ILKLEY Cycling Club’s annual sportive, the White Rose Classic, will showcase businesses from Ilkley and the Yorkshire Dales on Sunday, June 24, underscoring the club’s commitment to the local community.

The event’s seventh edition features three challenging routes of 48, 83, and 112 miles along mostly quiet Dales lanes. Based at the Ilkley Rugby Club, event riders will enjoy locally-made frankfurters from Lishman’s of Ilkley, fresh Yorkshire Dales Ice Cream, and the local favourite, Ilkley Brewery Mary Jane Ale.

“We now have our own equipment to make frankfurters right here in Ilkley,” said David Lishman, proprietor of Lishman’s of Ilkley. “Cyclists need a filling meal, not a thin hotdog after a long ride. There will be a thousand riders on the day and that is perfect for a meal that is quick to prepare, but substantial enough to satisfy a hungry rider.”

The White Rose Classic Hawes Long Route will stop for the first time at the Wensleydale Creamery, featuring samples of their famous cheeses. The Long and Medium Routes both stop at the Town End Farm Shop in the Malhamdale village of Airton where riders can taste locally made chorizo. And if riders like what they taste in Hawes or Airton, there will be a stand with Wensleydale cheese and Town End Farm Shop chorizo for sale back at event HQ in Ilkley.

The new bike shop in Ilkley, Wheelbase, will also be involved in the White Rose Classic, offering quick bike maintenance from 6am on the day of the event, and on-the-road mechanical support throughout the day.

“As cycling has grown in popularity, so has the frustration of other road users. ‘What does cycling do for us?’ is a common refrain,” said Scott Blau, volunteer event organiser for the White Rose Classic. “This year we are hoping to show how, as cyclists, we are integrated into the fabric of the community and working directly with a range of local businesses.”

As part of the celebration of local resources, the after-ride party will have live music from local talent Hattie Barnes. Riders will also be able to relax with a quick after-ride massage from local sports massage therapist, Jon Roughton. Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Information on the White Rose Classic can be found by following the Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/whiteroseclassic2018/. Event entry is via British Cycling.