York Rally

[oxoman]

Gents ive some questions about this event. PS dont shoot me for asking either. I've never heard of it or been to it, so how big is it and is it worth considering. Google gives me some info about strange people on bents and recumbents and rides out. It also mentions the sandal wearing, beer loving pizza fraternity that attend. I understand there's abit of grass racing and various stalls. So basically is it worth going to.

 

[Oldhippy]

Why would riding a bent, wearing sandals or eating pizza make them strange? They travel distance by cycle which in our world makes them unusual perhaps. Many may live and breath cycles and cycling as a form of transport.

 

[fossyant]

It's something that's come up in my Instagram feeds. It's had to move further out this year. A lot of it's free and there is camping space. The rides vary from 400km and 100km Audax, down to 5 mile rides, 34 mile gravel rides, and retro rides. The difficulty will be choosing a ride ! Looks like there is something for everyone.

There will be bikes of all types.

 

[currystomper]

We have come down from Scotland for the weekend a few times and I have enjoyed it. Generally go down for rides, the audax was great and the gravel ride was fun. The shorter rides can be slow, which is great for beginners, but can a bit slow if you ride a lot. Chip shop ride is a laugh. It's not a race crowd just ordinary folk out enjoying cycling, camping, beer, etc. ...and yes there are some characters around the place with recumbents etc.

 

[oxoman]

Regarding sandles, bents and recumbents, blame google amongst others. Thanks for the replies, I may give it a whirl assuming its not clashing with potential house move.

 

[currystomper]

...and I generally I ride a normal road bike at the festival as I don't have room in the car for two bikes.

 

[Punkawallah]

Gents ive some questions about this event. PS dont shoot me for asking either. I've never heard of it or been to it, so how big is it and is it worth considering. Google gives me some info about strange people on bents and recumbents and rides out. It also mentions the sandal wearing, beer loving pizza fraternity that attend. I understand there's abit of grass racing and various stalls. So basically is it worth going to.

I’ve been a couple of times and enjoyed the weeekend.

 

[mickle]

I'm a bit disappointed that it's moved from York for '26 as the Knavesmire is only a 20 minute pootle over the river from ma hoose. 20 miles is too far for me to ride, so if I go I'll have to take the car. Maybe I'll have more miles in my legs by then.

 

[mjr]

mmmm York rally not going to be at York this year.....

"It's time for another update on the 2026 Yorkshire Cycle Festival, including the York Rally, at its new home at Driffield Showground on the 12-14 June 2026. If you missed the news about the move and earlier date, and about the circumstances which made these changes necessary, please see here for a detailed explanation."

it's still not clear to me which of Make it York (on behalf of City of York Council) and York Racecourse have acted like cocks and done the rather difficult task of driving the York Rally out of York!

 

[Punkawallah]

it's still not clear to me which of Make it York (on behalf of City of York Council) and York Racecourse have acted like cocks and done the rather difficult task of driving the York Rally out of York!

AFAIK the Racecourse were unable to confirm what part of the grounds would be available.

 

[simongt]

Been to the Rally twice in the last few years and what annoyed me the most, despite an 'early bird' booking the second time was being allocated a pitch at the 'back of beyond' with a lot of empty pitches much closer to the goings on.
Was not amused.