views to the North and South. Tea at the York Velodrome. Back along the route of the Derwent
Valley Light Railway. Leader: Peter Huxford. www.yorkgreenways.org.uk
Route map here and GPX coming soon
Rides from the York Rally 2019
Friday 21st June
- 6.30pm – York Greenways evening pub ride with fish & chips on the way!
Leader Peter Huxford says “Pub Ride with Fish and Chips, along the Solar System Greenway and quiet country lanes. Lights needed.” Approx 7 miles each way.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 7:40pm – Evening pub ride to the Carlton Tavern, Holgate, York.
Short ride to this nearby (less than two miles away) pub. As with all evening rides, you MUST be equipped with working lights. Leader is Malcolm Carline.
Route map here and GPX file here.
Saturday 22nd June
- 8:50am – ‘Ambitious’ ride to Fridaythorpe.
Leader: Lynn Bland. Fast/medium pace, 13-15 mph, 61 miles, aim to return around 2pm.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9 am – 100k Audax
Please enter now for the 100k (9am departure) and the new 50k route (9.30am) – the links take you to the Audax UK website. Numbers are limited but entries on the day will also be possible if spaces remain (Audax UK entry fee applies). This year the 100k route is slightly revised for more accurate total distance.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9:10am – ‘Classic’ ride
Stamford Bridge, 37 miles, medium pace, estimated return 2 pm. Leader: Andrew Richardson. (York Wednesday Wheelers: www.wwyork.org).
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9:20am – ‘Easy’ ride
Slow/family ride to Riccall, where the Methodist Hall will be open with refreshments from 10 am to 1 pm. 19 miles, estimated return 1:30 pm. Self-led (ask for a map at HQ if you need one).
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9.30am – 50k Audax
NEW: We have a new 50k Audax route – please enter via the Audax UK website. Numbers are limited but entries on the day will also be possible if spaces remain (Audax UK entry fee applies). Route heads to Tadcaster and beyond.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9.50 am – NEW Retro ride!
NEW: Get out your classic cycles for this 26 mile ride through undulating countryside to Tadcaster and beyond. Mainly on quiet country lanes with pub or cafe stop at midpoint. Leader: David Kimberley.
Bikes: no hard and fast rules, nobody will be turned away, but this ride is aimed at fans of ‘classic’ pre-90s bikes, usually steel-framed, and which could have e.g. toe-clips, downtube shifters, brake cables from top of brake hoods…
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 10am – York Greenways super easy “Eco” family ride to Naburn
“Traffic free eco ride to Naburn along the Solar System Greenway with stops to see York’s unique iridescent Tansy Beetle habitat and Urban Buzz’s wild flowers. Mid morning refreshments at Naburn Station. Visit www.yorkgreenways.org for more info and video.” Under 4 miles each way.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 11:30am – York Greenways slightly longer ride
This will be on the ‘Way of the Roses’ going to the National Trust’s Beningborough Hall, 9 miles each way – largely traffic free but with a couple of miles on road. The start is timed to be there for lunch, return around 3:30PM.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 1.30pm – RSF Ride – off road.
Destination Dunnington & beyond – leader Rob Newton. About 20 miles using cycle tracks, bridleways and quiet roads. Estimated return 4:30pm.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 6pm – “VV” pub ride
Mostly traffic free. About five miles each way. Destination: Blacksmith’s Arms, Naburn. Self led this year – ask at HQ for a map. Details here
Route map here and GPX file here.
Sunday 23rd June
- 8:45am – Church service ride
To Naburn. Mostly traffic free. An all age worship service will take place at St Matthew’s, Naburn, at 9:30 AM. There will be a marshalled ride back after the service. Gather opposite Rally on cycle path across the horseracing track – see map in programme. More details and pictures here. Leader Paul Reid.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 9.00am – NEW York Greenways Historical Promenade
NEW! A short traffic-free ride to see professional actors lead a walking drama event along the Solar System Greenway, representing highlights of the history of the route with railwaymen, miners and cycle path builders. Suitable for families. Leader: Peter Huxford
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 10.00am – RSF Ride
Off road – destination ‘Pluto’, Riccall – leader Geoff Smith. About 8 miles each way.
Route map here and GPX file here.
. - 2:00pm – York Greenways Velodrome ride
Ride to York’s Sports Village and velodrome. 5 miles or so each way. Route back is along the Foss Island Greenway via St Nicks Environment Centre. Leader: Peter Huxford
Route map here and GPX file here.
All York Greenways rides listed are led by a trained ride leader. All children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Riders will be issued with a map of the route and will have the option of spending more time at any of the attractions visited.