CENTRAL EUROPE CYCLE SUNDAY 17 JUNE THURSDAY 21 JUNE Patron Her Majesty The Queen Registered Charity No. 1059050
T his is a glorious cycle that begins and ends in Croatia and moves seamlessly through four neighbouring countries Croatia, Austria, Hungary and Slovenia in just three days. Through picturesque villages and over gentle rolling hills - from Austria we cross over to Hungary to the unique charm of its mosaic-like fields interwoven with settlements, before facing the contrast of its stark landscape. On great bikes, with some long daily distances, this is an achievable cycle mainly on good tarmac road, that encapsulates the essence and variety of culture to be experienced in this section of Central Europe. Good accommodation, historical sites and medieval castles, brings the history of the area to life as we return home having ticked off four countries in this short haul challenge. Event details 3 days of cycling, 253km, on quiet country lanes, through rural farmland, forests and lush countryside Cycling alongside our specially adapted tandem brings home the difficulties experienced by others Bikes, accommodation and first rate support team with you all the way Registration Fee 195 CHALLENGE GRADING/ HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? We want to give you an incredible experience, but the objective is to raise as much money as you can for Norwood. But you have to earn your sponsorship money and this can only be achieved if there is truly element of challenge involved. Our challenges are graded moderate, challenging, tough and extreme. Many factors will influence this categorisation terrain, distances, climate, living conditions, altitudes, climbs which may vary on a day to day basis. Challenging events require you to have a reasonable level of fitness. Tough events have usually longer itineraries, may take place in more remote areas and require a good level of fitness. Extreme events require a very good level of fitness, are hard going, may involve more basic conditions and often involve longer days, steep climbs and descents. This is a challenging but achievable cycle with rolling hills, some steep climbs and a mixture of on-road and good quality unsealed trails through rural farmland, medieval towns, river valleys and forests. 253km/158 miles with a +/- elevation of 1500m. 2 Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle
ITINERARY Central Europe Cycle DAY 2 18 JUNE Ptuj to Bad Radkersburg DAY 3 19 JUNE Bad Radkersburg to Memesnep DAY 1 17 JUNE Zagreb DAY 4 20 JUNE Memesnep to Gyrkavescap DAY 5 21 JUNE Zagreb DAY 1: SUNDAY 17 JUNE Meet at Zagreb airport for 12 midday. 1.5hr transfer to Ptuj, Slovenia. Bike fitting and briefing with an optional early evening cycle or walk late afternoon DAY 2: MONDAY 18 JUNE Ptuj (Slovenia) to Bad Radkersburg (Austria) CYCLE 81km / 51 miles We cycle through quiet picturesque villages over gentle rolling hills with our first stop at 27km at the top of a sharp hill climb. Going down to the border of Radgona and following the River Mura trails, we stop for refreshments at the newly transformed water mill on the Austrian side. Weaving in and out of woodlands and lakes, we arrive at the beautiful medieval town of Bad Radkersburg on the border of Austria. 320 m 300 m 280 m 260 m 240 m 220 m 0 km 10 km 20 km 30 km 40 km 50 km 60 km 70 km 80 km Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle 3
DAY 3: TUESDAY 19 JUNE Bad Radkersburg (Austria) to Nemesnep (Hungary) CYCLE 90km / 56 miles Leaving Bad Radkersburg, it s flat for the first 15km, then it s up into the Goricko National Park orchards, meadows and fields overgrown with various cultivated crops are scattered like a mosaic, harmoniously interwoven with settlements, villages and individual farms that give the area a unique charm and appearance. Once at the top, it s a picnic lunch at Grad Castle, and hills for the next 15km cycling around Bukovnisko Lake, through forests and on into Hungary with its abundant wildlife. 400 m 350 m 300 m 250 m 200 m DAY 4: WEDNESDAY 20 JUNE Nemesnep (Hungary) to Sveti Martin (Croatia) via Slovenia CYCLE 82km / 51 miles Cycling in Hungary for the first 20km, we notice how different both the landscape and the houses are compared to their neighbours. It s flat and straight country lanes until we reach Lenti, where we re-enter Slovenia and visit Lendova and the 18th century Synagogue and Jewish Museum. Leaving Lendova, it s a short cycle until we are back in Croatia visiting three countries all in the same day. 300 m 280 m 260 m 240 m 220 m 200 m 180 m 160 m 0 km 10 km 20 km 30 km 40 km 50 km 60 km 70 km 80 km 0 km 10 km 20 km 30 km 40 km 50 km 60 km 70 km 80 km 90 km DAY 5: THURSDAY 21 JUNE Transfer to Zagreb airport for return flight.. 4 Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TRAVEL DETAILS FLIGHTS You will need to book your own flights for this challenge and be at Zagreb airport by 12:00 midday on Sunday 17 June. All internal transfers are included in the cost of this challenge if taking the recommended group flight or meeting at the scheduled time. Outbound: Sunday 17 June BA 0848 London Heathrow to Zagreb 08:15/11:35 Inbound: Thursday 21 June BA 0849 Zagreb to London Heathrow 12:30/14:00 If you are making your own additional plans and travelling outside of the dates of this challenge, then please do let us know well in advance. You will need to meet the group at Zagreb Airport on Sunday 17 June to take the group transfer to the first night accommodation. Transfers are only included if meeting the group at the scheduled times and meeting places. PASSPORT AND VISAS A 10-year passport is essential which must have at least six months validity still remaining from the date of return to the UK. British and other European passport holders do not need a visa for this challenge. Please do advise us if you are a non EU passport holder as specific arrangements may be required when crossing back into Croatia on the last day. Please visit www.fco.gov.uk for the most up to date entry requirements. Citizens of other countries need at least 3 months validity on their passports and should check with the relevant Embassy for further entry requirements. Any required visas and associated costs will be met by the participant. Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle 5
INSURANCE Travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory condition of your booking and can be arranged by Norwood at an additional charge of 25 - if you do not have your own insurance in place. If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs. We strongly recommend you are insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you have returned. If you have an existing policy we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you are fully covered for the event you are undertaking - clarify its precise nature to your insurers. You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel. Failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim. E1-11 CARD / EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (FREE) Please ensure you apply and bring the current European Health Insurance card. You can apply online at www.dh.gov.uk/en/policyandguidance/ Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm Please note this does not replace Travel Insurance, the European Health Insurance card is best used in conjunction with good travel insurance. BAGGAGE Your allowable checked baggage is one main luggage item on the recommended BA flight which should not exceed 23kg. If travelling with any other airline, we suggest you check their baggage allowance online. Norwood is not responsible for any excess charges incurred. We advise you carry your cycle helmet, a set of cycling clothes and any medication you require, with your hand luggage. HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. To find out more about the relevant NHS travel health advice, a good website is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk 6 Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle
All travellers are advised to ensure their tetanus and polio vaccinations should be up to date. This is a guideline only. You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit. You must also advise Norwood of any pre-existing medical conditions and may be required to complete a medical form when you sign up. These details will be passed to our tour doctor who may wish to contact you prior to the event to clarify the condition. FOOD All water in the accommodation and on the challenge is safe to drink. All meals are provided on the challenge. Breakfast and evening meals will be self service buffet style in the hotels and lunch will be at restaurants en-route. We can cater for all dietary requirements as long as we know in advance. Just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is twin-sharing in a great mix of spa hotels and high quality log cabins. Single person supplements are available on a first come, first served basis at an additional total charge of 220pp. The Abbazia Country hotel in Hungary will take Euro for payment. The reception at the Golf Hotel in Croatia, will also take Euro. We therefore recommend that you bring Euros or change money on arrival Zagreb airport. WEATHER The most popular time to visit this area of Europe, when the most suitable weather occurs, is during the summer months of June through to September. The average day time temperatures are likely to be in the mid 20 s, while the average night time low is a comfortable 14 C. There is always a chance of rain, so it is advisable to bring some light waterproofs. There could be mosquitoes in June, depending on the weather. We therefore recommend you bring repellent. USEFUL INFORMATION Electricity/Plug sockets 220-240v/European adaptor required. Lendava Synagogue www.culture.si/en/lendava_ Synagogue Grad Castle tripedia.info/attraction/ castle-grad-slovenia Bad Radkersburg www.badradkersburg.at/en Day 1: Slovenia www.hotel-mitra.si/ Day 2: Austria www.vital-hotel.at/ Day 3: Hungary abbazia-nemesnep.hu/ Day 4: Log Cabins www.spa-sport.hr/en/ CURRENCY The local currency is the Euro in Austria and Slovenia, the Forint in Hungary and the Kuna in Croatia. We recommend that you bring approximately 100-150 spending money which will be sufficient for drinks, tips (it is customary to tip the ground crew at the end of your challenge and we suggest 25-35 pp) and for any souvenirs. We also advise that you bring a credit card for emergencies both Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised but do let your bank know in advance that you will be travelling with your card. Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle 7
What s included: Transfers to and from the airport if taking the recommended group flight or meeting at the scheduled time Twin-sharing accommodation in local spa hotels and lodges All meals and non-alcoholic drinks, including celebration meal at the end of the cycling challenge Bike hire. Hybrids 24 gear, disc breaks and front suspension, with water bottle cage Full support team/back up vehicles, doctor, mechanic and local guides FREE Norwood cycle jersey. What s NOT included: Your flights Travel Insurance Personal expenses, including any alcoholic drinks Personal cycling equipment, helmet and clothing. All equipment can be fitted by the mechanic except for bar ends. FUNDRAISING Fundraising is largely a test of imagination, organisation and perseverance. The more you make your own personal fundraising campaign stand out against everyone else, the more successful you ll be. While you are responsible for raising the funds yourself, that doesn t mean we can t offer some helpful hints to help you on your way. When you sign up to one of our challenges we ll send you our fundraising e-kit, packed full of tips to help you achieve your fundraising target. For more fundraising information or materials, please contact the Challenges Team on 020 8420 6811 or challenges@norwood.org.uk FURTHER INFORMATION CENTRAL EUROPE CYCLE - Prices 35 AND OVER TESTIMONIAL On every Challenge you make new friends and it s a brilliant group atmosphere. One of the best things about Norwood Challenges is riding with the people the charity supports. Added to that the fact that you re raising money for a charity that does such amazing work and it s just such a layered, incredible experience. Regular Norwood Challenger Jeff Brazier OPTION Registration Fee Minimum Fundraising A B C 195 950 (pay 195 deposit) 1,695 (pay 195 deposit) 1,500 745 On our website (include link when live) you can find further information on this challenge including: Booking forms Training tips More detailed information on fundraising Full kit list UNDER 35s OPTION Registration Fee A B C 99 950 (pay 99 deposit) 1,295 (pay 99 deposit) Minimum Fundraising 1,200 349 8 Challenges 2018 Central Europe Cycle