We're looking for people to take on the challenge of our annual fundraising bike ride

The 3 Parks Bike Ride is a 200 mile long tour through 3 of England's northern National Parks - The Peak District, The Yorkshire Dales and the North Yorkshire Moors. The route takes the pretty way from Endeavour’s Chesterfield HQ to it’s regional centre in Middlesbrough.

If you'd like to support out work whilst having a cycling adventure e-mail us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The dates for 2010's bike ride will be published soon. Drop us a line with your e-mail address and we'll contact you when we fix the dates.

The 3 Parks Bike Ride

The ride is no pushover as it runs through the high moorlands of northern England, but it is feasible for inexperienced cyclists assuming sensible training and preparation. Each day covers around 50 miles and includes an average of 1500 metres of ascent (That’s more than the height of Ben Nevis!) There are some splendid downhills too.

Whilst this challenge can be undertaken by independent cyclists at any time we organise a supported event each summer for our supporters to raise money for our work. On our supported event cyclists will work in pairs each day for mutual support. As well as overcoming the physical challenge pairs will have to navigate using maps and guides provided. They will also have to carry out basic maintenance, such as repairing punctures.

Day 1 runs from Chesterfield via the Ladybower Reservoir and Strines to Langsett, Holmbridge and eventually to Scammonden Reservoir - a tough fifty mile day with over 2000 metres of ascent. The last leg to reach Scammonden feels fierce at the end of the day with a sequence of three steep climbs and descents.

Day 2 features a huge ascent out of Sowerby Bridge to reach the high windfarm on Ovendon Moor. After that you'll continue north via Haworth and Kildwick to enter the Yorkshire Dales National Park at beautiful Bolton Abbey. Friom there the route winds up the River Wharfe then breaks out towards Pateley Bridge to enter Nidderdale, heading for Lofthouse in the heart of the Dales.

Day 3 entails two major and fierce ascents separated by a long scoot across country. Both climbs are followed by long downhills for miles. The route starts with the climb out of Nidderdale to reach Masham before heading eastwards, crossing the A1 and the River Swale. At Kilburn you'll reach the North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the tough climb to gain the high Hambleton Hills. Your reward is the descent to Rievaulx Abbey, and Helmsley.

Day 4 warms up with the ride to Hutton Le Hole and then climbs again with an ascent of nearly 400 metres over  8 miles. The route then passes over successively smaller switchbacks to reach the coast at Marske. The job's done from there, really, requiring a finishing warm-down past the ICI works into Middlesbrough for a welcome in, a shower, tea and doughnuts!