GYRO: GNAAS Yearly Ride Out Q&A

The GYRO is a charity cycling sportive in aid of the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) with three incredible routes to choose from depending on your cycling ability.

The ride was originally the brainchild of a small group of doctors and paramedics from the North East, including paramedic Jamie Walsh who is part of our critical care team.

For those considering doing a cycling challenge for charity, here’s the most frequently answered questions, to help you decide whether the GYRO is for you:

What does GYRO stand for?

The GYRO stands for GNAAS Yearly Ride Out and it’s also a little bit of a tip of the hat to a couple of other things. The gyroscopic effect of the helicopter, obviously the bike wheels and also a little bit to the Italian Grand Tour.

How long are the routes?

This year we have three incredible routes to choose from. The Classic 60 mile route, GYRO 60 will provide anyone, from beginners to experienced cyclists, with a great ride and a fantastic challenge. If you want a bit more of a challenge, the GYRO 90, a 90 mile route, is the perfect distance to push yourself to the limit.

We also have the option of the GYRO 30, a 30 mile ride around the North Yorkshire countryside.

Where do the routes start and finish?

GNAAS, Progress House, Urlay Nook Road, Eaglescliffe, Stockton-on-Tees, TS16 0QB

Where will I travel on the routes?

The GYRO 90 is 93.84 miles with 1,752ft in elevation. It follows the same route as the GYRO 60, which is 62.14 miles and 814ft of elevation, and heads out from our HQ, Progress House, through Croft and Middleton Tyas towards the beautiful, historic town of Richmond.

Both rides head along quiet roads through Marske where here, you can decide to either continue on the GYRO 60 towards Bedale or tackle the GYRO 90 and ride on into the Yorkshire Dales, where a big climb awaits you, from Gunnerside towards Hawes. This route circles round taking you back down through Aysgarth and West Witton before the routes will merge heading into Bedale.

Taking on the final stretch you’ll make your way heads towards towards Northallerton, through Leeming bar before heading North through beautiful villages towards North Cowton. With only a few ‘updulations’ remaining riders will soon be able to see Darlington in the distance as they head to the finish line.

For beginner riders looking for a shorter achieveable route, the GYRO 30 is just over 30 miles and encompasses 335ft of elevation. Just like the other two rides it starts out at our HQ, Progress House, this short ride is open to all. You’ll head through Croft on Tees, towards Middleton Tyas.

The route will then take you down through Moulton and Scorton towards Great Langton before heading back up towards Cowton. The final leg will take you back through Croft welcoming Darlington in the distance as you head for home and a hero’s welcome on quiet scenic roads. Despite this route being classed as for a beginner, we would still recommend training for this ride as its on open roads taking approximately 2-4 hours to complete.

Do I need a specific type of bike to take part?

No, any bike is allowed including electric bikes (as long as it’s not a motorbike, that’s cheating).

Is there an age limit?

You must be 12+ to take part in this event. To ride the GYRO 30 you need to be sure you can ride the 30 mile distance.

How much is it to take part?

Entry to the GYRO 90 is £35 per rider. Entry to the GYRO 60 is £27 per rider.  Entry to the GYRO 30 is £20 per rider.

How much do I need to raise?

There is no minimum sponsorship for the event, however if you would like to fundraise,  please click the ‘I would like to fundraise’ button on the sign up form and we can send fundraising information and sponsorship sheets to help reach your sponsorship target.

Are there any rewards for those who are first back?

This is a strictly none competitive ride out. You will receive a medal at the finish line for your successful completion of the ride.

How safe will the event be?

All rides MUST wear helmets at all times while riding. This route is on open road so please take care and please ride with consideration of other road users.

Why are events like the GYRO needed?

Fundraising events like the GYRO help to keep our charity operational across the North of England and Isle of Man.

We do not receive Government funding and must therefore raise £8.5m a year through public donations to ensure our critical care team can respond to the most critically ill and injured people across the region.