Reputation: Regional UK event.
[01]
Course Overview
Dalby Grit. 50 miles of gravel through Dalby Forest.
68 mi
Distance
3,500 ft
Elevation
Dalby Forest, North York Moors, UK
Location
June 19-21, 2026
Date
~100
Field Size
£65-85
Entry Cost
Facts & History
[03]
The Course
Photo: YouTube / The Coeliac Cyclist
Photo: YouTube / The Coeliac CyclistUK North York Moors gravel.
Signature challenge: UK North York Moors terrain.
15
MILE
Early Moors
First moors sections.
25
MILE
Midpoint
Halfway through the course.
40
MILE
Late Moors
Final moors sections before finish.
RIDERS REPORT
Very steep descent followed by steep ascent
Described as testing the legs midcourse, making the race much harder than other events like the Granlock with steeper climbs overall.
Single track section
Designed to string the field out for safety, occurs in the first few miles along with twisty 90-degree turns that bunch riders up then string them out again.
Neutralized roll out
Despite being called neutralized, riders describe this section as very hard with opportunities to gain gaps on the field.
Gravel doesn't look as chunky as other events like the Granlock, allowing for slightly higher tire pressures and potentially less aggressive tread patterns.
First lap is 22km and mostly flat with quite twisty sections including many 90-degree left and right turns.
Course includes some small sections of road on each lap, providing ideal opportunities for eating solid food.
[04]
From the Field
That is so much harder than the Granlock. Yeah. The climbs are steeper. 4,000 m of elevation, about 110k, small loop to start us with, and then two full laps of the main course. There is one very steep descent followed by quite a steep ascent.
The Coeliac Cyclist · 2.8K views
It's 110 km. It's about 5,000 ft of climbing. There's three laps, one short lap and two long laps. About 360 entrance in total, and it's the first year that the event's ran, so it's a bit of an unknown as to how it's going to go and how competitive it's going to be.
TriathlonDan · 2.4K views
Only about 400 riders total with about 40-50 in each age group, so it's not going to be too packed. You had to be in the start pens for 9:00 a.m.
The Coeliac Cyclist · 2.8K views
The environment's already been pretty cool and gravel racing in the UK is really welcoming. The vibes of gravel are genuine - the people seem great and it's just a good place to be.
TriathlonDan · 2.4K views
RACER
Racer Reviews
Raced Dalby Grit? Be the first to rate it.
[07]
Training
June 19, 2026 DALBY GRIT
RIDERS REPORT
Running 50mm Swelby RX tires at 28 psi rear and 25 psi front due to less severe gravel conditions, with tire liners still recommended.
[08]
Train for Dalby Grit
RACE DEMAND PROFILE
Durability
2
Climbing
4
VO2 Power
2
Threshold
5
Technical
4
Heat
0
Altitude
2
Race Specificity
3
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[09]
Race Logistics
Airport
Leeds Bradford (LBA) 90 minutes
Lodging
Dalby Forest has limited lodging. Plan ahead.
Food
Dalby Forest has limited dining. Stock nutrition.
Packet Pickup
Day of typically
Parking
At start/finish
RIDERS REPORT
It's a lapped course passing the feed station three times total, so you don't need to make hydration last - aim to almost run out and refill to ensure proper hydration.
Plan nutrition around 60-70g carbs per hour using 80g carb bottles every 2 hours plus hourly 30g gels, with increased sodium content of 1000mg per 500ml to prevent cramping.
Start positioning is crucial - surge hard during the neutralized section to avoid getting swamped, aiming for 5th-6th wheel position rather than sitting on front or getting buried in the field.
[10]
Tire Picks
40mmWET
1
Vittoria Terreno Wet
excellent wet grip
2
Continental Terra Trail
excellent wet grip
3
Specialized Pathfinder Pro
Fast center, grippy edges. The modern all-rounder benchmark.
FRONT/REAR SPLIT Rene Herse Snoqualmie Pass 44mm / Vittoria Terreno Wet 40mmFaster front for reduced rolling resistance on straights, grippier rear for traction on loose climbs and corners
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the climate like at Dalby Grit?
Historical weather data shows average highs of 62°F and lows of 50°F, with a 70% chance of rain on any given day. Late June in North York Moors remains a weather gamble with no historical data from this young event. Course warnings about not being "fooled by initial flatter sections" suggest conditions can catch riders off-guard, but the forest setting provides some shelter from typical British summer variability. More weather exposure than Belgian Waffle Ride San Diego.[2]
How are the logistics for Dalby Grit?
Free weekend parking with access codes and on-site facilities cover basics, but key details remain missing. This was their "first elite gravel race at Dalby Grit" suggesting the event is attracting riders, though no specified start times or clear packet pickup schedules appear in official communications.[2]
How adventurous is Dalby Grit?
The route through Deep Dale traverse and "super fast descent" into Bickley Gate climb offers varied terrain beyond typical gravel loops. "Pristine gravel routes" through Dalby Forest provide backcountry feel with camping options, delivering adventure potential without wilderness isolation.[2]
How prestigious is Dalby Grit?
Despite one rider noting it "absolutely lived up to the hype," this remains a second-year event building reputation. The race director's claim that riders are "craving more high-level gravel racing in the UK" positions it ambitiously, but prestige requires time and established winners.[2]
Should I race Dalby Grit?
If you're local to UK—yes, it's solid. If you're traveling internationally—skip it.
[11]
Sources & Citations
Research sources used to build this race profile. Always verify details with official race sources before making travel or registration decisions.
- Other Sources Cycletechreviewcycletechreview.com/2026/news/dalby-grit-2026/
- Other Sources Newsnews.paceupmedia.com/championship-style-gravel-racing-ret...
- Media & Press Cycling Weeklywww.cyclingweekly.com/news/one-for-the-racers-introducing...
- Other Sources Dalbygritwww.dalbygrit.cc/event-info
- Other Sources Granfondowww.granfondo.com/events/dalby-grit-gravel-race/2025-06-2...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Contents/IndexFull/8610/mitchell-a...
- Other Sources Granfondoguidewww.granfondoguide.com/Events/Index/12343/dalby-grit
- Community Redditwww.reddit.com/r/gravelcycling/comments/11umz5c/ready_for...
- Other Sources Veloukwww.velouk.net/2025/09/13/result-gravel-championship-dalb...
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=kkT3HxL2XkY
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=mpOyjcvuqCY
- Community youtube.com: Watchwww.youtube.com/watch?v=f3_15M1yyCw