A network of 12 new cycling routes and a promotional film have been launched on the Yorkshire coast to help visitors create their own adventure this year.
Route YC has teamed up with the UK’s leading adventure cyclists to create the series of routes and a film to showcase some of the region’s best coastline, countryside and attractions.
The new cycling routes range from nine to 260 miles in length and have been specially designed to help visitors of all ages and abilities explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside on gravel, touring and road bikes.
A choice of three long-distance routes and nine itineraries that can be completed in a single day are available.
The Route YC Adventure Route, the main circular “bikepacking” route, will start and finish in Scarborough and is suitable for gravel bikes.
Several day trips will start in the coastal towns of Hornsea, Withernsea, Bridlington, Scarborough, Filey and Whitby, and the North York Moors village of Grosmont. The collection of routes is completed by a bikepacking weekender route starting in Whitby and a cycle touring route from the ferry terminal in Hull to Staithes.
Adventure cyclists Markus Stitz, Mark Beaumont and Jenny Graham led the development of the new network.
Mark is a Guinness World Record holder for fastest circumnavigation of the world by bike (men), broadcaster and author.
Jenny is a Guinness World Record holder for fastest circumnavigation of the world by bike (women), adventurer, presenter, public speaker and author.
Markus, the first person to cycle the world on a single-speed bike, cycle route designer, filmmaker, photographer and writer, was commissioned by Route YC to design the cycling itineraries and create a film based on the original routes.
He said: “After six months of careful planning, designing and testing, we’re really proud to be unveiling the new Route YC cycle network for the first time.
“Route YC offers some of the most inspirational coastal and countryside scenery in the UK, as well as a huge variety of terrain to suit all kinds of cyclists, from gravel, touring and road bikes.
“People from around the UK and beyond can now enjoy a new range of on and off-road cycle routes that will allow them to get off the beaten track and discover what the region has to offer.
“The itineraries not only offer an easy guide to exploring the region by bike, but we’ll be offering our top tips on bike-friendly accommodation, facilities and public transport links.”
Kerry Carruthers, CEO of Route YC, said: “We’re really excited to be offering people a variety of new ways to create their own adventure on the Yorkshire coast in 2024.
“These handy new itineraries have been carefully designed by cyclists, for cyclists, to plan their own routes in manageable sections and explore the Yorkshire coast and countryside at their own pace.
“As part of our new cycling campaign for 2024, we’ll be encouraging visitors to think about more sustainable and eco-friendly ways to travel; immerse themselves and local experiences and experiences; as well as enjoy the best local food and drink along the way.
“As well as visitors from around the UK, we also hope to attract international cycling enthusiasts with a choice of easily accessible transport links, including the Hull ferry terminal, Leeds Bradford, Manchester, Newcastle and Edinburgh airports, as well as the national rail network connecting Scarborough and London King’s Cross in just three hours.”
The new Route YC cycle route network has been developed in partnership with navigation and route planning app Komoot.
To access the new cycle route itineraries, visit routeyc.co.uk/cycling.
Markus, Mark and Jenny have jointly tested the new Route YC cycle network and documented their journey in a new 10-minute film, which is available to watch on YouTube at youtu.be/Nr3tL7ZEM8g.
