If you fancy a gravel race with a little bit of a difference - namely that it's all done at night - then Yorkshire True Grit Dark Skies might be right up your street. Held on the 23rd February 2019, there will be a 50-mile course held on the varied terrain of North Yorkshire with entries open now.

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The event has expanded after a successful first year, with places having doubled to 100 despite the challenges (and rewards) of a long nighttime ride in winter. Starting at Newburgh Priory on the edge of the village of Coxwold in the Howardian Hills at sunset, the route will cross the valley to explore the fast tracks of Yearsley Woods before traversing on to the North York Moors, exploring local woods and plantations. Riders will then hopefully be able to enjoy the view from Sutton Bank before reaching the most exposed part of the route and then home.

Due to the (likely) challenging conditions, riders will have to carry a mandatory kit that will be subject to scrutiny prior to setting off on the ride. They will all be issued with a GPS tracker so that friends and family can watch the event from afar, and as riders finish they will also be able to see where other people are on the route. 

Route Planner and Event Director, Andrew Wright said: ”Last year we were excited to be able to put this event on as part of the North York Moors Dark Skies Festival, and the riders loved it. The atmosphere was fantastic as the riders arrived to register, and when they completed the route – I think we enjoyed it as much as they did. Riding at night provides a completely different experience to daytime riding and challenges you in a different way. It is great that the first event was loved so much that we’re able to put this on again.”

Entries will cost £55 and you can enter or find more details below.

• yorkshiretruegrit.co.uk/darkskies-2/

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