20-24 July Arrive in time to see the finish of the Tour de France

Transcription

1 London to Bike Ride July 2011 Arrive in time to see the finish of the Tour de France Join 750 riders on one of 5 routes to and help us raise 1 million Places limited secure yours today! for further information:

2 London to Bike Ride Cycling from London to is one of the great European cycle experiences. Passing through picturesque countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of northern France. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement. Route 1 approx 291 miles From July 2011 London (Blackheath) Calais Abbeville Dover Beauvais An early start from Blackheath takes us along to Rochester and then on to the North Downs and the Pilgrims Way. Narrow, winding Kent roads take us to the port of Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais and on to the hotel for our first night. A challenging ride ahead today as we set off through the pretty Nord Pas de Calais countryside and then onto the fortified town of Montreuil. With café visits along the way this is a perfect day before arriving in Abbeville. After a hearty breakfast we head into the Picardie countryside, the site of many 1st World War battles. Today is the most rural part of our journey with quiet roads, sweeping hills and those typical French villages to stop at before arriving in Beauvais with its impressive cathedral. Day 4 Through wooded areas we descend to the river Seine, where locals often stop and cheer us on. After re-grouping in we cycle down the boulevards, around the Arc de Triomphe and whizz down the Champs-Elysées to the Eiffel Tower our finishing point. A celebratory dinner awaits at our hotel that evening. Route 2 approx 314 miles From July 2011 London (Blackheath) Dover Dieppe Lisieux Vernon An early start from Blackheath takes us along to Rochester and then on to the North Downs and the Pilgrims Way. Narrow, winding Kent roads to take us to the port of Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais. Upon arrival a transfer coach will be waiting to take us down to Dieppe where we stay the night. Stocking up on a hearty breakfast, we start with a coastal ride before we head inland along the Saane valley. We then continue on to Yerville and the forests of Yvetot, before travelling along the southern banks via Pont-Audemer and finally on to Lisieux. Today we head east through rolling farmland to Brionne, Neubourg and the forests to Beaumont. We enjoy plenty of café stops en-route. In the afternoon the route takes us north of Evreux to our hotel in Vernon. Day 4 Our final day will take us along the Seine to Breval, Septeuil and then Crespieres on the outskirts of. The locals often stop to cheer us on as we pass through their villages. We re-group in before heading on down the Champs-Elysées and on to the Eiffel Tower our finishing point. A celebratory dinner awaits at our hotel that evening. Cycling information Support vehicles are with the group at all times. All luggage and spares will be carried in them. The cycling is over mainly undulating ground. Distances are fairly long, varying from m (86-181km) per day; you should make sure you are fit enough to manage these distances. We ride mainly on country roads. Traffic is light on most of the roads but when we pass through large towns we ride as a group. Bike repairs There will be a range of spares in the vehicle along with a full tool kit. However it is impossible for us to carry spares for every eventuality so it is vital that your own bike is in good order before departure. Further information and a kit list will be sent to you when you receive confirmation of your booking.

3 Route 3 approx 285 miles From July 2011 London (South Croydon) Calais Arras Dover Compiegne Route 4 approx 328 miles From July 2011 London (Chessington) Portsmouth St Malo Mayenne Chartres We leave South Croydon to avoid the morning traffic. We head through the Kent fields and villages and continue through Tonbridge and then on through the North Downs to Dover, for the short ferry crossing to Calais and on to our hotel for our first night. After a well earned breakfast we take to the open road, through small French villages. In the afternoon our journey takes us past war cemeteries (Noordpeene/Gauchin). With the roads relatively flat initially, it becomes more undulating near Arras, our final destination for the day. Today is an enjoyable day along quiet roads offering scenic views. There is plenty of time to stop and take it all in before reaching forested areas around the attractive town of Compiègne. Day 4 Through small villages and woodland we cycle on to. We ride along the streets, around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysées and on to the Eiffel Tower our finishing point. A celebratory dinner awaits at our hotel that evening. With an early start from Chessington we head south west to Guildford through Surrey villages and on to Alton in Hampshire where Jane Austen lived. We then cycle on to Portsmouth to catch the overnight ferry to St Malo. Leaving St Malo we cycle on to Fougères, home to the largest medieval castle in Europe. Through winding roads and rolling hills we head on for Mayenne which is situated between southern Normandy and the Loire Valley. This is our longest day as we cycle to Chartres. The countryside is beautiful and there are plenty of café stops to sample en route to keep us going. Late in the day we arrive in Chartres with its impressive famous cathedral that stands proud over the city. Day 4 Our final day takes us north east to with the finishing post in sight. We cycle through the streets, around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysées and on to the Eiffel Tower our finishing point. A celebratory dinner awaits at our hotel that evening. Route 5 approx 300 miles From July 2011 As part of the package we have laid on accommodation in Blackheath for the night before the start. London (Blackheath) Calais Dover Amiens An early start from Blackheath takes us along to Rochester and then on to the North Downs and the Pilgrims Way. We follow narrow, winding Kent roads which take us to the port of Dover for the short ferry crossing to Calais, and then on to the hotel for our first night. After breakfast we head on out through some beautiful French countryside. We ride through the Somme region and there s a chance to stop off at the many cafés en route before arriving in the picturesque city of Amiens. Our final day starts early and our route takes us into the heart of. We cycle through the streets, around the Arc de Triomphe, down the Champs-Elysees and on to the Eiffel Tower our finishing point. A celebratory dinner awaits at the hotel that evening. for ALL routes Please note whilst we endeavour to finish at the Eiffel Tower there is a possibility that this could change subject to permissions. Sunday 24th July Free day in! This final day is a well deserved day of rest to explore. You could enjoy a leisurely morning wandering through the Latin quarter, visit Notre Dame, the Louvre or Montmartre. Take the lift to the top of the Eiffel Tower or perhaps a river cruise... there s so much to see and do. Watch the finish of the Tour de France! In the afternoon, you have the opportunity to watch the last stage of the Tour de France as it hits the Champs-Elysées for the final sprint. Watching the teams speed past is an amazing experience, especially knowing that you have cycled down the same stretch of road just one day before. If you want a good view you are advised to get there a few hours before the peloton. Return to the UK via Eurostar In the evening you will travel back to the UK on Eurostar in time to make your way home for a good night s sleep!

4 Why take part Every year in the UK hundreds of children suffer a stroke, a condition most commonly associated with the elderly. Alfie Oakley was just two years old when he had his first stroke. One day, Alfie had a fit and stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated by paramedics. We noticed that he had weakness down the right-hand side of his body as he wasn t using that side. He was already being looked after by Great Ormond Street children s hospital for another condition, so we contacted them and, after a scan, they confirmed that he had had a stroke, explains his mum Justine. Since then Alfie has had at least seven further strokes, some mild and others severe. He has had two major operations to reduce the risk of him having further strokes. The arteries in Alfie s neck and head had started to close, and his carotid artery in the neck had narrowed by as much as 80 percent, says Justine. His latest operation went well, but there is no guarantee that he will never have another stroke. Alfie, now almost six, has developmental delay and as a result of the strokes, doesn t walk very well. He drags his right foot and his right hand is constantly held in a claw-like position. His speech has also been significantly delayed. Justine is keen to do as much as she can to support research into childhood stroke. If telling people about Alfie s situation helps another child then we are happy to do whatever we can. Pure escapism, a fantastic panacea for being 43 and overweight. I really missed my bike on the Sunday morning in and felt I should be riding somewhere Past London to participant

5 Action Medical Research delivers, both in terms of medical breakthroughs but also an inspiring cycling portfolio. Their events are always professional, exciting and fun Past London to participant How we support you Our staff are dedicated to helping you achieve your goal and will keep you motivated in the lead up to the event and the ride itself. We are all keen cyclists and have ridden the London to bike ride numerous times. We will be on hand to answer any questions that you might have about the trip or your fundraising, both over the phone and by . Sponsorship You will be given a fundraising pack full of original ideas on how to raise the money for Action Medical Research. You will receive a sponsorship form and information on how to order collection tins, balloons, posters and other useful materials. You will also receive a training guide for long distance cycling. Newsletters You will receive quarterly newsletters brimming with fundraising ideas and training advice as well as up-to-date information about your exciting trip ahead. Online sponsorship account You will have the opportunity to raise money through your very own online sponsorship account with a personal link to your dedicated homepage that your sponsors can then click on and donate securely over the internet. Previous riders have raised hundreds online! Information day This takes place approximately four months before the event. It s an opportunity to meet the Action Medical Research team, say hello to fellow riders and find out more about the trip. You will also pick up new and exciting fundraising ideas and suggestions throughout the day. Online forum Through your online sponsorship account you will have access to the online forum where you will be able to talk to other cyclists that are taking part on the ride. This is a great opportunity to exchange fundraising ideas and arrange training rides together. So what does it cost me? Registration 99 payable upon registration (non-refundable) Tour cost 662 Remaining sponsorship 638 Incentive We are giving away a FREE GPS Bike Computer to every rider who raises 2,500 or more on our behalf.

6 Your questions answered To help you move quickly and guarantee a place, this brief facts page contains all the essential information that you may want to know before signing up. Securing your place To secure your place: Register online at or Fill in and return the attached registration form and enclose a non-refundable cheque for 99 made payable to Action Medical Research. Sponsorship targets and deadlines Overall sponsorship target: 1,300. Deadline 1: 29 April 2011 You must have raised a minimum of 662 by this date to secure your place on the trip. This amount will cover the cost of your trip (tour cost). You are able to pay these costs yourself if you choose to. This amount does not include your registration fee or Gift Aid. Deadline 2: 4 July 2011 We strongly advise that you try to raise and bank as much of your sponsorship money by this date. If possible a minimum of 300. Please note that this amount does not include your registration fee or Gift Aid. Deadline 3: 19 September 2011 We ask that you raise and bank your full sponsorship money by this date. Hopefully you will have exceeded your target of 1,300. Please note that this amount does not include your registration fee or Gift Aid. Support team A support team of several staff and vehicles will organise the ride and be responsible for: transporting luggage from hotel to hotel mechanical support medical support signing the route organising water/snack and lunch stops. Food and accommodation Accommodation is provided for every night of the trip except the last night (Sunday 24 July) in 2 H, 3 H or 4 H hotels. Please indicate anyone that you would like to share a room with on your registration form. Please note accommodation is available at the start point of each route, for the night before the event. This is at an additional cost, unless you choose route 5, where accommodation for the night before the start is part of the package. Breakfast is not provided on day 1. Breakfast on all other days will be laid on at the group hotels. Route 4 breakfast on day 2 will be on the ferry. Water / snack stops. At least 2 stops (one in the morning and one in the afternoon) will be provided on each day of cycling. Lunch. Open air buffets, with a wide variety of food, are provided for each day of riding. Lunch is not provided on Sunday 24 July. Dinner. On day 1 participants are responsible for buying their own dinner on the ferry. All other days dinner will be provided in the group hotels. On Sunday 24 July participants are responsible for buying their own lunch and dinner. Special dietary requirements. We are able to cater for any special dietary requirements. Please remember to give us these details on the medical questionnaire that you receive once you have registered. Transport Ferry ticket from England to France (included in cost). One-way Eurostar ticket from to London (included in cost). Weather Cycling at this time of the year is usually pleasant and sunny, but you should come prepared for all types of weather and ensure you have packed a waterproof cycling top. Bike information You will need to bring your own bike on the trip. Please ensure that it has been recently serviced. We will arrange for your bike to be transported safely back to England to meet you at London St Pancras International, or the start point of your ride. What is not included? travel insurance bike insurance personal spending money breakfast and dinner on day 1 lunch and dinner on Sunday 24 July.

7 Registration form You can register online at Return this completed form with your non-refundable registration fee of 99 (and two passport photographs, with your name printed on the back) to register for the London to bike ride Personal details (Please print in BLOCK CAPITALS) Title Surname Address First name Telephone (daytime) Mobile Postcode Would you like a free Action Medical Research T-shirt? yes / no (if yes what size) S (34-36 ) M (38-40 ) L (42-44 ) XL (46-48 ) Publicity How did you find out about the London to bike ride? Newspaper Magazine Website Search engine Letter An Action Medical Research member of staff if yes, who? Other Choose your route Route 1 Blackheath - Dover - Calais - Abbeville - Beauvais - Route 2 Blackheath - Dover - Dieppe - Lisieux - Vernon - Route 3 South Croydon - Dover - Calais - Arras - Compiegne - Route 4 Chessington - Portsmouth - St Malo - Mayenne - Chartres - Route 5 Blackheath - Dover - Calais - Amiens - Accommodation If you have a friend on the ride that you would like to share accommodation with, please enter their name below. Name Return completed registration forms to: London to bike ride, Action Medical Research, FREEPOST CY252, Vincent House, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2BR T If you re part of a team please enter the name and captain Team name Team captain Passport details It is essential that you have a 10 year passport that is valid at least six months from the date of entry into France. Full name (as it appears) Passport number Date of expiry Nationality Date of birth Next of kin This must not be someone that is taking part on the ride Name of next of kin Relationship to you Address Telephone (daytime) Mobile Employment Name of employer Number of employees (if known) Type of business Position held Postcode 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 this box for more information. Pledge I have read and understood the Action Medical Research and Discover Adventure Ltd entry terms and conditions (overleaf). I have enclosed my non-refundable registration fee of 99, (cheque made payable to Action Medical Research ) and two passport sized photographs. I agree to raise the minimum sponsorship of 1,300 Signed Print name Date Data Protection: 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 help Action Medical Research. If you would prefer not to receive this information then please contact us on

8 Terms and conditions Action Medical Research conditions of entry By signing the registration form you agree to the following conditions: 1. In return for a secured place on the Action Medical Research London to bike ride, you must pay to Action Medical Research a non-refundable Registration Fee of 99 and commit to raising a further minimum amount of sponsorship ( 1,300). 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 662 (which is the individual participant cost) with proof of confirmed pledges for the full amount. The 662 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 itself must be paid to Action Medical Research within 8 weeks of your return. Failure to do so means you must make up the balance yourself. 2. You are responsible for keeping a record of your overall sponsorship totals (as you will not be sent a quarterly statement unless this is specifically requested). 3. If you are unable to obtain the minimum target of sponsorship you are liable to forfeit your place on the London to bike ride or you may choose to make up the balance yourself. 4. 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 London to bike ride. The cost of the trip is 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. 6. You must be at least 15 on the day of departure. Please note that any participants between 15 and 17 years of age should be accompanied by a responsible adult. 7. All funds raised in the name of Action Medical Research must be paid as soon as practicable to Action Medical Research. 8. Action Medical Research acts as agent only for the tour company and has no control over the organisation and running of the 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 overseas challenge events. In making these arrangements, Action Medical Research is acting as your agent and 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. 9. Your participation in the London to bike ride is on the basis of full acceptance of Discover Adventure Ltd s (the tour operator) set of standard terms and conditions relating to the event. 10. All ferry, Eurostar timings and itineraries are subject to change. All transfers to and from the start point are at the participants own expense. 11. Participants on the London to bike ride must be satisfied that there is nothing in their medical condition which could mean that there is danger in taking part. Action Medical Research does not accept any liability if anybody is injured on the London to bike ride, unless it is as a result of the negligence of Action Medical Research or of its agents or employees. Action Medical Research advises participants to have a medical check-up before cycling and to abide by any advice that might be given as a result of such check-up. 12. 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. Conditions of entry for teams 1. For the purposes of this event, a team means 5 participants or more. 2. Team members may raise funds collectively through an online sponsorship account but each team member is individually responsible for raising the 662 tour cost. 3. As a team rider you are personally responsible for keeping a record of your sponsorship total. 4. If a team member is unable to obtain the minimum target amount of sponsorship he or she is liable to forfeit their place on the ride. 5. If a team member drops out, he or she can be replaced up to 29 April After this date, team members cannot be replaced. 6. Teams of five or more will be subject to a reduced team target. Where teams have five team members or more, the sponsorship target will be 1,200 per person (i.e. for a team of 7 the target is 8,400 per team). Where teams have ten team members or more, the sponsorship target will be 1,100 per person (i.e. 13,200 if a team of 12). 7. If a team member drops out and there are subsequently fewer than five team members, the original sponsorship target will apply ( 1,300 per person). If a team member drops out and there are subsequently between five and nine team members, the sponsorship target will fall to 1,200 per person. Discover Adventure terms and 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 & 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 & cancelation insurance Travel insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company outside the UK. 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 15 on the day of departure. Discover Adventure 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. Delays The timings of road or rail departures are estimates only. We cannot accept liability for any delay in your travel arrangements from or to the UK whether the cancellation or delay is caused by adverse weather conditions, rescheduling by a transport provider, port authority, mechanical breakdown or industrial action. Where long delays result in lost challenge time, no refunds are given by hotels or suppliers. It is in recognition of the above that the Company s travel insurance policy offers some monetary compensation for delays over 12 hours to cover lost time or delayed return. Ground arrangements are fully ATOL bonded (5636) through Discover Adventure Ltd. Discover Adventure Ltd, Throop Down House, Blandford Road, Coombe Bissett, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP5 4LN Tel: Fax: info@discoveradventure.com Copyright Discover Adventure 2010 Action Medical Research 2010 Action Medical Research is a registered charity: England and Wales no ; Scotland no. SC039284