Wates Bike & Hike

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. 

Our rider hotline can be called should you need any assistance: 07854661277

Our feed stops are really well stocked and we get great review about them. We have super-taster energy bars from Veloforte (vegan and gluten-free but contains nuts); there's carb-rich bananas; lots of tasty grab-and-go snacks like coconut macaroons (gluten-free), mini Battenberg and snack-sized Soreen. Our final feeds always have our locally sourced Lishmans Pork Pies and mini cans of Coca Cola for the final push for home.

A Struggle is achievable for any ambitious road cyclist. That said, it requires prior training and preparation. With sensible pacing, optimal fuelling, proper preparation and plenty of courage, it's a challenging goal worthy of the hard work. Most events have different distances, making them inclusive for any aspiring rider.

You can switch routes beforehand by emailing hq@ridethestruggle.com. You can also switch routes at sign-on during the morning of the event by telling the registration team. You can even switch routes while out on the course. The route splits are well-marked. If you do decide to switch routes while on the course, you must ensure you tell the finish-line team when you cross the line.

There are cut off times but these are very generous to encourage everyone to make it around the route. These will be communicated in your road book ahead of the event. Most routes also have a shorter option at the cut-off point so it's very easy to switch routes and still complete the event if you are struggling with the distance. We do recommend signing up to a distance you feel is suitably matched to your ability.

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. 

The start is just a few miles from nearby towns and villages with ample hotels and guest houses to suit all budgets. Struggle Borderlands also provides a camping option.

I'm afraid we cannot cancel your place if you have entered. You can however transfer or defer your place. See below...

You can defer your entry to the following year or to another Struggle later this year. You must do this up to one month before the event date. After this date we cannot defer your entry. You cannot defer your entry more than once. To do so you must email hq@ridethestruggle.com

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.