Q. How is the ride organised?
A. The event is organised by an 18-strong committee of
volunteers who, together with many supporters, now have a
wealth of experience in arranging all aspects of the Ride and
each year try hard to improve it
Q. What kind of bike do I need?
A. Bikes are now equally divided between ‘racers’ and
‘mountain bike’ types. Ensure that you have a reasonably
light, well-maintained bike, with plenty of gears and a
comfortable saddle
Q. What type of hotels do we use?
A. We stay at good quality 2 and 3 star hotels.
We try to ensure that quality is shared equally over the ride
Q. What sort of roads do we cycle on?
A. We select our routes carefully, taking small country roads,
without much traffic, where possible
Q. Where does the money go and how much goes towards
administration?
A. 100% of the money raised goes to charity. Over 300
charities and deserving causes have benefited in the past from
more than £1,000,000 raised. All costs of organising the
event are paid out of the entry fee and business sponsorship
Q. How much money do we have to raise?
A. As much as you can get, but we expect all riders to raise at
least £150 for their chosen charity. We encourage you to send
this in to us for onward distribution, but you can send it direct
if you wish
Q. What do I have to carry on my bike?
A. All bags are carried in the support vans. All you need to
carry with you is route notes, perhaps a map, money,
passport, your rider info card, EHIC card, water, essential
repair kit and maybe a mobile phone
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Q. What do we do about eating?
A. Morning and lunchtime stops are organised on most days,
with a reasonably-priced communal lunch arranged. Some
afternoon stops are also recommended. Riders pay for their
meals, except the Gala Last Night Dinner in Caen, normally in
advance of eating. There are plenty of restaurants near all of
the hotels
Q. How many miles do we do each day?
A. For 3½ - Dayers, day one is about 25 miles, day two 60
miles, day three 85 miles and day four 80 miles. 6-Dayers
start with a 50 mile day, followed by a 75 mile day and a 60
mile day, joined by the 3½ - Dayers, en route to Angers
Q. What information do we get before & during the ride?
A. You will receive regular Newsletters leading up to the ride,
containing all you need to know. On departure you are given
a comprehensive information pack and daily updates are
available during the ride
Q. What speed do we have to cycle?
A. All riders are encouraged to cycle at their own comfortable
pace. Even one mph faster than comes natural can take it out
of you. You will usually find other riders who cycle at your pace
and so it is inevitable that riders will split up into groups
Q. How do new riders get involved?
A. We organise social practice rides and ensure that everyone
gets to know each other during the ride.
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