Nationwide, a Reli Ride is a long-standing winter tradition, known as a test of a cyclist’s reliability and that of their bike coming out of the winter period. The emphasis is on fitness, self-reliance and navigational skills.
Reliability Rides were traditionally used by competitive cyclists for training ahead of the racing season. However, there are now groups for all abilities and everyone is welcome. Many of the rides now also include a short route option.
Yorkshire Reliability Rides will set riders off in groups of approximately 16 riders, based on average speed varying from 22+mph to 12mph with the fastest riders leaving first (there may be more than one group for the more popular paces).
Traditionally the route is not signposted but a basic route map or description was provided. Nowadays GPS files are available and you'll find all the Yorkshire Reliability Ride routes below.
Post-ride everyone is encouraged to return to the start/finish to enjoy bike-riding banter over coffee and cake. A Reliability Ride is a great way to meet and ride with new cyclists from different groups and clubs or to test your fitness against old friends.
RIDE 5: AIREDALE OLYMPIC
Date: Sunday 8th February 2026
Start Time: 09.30am
Start Place: B6161 Lay-by (Near Leathley Bridge – approx. ½ mile from A658 junction).
Finish Place: Holy Trinity Church Hall, Knaresborough
Long Route (75km):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17780091
Short Route (50km):
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49260492
Organiser: Hamish Robertshaw, Airedale Olympic,
www.airedaleolympic.co.uk