Sunday Switch For Challenge Rides

For the first time, in 2025, the Cyclone Challenge Rides will take place on a Sunday, not a Saturday. As part of a major refresh of the Cyclone Festival of Cycling, this classic and long-running (this will be the 18th edition), cyclo-sportive is switching to Sunday, with the festival's family event, moving from Friday evening to Saturday evening. 

With the Challenge Rides being recognised as one of the UK's must-do sportives, the Sunday running should open it up to more riders. And with entry numbers on the rise in recent years, the event's status as NE England's definitive day out on a bike looks safe in 2025.

More About The Rides

Starting from the spacious and well-equipped Newcastle Falcons Rugby stadium, on the edge of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, four different routes rapidly transport riders into the picturesque and challenging landscapes of the Northumbria National Park: quiet roads take you along beautiful river valleys over remote moorlands and through pretty villages.

The 2025 event takes place on Saturday 6th July. Choose a route to suit your cycling ability, fitness, age and experience: there are 34, 65, 93 or 109 mile options. Enter online and then simply turn up on the day and enjoy the ride.

Enjoy a day to remember on your bike, while we look after the rest: Plentiful parking (just off the A1), covered sign-on and facilities, electronic timing & tracking, mobile mechanical support and up to four feed stations. Plus there are lots of “top-up” culinary delights in several village halls (the local community embraces and welcomes the event and its riders), the quietest roads in England and that backdrop of lovely Northumbrian countryside.