Cycle London to Edinburgh 500 miles in six days One day challenges available Go the distance or join us for a day Find out more www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk biggreenbikeride@foe.co.uk 0800 581051 Raising money for Friends of the Earth 1
The challenge If you love cycling or you re interested in environmental issues and up for a challenge, this ride is perfect for you. Cycle between two great capital cities and raise money for Friends of the Earth. The ride will start in London on Sunday 6 May 2012. We ll cycle almost 500 miles through breathtaking scenery, arriving in Scotland s capital, Edinburgh, six days later. The route will take us from the hustle and bustle of London through rolling countryside, around river estuaries and across stunning moorland. Then it s on to visit historic cities and picturesque market towns as we wind our way north and more adventure! There s something for everyone. You can ride for all six days or join for a day along the route. Join hundreds of others on the first leg of the journey from London to Cambridge and help us celebrate the start of the challenge with family and friends in the evening. Or choose a quieter section as we head north through Lincolnshire, Yorkshire and Northumberland. Each day offers something different. The route will be fully marshalled and a support team, including medics and mechanics, will be on hand to help. For riders doing all six days, tents (complete with sleeping mats) will be ready and waiting at the end of each day. Relax and unwind with a hot shower and chat to other riders over a meal of freshly prepared organic food. This pack contains everything you need to know before you register for The Big Green Bike Ride. Check out the route information on pages 3 and 4, get answers to frequently 2 asked questions on pages 6 to 8 or find out more about Friends of the Earth and why we need your support on page 9. Got more questions? Call our free phone number 0800 581051 to speak to our Big Green Bike Ride team. Quick facts 500 miles in six days 80 miles per day, eight hours in the saddle ride for six days or join for one day it s up to you fully marshalled route with support team and medic GPS route data prior to event bike mechanics on hand regionally sourced, organic food accommodation for riders doing the full six days meet other riders before the trip.
The route Our experts have designed a route that will take us along quiet roads through some of the most breathtaking scenery the UK has to offer. And we want you to enjoy it. So each day is broken down into manageable sections with regular rest stops that allow you to take in the views. Here s the plan: Day 1: 6 May London to Cambridge 65 miles 1,050 ft ascent A gentle start and perfect if you want to join for a day. We ll meet near Hampstead Heath and set off together through North London and into the Hertfordshire countryside. After lunch we ll wind our way north past Royston and on to our campsite on the outskirts of historic Cambridge. We ll celebrate the first day with family and friends. Those riding north the next day bed down for our first night under canvass. Day 2: 7 May Cambridge to Grantham 85 miles 900 ft ascent Hampstead Heath Day 3: 8 May Grantham to Beverley 90 miles 1,050 ft ascent We ll ride through the lowlands of southern Lincolnshire and past the ancient city of Lincoln. The Cathedral, one of the finest medieval buildings Lincoln Cathedral in Europe, can be seen for miles around. We ll stop for lunch by the River Trent in Gainsborough. After a wholesome meal we ll head north again past Scunthorpe 6 and inland to avoid the 5 Humber Estuary. The final leg to our campsite will 4 take us up to Beverley, 3 the county town of the East Riding of Yorkshire. 2 1 Another relaxing day we ll cover a lot of miles but it s relatively flat as we cycle through East Anglia. The route will take us over gentle rolling hills and through low-lying fens as we pass Peterborough. We ll spend the night near the market town of Grantham. 3
Day 4: 9 May Beverley to Great Stainton 90 miles 2,800 ft ascent We ll get an early start for the toughest day of the ride so far. We ll cross the River Derwent and cycle through picturesque Malton before entering the North York Moors National Park with its vast open moorland, deep valleys and beautiful ancient woodlands. Leaving the moors behind we ll head inland, keeping west of Stockton-on-Tees, to reach our quiet little campsite in time for dinner. North York Moors National Park Day 5: 10 May Great Stainton to Alnwick 75 miles 3,050 ft ascent Lots of hills but less miles than Day 4. We ll head up past Durham and skirt around Newcastle-upon-Tyne to finish in the medieval market town of Alnwick in the heart of Northumberland. Its stunning castle was used as the setting for Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter films. The town has been a staging post for weary travellers on route between London and Edinburgh for centuries so we should fit right in. Alnwick Castle Day 6: 11 May Alnwick to Edinburgh 85 miles 2,600 ft ascent Our last day takes us inland to the border town of Coldstream on the River Tweed. Scotland s James IV stayed here before the famous Battle of Flodden in 1513. Then it s on to Edinburgh and the finish line. What better place to celebrate the end of our epic journey? 4 Edinburgh Castle
A day on The Big Green Bike Ride We ll start nice and early to give you lots of time to enjoy the ride, take in the views and arrive at camp in plenty of time for dinner. Here s an idea of what to expect. Early morning: Breakfast in camp for overnighters and registration of day riders. Daily briefing with route information and contact details of the support crew. Depart camp. We ll cover an average of 80 miles a day. The route is fully marked and will take you through some of the UK s most beautiful countryside. Mid morning: Refreshment stop. Lunch: Keep your strength up with a freshly prepared meal. Mid afternoon: Refreshment stop. Final leg to camp: We aim to arrive in camp late afternoon so that you can shower before dinner. Evening: Dinner and time to relax around a campfire. Guides will cycle at the front to pace the ride. Support vehicles will follow at the back to help if you fall behind. 5
Your questions answered Got a question about the challenge? See if we ve answered it below. If not, call our Big Green Bike Ride team on 0800 581051. Who can take part? The six-day ride is open to anyone over the age of 16 and the day rides are open to anyone over the age of 12. If you re under 18 you must ride with an adult. We ll be covering a lot of miles each day so you also need to be fit and healthy. We strongly recommend that you have a medical check-up before you commit to taking part and follow any advice from your doctor. How much does it cost? Full six days Adults: 199 non-refundable entrance fee plus 1,600 minimum sponsorship. 16-17 year olds: 99 non-refundable entrance fee plus 800 minimum sponsorship. Join for a day e.g. London to Cambridge Adults: 29 non-refundable entrance fee plus 100 minimum sponsorship. 12-17 year olds: 15 non-refundable entrance fee plus 50 minimum sponsorship. When does your entrance fee have to be in? Please complete the registration form on page 10 and return it with your entrance fee to Friends of the Earth by 26 February 2012 to guarantee your place on The Big Green Bike Ride. You can also register online at www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk or call 0800 581051. Register now and we ll provide advice on fundraising and where to go for help with training. Minimum sponsorship payment deadlines Full six days Adults 16-17 year olds 26 February 2012 999. This will cover the cost of your trip. You must pay this to confirm your place. 6 499. This will cover the cost of your trip. You must pay this to confirm your place. 20 April 2012 Additional 300 sponsorship. Additional 150 sponsorship. 7 June 2012 We ask that you raise and bank all remaining sponsorship money by this date. One day riders Adults 12-17 year olds 26 February 2012 75. This will cover the cost of your trip. You must pay this to confirm your place. 7 June 2012 We ask that you raise and bank all remaining sponsorship money by this date. Please note: The amounts given in the table do not include your entrance fee or Gift Aid. We ask that you raise and bank all remaining sponsorship money by this date. 38. This will cover the cost of your trip. You must pay this to confirm your place. We ask that you raise and bank all remaining sponsorship money by this date.
What s included? We provide pretty much everything you ll need, except personal items. Here s what you get for taking part: Regionally sourced organic food. Lunch and dinner for all riders plus breakfast for overnighters. Accommodation (six-day riders only). Five nights in a tent and the final night in a hotel in Edinburgh. Accommodation is based on two people sharing. Single person supplements are available on request. Support vehicles. Medics, marshals, support vehicles and mechanics will be on hand. Rest stops offering drinks and snacks. Help with planning. Pre-event get together, kit list and dedicated fundraising support. Discounts on professional nutritional advice and training support. Full route map and GPS downloads. Overnight bike storage. Daily baggage transfers. Discounts on cycling accessories and bike insurance. Biodegradable, palm oil free chain lube for the entire journey, courtesy of Green Oil. Free cycling t-shirts for all riders. What don t we provide? The cost does not include travel to and from the start or finish of your ride or personal items such as insurance, alcohol and personal spending money. Do I need to bring my own bike? Yes. You need a road bike or a touring/hybrid bike with road tyres. 7
What s the food like? We ll provide wholesome meals, using regionally sourced, organic ingredients where possible. And there ll be additional rest stops offering drinks and snacks along the route. Six-day riders can also attend a celebration dinner in Edinburgh on the final night. If you have any special dietary requirements we ll collect this info nearer the time. Where will I sleep? We ll provide accommodation for riders doing the full six days. Two-person tents (complete with sleeping mats) will be ready and waiting at the end of each day. There ll also be a food tent, medical support, toilet and shower facilities on site. The final night will be in a hotel in Edinburgh. How do I get to London? We ll provide instructions on where to meet and how to get there nearer the time. If you re joining the ride from the start you ll need to be in London at 7am on Sunday 6 May 2012. Once all riders have registered there ll be a short briefing and the ride will start at 9am. If you re joining for a day we ll send instructions on when and where to meet and how to get there nearer the time. How will I get home? Whether you re joining us for the whole ride or just one day, you ll need to get home under your own steam. We aim to arrive at camp late afternoon each day so please check for evening departures if you re planning to catch a train home. We can get your bike home for you. If you re interested in our bike transfer service please ask about prices nearer the time. How fit do I need to be? It depends how far you re planning to ride. If you re joining us for more than one day you need to be fit enough to do continuous exercise for up to eight hours a day over several consecutive days. The more time you spend in the saddle and on the road before The Big Green Bike Ride the more you ll enjoy the experience. Do I need insurance? Personal liability insurance is compulsory for all participants. You may already be covered by your bike insurance policy, travel insurance policy or membership of an organisation such as British Cycling, so check before you buy. We strongly recommend that you take out bike insurance to protect against theft, damage and loss. The Environmental Transport Association (ETA) is offering a 10 per cent discount to all Big Green Bike Ride participants and 5 from every purchase will go to Friends of the Earth. Visit www.eta.co.uk/foe to find out more. If you have home contents insurance your bike may already be covered so please check before you buy. Please note that neither Friends of the Earth nor Action Challenge can be held responsible for damage, theft, or loss to your personal items (including your bike) or personal liability. Participants are asked to bring a bike lock to secure bikes in camp overnight. How do I secure a place on the ride? Please register online at www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk or complete and return the form on pages 10-11 together with your entrance fee to the address provided on the form. We ll contact you to confirm your place and provide further information on fundraising (including guidance on how to create an online fundraising account), sponsorship forms, a kit list, route information with meeting places for friends and family and advice on where to go for training tips and nutritional advice. 8
How far will you go to save the planet? If you re a cycling enthusiast with an interest in environmental issues, The Big Green Bike Ride is perfect for you. It s a chance to do something you love and raise money for Friends of the Earth, the UK s most influential environmental charity. Why support Friends of the Earth? We all rely on a healthy planet. It provides clean water, food and the air that we breathe. We need to look after it. But we re facing some big threats. Our climate is changing and natural systems and species are being wiped out at a frightening rate. What s more, it s the world s poorest people who get the worst of it. Friends of the Earth can help change that. We ve done it before: laws to bring recycling to our doorstep keeping genetically-modified food off the menu securing finance for better public transport and safe walking and cycling facilities persuading the UK Government to introduce the world s first climate change law. The route will take you through some of the most scenic countryside in the UK. You ll meet like-minded people and make a few lasting friendships. And because we care about the environment we ll make sure The Big Green Bike Ride is as green as possible. Our work relies on your support. We are a charity funded almost entirely by individuals. By raising vital funds you can help us do even more amazing things. Register for The Big Green Bike Ride today and join over two million people worldwide helping Friends of the Earth to make a difference. Thank you and good luck. For six day riders it s a real endurance test. But even if you re joining for just one day you ll be left with a real sense of achievement. And we ll support you every step of the way. 9
Registration form Please complete this form and return it with your entrance fee to: Big Green Bike Ride, Friends of the Earth, FREEPOST WD1376 56-58 Alma Street, Luton LU1 2YZ You can also register online at www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk If you would prefer to pay your entrance fee by credit or debit card please call our Big Green Bike Ride team on 0800 581051 (lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am 5pm) or register online at www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk Please register by 26 February 2012 to guarantee your place. Register now and you ll get advice on fundraising and where to go for help with training. Personal details Please write clearly in BLOCK CAPITALS Title Forenames Surname Address Pledge I have read and understood Friends of the Earth s and Action Challenge s terms and conditions. Read these at www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk I have enclosed my non-refundable entrance fee of 199 (adults) or 99 (16-17 year olds) for the six-day ride (cheques made payable to Friends of the Earth ). I agree to raise the minimum sponsorship of 1,600 (adults) or 800 (16-17 year olds). OR Postcode Phone (daytime) Phone (mobile) Date of birth If under 18, please give the name of the adult accompanying you on the ride: If you would like to receive email updates about The Big Green Bike Ride and our other campaigns please provide your email address: I have enclosed my non-refundable entrance fee of 29 (adults) or 15 (12-17 year olds) for each day I wish to ride (cheques made payable to Friends of the Earth ). I agree to raise the minimum sponsorship of 100 (adults) or 50 (12-17 year olds) for each day I am riding. (Please note that overnight accommodation is NOT included for day riders but is available on request.) 10
If you are a day rider, please tick the box(es) of the day(s) you wish to ride: 6 May London to Cambridge 7 May Cambridge to Grantham 8 May Grantham to Beverley 9 May Beverley to Great Stainton 10 May Great Stainton to Alnwick 11 May Alnwick to Edinburgh Recommend a friend If you have a friend interested in taking part with you, please provide their details below and we ll send them an information pack. Forenames Surname Address Postcode Signed Date If you would prefer us not to send you information by post about our campaigns, events and fundraising activities, please let us know by emailing us at changes@foe.co.uk or calling us on 0800 581051. If you would prefer us not to pass your details on to other like-minded organisations please tick here www.foe.co.uk Friends of the Earth is the collective name for Friends of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited, company number 1012357, both of which may use the above information. In both cases the registered office is at 26-28 Underwood Street, London, N1 7JQ. Your contract for travel and accommodation and other services associated with the challenge will be with Action Challenge UK Ltd, and in this respect Friends of the Earth is acting as the Agent when confirming your participation on the event or receiving money from you that directly relates to the cost of the event. 11
As a keen cyclist myself, I m really excited about this our very first Big Green Bike Ride. It s going to be fantastic fun for everyone who takes part if you re a serious weekend rider like me and want to do all six stages or if you just fancy a peaceful one day ride with the family. The Big Green Bike Ride will definitely be a wonderful event and your sponsorship money will make an invaluable contribution to the environmental campaigning work of Friends of the Earth. I hope you ll be joining us next May I can t wait to see you there. Andy Atkins Executive Director, Friends of the Earth May 2011 Friends of the Earth, 26-28 Underwood Street, London N1 7JQ Tel: 020 7490 1555 Fax: 020 7490 0881 Website: www.foe.co.uk Friends of the Earth is the collective name for Friends of the Earth Trust, registered charity 281681, company number 1533942, and Friends of the Earth Limited, company number 1012357 Image credits: Thinkstock, Flickr creative comms, istock, Friends of the Earth, Getty.