Our 2017 ride was the biggest and best yet! 106 riders tackled our 55 mile route, whilst 35 intrepid riders undertook the 85 miler.
With your help we raised £6000 for the Wooden Spoon charity – all the money will be spent on projects in Yorkshire.
Everyone will remember our 2017 ride for the wind. It was fearsome! Battling 30 mph headwinds on the tops between Newton-le-Willows and Redmire was bad enough….but here’s how one rider on our long route described Buttertubs:
“Most memorable moment? Struggling to push my bike over the top of the Buttertubs wind tunnel, let alone pedal it!”
Well done to you all – our magnificent riders – not only for battling the wind but for doing so with smiles on your faces all the way round.
There are other things that everyone remembers from the 2017 Big Spoon Bike Ride. No-one can forget the Betty’s Fat Rascals and Wensleydale cheese en route, and the fruitcake soaked in brandy at Redmire. And, of course, the hot meal and glorious pint of Black Sheep Beer at the end of the ride – thoroughly deserved by all! You can see pictures of the after-party here.
We’ve had some fantastic feedback from our riders (you can read it below) so we are looking forward to seeing you again in 2018….with all your friends!
It just remains to say a massive ‘thank you’ to our riders, to our organisers and tireless helpers, to Black Sheep Brewery for being such a great sponsor, and to Betty’s and to Wensleydale Creamery for their generous contributions on the route. See you all next year!
“What a great event. I took on the 55 mile ride. Superb route, and challenging without big climbs. Junctions well signed as was all the route. Feed stations well stocked with great cakes to fuel the ride. An extremely well organised event and very friendly. I hope to be back next year.”
“A fabulous route – wonderful views, lovely country lanes and very little traffic to contend with. The route length is just about right – challenging but not overwhelming. I didn’t need to walk up any hills which is a good sign!”
“Fantastic. We’ll be back…..less wind next year please!”
“Enjoyed the route. Castle Bolton was a highlight. Very well organised. Great feed stations. Back next year!”
“Many thanks to you and all the team and corporate sponsors for arranging the event. It was really enjoyable with friendly volunteers and organisers, and great refreshments.”
“Amazing views of the Yorkshire Dales, fantastic scenery!! Very well organised event. The feed stations were fab and well stocked. Will definitely enter again. Thank you!”
“The views were awesome. The wind at the top of Buttertubs was fearsome!”
“Just really enjoyed the whole thing (apart from the 45 mph winds!).
“Very well organised. Friendly, helpful, enthusiastic volunteers all around. Brilliant food and drink at the checkpoints. Very well sign-posted. Lovely route, well thought out, with checkpoints at just the right places.”
“Excellent – good route, very well sign posted.”
“I really enjoyed the event. The feed stations were excellent and the opportunity to have a pint and a proper warm meal at the end was an added bonus.”
“I thought the event was pretty spot-on (I do three or four sportives a year). Your “best view” sign made me smile. Good food and great cake (brandy!) at the feed stations. Good to have some savoury nibbles too. Hope to see you next year!!”
“Fabulous food! The hot food at the end was particularly welcome but en route the Fat Rascals and the fruit cake (particularly the fruit cake!) were fantastic.”
“Everyone was so friendly and helpful – at the start, at the finish and at the food stations – which creates a good atmosphere.”
“Another well organised event – and what views from the tops….even with such strong winds! The winner was the fruitcake and cheese at the second stop!”
“Good to have loos at feed stations. Loads of parking at the venue. Lovely, friendly organisers and helpers. A big well done – definitely be back!”