Now firmly re-established on the racing calendar, the annual Richmond Cyclists’ Meet is a popular attraction for riders and spectators, both locally and nationally. Held every Spring Bank Holiday weekend, Richmond CC promotes a suite of 4 quality events offering something for everybody, both competitively and non-competitively.

Swaledale SPOCO Time Trial

Thursday evening sees riders compete for the Swaledale Trophy during the Swaledale SPOCO Time Trial. The course is approximately 26 miles with a bit of a climb in the middle. “The course definitely suits mountain goat racers and spectators can be assured of seeing some grimacing expressions on Cogden Moor!” commented organiser Geoff Lloyd. Racing begins from Round Howe, Richmond.

5 Dales Cyclosportive

The 5 Dales Cyclosportive is increasing in popularity year on year. With a maximum rider limit of 500, organiser Sven Wardle is urging riders to get their entries in whilst they still can. “The event is over half-full already and we’re expecting it to be full again” commented Wardle. “We’ve also tweaked the route to avoid the last mile through the town centre in Richmond. This was a suggestion from several competitors from previous years’ event and we, naturally, want to increase the safety of the event both for riders’ sakes and to secure it on the calendar for the foreseeable future” he went on to say. 3 route options are available; 100, 80 and 50, the 100 taking in 6 major ascents through 5 of Yorkshire’s Dales, including the unforgiving Park Rash and Fleet Moss climbs. The 50 and the 80 mile rides offer escape routes for those who feel they may not get home if they continue with the 100! Feed stations are provided and Richmond CC also provides a meal at the end for all riders.

For more info and how to enter see the Cyclosportives Page

Grass Track Meeting

Perhaps the most novel of the Richmond Cyclists’ Meet events is the Grass Track Meeting on the town’s cycling track. The grass track on the cricket field in Richmond is 1 of only 3 banked cycling-specific tracks in the country and is arguably the best! Racing on the track dates back to the late 1800s, when local bookies would take bets on the riders, who gave their bikes names – much like horse racing. Richmond’s population would treble in size with spectators coming to witness the spectacle of the racing and the morning carnival parade through the historic market place, which starts from the Grass Track at 10am. “It’s a fantastic event and it seems to be growing in popularity with the riders” commented organiser James Hall. “We’ve a licensed bar on site in the Cricket Clubhouse and last year counted over 1000 spectators lining the banks of the track.” The jewel in the crown of the grass track meeting is the National Championship race – this year contesting the 8km Grass Track Endurance championship at 1pm. Locally, the most popular race is the inter-club championships, where local clubs compete for the “Richmond Cobble”. Last year, Richmond CC, Teesdale CRC and Bishop Auckland CC contested the Cobble and further additions to this line-up are anticipated for 2010. “We’re fully expecting to have at least another 2 local clubs contesting the Cobble this year. We’ve got 2 cycling clubs in Richmond now and I hope that both will take part – it’d be great to see a showdown between Richmond CC and Colomba CC in the final! Obviously, I’m backing Richmond CC but we’ve identified some strong talent in the Colomba squad that could potentially pose a threat to us!” Hall said. Racing kicks off at 12pm and usually concludes by 5pm, after which Richmond Cycling Club extend an invitation to all to join them for a drink in the Cricket Club.