EVENT DETAILS
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: 8:30am on Thursday 3rd October 2024
LOCATION: Grantley Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3ET. Find us >>
IN ASSOCIATION WITH: Savills; offering offers a wide range of specialist services from financial and investment advice to valuation, planning and property management. Find out more at www.savills.co.uk
About Network Bike 2024
Our extremely popular bi-annual business networking cycling event is back for autumn 2024.
Network Bike will be held at Grantley Hall, a newly refurbished 5 star hotel. Join us for pre-ride networking over breakfast rolls followed by a speed-dating style networking ride in pace groups for various abilities.
Back at Grantley Hall you can enjoy an exclusive post-ride two-course lunch and grab the contact details of the people you've met on the ride.
On The Day
- Business networking morning over coffee & breakfast rolls
- Structured group rides managed by ride leaders, enabling networking to continue on the bike (like speed dating on the bike)
- Choice of ride groups and distances for varying abilities
- Post-ride networking lunch and drinks
- Business Card Exchange to ease swapping contacts
- Finisher’s goodie bag
NEW: 53 Mile/85km Route
NEW: 40 Mile/65 KM Route
Network Bike Ethos
Network Bike is a business networking event for road cyclists of all abilities. We'll ride in different ability groups based on average speed. The groups will be accompanied by experienced ride leaders who can control the pace and direct the road, enabling riders to focus on networking (speed-dating style on the bike).
The routes are 35 and 50 miles; perfectly designed to encourage networking in the saddle. We'll roll out into quiet, meandering lanes where riders can relax and network.
A Potted History of Network Bike
While in the corporate world, Managing Director of Struggle Events Matt Mannakee spent more time sat in stuffy networking events than he did sat on his saddle. But Matt firmly believed he had forged more valuable business relationships while out on his bike than in a conference room. Having left the corporate world behind, Matt has since brought his business networking for cyclists concept to life to help facilitate more people to expand their business or brand through cycling.
For more info about Network Bike or running a corporate networking event of your own contact Struggle HQ
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.
Testimonials
"What a route, what an event. Well marked, great feed station with top notch gels and bars, brilliant pre and post atmosphere. These big rides are much better when part of an event, when you share your experience with others, it drives you on all the more and I’ll certainly be back."
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.
Other Events You Might Like
Check out some of our other Struggle road cycling events in 2025...
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