The Yorkshire Dales: as brutal in terrain as they are beautiful. The magnificent (and magnificently tough) Etap du Dales, with its race HQ at Wharfedale Rugby Club,?Grassington? (map here) promises riders an uncompromising challenge with 112miles of ride that takes in the major climbs in the Yorkshire Dales which also means innumerable steep and technical descents to boot. As the organisers are quick to point out: ‘Please do not treat your entry lightly, remember to respect the challenge… (it) requires an excellent level of fitness.’ You have been warned.
Held to support the excellent Dave Rayner Fund, the two riders who raise the most money through sponsorship will receive two free tickets for the Dave Rayner Fund Annual Dinner. After those hills, we can only hope it’s an all-you-can-eat-buffet.
HQ opens on the day at 6.15am with riders allowed away in waves of 20 at five-minute intervals from 6.30am on a first come basis. There is an entry limit of 970, with places costing £40; technically 2013 is already fully booked – but with such a challenging sportive on offer, still well worth contacting organisers for cancellations. Further details and entry information at daveraynerfund.co.uk
