Cycle to the Sahara. Genetic Disorders UK Biking Adventure

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1 tel: web: Cycle to the Sahara Genetic Disorders UK Biking Adventure FAST FACTS Country: Registration Fee Min. Sponsorship* Morocco 150 pp 2000 pp Duration: 8 Min Age: 18 Max Age: na Max Altitude: 2260m Total Ascent (approx.): 1500m Total Distance: 500km Fitness Level: Next Departure: 24/03/2015 Genetic Disorders UK Genetic Disorders UK is a registered charity with a vision to improve the lines of the individuals and familys affected by genetic disorders. While individual genetic disorders are rare, it is estimated that 1 in 25 children is affected by a genetic disorder. This means that in the 30,000 babies and children and newly diagnosed each year and more than half a million children and adults are living with a genetic disorder. Our mission is to be the leading source of information and support for both these affected by a genetic disorder, and the charities and patients group that support them, by bringing together everyone's conbined experience in a place it can be shared. Imagine a land of snake charmers, fire eaters, camel herders, and desert and mountain nomads. A land where the mountains separate red sand desert from the mighty Sahara. And now imagine yourself riding out across this wonderful land, through bazaars, across mountains, through gorges and to the desert!!! A truly Adventurous Bike Journey - like none you have ever experienced. The Atlas Mountains in Morocco has it all, in abundance. And best of all, from the UK we can reach Morocco easily flying directly into Marrakech Airport. From here it s a few minutes to the Djema El Fna the main square downtown, where all the fun and games happens, and from Marrakech the Atlas Mountains rise up just a short taxi drive away. So all in all this is a perfect recipe for Adventure. Our bike journey will allow us to explore the high passes of the Atlas, and onwards down through the spectacular earthen Kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, to the AntiAtlas Outpost of Ouarzazate. From Ouarzazate we shall follow the desert side of the Mountains, explore the valleys and oases, before heading out into the dunes of Merzouga the awesome Erg Chebbi!

2 Itinerary Day 1 - Fly London to Marrakech Explore Souks and Bazaars of Old City. Prepare bikes. Day 2 - Drive / Part Cycle from Marrakech to Tizi N Tikcha pass then begin bike ride bike to Telouet then to Ait Ben Haddou. Ride Distance Approx 60 miles Day 3 - Bike to Boulmane des Dades entrance to the spectacular Dades Gorge.Ride Distance Approx 60 miles Day 4 - Explore Dades Gorge, then continue bike ride to Tinerhir and up to Todra Gorge.Ride Distance Approx 70 miles Day 5 - Long days cycle from Todra Gorge to Erfoud. Ride Distance miles - option to use support vehicle if required. Day 6 - Cycle to Sahara Merzouga and into Dunes at the edge of the Sahara desert and the fantastic Erg Chebbi Dune System. Optional Camel Trek into the desert and stay overnight in Bedouin Hotel on edge of desert sand dunes. Today's distance approx 40 miles. Day 7 - Return Journey to Marrakech across the wild and barren anti-atlas and then up and over the high mountain pass the Tizi N Tikcha. Evening meal in one of Marrakech s old quarter good restaurants and possibly time for a glass of wine or two. Day 8 - Morning Chill Out then return flight to UK. Map data 2014 Basarsoft, GeoBasis-DE/BKG ( 2009), Google, ORION-ME, basado en BCN IGN España Accommodation In Marrakech and where possible we shall be staying in comfortable traditional style accommodation (Riad type) - whilst out on the road, we shall stay wherever is possible, making use of simple guesthouses along our route. Lightweight sleeping bags / sleeping bag liners are recommended. What is a Level 3 Cycling Challenge Like?

3 These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 9 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be keen on physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy taking exercise, and to do it regularly. Longer duration long haul rides are likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions - ie using same clothes for several days, lack of washing facilities, simple food, and maybe camping - these factors form an integral part of the challenge. How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3 bike ride? You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 8 hours +. You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!) Medical Issues Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any preexisting medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar. It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges. Insurance Details Travel insurance is required for all overseas adventures and can be purchased through Ventureguard using the link on the left hand toolbar of the website. Travel insurance is not compulsory for UK adventures but it is advised. For further information, please don't hesitate to contact the Café. Special Notes Please inform Adventure Café before booking if you suffer with a severe phobia of heights or Vertigo. Ensure you are adequately protected against dehydration (take plenty to drink), against sunburn and sunstroke, and against exposure (hypothermia) - take enough warm clothes with you Note this is a strenuous trip and so you need to be fit have a good level of endurance and have well developed cycling muscles essential for downhilling! You must bring a cycling helmet with you. Adventure Cafe Cycle Hire Adventure Cafe is pleased to offer good quality reliable sports hybrid and road bikes for hire. These bikes are available in a range of sizes, and are fitted with Shimano running gear, and nice slim wheels - ideal for high speed mile munching! You should provide your own cycling helmet, and small multi tool. We offer these bikes at a per day. If you are travelling overseas there may be a transport cost. Please call us to discuss ! Visas / Redtape When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website ( for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.

4 Included In Trip Includes Transfers from Marrakech Airport, All accommodation, Leader/Mechanic/First Aid Support, guided exploration of the Souks of Marrakech, return journey from Merzouga, Support Vehicle throughout bike adventure. Tented Overnight at the edge of the Sahara. Excluded From Trip International Airfares - please ask if you require assistance with flights and we should be able to offer well priced flights with good connections. Excludes transfers in UK to airport (Lift Share may be available expect to share costs on Parking at Airport), Evening Meals, Lunches Equipment Required Bike Items Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles) Cycling Gloves Bike Lock Neck Scarf Small Rucksack (or small pannier) Small Holdall (for overnight gear) Bike rack for rear pannier Lamps (front and rear, head torch can be worn) Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items) Duck Tape (small folded piece off the reel)* Puncture Repair Kit* Cable Ties* Bell or Horn on your bike - Louder the better! 2 x Inner Tubes* Brake Blocks* Multi-Tool (with allen keys)* Cleaning Rag* Oil/Lube* Spare parts for your bike (spokes, and other specialist parts for your bike) Oil/Lube Brush (Toothbrush)* Pump (suitable for your valve type) Helmet (compulsory) Cycle Box / Case / Cardboard Box for Transportation (not the huge rigid boxes on point to point rides please!) Parcel Tape if required to re-box your bike Spare Tyre Medikit Suncream Plasters Vaseline Insect Repellant Rehydration Salts Painkillers Sunbloc Washkit Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended) Soap (small bar) Shampoo (not a full size bottle!) Toothbrush

5 Toothpaste Warm Clothing Medium Weight Fleece Lightweight Gloves Fleece Hat Cycle / Overnight Clothing Lycra Cycling Shorts Cotton Shorts Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms) Cotton T-Shirts for evening Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets Long Sleeve T-Shirt - preferably white for hot sunny destinations Cycling Shoes (approach shoes suitable) Sandals / Spare Shoes for after ride Underwear 1 Set Casual Evening Wear 1 Pair Cotton Trousers Waterproof Clothing 1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in 1 Pair Outer Waterproof Bottoms Other Camera Memory Card Toilet Roll Spare Lace Travel Documents Visa's (if applicable) Travel Insurance (compulsory) Passport Wallet Money Belt Credit Cards Cash Local Currency Sunglasses Mobile Phone Penknife Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc) Sleeping Bag / Silk Liner (please check this on a trip by trip basis - it may be required) Specialist Items for Long Haul Trips Mosquito Nets Specialist Medication (AntiMalaria) Water Purification Kit Immodium Sewing Kit Important Make sure you do not over pack - bring only what is essential for the trip A final kit list will be provided in your Final Joining Instructions pre-departure Transport / Transfer No airport transfers are provided for this trip as standard. You will need to transport your bike (in a cardboard box) up to the airport. Once in Marrakech we will be collected from the airport and transferred to our accommodation

6 (included). Our return from Merzouga is included and then finally so too is our transfer to the airport in Marrakech, We shall leave our bike boxes at the hotel until our return from our journey. Safety Information By nature all activities contain an element of risk.your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. Weather In the high Atlas Mountains the weather and climate are very much influenced by height. The Atlas Mountains here are at their grandest with the highest point rising to 4,163m/13,655ft. Winter snowfall can be heavy and the highest areas are snow-covered well into the summer. Inland at lower levels the summers are very hot, while in winter and spring winds blowing off the mountains can cause some very chilly days. At medium altitudes the climate of Morocco is healthy and very pleasant around the year. Summers are hot but the humidity is quite low, while the winters are generally mild and sunny despite some spells of changeable weather. Many parts of Morocco see very little rainfall hence the arid Sahara desert, the extremely dry Atlas and the portion of land between the Atlas and the Atlantic is also very dry. The North of the country shows some signs of agriculture but still during the summer this is difficult! ADVENTURE DATES AVAILABLE START DATE END DATE DURATION 24/03/ /03/ This challenge is organised by Adventure Cafe Ltd on behalf of Genetic Disorders UK *Payment System: To participate in this event you will need to make a registration fee payment directly to the charity of 150. This will secure your place on the challenge. You will then need to fundraise the further amount to allow you to participate in the event. For this challenge you need to raise a further 2000 in sponsorship monies. This further amount should be made payable directly to the Charity. A significant proportion of your fundraising will be directed straight to the Charity and will assist in the good cause for which your charity works. Adventure Café will be operating this Adventure Challenge but is not responsible for collection of payments from participants. If you have any questions about this system of payment and participation please call us to discuss further. Please contact Adventure Café on to arrange your own departure dates, exclusive trip, or your own corporate event. We shall be delighted to develop something specifically for you. T E - info@adventure-cafe.com Frogmary Green Farm, West Street, South Petherton, Somerset, TA13 5DJ.