The Neil Bowler Hotel Bike Ride challenge from London to Manchester will be taking place on the 27th and 28th of September 2025, arriving in time for the start of
The 2025 Annual Hospitality Conference.
"Since its launch in 2015, the ride has developed into an annual adventure that celebrates friendship, teamwork, connecting with industry colleagues and most importantly - raising money for worthwhile causes. Each year is special and a highlight in my diary.”
Nina Gold, Neil Bowler-HBR Joint Organiser
The Challenge
Day 1
Following our departure from Renaissance St. Pancras, the route heads north through London’s sprawl. Hadley Highstone in High Barnet is the first respite of the day for a brief equipment check before hitting the country lanes.
Rolling, rural roads then prevail, as the cyclists leave the commuter towns of St Albans, Luton and Stevenage in their wake. A well-deserved pre-booked pub lunch in Lavendon offers the riders a chance to refuel ready for the afternoon push for Leicester. On our way, we will also stop at Haselbech to pay our respect and visit Neil’s cherry tree.
Overnight accommodation continues to be at the Marriott Leicester, where a protein rich dinner and comfy large beds await our hungry and tired bodies.
Some of day one is a little lumpy, particularly through the Chiltern Hills; however, it is generally remembered for its length, at circa 206km and 1773m climbing. Points of interest along the day one route include Castle Ashby House, a 16th century stately home in Northamptonshire.
Day 2
Day 2, whilst shorter in length with 163km, is considered the most challenging. With over 2,034m of climbing, riders traverse the punishing Peak District before commencing their approach into Manchester...
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, riders leave Leicester behind and head for Derbyshire. The start of day is relatively tame; the route taking in charming market towns and villages. Lunch at the breathtaking Carsington Water is followed by a brutal ascent out of Brassington and onto the Peak District. The roads remain challenging and exposed until a brief respite into Bakewell and flat run along the Monsal Trail (the former Midland Railway line between Bakewell and Buxton). This leads the way into yet more climbing – Wormhill and Dove Holes are punishing yet Whaley Bridge remains the ultimate uphill test.
At the top of High Peak and above the planes landing into Manchester Airport, riders are treated to their first view of the finish, some 20kms in the distance. A decent into Stockport, followed by a final furore through the bright lights of Leveshulme and Longsight, see riders cross the finish line at the Manchester Central Convention Complex. Champagne and beer follows.
Ride Features
220 miles/360km of challenging scenic British riding;
Day 1 covers 125 miles/200km ending in Leicester;
Day 2 covers 95 miles/160km ending in Manchester;
Support throughout the ride;
Fully directed and mapped route.
“Thanks for a great few days. Outstanding in every way”
NEIL BOWLER BSC (HONS) MRICS
09/03/66 - 08/10/18 aged 52 yrs
Neil was a dedicated husband, dad, and business partner. He was a passionate cyclist and a keen supporter of the Great Hotel Bike Ride, completing the ride from London to Manchester three years in a row. A larger-than-life character, Neil was the one to keep spirits high through gruelling weather conditions and over testing terrain. Neil tragically suffered a cardiac arrest on day 1 of the 2018 ride. A cherry tree was planted by the riders the following year in Haselbech at the site where Neil sadly passed, and the ride will continue in his memory, now named the Neil Bowler Hotel Bike Ride.
Jeremy Collins BSC MRICS, Jenics:
“Neil jointly helmed the Jenics ship for almost two decades. He was a standout advisor who was not only well respected but also well liked. A rare commodity in the property sector. A man very passionate about his sport – endurance cycling, triathlons, and a fair rugby player in his day. His greatest passion? Family – Rachel and his girls, Hannah and Martha.
It was an honour to have worked with and known Neil across all levels of life.”
Neil Bowler HBR Handbook
Kick start your 2024 Neil Bowler - Hotel Bike Ride preparation by downloading our indispensable guide to distance, terrain, weather, equipment, clothing, nutrition, accommodation, transport, insurance and packing.
Click here to download and start reading...
“Excellent work everyone, thank you all so much for your continued efforts. Sending much appreciation and good wishes your way!”
“You wonderful people have worked so hard. Great team effort for great causes with great results. ”
“The amount of money raised was amazing and a huge thank you to everyone who took part and all that donated to the Foundation.
The money raised will go to Royal Brompton Hospital in London to further research into Myocarditis.”
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