The Neil Bowler - Hotel Bike Ride challenge from London to Manchester will be taking place on the 28th and 29th of September 2024, arriving in time for the start of
The 2024 Annual Hospitality Conference.
"Since starting this bike ride in 2015, we have raised in excess of £40,000 for some terrifically worthwhile causes."
Ben Livingstone, GHBR Co-Founder
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.”
2024 Neil Bowler - Hotel Bike Ride
To register and join the ride, please click here
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...
2024 Charity
Cameron’s Companions is a suicide prevention charity for men in England and Wales. They provide free, fast counselling or therapy for those suffering with suicidal thoughts minimising waiting lists and times for those in need.
Their aim is to create a listening ear for people that need help, faster than NHS waiting times allow for, or for those struggling mentally to go through the formal GP referral system and wanting a less formal process. A prior formal diagnosis of depression is not a prerequisite of using this service.
“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.”
Help us Make a Difference
The ride, cyclists and charity is supported by The Annual Hospitality Conference and will be the fundraising event and charity for the conference this year.
Over the past few years, the ride has raised thousands of pounds for charity. The Neil Bowler - Hotel Bike Ride will this year support Cameron’s Companions, and the ride is aiming to raise £8000 for this truly worthy cause.
Click here to make a donation, your small change can help us make a big difference – every penny really does count!