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Adventure Week 20
  • Week 1 - Adventure Racing
  • Week 2 - Serious Surfing
  • Week 3 - Orienteering
  • Week 4 - Sailing
  • Week 5 - Dixons Hollow Sklls Course
  • Week 6 - Traditional Climbing
  • Week 7 - How Stern Gorge
  • Week 8 - Power Kiting
  • Week 9 - Swale Charity Paddle
  • Week 10 - Walk the Cleveland Way National Trail
  • Week 11 - Try Gliding at Sutton Bank
  • Week 12 - Try Windsurfing
  • Week 13 - 5 Day Tou of the Dales
  • Week 14 - Go Geocaching
  • Week 15 - Scotton 100 Cycle Event
  • Week 16 - Sea Kayaking
  • Week 17 - Three Peaks Fell Race
  • Week 18 - Fishing
  • Week 19 - Trekking Centre
  • Week 20 - Etape du Dale Cyclospotive
  • Week 21 - Gaping Gill - Open week
  • Week 22 - Settle Loop
  • Week 23 - Go Ape at Dalby Forest
  • Week 24 - Ballooning
  • Week 25 - Dalby Forest Walk and Play
  • Week 26 - York to Selby Cycle Route
  • Week 27 - Try Paragliding
  • Week 28 - Thixendale Round
  • Week 29 - Ryedale Rumble Cyclosportive
  • Week 30 - Go down a showcave
  • Week 31 - Lancaster to York Cycle Ride
  • Week 32 - Wasburn Paddle
  • Week 33 - Guided Caving Trip
  • Week 34 - Malham Trailquest
  • Week 35 - Cotter Force
  • Week 36 - Moors to Sea Cycle Tour
  • Week 37 - Boots and Beer Walking Fesival
  • Week 38 - Climbing the Big Three
  • Week 39 - 3 Peaks Cyclocross
  • Week 40 - Husky Trekking
  • Week 41 - Saltergate Fell Run
  • Week 42 - Multi day horse ride at the North York Moors National Park
  • Week 43 - Whitby to Scarborough Cycle Route
  • Week 44 - Caving
  • Week 45 - Bike Trials
  • Week 46 - Tramper Route to Old Gang
  • Week 47 - Guided Walks
  • Week 48 - Mountain Biking at Dalby Forest
  • Week 49 - Open Access Walk
  • Week 50 - Bouldering
  • Week 51 - Try Surfing
  • Week 52 - Ingleton Climbing Wall
What's this? »
Etape du Dales cycle ride

Etape du Dales cycle ride

The route is 175km long and has around 3,500m
of climbing including many famous ascents

Week 20 - On Wheels

Etape du Dales CyclosportLevel of Fitness
Black. This is a long and challenging ride taking in many tough climbs through the Dales, with the maximum gradient being 1:4 (25%).

New in 2008 is the Presidents ride. This is a far gently 60km ride which will leave after the main event. It is very much a social affair and will be at a relaxed pace, taking in a tea stop.  Shorter versions will also be available.

The Experience
The route is 175km (110miles) long and has around 3500m of climbing including many famous ascents: Fleets Moss, Buttertubs Pass, Tan Hill (the highest pub in England), Mallerstang, the Coal Road, Newby Head and Halton Gill.

The reward is great Dales scenery and the satisfaction of completing one of the hardest cyclosportives in the country.

Cyclosportive riding is not about racing with your mates. It's about pitting yourself against distance, terrain and your own physical limits. It's about camaraderie, experiencing the challenge with your mates, meeting new people and sharing the experience.

Cycle the distanceThe last decade has seen a year on year increase in the number and geographical spread of cyclosportives, and top events like the Etape book up very quickly.  All of these events pitch road riders, ranging from have-a-go types to would-be racers, against the UK's best, most scenic and most challenging routes.

At present, there is the most comprehensive range of non-competitive event opportunities to be seen in the UK since the golden years of club cycling in the 1950s.

Have a go
The Etape is held in May each year with entries opening in early January.  The 2008 event is held on 18 May 2008.

A road bike in good condition. You need to make sure the brakes work well and you have low enough gears to climb several sections of 1:4.

Find out more
For details of the event, click here.
For full listings of UK cyclosportives, click here.