Struggle First-Timer Guide

BECOME A STRUGGLE FINISHER THE ULTIMATE FIRST-TIMER GUIDE

DALES

“One of the best events in the UK” Cycling Plus

MOORS “ONE OF THE BEST DAYS OUT. SOMETHING TO ASPIRE TO” Cycling WEEKLY

PACE

FAST & FLAT! PACE IS YOUR FIRST OR YOUR FASTEST 100 MILES NEW!

CONTENTS 5 8 11 WHERE & WHEN ARE THE EVENTS?

6. HOW

FAST DO I NEED TO BE?

What’s the route like?

10. What’s

at the feeds?

What Support is En Route?

12. WHERE

CAN I STAY?

14. What’s

Included?

When & WHERE ?

DALES Struggle Dales takes place on Saturday 23rd May 2021 from the Hildebrand Barracks on the Army Foundation College in Harrogate (HG3 2SE) and takes riders into the beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

MOORS Struggle Moors takes place on Sunday 4th July 2021 from Ampleforth Abbey (YO62 4ER), just of the A1 & A19 near Thirsk and takes riders into the stunning Yorkshire Moors National Park.

POWERED BY

Pace Powered by Struggle will be back in 2021 (date TBC), from Wetherby Racecourse (LS22 5EJ), just of the A1, and follows a flat, fast route between the Dales & Moors.

STRUGGLE MOORS START LOCATION; AMPLEFORTH ABBEY

HOW FAST DO I NEED TO RIDE? Although this epic event may feel frightful, it’s achievable for any aspiring road cyclist with PRIOR TRAINING, pacing and plenty of fuel.

Whether this is your f irst foray into a challenging road cycling events or you’re a seasoned rider looking to blast around and achieve a Gold standard time.

LAST YEAR’s TIMES Struggle dales First Rider: 5hr 52mins Last Rider: 13hr 01mins Speed = 8mph-18.5mph Struggle Moors First Rider: 5hr 59mins Last Rider: 11hr 14mins Speed = 10mph-18mph Pace First Rider: 4hr 45mins Last Rider: 8hr 25mins Speed = 11mph-21mph

VALLEY STRIDERS CYCLING CLUB TAKES ON STRUGGLE MOORS

WHAT’S THE ROUTES LIKE? Struggle Dales

TOUGHNESS RATING: 9/10 ELEVATION: 9,430ft

DISTANCE: 108m CLIMBS: 7

Struggle MOORS

FEEDS: 3 BEST: S cenery

TOUGHNESS RATING: 10/10 DISTANCE: 112m

FEEDS: 3

ELEVATION: 10,193ft

CLIMBS: 6

BEST: CHALLENGE

DISTANCE: 100m CLIMBS: 0

FEEDS: 3 BEST: FL AT & FAS T

STRUGGLE PACE

TOUGHNESS RATING: 5/10 ELEVATION: 3,458ft

WHAT’S AT THE FEEDS? Stocked-up

Struggle Events prides itself on its well-stocked feed stations, ensuring there’s plenty of food and water for every rider out on the road.

OPTIMAL NUTRITION

Unlike usual sportives, we don’t deal in jam sandwiches.

We’ve consulted with specialist sports nutritionists at OTE Sports to provide optimal nutrition to help get you around the route in the best possible shape. From caffeine gels on the last feed to boost you up the f inal hills, to electrolyte tabs to ward off cramp in the f inal miles.

SPECIAL OPTIONS

Our feeds are totally inclusive, offering vegan products and gluten-free snacks. If you have any concerns about what’s available to suit your dietary needs just get in touch with the team and we’ll advise you on your options: hq@ridethestruggle.com

PORK PIES!

We get rave reviews about our Vale of Mowbray pork pies, which are handed out at our f inal feed stations. They have been hailed “life saving” and helped riders reach the f inish.

FOOD TO EXPECT? • • • • • •

OTE Anytime Bars OTE Duo Bars OTE energy gels/caffeine gels Vale of Mowbray Pork Pies Soreen Bananas

• • • • • •

Jaffa Cakes Jelly Babies Gluten-Free Macaroons OTE energy powder OTE Electrolyte tabs Water

WHAT SUPPORT IS EN ROUTE? MECHANICS There will be roving mechanics who will be called out to assist with mechanicals where it is possible to get riders back on the road to completing the event.

MEDICS A team of medics in an ambulance and rapid-response vehicle will be en route. Various first aiders can be located at feed stations and HQ.

MARSHALS A team of enthusiastic and passionate marshals - who are all cyclists - will be on hand at dangerous areas, feed stations and hill tops offering support and encouragement.

BROOMWAGON A broom wagon will be providing transport for riders back to the HQ should they not be able to complete the route.

WHERE CAN I STAY? Struggle Dales

Harrogate has a host of hotels of varying prices. Here is just a small number of hotel options in the town centre: • • • • • • •

Cedar Court Crown Plaza Hotel Du Vin White Hart Crown White Swan Majestic

There is also a host of B&Bs and small guesthouses.

Struggle MOORS

You can book a room in the start/finish location at Ampleforth Abbey, then roll out of bed and ride over the start line.

Book: www.ampleforthabbeyvenues.org.uk/struggle-the-moors

Struggle PACE

Wetherby Racecourse is ideally situated just off the M1, making it an ideal location to travel to. For those looking to stay nearby: • Mecure Wetherby • The Swan & Talbot • Wood Hall

STAY AT AMPLEFORTH ABBEY & ROLL OUT OF BED & RIDE STRUGGLE MOORS

WHAT’S INCLUDED? EPIC ROUTE

EPIC CLIMBS

TOP FEEDS

MEDAL

BOTTLE

FREE PHOTOS

CHIP TIMING

MECHANIC

SAG WAGON

TOP SIGNAGE

PORK PIES

FINISH VILLAGE

Medals & bIDONS great swag to take away as a momento of your achievement!

FREE photos everyone GETS AN epic NEW profile picture TAKEN ON PARK RASH!

FINISH VILLAGE a great atmosphere TO Grab a beeR, A burger and cheer in your fellow riders!

Merchandise t-shirts, caps, socks & hats are available in the finish village!

*jerseys must be pre-ordered

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