Just in from the team at Yorkshire True Grit – they’ve been working hard behind the scenes to improve last year’s route, so whilst the event HQ remains the same (High Paradise Farm, Boltby), the routes will be even better!
Sounds like good news to us, it’s not as if we didn’t enjoy last year’s course!
Building on existing relationships with landowners and gamekeepers, and due to the respect shown by riders last year to the private estate used, the team has secured support from three private estates for this year’s event. The 7 mile section of private land that many hailed as the highlight of The Outlaw (the 60 mile route) remains, and has been extended; and two neighbouring estates have also permitted usage.
The changes don’t stop there though, the maps have been out, the bikes have been out, even the dog has been out, scouting for the very best to challenge riders taking part this year.
“We don’t want to be complacent” said Event Director, Andrew Wright. “We want participants to feel challenged every time they come to Yorkshire True Grit, and by changing the route we are able to bring new challenges in to the event, whether that’s new singletrack, new climbs or new descents. We’ve probably re-routed about 75% of the route of The Outlaw, and 50% of The Drive (the 40 mile route), so people will be familiar with some elements – although may be not in the direction they’ll come at them this year! Be warned though, Debs has had more of a hand in the planning this year as I’m injured and she is a fan of a good hill climb…”
Some of the land that will be used for this year’s Yorkshire True Grit Outlaw route is sensitive due to the ground nesting birds and conservation work that takes place in the area so entries for this route are limited.
The rest of the weekend – Yorkshire True Grit 2018 is running from 22-24 June – is shaping up too, with a larger than ever event village featuring sponsors’ Aussie Grit, Lauf and Fenwicks Bike Cleaner, plus exhibitors Forme, Sanderson, PYC Chains and the Yorkshire Cycle Hub to name a few.
Entries and more info
Entries and more info via the Yorkshire True Grit website.
All photos: Mick Kirkman