What is a Reliability Ride?
The Yorkshire Reliability Rides are a long-established highlight of the counties cycling calendar. Originally set up as Ron’s Reliable Five, the series expanded to The Hateful Eight in 2018 and this year move to Notorious 9, kicking off with The Struggle’s ride on the 19th January 2020.
A Reliability Ride is not exclusive to Yorkshire. Nationwide, a Reliability Ride is a long-standing winter tradition. It’s 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, although they are also used by competitive cyclists for training ahead of the racing season.
What happens on a reliability ride?
Reliability rides are for all abilities. Some reliability rides will set riders off in groups of average speed varying from 20mph to 12mph with the fastest riders leaving first. Others have no organised start, with riders setting off when they choose and riding with whomever they choose.
Traditionally the route is not signposted but a basic route map or description may be provided. Nowadays GPS files are available and you’ll find all the Yorkshire series routes below.
Riders then enjoy coffee and cake at the finish point. 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 rivals.
There are no feed stations, timing chips or souvenir t-shirts etc. The ride is not a race. It takes place on open roads without marshals. It is imperative that participants ride responsibly and in accordance with the Highway Code.
Yorkshire reliability ride dates and routes
All rides require riders to sign on and pay £4 in cash. Riders are encouraged to bring exact change.
Under 16s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All under 18s must provide a consent form completed by their parent or guardian. Download the consent form here.
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