EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
Struggle Borderlands Gravel takes place on Sunday 14th September 2025 from Dales Bike Centre, Reeth, Yorkshire.
Borderlands boasts off-the-scale scenes with 360 degree views as you ride up and down dales. This is no blast along bridalways!
With jaw-clenching climbs and testing terrain, Borderlands is your next test of fitness as you explore beyond the Asphalt.
ROUTES
100 KM
Borderlands Gravel is a route like no other; There's old abandoned mines, sandy scars, moorland moonscapes, sweeping shooting tracks, watersplash river crossings, steady single-track, panoramic, ridges, moorlands bridleways. We've got tiny thin gravel, chunky fat gravel, hardpakced gravel, wavey fun gravel! No two views are the same and you'll never get bored at Struggle Borderlands.
50KM
Borderlands Gravel 50km route is ideal for riders looking for a gravel taster. The Swale Trail offers an ideal hardpacked bridleway warm-up before the rough stuff begins. There's singletrack roads combined with sweeping shooting tracks and sands gravel scars to enjoy at your leisure. It's not an easy challenge but an ideal way to dip your toe into gravel events.
Climbs
FINISHER KIT
Order your 2025 Struggle finisher jersey to wear with pride.
Must pre-order! Jerseys are not available to purchase at the event.
EXCEPTIONAL RIDER SUPPORT
- Fully signposted route & GPX files provided
- Roadside safety and encouragement marshals
- Mechanical support and rider hotline for assistance
- Roving mechanical support
- Broomwagon recovery vehicle
OPTIMAL FEED STATIONS
We pride ourselves in providing what riders need, when they need it, so get around our epic routes in the best shape. Our feed stations are stocked with the best sports nutrition from Maurten and we also provide tasty energy bars from Veloforte.
CLASS MEDAL & BIDON
Every rider deserves recognition after a Struggle. You'll get one of our iconic Struggle medals around your neck and also go home with a Struggle bidon to show off your achievement on the bike.
COLD BATH BEER
Thanks to our partners Cold Bath Brewery, every rider can celebrate their achievement at the finish line with their refreshing 1571 alcohol-free beer in our finish village.
INSTANT RESULTS
While we're here for a fun time as well as a fast time, we publish results instantly as you cross the line so you can see how you fared and check out if you hit a Gold, Silver or Bronze time.
FREE PHOTOS
At Struggle you don't need to pay extra for a photo of yourself. We pay the best cycling photographers instead, so we can give everyone an epic memento of your pain face.
4 RIDERS = VIP
Rope in Reinforcements; get your mates on the start line with you. Create a team name and get your riding buddies to sign up under your team name. Teams of four or more get VIP wrist bands allowing them to claim free pre-ride coffee for a caffeine kick and a celebratory post-ride beer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Event Info
What support is on the route?
What support is on the route?
Our roving mechanics are on hand to get you back on the route should you have an issue. We do however recommend everyone knows how to repair a puncture and come equipt with the tools and spares to do so. We also have marshals throughout the route, roving medical support and well-stocked feed stops and a broomwagon. Our friendly team is there to ensure you succeed in completing your Struggle challenge.
What is at the feed stops?
What is at the feed stops?
Our feed stops are really well stocked with the best sports nutrition on the market from Maurten. We also have super-taster energy bars from Veloforte (vegan and gluten-free but contains nuts). There's also bananas and other grab-and-go snacks like coconut macaroons, Battenberg and Soreen. Our final feeds always have our locally sourced Lishmans Pork Pies, Maurten caffeine gels and mini cans of Coca Cola for the final push for home.
How fit do I need to be?
How fit do I need to be?
Struggle Dales is achieveable for any ambitious road cyclist. That said, it requires prior training and preparation. With sensible pacing, optimal fuelling, proper preparation and plenty of courage, its a challenging goal worthy of the hard work.
What are the cut off times?
What are the cut off times?
There are cut off times but these are very generous to encourage everyone to make it around the route. We suggest steadier riders sign-on the day before and start as early as possible.
What is at the start/finish?
What is at the start/finish?
There is ample free parking at the start and finish and toilet facilities. There is a coffee van serving up a pre-ride caffeine kick and we have post ride nosh and beers at the finish. There is no running water or showers, so please come with your water bottles pre-filled.
Where can I stay?
Where can I stay?
The start/finish is just a few miles from Harrogate Town Centre, where there is a host of hotels and B&Bs to suit all budgets. I'm afraid there is no camping/campervans allowed to stay overnight at the Army Foundation College.
Cancellation/Defers
Can I cancel my entry?
Can I cancel my entry?
I'm afraid we cannot cancel your place if you have entered. You can however transfer or defer your place. See below...
Can I defer my entry?
Can I defer my entry?
You can defer your entry to Struggle Dales 2026 or to another Struggle Event in 2025. You must do this up to one month before the event date. After this date we cannot defer your entry.
Can I transfer my entry to another rider?
Can I transfer my entry to another rider?
You can transfer your entry to another rider up to one week before the event. You must do this officially by emailing hq@ridethestruggle.com and providing the details of your nominated rider. You must not give your entry to another rider without transferring it officially. You must provide photo ID at registration.
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