A CYCLE challenge that attracted riders from all over the country to the North York Moors has been hailed a huge success.

Nearly 250 cyclists took part in Yorkshire True Grit, an off-road cycling challenge event organised by Easingwold-based bike shop, Bikewright.

The event, which is only in its second year, was based at High Paradise Farm Tea Room, near Boltby, and the cyclists could choose from either 60 or 40-mile routes on Saturday, with some also taking part in the 20-mile route on Sunday.

Riding a mix of gravel, adventure, cyclo-cross and mountain bikes, the routes used a combination of public bridleways and private land to take the cyclists across the North York Moors.

The routes were devised by Bikewright owner, Andrew Wright, and are based on the popular US Gravel Grinder format, with a unique Yorkshire twist to test endurance and skill.

This year just five riders failed to finish the course and the challenge brought cyclists from as far afield as Surrey in the south and Glasgow to the north.

Mr Wright was delighted with its success and said: “The feedback from the participants has been fantastic; they loved the informal atmosphere of the event and the route.

"It is great to receive such acknowledgement especially for all the team involved in the organisation of the event including all our volunteer marshalls who deserve huge thanks.”