At the heart of the York Cycle Festival & 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.
The guided rides at the York Cycle Festival & Rally are organised, led and managed entirely by volunteers from the Rally, local cycling clubs and national organisations.
We always need new volunteers to lead rides, be back markers, or to help with signing-on. If you feel you could contribute to the event in this way, thank you and please just email our rides co-ordinator.
Naturally, we hope that that weather conditions will be favourable for the guided rides, but we reserve the right to change or cancel rides, should the need occur.
We also ask that prospective riders ensure that their cycles are in good mechanical condition and are roadworthy. Generally, we cannot arrange recovery if you break down.
How do I join a ride?
It’s best if you register for your chosen ride, well in advance, at the Info Hub. But if you are short of time, then you can just turn up with your cycle at the ride departure point. Departure points are located along the fencing by the main tarmac road leading into the Festival: see the site plan in the show programme. Which departure point you need will be shown on multiple posters around the departure area or at the Info Hub. That said, it would be hugely helpful to speed ride departures if you could please make every effort to go to the Info Hub 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 the Info Hub. 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 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.
You will see on the list of led rides that for each ride, a link is provided to the route map on the Mapometer website.
To download the GPX file for that ride, click that Mapometer link. Once it opens up on the Mapometer website, look for the “Actions” option on the left.
When you click “Actions” there’s a good chance that a full page advert will appear. You should be able to dismiss this with the “X” at top right.
Then select the “Export” button. That will let you download the GPX files in a variety of formats.
Self-guided rides are always an option at the event – just head out with your friends!
- iTravel York has 8 free route sheets to download…
- York CTC has 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 Festival 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 Festival 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 Festival via Sustrans Route 65.
Guided Rides Programme for 2025
Please note that it is not possible to register for the rides in advance of the Festival – instead, please sign up at the event, in the Information Hub, at least an hour before the ride departs.
Update 27th May 2025 – GPX links and maps available on Mapometer! Click on the links below. Update 18th June 2025 : Pop-ups on the Mapometer website. Please be aware that, when you click on the hyperlink to your ride, you might see an almost full-page pop-up for something unrelated to the ride. You can easily get rid of this by clicking on the X in the top right corner, or by clicking on “Close” When you have done this, the page for the list of rides, together with the GPX files, will be clear. Under the “Actions” tab at the left of this page, click on “Export”, which will allow you to download a GPX file.
Many of this year’s rides are available for limited numbers only.
This is for the following reasons: limited seating in refreshment venues, the difficulty of addressing large numbers on the themed rides, and for road safety reasons.
This year we have a greater number of rides and so there should still be enough places for all riders!
Friday rides
6.00 pm
Fish and Chips rides to Deighton and Copmanthorpe
Participants will split between rides to the Happy Haddock, Deighton (7 miles
each way, led by Peter Huxford), and to the Copmanthorpe Chippy (5 miles
each way, led by Ken Groom). You will need lights, as you will be riding after
dusk. Rides leave from Start Points 3 and 5
We advise you to carry some cash, as in previous years, one of the chip shops wouldn’t accept card payments. No cash = no supper!
Deighton for fish & chips. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594166
Copmanthorpe for fish & chips. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594167
Saturday rides
Throughout Saturday morning, if you are passing through Riccall, or fancy a self-guided ride to that village, the WI is hosting refreshments at the Riccall Community Hub. Delicious cakes and drinks await you, so take some cash!
Here is a link to the route and GPX file: Solar System Route to Riccall with the RSF. Mapometer.com cycling route #5596165
08:45 am
Giro de Galtres
Ride to Miss Daisy’s Cafe in Sutton-in-the-Forest, led by Gary Knighton from the York Cycle Festival Team, who led rides for the York Rally for many years. 28 miles total on quiet roads/tracks, over a third of which will be virtually motor-traffic free. Pace about 10-12 mph with a decent length elevenses stop. Not suitable for cycle with road-race wheels.
Start Point 1, estimated return 1pm
Giro de Galtres . Mapometer.com cycling route #5595170
9:00 am
Road ride to Howden
A 47 miles on-road ride to Howden led at about 11 mph by Barry Raynor of
Dronfield Clarion CC. Start Point 3, estimated return 3pm
Road Ride to Howden. Mapometer.com cycling route #5596161
9:15 am
Stamford Bridge on/off road ride
Led by David Kimberley of the Rough Stuff Fellowship, with both on and
off road sections and aiming for 10 mph. Start Point 5, estimated return 1:30pm
On/off road to Stamford Bridge DK. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594183
9:30 am
Retro Ride – the speedy one!
Aimed at classic and steel frame bikes (but none will be turned away!) this faster retro ride goes to Doyly’s Tearoom at Bolton Percy. Led by Andy Cuming of Knaresborough CC, 13-14 mph, 31 miles. Start Point 2, estimated return 1pm
Rally Retro Ride to Doyly’s Tearoom 2025. Mapometer.com cycling route #5527702
9:45 am
The Rouleurs go west!
Led by Justin Smith of York Rouleurs CC, this 35 mile ride heads at 13-14 mph to Tim’s Cafe at Thorpe Arch and back. Start Point 4, estimated return 2pm
The Rouleurs go West!. Mapometer.com cycling route #5526451
10:00 am
Retro Ride – the more sedate one!
Aimed at classic and steel frame bikes (but none will be turned away!) this more sedate all on road retro ride will aim for 8-10 mph and visit Doyly’s
Tearoom in Bolton Percy. Start Point 5, estimated return 2:30pm
Rally Retro Ride to Doyly’s Tearoom 2025. Mapometer.com cycling route #5527702
10:00 am
The York Rally 100k Audax
Starts 10am after ride briefing at 9:50am. Registration with Audax UK is required either in advance, or, if spaces remain, on a first come first served basis at the Info Hub from 9 am. Pre-booked riders should also sign in at the Info Hub from 9 am. Full route map etc. on the Audax UK website.
Start Point: Info Hub
10:15 am
History themed ride to Stamford Bridge
A 34 mile ride at 10-12 mph led by Chris Goode of the Yorkshire Coast Clarion. Start Point 1, estimated return 2:30pm
History-themed ride to Stamford Bridge. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594173
10:30 am
History and Geography-Themed ride to Riccall & Selby
On roads and traffic free paths, 40 miles at 10-12 mph. Destination Selby
Abbey and led by Edward Gilder of Broadland Clarion CC. Start Point 5, estimated return 3:30pm
2025 Themed Ride to Selby. Mapometer.com cycling route #5591269
10:45 am Exploring York’s Greenways: the Solar System Trail
This leisurely (7-8 mph) family-orientated ride takes riders along the lovely traffic-free greenway towards Naburn, taking in the scale model of the Solar System. 5 or 10 mile options stopping at Brunswick Organic Nursery or Riccall Community Hub, led by Ken Groom and Peter Huxford of York Greenways.
Start Point 2, estimated return 1:00pm
Exploring York’s Greenways – Naburn. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594188
11:00 am
RSF to Dunnington
George Nutt of the RSF will lead riders along this 22 mile route to the east of
York, including some off-road sections. No need to be an RSF member!
Start Point 4, estimated return 3:00pm
RSF off-road to Dunnington and back.. Mapometer.com cycling route #5526452
11:00 am
‘Summertime Blues’ 400k Audax
Registration with Audax UK is required either in advance, or, if spaces remain, on a first come first served basis at the Info Hub from 10:15am. Pre-booked riders should also sign in at the Info Hub from 10:15am. Entry fee includes two overnight controls, a bag drop to the control at Mickleton, and an overnight route around the North Pennines to Cumbria and back. Full details and online entry on the AUK website. Start Point: Info Hub
11:15 am
Gravel Ride to Tadcaster
Mainly off road, 35 miles at a pace of around 10 mph, led by Dave Hall of the
Seacroft Wheelers CC. Start Point 5, estimated return 4:00pm
Rally Gravel Ride to Tadcaster 2025. Mapometer.com cycling route #5532866
Throughout Saturday morning, the members of Riccall WI are hosting refreshments at the Community Hub in Riccall. Delicious cakes and drinks await you!
Here’s link to the map and GPX to guide you there: RSF Solar System Greenway. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594179
Sunday rides
8:30 am Church Service Ride
Paul Reid (one of our organising team members) will be leading a ride to Naburn Church, where a service of celebration and worship will be held. This ride will leave the Knavesmire at 08:30 and is 5 miles each way, at a relaxed 6-7 mph. Start Point: on cycle route across the racetrack, see map in show programme. Estimated return 11am
Church service ride 2025. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594186
9:00 am
Road Ride to Fridaythorpe
Led by Martyn Atkins of the York Wednesday Wheelers, this 65 mile road ride
is to the Seaways Cafe. Start Point 5, estimated return 3:30pm
Seaways Cafe at Fridaythorpe. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594162
9:15 am
The Non-Conventionals Ride
For non-standard cycles of any sort! Unhurried 21 mile ride to Naburn Lock Cafe led by Dave Sharpe of the event organising team. Start Point 5, estimated return 12:30pm
2025 Ride for the Non-Conventionals!. Mapometer.com cycling route #5591271
9:45 am The Rouleurs Go West again!
This will be a repeat of Saturday’s ride, but led by Justin Smith of York Rouleurs CC. This ride heads in the direction of Tadcaster and the ever-popular Tim’s Cafe. The pace will be brisk (13-14 mph) for this 35 mile
ride! Start Point 2, estimated return 2pm
The Rouleurs go West!. Mapometer.com cycling route #5526451
10:00 am
Beningbrough and Beyond
On traffic-free routes and quiet roads this 26 mile guided tour will aim for about 10 mph and head to Linton Lock Cafe. On returning to York, there will be an optional stop at Cycle Heaven, which has a shop and cafe. Led by Jacqueline Mountford Green of Thirsk Ladies Section, North Yorkshire CTC. Start Point 4, estimated return 16:30pm
Beningbrough and Beyond. Mapometer.com cycling route #5594172
10:15 am
With the RSF to Riccall via the Solar System Trail
Enjoy this lovely ride, led by Allan Henson of the RSF, assisted by Richard Bromley, along the traffic-free splendour of this former railway line to Riccall and back. 20 miles, stop at the Greyhound Pub, Riccall. Start Point 3, estimated return 1pm
Solar System Route to Riccall with the RSF. Mapometer.com cycling route #5596165
10:45 am
Exploring York’s Greenways: the Foss Islands Trail
This leisurely (7-8 mph) family-orientated ride takes riders on mainly traffic-free routes to the University Sports Centre for refreshments. 12 miles, led by Ken Groom and Peter Huxford of York Greenways. Start Point 3, estimated return 1:30pm
Exploring York’s Greenways: Foss Islands Trail. Mapometer.com cycling route #5595018
Our guided rides programme for Saturday :
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.
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And finally:
Many thanks to the following organisations for their help with the rides:
