Irish to North Sea Coast to Coast Cycle Challenge
25-29 March 2010
Fast Facts:
Min Age: 18
Registration fee: £75pp
Remaining cost to Challenge Company (which can be paid for by participant or raised in sponsorship): £274
Mininum additional sponsorship to be raised for Autistica : £101
Max Altitude: 2000ft
Total Ascent (approx.):
4000m
Total Distance: 140 miles
Fitness Level:
Travel the breadth of Britain by bike! Starting at the Irish Sea you will cross some of the country's most beautiful countryside and National Parks before rolling our way down to the North Sea! Traverse the Lake District, the Eden Valley, and across the Pennines and Durham Dales before dropping down into Tyneside.
Our trip begins as we dip our rear wheel in to the Irish Sea. We pass through the stunning scenery of the Northern Lake District, and down in to the lush Eden Valley. We then climb up on to the 'Roof of England' - the Northern Pennines. Next we pass through the Durham dales and from here it's all down hill to our final destination of Sunderland where we dip our front wheel in to the North Sea! Our route takes in approximately 50% on road and 50% off road along some good tracks and cycle routes. This trip doesn't favour road cyclists or mountain bikers. It can be completed by experienced riders or recreational cyclist with some training and determination!
Itinerary
All of out days have a fairly even combination of on and off road riding. Average distances per day are 50 miles/80km. Please note Itineraries are approximate.
Thursday
Arrive at the accommodation in Whitehaven Thursday evening for briefing and dinner
Friday
Our first ride heads out across the northern Lake District and through Keswick before reaching our accomodation at Penrith.
Saturday
This is the shortest day, but may well be the hardest with some good leg burning climbs. Through the Eden valley and up on to the 'roof of England' - The Northern Pennines!
Sunday
Once we finish off the last few hills of the Pennines it's all down hill as we catch a glimse of the Coast. Here we really get going on nice easy trails, as we follow the Tyne around the outskirts of Newcastle to arrive at our final destination - The North Sea!
Accommodation
We’ll be staying in comfortable bunkhouse/B&B style accommodation, with bedding provided. We’ll provide breakfast, but you need to bring a towel and wash kit. We are governed mainly by what we have available. You should note that this trip is about the riding - and whilst we will try to offer comfortable accommodation - it depends on what we can find in the locations at the end of each day's ride.
What is a Level 3 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 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 20-22 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25km. 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
You need to be a proficient rider for this trip, and have good stamina, and be in good all round health with a few practice rides under your belt. Also you should be sure to disclose any medical conditions you have…. We cannot be held responsible for anyone's wellbeing if you haven't filled in the medical forms correctly and accurately.
Special Notes
This is designed to be sustained riding for 3 days - you should have put some training into the preparation for this event you'll get much more out of it! You will have a leader cycling with you and full vehicle /mechanical support. If you have any mechanical problems your leader will do his utmost - using his skills, his tools and any spares available - to get you back on the road as soon as poss. This cannot however be guaranteed! NOTE - your overnight baggages are transferred in the support vehicle for this trip. Meaning you just need to carry your snacks, camera bike pump and waterproof jacket. Bike Info: We recommend a Mountain Bike, or a hybrid bike for this ride. They are highly reliable, and ideal for this type of ride. Please call us to discuss the bike you are planning to use.
Included In Trip
Qualified mountain bike leader, outdoor first aider. Comfortable Bunkhouse/B&B style accomodation. Buffet style breakfasts. Vehicle with driver support and mechanical backup.
Excluded From Trip
Lunches and dinners. Transport to and from the event.
Equipment Required
For a list of essential equipment you will need to take on this challenge, please download here
Transport / Transfer
We will meet at our accomodation in Whitehaven. You will be responsible for making your own way to and from the event. You will have vehicle transfer for your baggage in the evenings.
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
This event will take place in the early spring so a relatively cold temperature is the most likely scenario, however we will be crossing the Lake District and the Pennines where we may encounter any sort of weather, therefore appropriate clothing as set out in the equipment list is essential.
IMPORTANT
This challenge has been organised by Adventure Cafe Ltd on behalf of Autistica. To participate in this event you will need to make a registration fee payment to Adventure Cafe Ltd. of £75 -(further details will be supplied once you have registered your interest in taking part). This will secure your place on the challenge. You will then need to pay for, or fundraise the additional £274 to allow you to participate in the event. For this challenge you need to raise a further £101 in sponsorship monies. All fundraising monies should be made payable directly to Autistica and will assist in providing further research into autism spectrum disorders. Adventure Café will be operating this Adventure Challenge but is not responsible for collection of payments from participants. Please read the terms and conditions of entry.
If you have any questions about this system of payment and participation please email Philippa Stannard or telephone her on 0118 9016876.
