North York Moors: BANK BUSTS AND CHIMNEY CAPERS

Few regions of the UK boast as many savage climbs as the North York Moors. Simon Warren provides a comprehensive guide to this hill climber's paradise

- Simon Warren

Once upon a time, the climbs of the North York Moors in north-eastern Yorkshire were the jewels in the crown of Britain's biggest bike race. Just as the Tour de France sends its riders over the Col du Galibier or the Giro forces its peloton over the snow-lined Stelvio, our Milk Race or Kellogg's Tour challenged its competitors to take on the dreaded Rosedale Chimney. It is an utterly bonkers piece of road - and what better reason for including it? With its almost unrideable 30% slope, twisting bends and glorious views, fans loved it - riders, stuck with a standard bottom gear of 42x23, less so.

Our biggest remaining race, the Tour of Britain, dodges the Chimney and its ilk, as did the now-defunct Tour of Yorkshire (RIP). That's why we're rekindling the magic, with two routes that will take you on a wondrous, leg-shredding tour of the finest climbs in the Moors. Unlike the modern races, we are of the view that, on any trip to the Moors, riding Rosedale is an essential highlight.

Longer route:

THE ROSEDALE RECKONING

Distance: 112km (70 miles)

Elevation: 2,795m (9,170ft)

Leaving Kirkbymoorside, the first target on the day's list is the most beautiful of all the Moors climbs, Blakey Bank. Following an undulating ride down to the base of Farndale, you reach Church Houses, then face a real beast of a climb back out. Passing the 20% sign, you know it's going to be a brute. Over the top and you're onto Blakey Ridge, one of the most stunning roads in England, cutting right along the top of the moors, exposed and barren. Turning right onto Knott Road, the route stays up high for a while longer, so make the most of it and soak up those views before plummeting down into the undulating passage through Glaisdale, Egton and Grosmont.