Dalby Grit

by Paul Horta-Hopkins · February 10, 2025

Dalby Grit – new 110km gravel race for the North Yorkshire Moors.

If you’re of the racing persuasion you’ll be pleased to know there’s a new gravel race for 2025. Dalby Grit is a new event from the same people that run the Panaracer Dirty Reiver, SCOTT Frontier 300 and crankbrothers Gravel Rocks events. Whereas those events are challenges, Dalby Grit is a race. So on the the 25th June, grab your aero-socks and widest tyres – fat is fast – and head to Dalby Forest; it’s race day!

Dalby Grit, gravel racing in the North Yorkshire Moors

This new race will be held over the weekend of 27-29th June in Dalby Forest, part of the North York Moors National Park. Dalby has been the site of many national elite races across multiple disciplines and Yorkshire’s roads have hosted a stage of the Tour de France, as well as the the men’s and women’s Tour de Yorkshire. Dalby Grit will be the latest addition to the region’s racing heritage.

Dalby Grit route description

Fast technical descents and a rolling parcours to look forward to at the Dalby Grit

What will the route be like? Well the highlights are 110km in length with 1800m of climbing. Below is the organisers description to give you a better idea of what you’ll be facing:

Riders commence from our event village in the heart of the forest. A short neutralised section of road leads to the start of the gravel and here the real racing begins. Don’t let the initial flatter sections fool you, though it is a good opportunity to work in a group!

After the first 6km warm up the climbing begins with some gentle leg warmers followed by fast descents on perfect Dalby gravel. The first of the bigger climbs comes after 16km with a long pull up the infamous White Cliff Rigg, toping out at 21km.

Back on the flatter part of the course, this could be a chance to take on food, consolidate a lead or share some work in a small group? After our feed and aid station the race heads east on fast, well surfaced undulating terrain – a great chance to really power along.

The super fast descent into the Deep Dale traverse marks the start of a short testing climb up Bickley Gate and back onto the escarpment. The next 15km retains most of its height and winds its way through the fast trails above Crosscliff Wood. Short, sharp kickers and some technical corners are sure to provide a launch pad for any race winning moves ahead of the final sprint for the line

Pre and post race

While Focal Events have a full range of challenge events, Dalby Grit is a no-holds barred race. With categories for Pro/Elite and age-based categories for the rest of us mortals, you’ll be able to race against your peers. However it wouldn’t be gravel without some pre and post race entertainment! Starting on Friday, you’ll be able to pre-ride the course and hang out at the event village. Racing starts at a civilised 10 o’clock and you’ll be able to watch or attend the podium presentations in the village. Sunday, there will be a chance for shake down rides for those who haven’t had enough, before heading home.

For those that want to make a weekend of it camping options are available at Dalby Grit — For those that want to make a weekend of it camping options are available

“Dalby Grit is for the racers”

“We’re very excited to finally lift the lid on plans for Dalby Grit as it’s something we’ve been working hard on, alongside the Forestry England team on site, for some time now, aiming to bring gravel racing back to England,” explained Event Director, Bryan Singleton. “Dalby Forest provides the perfect race setting, with its pristine gravel and rolling parcours, for the very best gravel riders to descend upon and race head-to-head.”

“Dalby Grit is for the racers,” added Singleton. “This is really the event for those wanting to let loose their competitive spirit and test their skills against the country’s best riders. It’s the natural addition to our portfolio, one that offers something for everyone whilst each carrying the same DNA – elite organisation, hand-selected routes and activities beyond just the riding.”

Post-race relax and enjoy the scene at the Dalby Grit event village — Post-race relax and enjoy the scene

Race entries start from £85 per rider, which includes riding across three days with practice sessions on the Friday ahead of racing on Saturday and social rides on Sunday. Also included in the price will be three feed zones, with water, sports-hydration, and basic nutrition, including bananas, flapjacks, sweet treats, and some sports nutrition. There will be on-site camping and glamping available, as well as space for the van brigade!

Focal Events

Dalby Grit is the latest addition to Focal Events’ growing gravel-focused portfolio of rides and races. The Panaracer Dirty Reiver is a rite of passage in the gravel world and one that sells out year upon year, a highlight event in any gravel rider’s calendar around the impressive Kielder Forest with distances from 65km to 200km. SCOTT Frontier 300 offers either a one or two day endurance adventure from one side of the UK to the other across 300km of predominantly gravel riding. Whilst crankbrothers Gravel Rocks combines a mix of social riding and racing over a weekend of all things gravel, paired with a festival atmosphere for all the family.

If you’re looking for more gravel racing in Dalby Forest, try the National Gravel Championships. This addition to the UK gravel race calendar shows signs that the race scene is growing here. Last year I asked where all the UK gravel races were, Dalby shows that interest is growing and hopefully more will follow.