Grand Depart and Festival of Cycling!

grand depart

The Grand Depart kicks off in Leeds on July 5, 2014, and the riders will cycle through scenic Yorkshire as they head north towards Harrogate and the second phase start in York. Both stages of the race will offer plenty by way of entertainment, and there will be much more do to than cheer from the sidelines.

If you’re just a few pedals short of making the Tour de France cut, there is still plenty for you to enjoy on two wheels. The official Team Presentation of the Grand Départ will take place in Leeds on Thursday, July 3. And while you may not make it to the Team Presentation, there will be numerous opportunities to watch the Tour as a roadside spectator. If you need even more cycling entertainment to get your fill, you’ll find plenty of opportunities.

Harewood House will be hosting the Festival of Cycling on July 4 – 6, and will include everything from a cycling expo to BMX and mountain bike courses. You’ll find all of the latest in cycling gear and gadgets, as well as the chance to watch live panel cycling debates and participate in cycling events. There will also be trail running, mountain biking and duathlon events for visitors who are up to the challenge. You’ll even get the chance to see the riders pass through, just an arm’s length away.

And believe it or not, Yorkshire has even more to offer than the Tour de France; the race only brings more excitement to an already lively area.

By opting for a lodge holiday, you’ll have special access to unbridled nature (once referred to as “open country—fresh air—blue hills—bonny beck” by a famous Yorkshire resident), plenty of room to explore the majestic lakes and valleys, and even time visit a national park or two. For the more adventurous travellers, lodge holidays in Yorkshire put you near the best caving in the country and some of the most exciting trail running routes world. And just steps from your front door, you’ll find some of the greatest hiking and foraging opportunities abound, while you’ll never be too far from shopping, great local restaurants, and nightlife.

When you’ve had your fill of excitement from the day’s activities – including the Tour – you can retreat back to the silence and pristine nature of your private lodge. Away from the hustle and bustle of the race, you can relax on the veranda, take your meals al fresco, and enjoy the unmatched scenery of the expansive Yorkshire countryside.

Lodge holidays offer the perfect balance of rustic seclusion along with a touch of luxury. And now, with two of the preliminary stages of the 2014 Tour de France – including the Grand Départ – passing through Yorkshire this summer, it’s the perfect time to book your lodge holiday.

The 2014 Tour de France will bring endless activities, and fun to Yorkshire, so remember to book your lodge holiday early to secure your spot in this once in a lifetime event.