Top 10 On Wheels Experiences

Challenge yourself and test your skills on Dalby's world class competition route. The challenging waymarked course has been used as a UCI Mountain Bike Cross Country World Cup venue and is open for all expert riders to have a go! You can also polish your mountain bike technique and defy gravity at the exciting Pace Bike Park at Dixon's Hollow in Dalby Forest, where expert riders can hone their technical skills. It's taken 350 tons of stone and building material to turn an old quarry into a top-notch bike skills area, complete with hair-raising jumps, corkscrews and ramps.

Dalby's not just for the experts - its great network of trails is perfect for those trying mountain biking for the first time. Dalby Forest's great facilities and a number of circular routes of 2 to 12 miles make this an ideal location for all the family. For younger riders, there are easier rides such as the Ellersway Family Cycle Route, a two mile trail. As well as easy-going green and blue trails for novice mountain bikers, there are challenging red runs and - for the experts - ultra-tough black runs. Cycle hire is available on site while there's a number of places offering guided rides so you can get straight to the best trails. Try Big Bear Bikes or Gone Mountain Biking for a start.

The Moor to Sea Cycle Trail is an ideal first cycle tour. More than 100 miles of waymarked cycling through the spectacular scenery of the North York Moors, from wide sweeps of open heather moorland to the breathtaking Heritage Coast. Combine a choice of linear routes to make circuits of varying lengths or take a weekand cycle the entire length, which links the historic towns of Scarborough, Pickering, Whitby and Great Ayton. You'll get fabulous views of heather moorland, ancient forests, rolling farmland and the spectacular coast along the way from forest tracks, lanes and the former coastal railway. Try the newest leg - using forest tracks and part of the old Rosedale railway line, it links Easby on the western fringes with Dalby Forest. Along its 34 miles, there's one tough climb up to the moor top, rewarded with a stunning view. The rest is fairly easy and can be split into smaller sections for those looking for a more leisurely pedal.

The Settle Loop - discover a favourite off road mountain biking experiences on this blue (intermediate) route suitable for those with an average level of fitness, and those with previous experience of riding a bike off-road. This is a 10 mile (16km) mostly off road circuit which takes in some stunning limestone scenery, including views of the nationally important Malham Tarn, Yorkshire's Three Peaks and Attermire Scar. Starting in Settle, the loop climbs steeply out of this lovely town into the National Park, traverses a wonderful limestone upland, before descending back towards Settle on mixed gravel and grass trails. Experienced off-road cyclists could expect to complete the circuit in around 2-3 hours, others may take a whole day.

Five Day Tour of the Dales - travel along some of Yorkshire's greenest routes on this five day guided mountain bike riding holiday tour of the Yorkshire Dales. As Singletrack mountain bike magazine called it 'England's greenest and finest'. This is a challenging tour with rides that average 35-40 km each day. It's mostly off road with a number of big climbs on each day and riders should be of an intermediate level or above. The terrain used is of mixed character with plenty of single-track, ancient green lanes, moor land tracks and open high fell. Any riding on tarmac has been kept to a bare minimum.

Try Britain's newest 'coast-to-coast' cycle touring route, the Way of the Roses which runs for 170 well signed miles between Morecambe on Lancashire's Irish Sea coast and Bridlington on Yorkshire's North Sea coast. It passes through the historic cities of York and Lancaster, and lesser known gems such as Settle, Pateley Bridge and Ripon, all enjoyed from cycle paths, country lanes and quieter roads. Just follow the distinctive blue signs bearing red and white roses.

No cycling tour of Yorkshire would be complete without climbing the famous Cragg Vale Incline (B6138) - the longest unbroken ascent of any road in England. From the village of Mytholmroyd, the road rises 968 feet over a distance of five and a half miles to open moorland. Enough to give your gears and lungs a tough workout.

The Etape du Dales cyclesportive (May annually) - are you ready for one of the toughest cycling challenges around? This gruelling cyclosportive event, which starts and finishes in Grassington, is about pitting yourself against this 175km long route, with around 3,500m of climbing through the Dales. With some gradients hitting 1:4 (25%), it's not for everyone, but just think of the satisfaction of completing one of the hardest events of its kind in the country.

The 3 Peaks Cyclo-Cross (September annually) in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is the toughest and biggest Cyclo-Cross event in the UK. Held at the end of September and starting from Helwith Bridge near Settle, it covers 38 miles of Yorkshire's most challenging and rewarding terrain.

Become a ‘musher' and experience the exhilaration of being pulled along by Pesky Husky's powerful huskies - and you don't even need snow. Pesky Husky Treks run between October and March when the weather is cool enough for the dogs.

Pesky Husky Hikes are also available year round - enjoy a walk with one of their 30 sled dogs through the open countryside of the North York Moors, using specialist belts and equipment specifically designed for the Huskies. A fun and unique activity, this is perfect for families with children, walking groups, or anyone who wants to meet and spend quality time with these amazing animals!

There's also a Visitor Centre opening summer 2012 too.