Ride L Etape 6-9 September 2012 Cycle mountain climbs made legendary by the Tour de France!

Transcription

1 Ride L Etape 6-9 September 2012 Cycle mountain climbs made legendary by the Tour de France! Limited places available so sign up today! For further information cycling@action.org.uk

2 The challenge Ride L Etape gives you the chance to tackle a full day s stage of the notorious three-week Tour de France the most spectacular cycling event of the year. Our chosen stage is from the 2011 tour and is a gruelling route over some of the most infamous mountain roads in the Alps: the notoriously long, tough Col du Galibier, one of the highest cols used in the Tour, and the legendary, steep Alpe d Huez, probably the most famous climb in the world of cycling. Completing this route will evoke the greatest possible sense of achievement. You will have conquered the same terrain as sporting giants like Eddy Merckx and Lance Armstrong. Our different package option means you can decide when to arrive and whether to take part in the warm-up ride. On the day itself, full support is provided giving you the opportunity to complete this timed* event. To join we require a non-refundable registration fee of 99 plus your commitment to raise sponsorship for much-needed medical research into devastating and distressing conditions that affect babies and children. Stop dreaming sign up and follow in the cycle treads of the mighty Tour! *This event will be timed, to add an element of competitiveness to your challenge if you wish. All timing chips will be handed out on the day of the challenge.

3 The itinerary Day 1: Geneva Chambery Upon arrival at Geneva Airport, we transfer to Chambery, a picturesque town situated among spectacular mountain landscapes. We check into our hotel and have plenty of time to assemble our bikes before dinner and a detailed trip briefing. Drive approx 1-2hrs Day 2: Warm-up ride Today s ride gives us an opportunity for a good warm up and to ensure our bikes are comfortable for the big day tomorrow. We ll keep to a relaxed pace as we explore the area around us, stopping for lunch en route. There s not much flat terrain in this area, so expect some strenuous climbs it will be good preparation. Cycle approx 60km Day 3: Chambery Modane Alpe d Huez The day of our Etape challenge dawns! We have an early transfer (approx 1.5hrs) to Modane, the start of our Tour stage. The ride today will be timed, but the first few miles allow you to warm up as gently as you like. We then head out through the valley, our first 15-20km mainly flat or downhill. Col du Télégraphe At Saint Michel de Maurienne we leave the main valley road and head into the mountains. The gradient ramps up almost immediately as we join the lower slopes of the Col du Télégraphe. This is a tough climb, but the gradient is steady. We pass through shady forested areas, which provide shelter from sun and wind, and pass by old ruins and forts. There are wonderful views as the twisting hairpin bends take us above the beautiful Maurienne valley. Try to relax into a steady tempo and enjoy your surroundings without thinking too much about what lies ahead.

4 At the top of the pass (1,566m), you can rest a little and enjoy the views, you ve just achieved your first col of the day. Col du Galibier Although usually counted as two distinct climbs, many consider the Télégraphe to be the first part of the ascent to the Galibier climb. From the pass it s only a short, gentle descent into the small town of Valloire, which lies at 1,430m in the small dip between the two cols. Upon leaving Valloire, the climb of the feared Galibier begins. Our first few kilometres take us out on a relatively straight road through a valley. We cover almost half the distance to the summit before the road turns sharp right, kicks up steeply and starts winding in hairpin bends towards the top and the reason that the Galibier is so legendary becomes clear. The last section is particularly steep, with a gradient of 10 percent over the last kilometre. You will need all your mental determination to keep the pedals turning to the summit, but the sense of achievement will be one to remember forever. In reaching this point you have just emulated the greatest professional cyclists of the last century. At the top you are greeted by a monument to Henri Desgrange, the founder of the Tour de France. Heading downhill to the valley far below, we enjoy the amazing landscape of this region a whole new set of views! We now have many kilometres of predominantly downhill terrain, with a few little lumps and bumps to refresh our legs as we head towards the lovely town of Bourg d Oisans and the start of the most famous climb of them all, Alpe d Huez. Alpe d Huez At only 14km long, the climb is relatively short, but Alpe d Huez is notorious for many reasons, not least its steep gradients, which have enabled dramatic and gutsy displays of riding over the years. The distance to the first hairpin bend has a gradient of over 10 percent, and from here you can count down the 21 hairpin bends or lacets, which are all numbered and dedicated to winners of Tour de France stages. The climb will be hard, especially after your efforts on the Galibier, but enjoy every minute as this fabulous mountain marks the end of your challenge. The scenery on the climb is simply magnificent but our real reward is getting to the top of a climb that has inspired cyclists for generations. Congratulations: you have just joined the elite! We celebrate our incredible achievement at the top of the mountain, where the ski resort is a thriving, little town in the summer months with many souvenir shops and cafes. After time to take it all in, we return to Bourg d Oisans, where we check into our hotel and celebrate in style! Cycle approx 116km Day 4: Return to UK After a good night s sleep, we pack up our bikes, transfer to Geneva and head home.

5 Cycling information The cycling is very challenging, and it is vital that you don t underestimate how tough this challenge is. Each mountain climb is different, with varying lengths and gradients. Each presents a challenge for anyone who has not trained and is not used to cycling. The cycling distance, while short for a Tour de France stage, is fairly long for most people considering the terrain. We ride mainly on small quiet mountain roads and traffic is light most of the time. All luggage, food and drink will be carried by the tour operator. Weather It can be very hot, and cold. Rain is always a possibility and it may be windy in the valleys and higher up the mountains. As you climb a mountain, you may start with a tailwind and end with a head-wind! The weather and temperature at the foot of a climb can be dramatically different to the top, where it may be foggy, in cloud or much colder. The weather can change rapidly. Average temperature for this region around the time of the trip is degrees centigrade. Passport, visa and vaccinations You will need a 10-year passport that is valid for at least six months after our date of exit from France and Switzerland. There is no visa requirement for UK citizens. If you don t have UK nationality you are responsible for checking your own visa requirements. You must have had a tetanus injection in the last 10 years, and we highly recommend vaccinations against polio. Please check with your GP for up-to-date travel health requirements. What is included? You have a choice of three packages: Package 1 99 non-refundable registration fee + 1,600 sponsorship (includes return flights and warm-up ride on Friday 7 September). Package 2 99 non-refundable registration fee + 1,500 sponsorship (excludes return flights but does include warm-up ride on Friday 7 September). Package 3 99 non-refundable registration fee + 1,400 sponsorship (excludes return flights and first day warm-up ride). Also included with all three packages: main event timing chip accommodation (twin share) all meals except lunch and dinner on Sunday 9 September all transfers UK expedition leader and doctors supplied by Discover Adventure Ltd celebration meal. Packages do not include: bike travel insurance (compulsory) bike insurance personal spending money lunch and dinner on Sunday 9 September. How we support you We know that committing to raise the minimum sponsorship can be a daunting prospect but we are here to support you. With a little bit of planning and lots of enthusiasm you ll soon reach your target! Fundraising pack To get you started we send you a fantastic fundraising pack as soon as you register. This pack is filled with tried and tested fundraising ideas and tips to help you get the money rolling in. You will receive a branded T-shirt, sponsorship forms, information about how to order collection tins, balloons and other helpful fundraising supplies. Online sponsorship You can set up your online sponsorship account through our website. You can personalise your page with a photo and your own account of why you are taking part. Using the online sponsorship system saves on paper and is a very effective way of getting your message out to all of your contacts, so be sure to make the most of it. Newsletters We will send out regular newsletters giving you help and advice on your fundraising including keeping you up to date with the difference your support makes. Event manual As the event draws closer we will send you an event manual which will include specific details and reminders about your exciting challenge. Rest assured you won t miss out on anything. Information day We will organise an information day about four months before the cycle challenge. This is your opportunity to meet the Action Medical Research team and your fellow riders, as well as, learning more about the trip and sharing fundraising ideas. Frequently asked questions How fit do I have to be? This event is not for the faint-hearted. You will need to train hard to be fit enough to complete the day, but it is achievable for cyclists of all levels of experience. What bike do I need for this challenge? We strongly recommend that you ride a road bike/racing bike for this trip because of the long distances involved on well-surfaced roads.

6 Will I have to carry my own kit? No. Your main luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel and any immediate items that you may need on the trip will be carried for you in support vehicles. Do I need specialist kit? You will need to bring your own bike on the trip. Please ensure that it has been recently serviced. You will also need good quality cycle clothing and shoes for the event. A kit list will be sent to you in the event manual. Where will we be staying? Accommodation is in 2/3-star hotels or guesthouses, picked for their proximity to our route. The accommodation is comfortable with en suite facilities; standards may vary between hotels. What does the registration fee cover? The entire 99 non-refundable registration fee goes to Action Medical Research. It is used to fund all administration involved in organising the ride, for instance resources, staffing, marketing, information packs and advertising. When do I have to raise the sponsorship by? We require that you bank the tour cost by 28 June The final deadline for the full amount to be banked is eight weeks after we return from the trip, 5 November Package Package Package Package Tour cost amount What happens if I can t raise the money? If you cannot raise the tour cost by 28 June, you are liable to forfeit your place on the ride or you may choose to make up the difference yourself. Remember to let us know if you have any difficulties, we are here to help. What next? To join us for this fantastic adventure, complete the attached registration form and return it with your non-refundable registration fee to Action Medical Research or register online at action.org.uk/etape For further information contact: Ride L Etape, FREEPOST CY252, Vincent House, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2BR T E cycling@action.org.uk Why cycle for us? Action Medical Research is celebrating 60 years of vital research for babies and children in We are proud of our track record in funding medical breakthroughs beginning with the UK polio vaccine which has since kept children safe from this deadly virus. Thankfully the fear of polio is a thing of the past, but families today face the fear of other potentially life-threatening like meningitis. And many thousands face a lifetime of challenges caused by brain damage, cerebral palsy and blindness. We are determined to help. Every mile you ride will help fund medical research that could one day help children like: Katie who was born two months early, needed resuscitating at birth and spent her first weeks in intensive care; and five year old Jack, who as a baby, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Medical research for children is a neglected area and we rely entirely on public support. With your help we can make 2012 extra special and fund even more life-changing research for sick babies and children. Take action and help change children s lives.

7 Registration form You can also register online at action.org.uk/etape Please complete this form in BLOCK CAPITALS and return it with your non-refundable registration fee of 99 with two passport-size photographs (with your name on the back) to Action Medical Research. Personal details Title Surname First name Address Telephone (daytime) Telephone (mobile) Postcode Would you like a free Action Medical Research T-shirt? Yes / no (if yes what size?) o S (34-36 ) o M (38-40 ) o L (42-44 ) o XL (46-48 ) Publicity How did you find out about this ride? Newspaper o if yes, which one? Magazine o if yes, which one? Website o if yes, which one? Other (please state) Your chosen package o Package September 2012 (includes return flights and warm-up ride on Friday 7 September) o Package September 2012 (excludes return flights but does include warm-up ride on Friday 7 September) o Package September 2012 (excludes return flights and first day warm-up ride) Accommodation Please give the name of any fellow participant with whom you would like to share a room. Name Passport information It is essential that you have a passport that is valid for at least six months after the date of entry into Switzerland and France. Full name (as it appears) Passport No. Nationality Issuing authority Expiry date Date of birth Employment Name of employer Type of business Position held Next of kin This must be someone who is not taking part on the ride Name of next of kin Relationship to you Address Telephone (daytime) Telephone (mobile) Postcode Tribute funds If you are taking part in this challenge in memory of someone close to you and would be interested in setting up a tribute fund for them, please tick the box for more information o Recommend a friend If you have a friend you think would be interested in taking part in this event with you, please fill out their details below and we will send them an information pack. Name Address Postcode Pledge o I have read and understood the Action Medical Research terms and conditions, and the Discover Adventure Ltd booking conditions. I have enclosed a non-refundable registration fee of 99 (cheques made payable to Action Medical Research ). I agree to raise the minimum sponsorship of the package that I have chosen. I understand that my place in the ride is not guaranteed until my completed medical and insurance forms have been received and accepted by Discover Adventure Ltd. Signed Print name Date If you would prefer to pay your registration fee by credit or debit card, please call our Supporter Care team on during office hours, or visit our website action.org.uk We would like to keep you informed about the important work that we do and advise you of the different ways in which you can support Action Medical Research. If you would prefer not to receive this information please tick this box o Return completed registration form to: Action Medical Research, L Etape, FREEPOST CY252, Vincent House, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2BR T

8 Terms and conditions Please read these carefully before signing the registration form Action Medical Research By signing the registration form you agree to the following conditions: 1. In return for a secured place on the Ride L Etape, you must pay to Action Medical Research a non-refundable registration fee of 99 and commit to raising a further minimum amount of sponsorship (package 1 1,600, package 2 1,500, package 3 1,400). Ideally the entire amount in sponsorship should be received by Action Medical Research a minimum of 10 weeks before the first day of the trip or at least the tour cost (package 1 817, package 2 667, package 3 569) with proof of confirmed pledges for the full amount. The tour cost figure does not include your registration fee of 99. Action Medical Research will hold costs of the tour and will pay this to the tour operator at the minimum sponsorship deadline when it will be protected by ATOL bonding. The balance must be paid to Action Medical Research within eight weeks of your return. 2. If you are unable to raise at least the tour cost you are liable to forfeit your place on the ride or you may choose to make up the balance yourself. 3. You must make it clear to all prospective sponsors that a certain amount from your sponsorship money goes towards payment for you to take part in the challenge. 4. Should you not be able to take up your place, the people who sponsored you are required to ask for a refund in writing (letter or ) before we can return their monies to them. 5. All funds raised in the name of Action Medical Research must be paid as soon as practicable to Action Medical Research. 6. Action Medical Research acts as agent only for the tour company and has no control over the organisation and running of each event. All participants take part at their own risk. Action Medical Research has arranged transport, accommodation, a medic and guides with Discover Adventure Ltd, a specialist in challenge events. In making these arrangements, Action Medical Research is therefore unable to accept liability for any loss or damage, however arising, or for cancellation of the event for any reason outside its control. Any complaint must be notified to Discover Adventure Ltd within 14 days of the end of the event. Registration fees will only be refundable should Action Medical Research cancel the tour. 7. Action Medical Research does not accept any liability if anybody is injured on the Ride L Etape, unless it is as a result of the negligence of Action Medical Research. 8. Action Medical Research reserves the right to use any photography or videos taken of participants on behalf of the Charity to raise awareness of and/or funds for Action Medical Research. 9. It is compulsory to wear a helmet during the duration of the ride. 10. Action Medical Research reserves the right to alter or terminate this agreement with immediate effect for any reason by writing to you. Upon termination you should immediately stop raising funds for Action Medical Research and pay to them any sums raised before termination. Your obligation to keep donors details and provide them to Action Medical Research will continue to apply. Discover Adventure Ltd booking conditions Discover Adventure Ltd (The Company) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions. Financial security The Company is fully bonded and licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Association of Independent Travel Operators for your financial protection. Under the terms of the bonds, monies are secured by insurance guarantees. Discover Adventures ATOL number is 5636 and the AITO number is Passports, visas and vaccinations Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of a valid passport and any visas and vaccinations certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal gear etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the Company. It is your responsibility to obtain any necessary vaccinations for your tour and to do so well before the departure date. Insurance and cancelation insurance Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients together with their personal property, including baggage, are at all times solely at their own risk. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients not taking out the Company s specially arranged Travel/ Cancellation insurance are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel Insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities included in their tour. Clients should satisfy themselves that any travel insurance arranged through the Company is what they require and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be. Clients will be deemed to have read the insurance cover. Itinerary While we endeavour to follow our itinerary there may be exceptional circumstances when this is not possible. We reserve the right to cancel or modify the itinerary as necessary. It is unlikely that Discover Adventure will have to make any changes to your trip, but due to the nature of the trips arrangements have to be planned well in advance, so changes may have to be made and the Company reserves the right to do this. Should a material change be necessary the Company will inform you as soon as reasonably possible. A material change includes, for example, a significant change of destination, route, a change of flight time by more than 12 hours or a change of airport. Medical form If you are aged over 65 years of age or if you have any medical condition that could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition or asthma, you must provide the Company with a medical certificate from your doctor. By signing this pledge you are confirming that, to the best of your knowledge, your general state of health is good and that you take full responsibility for your health and personal well being. Minimum age Participants must be at least 18 years of age. DA reserves the right to refuse participation to anyone at any time without having to disclose the reason. Challenge participation We accept your booking on the understanding that you realise the hazards involved in this type of tour, including injury or death, disease, loss or damage to property, and that you come on the tour at your own risk. We accept no liability for any injury resulting from the hazards of trekking, cycling or any other activity included in the itinerary, or for any other mishaps to yourself or your property, and in particular as a consequence of flight cancellations, strikes, wars, riots, sickness or other such happenings. Any independent travel arrangements that you make are also at your own risk. Equipment Clients taking their own equipment on tour are responsible for any charges for transportation levied by the airline including excess baggage. If you have a complaint Should the client have a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, the client must tell both the relevant supplier and the Company s representative at the time. It is only if the Company and the relevant supplier know about problems that their will be the opportunity to put things right. Flights/delays The timings of air, road or rail departures are estimates only. We cannot accept liability for any delay in your flight from or to the UK whether the cancellation or delay is caused by adverse weather conditions, rescheduling by an airline, airport authority and/or action by air traffic controllers, mechanical breakdown or industrial action. Where long flight delays result in lost challenge time, no refunds are given by hotels or suppliers. Similarly, airlines do not offer compensation for flight delays. It is in recognition of the above that the Company s travel insurance policy offers some monetary compensation for flight delays over 12 hours to cover lost time or delayed return. Organised by: For information contact: T W action.org.uk Action Medical Research, Vincent House, Horsham, West Sussex RH12 2DP Action Medical Research 2011 Action Medical Research is a registered charity: England and Wales no ; Scotland no. SC039284