As the days have got shorter and the air has got cooler, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t still great cycling experiences to enjoy in the North York Moors during the winter months.
Winter shouldn’t diminish the waiting adventure - embrace the change, adapt your ride and discover the uniqueness of cycling in winter in a dramatic landscape. Small adjustments like shortening your ride or pit-stopping to split-up the ride can make the difference.
Five ideas for cycling in winter:
1. Discover an Explorer Route
Explorer routes are predominantly off-road circular routes suitable for gravel, mountain bikes and hybrids, offering a great winter cycling experience for families. These routes showcase picturesque winter landscapes of moorland, forests and coastal tracks. Explorer routes generally follow forest roads, quieter back roads and some bridleways so are better suited to winter riding conditions.
Along the way, cosy country pubs and cafés offer delightful treats like coffee and cake, providing enjoyable breaks. Circular routes and detailed guides ensure a hassle-free and well-guided journey, making it an ideal winter adventure for all.
Have a look at the Dalby Forest Loop for an intro to Explorer routes taking in the spectacular Levisham, Lockton and Dalby Forest.
2. Try out an e-bike
Ever tried an e-bike? With the challenges of winter weather, e-bikes can make cycling in colder and wetter months more manageable. The pedal assistance from an e-bike allows you to focus on the experience and scenery without being overly tested or exerted with the additional physical demands of cycling in winter.
Take a look at one of the cycle hire businesses to try out an e-bike with everything from hybrids to full-suspension e-mountain bikes.
If you’ve got your own - we’ve installed free e-bike charging at Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank National Park Centres, so you can extend your journey or top-up your battery while you stop for a brew.
3. Sign-up for an event in 2024
Looking for that extra bit of motivation over the winter months? Sign-up to a sportive or off-road event to keep you inspired through the winter months, so you can reap the rewards of your hard-work as the weather turns fairer.
Have a look at the events and sportive page to discover an event that takes your interest for 2024, whether it’s gravel, mountain bike or road. There’s something for everyone from the Kids time trails to the epic Struggle Moors taking in some of the bucket-list climbs through-out the North York Moors.
4. Make use of a cycling hub
Cycling hubs are the ideal place for winter riding – the purpose-built trails are a superior riding surface in the winter months. They’re designed specially to drain water and the surfaced trails minimise erosion.
They’re also a one stop shop for all your cycling needs, including bike hire, retail, warm food and drink and other facilities that all the family can enjoy.
- Sutton Bank - for families and those new to mountain biking
- Dalby Forest - for families right through to more experienced mountain bikers
- Yorkshire Cycle Hub - for more experienced mountain bikers and road cyclists.
Best of all, they've all got areas of natural tree cover with the canopy acting as nature's umbrella during a downpour!
5. Cycling Friendly welcome
Do you know that we have network of cycling friendly businesses? Have a look at the cycle friendly providers who are prepared and ready to welcome cyclists whatever the weather. Rest assured you won't be frowned upon walking into these places wearing your dirty cycle gear! You can also rest easy knowing you can see your bike parked up or there's a safe place to store it.
Cycling Friendly scheme includes accommodation providers, bike hire, food and drink, cycling hubs, repairs stations, retail, servicing and activity providers.
Remember we’re Britain's Capital of Cake so be sure to get a good slice of cake before, during or after your ride, you'll certainly have earnt it!
Final tip - even if you're in a rush, take a moment to check the weather and dress appropriately with winter clothing. If rain is expected, wear waterproofs and layers to keep warm; you'll appreciate it if it starts pouring unexpectedly.
Since winter days are shorter, ensure you're visible to drivers and pedestrians by wearing high-visibility clothing and checking your bike lights before heading out. Carry spares and tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return. Remember to share with care.
