EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
You are officially invited to the flutter x cure leukaemia charity sportive
Our annual cycling sportive is back, and this time it’s in Harrogate! We’re so excited to invite you for a day of exploring Yorkshire by bike, while raising money for our UK Charity of the Year, Cure Leukaemia.
Your base for the day will be the fabulous setting of Cedar Court Hotel in Harrogate. When you’re out and about, you’ll enjoy the best of Yorkshire’s quiet countryside cycling roads. With four different routes to choose from, we’re encouraging everyone (no matter your ability or experience!) to join in.
DATE: Thursday 19th September 2024
TIME: Coffee and pastries will be available at the venue from 8:30am. The ride starts at 9:30am. Event finishes officially at 4pm but riders will arrive back at the hotel in their own time.
LOCATION: Cedar Court Hotel, Park Parade, off Knaresborough Road, Harrogate, HG1 5AH
WHAT TO EXPECT
Pre-ride, you’ll be at the Cedar Court Hotel for coffee and pastries. An expert mechanic will be on hand to assist with any minor mechanicals before you set out on the route.
You’ll then set off in small groups with ride leaders, who will manage the pace and direct the route, so you can relax and enjoy the Yorkshire countryside.
There will be en route stops to refuel at our very own Feed Station, where you’ll grab some snacks, fill your pockets with sports nutrition and refill your water bottles ready to take on the second half of the ride.
After the ride, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy a well-earned lunch back at Cedar Court while sharing stories of the ride. We'll return back to Cedar Court in staggered groups, where a post-ride burger will be awaiting you.
FUNDRAISING
As always, all the money raised through ticket sales and fundraising goes straight to charity.
This year, you’ll be riding to help Cure Leukaemia. Every 14 minutes, someone is diagnosed with blood cancer. Every penny raised by us will help to save lives and to move the dial on the eradication of all forms of blood cancer.
We ask that all riders take part on a sponsored basis and raise a minimum of £100 for Cure Leukaemia. You can do this by setting up a page in Just Giving. Please share with page with Daisy Smith once you have set it up.
It feels good to do good, so we hope that the charity element will only make the day more enjoyable for you all!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dietaries
Please let Daisy Smith know by 12.08.24 if you have any dietary requirements, so that we can cater for them properly on the day.
Getting there
Cedar Court Hotel is in central Harrogate and is accessible by train (a 13 minute walk from Harrogate station), bus, or car. If driving, you can book parking here.
Who’s the event being run by?
This year, The Struggle are hosting out sportive. They are experts in delivering cycling events, so you’ll be in very good hands. You will have guides on hand to support you throughout the day.
Point of contact
Please contact Daisy Smith (Charity & Community Lead) with any questions.
ROUTES
We have a host of different routes to choose from for all ability levels and everyone is welcome. We've got a 15 mile traffic-free ride on tarmac cycle paths, a medium and long route on quiet country lanes and a MTB/Gravel ride where you can escape the asphalt.
Short Route: 15 Miles
Medium Route: 30 Miles
Long Route: 51 Miles
MTB/Gravel: 33 Miles
SHORT ROUTE
MEDIUM ROUTE
LONG ROUTE
MTB/GRAVEL ROUTE
SUPPORT
We'll be accompanied by expert local ride leaders, a support car and a mechanic, so we can relax and enjoy the ride in the knowledge we're being well looked after.
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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