Mini Etape Route - 100km
Covering some of the same roads as the main event, at 100km or 62 miles the Mini Etape is the perfect way to sample the delights of the dales (and some of the climbs), so if you're not sure the main Etape is for you, enjoy the Mini Etape and see what the dales has to offer. Starting and finishing at the same venue, Wharfedale Rugby Club in Threshfield near Grassington, the course has good signage, legendary feed stations and great camaraderie but, you still should be aware of the route and terrain. Make sure you have adequate clothing and your equipment is in perfect order, a bottom gear of 34 x 28 as a minimum is recommended.
Threshfield to Ribblehead
After a gentle start up the stunningly picturesque valley of Littondale to Halton Gill, the first major climb of the event comes with the climb of Dale Head over the back of the peak of Pen-y-ghent and down to Stainforth FEED STATION. In Stainforth its a right turn up through Horton-in Ribblesdale and on to Ribblehead. 28.6m
Ribblehead to Hawes
It starts off innocently with a steady ride away from Ribbblehead to Hawes past the turn for Dentdale (and here it separates from the Etape du Dales route which turns left) the mini Etape Route carries straight on here to Hawes so follow the correct signs! 41m Hawes FEED STATION is on the road out of Hawes just past Whensleydale Creameries.
Fleet Moss and Homeward Bound
With almost 40 miles in your legs the climb of Fleet Moss from the north side is one of the steepest and longest of a very hard day, but think of the riders on the long route who have done almost 90 miles at this point! For everyone the top is a welcome sight as its almost all down hill from now on. If you're not in too much of a rush to finish, the delightful valley of Wharfedale is a sight to behold - one of Yorkshire's gems so enjoy!
