As part of of a cycling festival in the North York Moors National Park, a host of family-friendly events are being planned at prime viewing spots along Stage Three of this year’s Tour de Yorkshire (29 April to 1 May).
The North York Moors National Park Authority is preparing a celebration of cycling at each of its visitor centres at Sutton Bank near Thirsk and Danby near Whitby which are both key locations along the final stage of the race on Sunday 1 May.
There will be free entry to each of the visitor centres as well as many of the festival activities, while some other events will have a small charge. For visitors travelling by car, parking charges will apply.
Sutton Bank National Park Centre, near Thirsk
The Sutton Bank National Park Centre is set to be a major hub of activity as the A170 road closes several hours before the race comes through. Spectators are expected to converge to watch cyclists tackle the Côte de Sutton Bank, one of the toughest of the day’s climbs and the first where King of the Mountain points are in the offing.
The National Park and Sutton Bank Bikes are organising a big screen, showing live coverage of the Tour to entertain visitors while they wait for the action to come past, as well as events such as bike skills sessions and cycling-related craft activities.
Youngsters aged between four and 12 can take part in a fun time-trial from 10.30am, riding balance bikes around a short course with a practise lap and up to three further laps to record their fastest time. Prizes go to the best fancy dress and the fastest time.
Visitors will also have the chance to try one of the three off-road trails offering spectacular views across the 295 metre high escarpment. Alternatively they can simply soak up the atmosphere in the beer tent, grab a freshly-made wood fired pizza or dish of local ice cream, or sit having a meal in the Centre’s café.
For those arriving on cycles, there will be supervised secure bike parking. In addition to the Centre’s car park, more parking will be arranged in the area.
The Moors National Park Centre, Danby near Whitby
Families will also be able to make a beeline for the former shooting lodge at Danby, where the Tour will coincide with celebrations to mark the ruby anniversary of the lodge becoming one of the National Park’s visitor centres on 1st May 1976.
As well as a big screen showing the race coverage, youngsters will be able to take part in a circus skills workshop, pedal-powered scalextric, or try their hand at riding a penny farthing. There will also be cycling-related craft activities, face painting, a giant soft play area and a treasure trail.
Visitors can also spend their time enjoying the exhibition in the Centre’s ‘Inspired by... gallery’, or take to the climbing wall, gift shop and Woolly Sheep Café.
Director of park services for the North York Moors National Park Authority, Richard Gunton, said: “Once again the beauty of the North York Moors will be showcased to the world and as the race coincides with a Bank Holiday, it’s likely that more people will visit the National Park so we’ll be providing advice on parking and camping facilities.
“The Cycling Festival will be a great way for families to relax, make a full day out of the Tour de Yorkshire experience and find out just how good the North York Moors is for road and off-road cycling.”
For more information look on www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/tourdeyorkshire
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