14 23 OCTOBER to raise funds for the charity REGAIN to support people paralysed in sporting accidents

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "14 23 OCTOBER to raise funds for the charity REGAIN to support people paralysed in sporting accidents"

Marilyn O’Brien’
6 years ago
Views:

1 14 23 OCTOBER 2006 THE CHINA BIKE RIDE to raise funds for the charity REGAIN to support people paralysed in sporting accidents Join a spectacular 400km cycle ride in the Beijing region visiting the Great Wall and cycling triumphantly into Tiananmen Square as a member of an amazing group of people supporting the charity REGAIN events@actionforcharity.co.uk Acting as agents for Managed by Registered Charity No

If you have ever wanted to visit China and experience its incredible mix of culture, people and history at close quarters then this is an opportunity of a lifetime.

participants. TH itinerary China leaves a lasting impression on all who go there. It is a country immersed in history, mythology and ancient traditions.

It s a bike ride of beauty, culture and people a challenge that will earn every penny of the sponsorship raised.

You will experience a China few westerners get to sample and also have the opportunity to visit and cycle alongside the Great Wall a huge symbol of China s ancient greatness.

Day 1 London Beijing Indirect overnight flight from London to Beijing. Day 2 Outskirts of Beijing Early afternoon arrival in Beijing, transfer to hotel.

2 If you have ever wanted to visit China and experience its incredible mix of culture, people and history at close quarters then this is an opportunity of a lifetime. Following the huge success of REGAIN s cycle rides for both able-bodied and disabled cyclists the charity is encouraging tetraplegic hand cyclists to take up the challenge alongside able-bodied participants. TH itinerary China leaves a lasting impression on all who go there. It is a country immersed in history, mythology and ancient traditions. This huge mass of land has the largest population on Earth. Highlights include the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. It s a bike ride of beauty, culture and people a challenge that will earn every penny of the sponsorship raised. The China Bike Ride will take you through the beautiful countryside of the Beijing region, alongside rivers and through steep gorges, past tiny villages, ancient tombs and historical landmarks. You will experience a China few westerners get to sample and also have the opportunity to visit and cycle alongside the Great Wall a huge symbol of China s ancient greatness. Guanting Reservoir Kangxi Grass-Land Longquin Gorge Yangqing Badaling Great Wall Mentougou Xianying Yongning Ming Tombs Nankou Changping Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Hauirou Shunyi Tongzhou Yanxi Lake Day 1 London Beijing Indirect overnight flight from London to Beijing. Day 2 Outskirts of Beijing Early afternoon arrival in Beijing, transfer to hotel. The rest of the day will be spent bike fitting and relaxing. Day 3 Mutianyu Ming Tombs, 76 km approx. Cycle to Mutianyu Great Wall in the morning then set off beside the beautiful Yanxi Lake cycling past orchards and cornfields. We cycle through a tunnel cut into the hillside with spectacular panoramic views at the other side. The last part of the day takes us uphill alongside a narrow river passing one of the Ming Tombs. Overnight at the Oil Worker s Sanatorium, Shisanling near the Ming Tomb area. Day 4 Ming Tombs Yongning Old Town Yangqing, 78 km approx. We cycle back past some of the Ming Tombs then after around 10km we cycle uphill for several kilometres on a deteriorating and fairly difficult road. At the top we enjoy wonderful views before descending into the valley. After lunch we set off towards Yongning Old Town, the scenery is beautiful and the road conditions are good. Overnight stop at the Happy Holiday Hotel. Day 5 Yangqing Longquin Gorge Guyaju Guanting Reservoir Badaling, 74 km approx. We head towards the Longquin Gorge and then cycle along a main road for about 22km before reaching some relatively flat off road. After a long downhill there s an uphill which is simply breathtaking and worth the Challenge details To take part in The China Bike Ride you need to pay a registration fee of 250 and raise minimum sponsorship funds of 2,700. hard work! Then it s on to Guyaju where there are ancient cave dwellings and views of the Guanting Reservoir. We continue along a road lined by orchards through Yanging City on a designated bike lane to avoid the traffic ending the day at the Badaling Hot Springs Hotel where we overnight. Day 6 Badaling Great Wall Mentougou, 91 km approx. We start on minor roads with little traffic and bike lanes on both sides of the route. We pass the entrance of Kangxi Grass-Land towards the Badaling Wall, a quieter section where we stop for a short visit. Then we continue on a minor road until we reach the town of Nankou, then continue to Minghui on quiet roads with flat terrain. The last 16km gets busier as we get closer to Beijing. We finish at the Dragon Spring Hotel in Mentougou. Day 7 Mentougou Marco Polo Bridge Tiananmen Square, 98 km approx. There s a 15km uphill section before we can enjoy some impressive downhill. The cycling will be through villages surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery with sheer cliffs either side in some parts. After cycling through a mountain tunnel we continue on a bike lane to Marco Polo Bridge where we assemble as a group for the last leg into Beijing. Our route takes us into Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world and to the finish line at our overnight stop the Rainbow Hotel. Day 8 Beijing Free day to discover Beijing independently or to take part in an optional tour to the Summer Palace and Lama Temple. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal. Day 9 Beijing London More free time to explore Beijing and take part in an optional tour before the return flight to London late evening. Day 10 London Morning arrival in the UK. Due to the nature of the challenge, this itinerary is subject to change. This itinerary is the copyright of Classic Tours

E CHINA BIK questions and answers Who can take part?

Those taking part will be from all walks of life and all age groups, but they will all have two things in common a sense of adventure and the desire to help British men and women who have become

Most of those taking part in this type of event are often not regular cyclists so it is imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training before the event.

Tetraplegic cyclists should seek advice from the charity regarding fitness and eligibility to participate. Do I need special equipment?

We will supply you with a list of everything you will need to take before you go. You will have the use of 18-21 gear bikes and you may wish to bring your own saddle.

We will be staying in tourist class hotels that are the equivalent of 2-3 star hotels in Europe. Will I have to carry my own kit? No, your luggage will be transported each day by our support team.

3 E CHINA BIK questions and answers Who can take part? Any person over the age of 18 who is reasonably fit and is prepared to put in plenty of cycling training beforehand and raise a minimum of 2,700 in sponsorship funds and donations. Those taking part will be from all walks of life and all age groups, but they will all have two things in common a sense of adventure and the desire to help British men and women who have become paralysed as a result of sporting injury. How fit do I have to be? You will need to be fit and to have trained beforehand. Most of those taking part in this type of event are often not regular cyclists so it is imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training before the event. If you are over 65 or have a medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise ercise or any worries about your medical fitness you must get a letter from your doctor. Tetraplegic cyclists should seek advice from the charity regarding fitness and eligibility to participate. Do I need special equipment? A cycling helmet is essential and cycling shorts are recommended. Additionally everyone will need a water bottle for their bike. Apart from that no specialist equipment is required. We will supply you with a list of everything you will need to take before you go. You will have the use of gear bikes and you may wish to bring your own saddle. If you are a disabled cyclist you will need to provide your own hand cycle. Where will we sleep overnight? We will be staying in tourist class hotels that are the equivalent of 2-3 star hotels in Europe. Will I have to carry my own kit? No, your luggage will be transported each day by our support team. You will need a small waistbag or rucksack for your day-to-day needs eg. camera, sun cream, tissues etc. Who organises all the travel arrangements? All the tour arrangements are organised by specialist tour operator Classic Tours, the originators of cycle and trekking challenges in aid of charity. The company is bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL number What about insurance? You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation. Classic Tours has a recommended policy. You can however take out your own insurance providing it covers you for a charity cycle ride in China. What about passports and visas? You will need a passport that has at least 6 months validity from the date of our return to the UK. You will also need to get your own tourist visa from the Chinese Embassy. We will send you instructions on how to apply nearer the time. It currently costs 30 for British citizens. If you are a non- British passport holder you should let us know so that we can check your visa requirements. What is the cost of taking part in The China Bike Ride? The registration fee for taking part in the event is 250 per person. This is solely to cover non-travel costs and is not refundable under any circumstances. The tour costs for the ride are 1,270 approx. for each person. These will be paid by the charity from the sponsorship funds you raise, unless you choose to pay them yourself and raise less funds. This will cover return flights from London; accommodation; meals and refreshments (except lunch on days 8 and 9); transport and transfer of luggage throughout; technical and medical support; local and Englishspeaking guides and bikes. In addition to paying your registration fee you will need to budget for airport tax, personal travel insurance, a tourist visa, gratuities, optional tours and personal expenses including travel to and from the departure airport. What happens if I don t reach the 2,700 sponsorship target? Sponsorship funds must be raised and paid in ten weeks before departure ie. by 5th August If you cannot do so you will forfeit your right to take part. You can however make up any shortfall yourself and if you have any difficulties with raising funds along the way you should let us know and we will do our best to help. How do I book a place? Fill in the application form attached and send it to Action for Charity, the organisers of the China Bike Ride on behalf of REGAIN, with your registration fee of 250 payable by either cheque or credit/debit card. You will then be sent confirmation of your registration, further details and a comprehensive information and fundraising pack.

E RIDE 14 23 OCTOBER 200606 conditions of entry You should be fit and in good health to participate in The China Bike Ride.

letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to take part with your application. Conditions of Entry 1. A registration fee of 250 (nonrefundable) is required to participate in the China Bike Ride.

Of the monies raised approximately 1,270 will be used to cover your tour costs including air fare, accommodation, food, transfers, guides, bikes and back-up support. 2.

If you do not take up your place for any reason, you must inform Action for Charity immediately.

You must send all sponsorship forms and sponsorship money collected to Action for Charity who will pass it on to REGAIN. 4.

4 E RIDE OCTOBER conditions of entry You should be fit and in good health to participate in The China Bike Ride. If you are over 65 years of age or have a medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if you are in any doubt about your health, please send a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to take part with your application. Conditions of Entry 1. A registration fee of 250 (nonrefundable) is required to participate in the China Bike Ride. In addition you must raise a minimum of 2,700 in sponsorship money and donations for REGAIN which must be sent to the organisers, Action for Charity, by 5 August Of the monies raised approximately 1,270 will be used to cover your tour costs including air fare, accommodation, food, transfers, guides, bikes and back-up support. 2. If you are unable to raise the minimum sponsorship required you will forfeit your right to a place on the event or you may choose to make up the balance yourself. 3. If you do not take up your place for any reason, you must inform Action for Charity immediately. You must contact all your sponsors to ask if they wish to make a donation or have their sponsorship money returned. You must send all sponsorship forms and sponsorship money collected to Action for Charity who will pass it on to REGAIN. 4. All cheques for sponsorship money must be made payable to REGAIN and sent to Action for Charity. 5. The good reputation of the charity is paramount. You must agree to act lawfully and follow the fundraising guidelines laid out by the organisers of the event. 6. You must be at least 18 years of age before 14 October You must not be dependent on alcohol or drugs or have any criminal convictions. 8. You must be covered by full travel insurance for health, accident, loss and repatriation during the event. You will need to provide proof of travel insurance eight weeks before departure or you may forfeit your place on the challenge. 9. All those who take part in the China Bike Ride do so at their own risk. The charity has arranged flights, accommodation, food, guides etc. with Classic Tours, a company which specialises in events of this nature and is fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL number In making these arrangements the charity and Action for Charity are acting as your agents and are unable to accept liability for any loss or damage, however arising, or for cancellation n of the event for any reasons outside their control. 10. If you are refused passage sage and/or entry/exit to or from China any additional costs incurred are your responsibility. 11. If you withdraw from the event in circumstances where recovery of cancellation charges is indemnified under travel insurance, you hereby agree that you will co-operate in the recovery of these charges from the insurers and any sums recovered under the policy will be paid to the charity. If the insurance company does not recognise your claim, you will be responsible for any cancellation charges levied on the charity. 12. Itineraries schedules and accommodation may change and other alterations may occur which are beyond the control of Classic Tours. 13. You must agree to be bound by Classic Tours Booking Conditions for the event. 14. Action for Charity and REGAIN may, at their discretion, withdraw places on the China Bike Ride if they believe it is in the best interest of the charity to do so. 15. Your passport must have at least six months to run from the date you return to the UK. It is your responsibility to apply for a visa before the event. 16. It is a requirement that you must wear a cycle helmet at all times whilst cycling on this challenge. 17. You will be responsible for providing your own personal equipment. The China Bike Ride is managed by Action for Charity on behalf of the REGAIN, 78 Shirburn Road, Watlington, Oxon OX9 5BZ. Registered Charity No Action for Charity is the trading name of Action Events Limited, Registered office: Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire, S041 9BP. Company Reg. No I would like to take part in the China Bike Ride and agree to abide by the Conditions of Entry above. I undertake to raise a minimum of 2,700 in sponsorship funds and donations for REGAIN and to send it to the organisers by 5th August I will also endeavour to raise as much sponsorship as possible in addition to the minimum amount. I confirm that to the best of my knowledge my general state of health and fitness is good and I take full responsibility for my fitness to take part. I enclose a cheque for the registration fee of 250 made payable to The China Bike Ride or please debit 250 from my Visa/MasterCard/Switch/Delta/Electron Card Card Number: Issue No. (Switch/Solo only) Start date Expiry date Cardholder s name Signature Signature (cardholder) Date Data protection The informationyou have provided will be used by REGAIN, Action for Charity and Classic Tours for the purposes of administering the China Bike Ride. Additionally, with your permission, your contact details including your name, address and contact telephone numbers will be passed on to other China Bike Ride participants. If you would prefer that your details are not passed on please tick this box.

14 23 OCTOBER 2006 THE CHINA BIKE RIDE To register for The China Bike Ride complete all sections of the application form and sign the pledge to raise funds overleaf.

application form Personal Details Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) Surname Forenames Name by which you like to be known Address Postcode E-mail Home Tel Work Tel Mobile Tel Occupation/job title Employer s

5 14 23 OCTOBER 2006 THE CHINA BIKE RIDE To register for The China Bike Ride complete all sections of the application form and sign the pledge to raise funds overleaf. Post the completed form with your non-refundable registration fee of 250 and two passport-size photos to: The China Bike Ride, Action for Charity, Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington SO41 9BP application form Personal Details Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) Surname Forenames Name by which you like to be known Address Postcode Home Tel Work Tel Mobile Tel Occupation/job title Employer s address T-shirt size S/M/L/XL Passport Details Full name on passport Date of birth Date and place of issue Passport no Marital status Note: Your passport must be valid until 6 months after the event. Next of Kin Name Address Daytime Tel If yes, please give details: Room Sharing Height (for bike size) Place of birth Nationality Date of expiry Relationship Postcode Evening Tel Accommodation will be shared. Please give the name(s) of anyone with whom you specifically wish to share. Name(s) Special Dietary Requirements Vegetarian Vegan Other (please state) Medical Requirements Do you suffer from a medical condition, allergy or take regular medication? If yes please give details: Details of Company/Organisation Sponsorship Are you representing or being sponsored by a company or organisation? Company/organisation name Address Telephone no YES/NO YES/NO Postcode How did you hear about the event? Please give details Have you undertaken an overseas challenge for charity before? If yes, please give details: YES/NO

Life can change in a second A few seconds of your time can change a life about regain REGAIN is the only charity dedicated solely to improving the independence of British men and women who have

Tetraplegia is sometimes referred to as quadriplegia it is the result of a severe spinal cord injury. It affects both sensation and mobility because messages to the brain have become interrupted.

6 Life can change in a second A few seconds of your time can change a life about regain REGAIN is the only charity dedicated solely to improving the independence of British men and women who have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports injury. One minute they are fit, active and healthy and the next they are paralysed, unable to move and in need of support for the rest of their lives. Tetraplegia is sometimes referred to as quadriplegia it is the result of a severe spinal cord injury. It affects both sensation and mobility because messages to the brain have become interrupted. A tetraplegic is unable to walk and has limited reach and dexterity because use of the arms is severely impaired. Most accidents occur during active participation in sports such as rugby, cycling, horse-riding, swimming and diving. Many of those paralysed are young people at the beginning of their lives. REGAIN is a lifeline to many tetraplegics across the country. The charity helps by: Providing equipment to improve the mobility and independence of tetraplegics Supporting tetraplegics and their families giving advice and help on financial, legal, medical and equipment matters Organising forums for tetraplegics to meet up and share their experiences with each other Developing self-awareness programmes to foster a sense of worth and belonging Increasing awareness of the risk of sports tetraplegia with the aim of reducing the number of accidents Actively encouraging tetraplegics to participate in sporting activities. Funds raised by The China Bike Ride will support REGAIN 78 Shirburn Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX9 5BZ Registered Charity No The China Bike Ride is managed by Action for Charity on behalf of REGAIN The China Bike Ride, Action for Charity, Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington SO41 9BP events@actionforcharity.co.uk Because they have lost the use of their limbs, tetraplegics are often unable to perform the most mundane of day-to-day tasks such as brushing their teeth or raising a drink to their lips. Tetraplegics need extensive support and without it many are unable even to get up in the morning. Funds raised by The China Bike Ride will be used to provide direct help to individual sports tetraplegics for the purchase of specialist equipment such as sports wheelchairs, adapted vehicles, voice-activated computers and other equipment to help them lead more independent and fulfilling lives. REGAIN currently has a waiting list of tetraplegics needing equipment that will make a real difference. The China Bike Ride will raise funds to support many of those in need.

In partnership with July 2018

In partnership with July 2018 Tour de France 2018 London to Paris In partnership with 25 29 July 2018 Join Team Mind for the ride of your life - 4 days to cycle 300 miles across England and France, reaching Paris in time for the finale