FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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| 1. How much does RIDEUK 24 cost? |
| 2. What's included? |
| 3. What's not included? |
| 4. How do I join & leave the challenge? |
| 5. Can I sign up as a team? |
| 6. What pace do I need to ride at to finish in under 24 hours? |
| 7. What pre-event support will I receive? |
| 8. What happens to my baggage? |
| 9. What about rest & sleep? |
| 10. How will the route be marked? |
| 11. How often are the rest stops, & what do they have? |
| 12. What sort of bike do I need? |
| 13. What equipment do I need? |
| 14. How many cyclists will be on the challenge? |
| 15. Will I be timed? |
| 16. What mechanical support is provided? |
| 17. What medical support is provided? |
| 18. What happens when I cross the finish line? |
| 19. What if I take longer than 24 hours? |
| 20. How fit do I need to be? |
| 21. I've never night cycled before, do I have to practice? |
| 22. What if I want to retire from the challenge? |
| 23. How old do I have to be? |
| 24. What insurance do I need? |
| 25. What if I cannot take part? |
| 26. Who can I fundraise for? |
| 27. What if my charity isn't listed? |
| 28. How do I sign up? |
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How much does RIDEUK 24 cost?
You can join RIDEUK 24 in two ways - either Fundraising for charity or Self Funding. Charity Fundraising
- Registration fee of £99 per rider.
- Fundraising commitment of £450 per rider.
- 50% of this pledge is ideally due to be paid to your charity 6 weeks prior to the challenge.
- Your charity will pay for the cost of your place on the challenge which is equal to £160.
- Remaining 50% of fundraising is due to your charity ideally no later than 4 weeks after.
Self Funding- Registration fee of £99 per rider.
- Pay full cost of event of £196 (8 weeks prior to challenge).
- Total cost: £295 (or £275 by paying in full when signing up - save £20!).
- It's then down to you if you'd like to fundraise for charity.
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What's included?
- Free RIDEUK 24 cycling jersey!
- Free optional bike transfers to start & from finish.
- Rest stops every 40-45 miles, with 2x hot meal stops.
- Snack stops - with energy drinks and products
- Full rider briefing before the challenge.
- Electronic timing of your ride.
- Full on-event support with mechanics, pace riders, medics.
- Rest & recovery buses on hand at all times.
- Celebratory brunch in London at the finish line! (+ changing facilities).
- Challenge medal & time certificate!
For a full and more detailed list, please click here for Manchester to London, or click here for Newcastle to London.
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What's not included?
- Bike.
- Bike insurance.
- Items of a personal nature.
- Cycling accessories, lights, helmets, clothing.
Optional Inclusions - available to book online February '13 - Coaches to start line (departing London)
- Free bike transfer to start line (departing London)
- Bag/bike box transfer (from start to the finish)
- Shuttle service from Manchester/Newcastle station to start line
- Free bike transfer back to start.
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How do I join & leave the challenge?
You will register on
the morning of the challenge, a chance to meet your fellow riders, teas and coffee and last minute checks on your bike before riders leave in groups, every 15 minutes
between these times:
Manchester to London: 11am - 12pm. Newcastle to London: 12pm - 1pm.
You will have the choice to book additional transport services for yourself and your bike to get to the start of the challenge from London, and we will issue a guide to joining and departing the event once you have signed up to the challenge. Our bike transfers to the start, and from the finish are completely free!
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Can I sign up as a team?
Yes you can, but you'll initially have to register as an individual, stating your teammate's name as well. We encourage our riders to join up in teams, so you can help encourage and support each other! It definitely helps if you're of the same fitness levels, so you can set similar goals and targets together.
If not, and you wish to take on as an individual, you won't be alone! We will support you all the way, and you'll be alongside 500 others riders, along with our pace riders!
If you wish to join as a bigger team, we offer corporate packages! Click here for more information.
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What pace do I need to ride at to finish in under 24 hours?
This is a tough endurance challenge over long distances with a lack of sleep. To be able to complete the distance in 24 hours, you'll need to be at an average pace of at least 14mph. Our pace riders at the front of the peloton will be hitting an average of 18mph at times, with others supporting the entire group throughout.
If this isn't quite your speed yet - dont worry you have enough time to train and work up to those speeds.
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What pre-event support will I receive?
- Online rider resource area
- This includes training guides, kit + equipment list, and more!
- If fundraising, plenty of info & support supplied in charity pack.
- An invite to a rider briefing day, 1 month prior to the challenge.
- Rider maps issued & GPS downloads available.
- Discounted offer to join one of our Moonriders night cycle challenges
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What happens to my baggage?
All riders should bring a day bag to carry personal items, spare riding clothing, warm clothing, and wet weather gear. This day bag will be available to access at every rest stop. Therefore you have nothing to worry about and can have all your important items at each stage!
You will have the option of booking an additional over-night bag, or bike bag or box to the finish line from the start should you need it.
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What about rest & sleep?
The event is continuous and the time pressures mean there is little time built in for rest. At each rest stop (40-45 miles), riders have the chance to rest and recuperate. There is food, drinks, and toilets available. For more information on the rest stops, please see number 11.You will spend up to one hour at the hot meal stops, with approx. 20 mins at other stops.
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How will the route be marked?
The route will be fully signed with arrows (using reflective signage with glow sticks at night), and you'll be issued with personal rider maps as well as GPS files of the route. Support cyclists and pace riders will be on hand to assist at awkward junctions and provide encouragement up the hills, as well as roving rest and recovery buses. Don't forget the groups and pelotons of cyclists alongside you, all heading for the same direction! We have a 24-hour control room on standby, so can be contacted any time during the challenge.
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How often are the rest stops, & what do they have?
Manchester to London: 5 rest stops, with main hot food stops at stages 2 (90 miles) & 4 (170 miles).
Newcastle to London: 6 rest stops, with main hot food stops at stages 2 (90 miles) & 5 (220 miles). - Hot meals at above stops
- Energy snacks at all rest stops
- Refill energy drinks, water, & hot drinks
- Access to your day bags
- Bike racking and weather protection
- Chance for much needed rest
- Medics, mechanics & masseuses on hand
- Toilets
- Brunch at the finish
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What sort of bike do I need?
This is a tough, road cycling challenge and it's recommended that you only undertake the event on a well-maintained and serviced road cycle with slick tyres. It is not suitable for mountain bikes.
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What equipment do I need?
A full and comprehensive equipment and clothing list is supplied when you've signed up, with some items essential and others recommended. In addition to items normally required for cycling, you'll also be expected to have cycling lights mounted front and rear, items of high visibility clothing, 2 water bottles, inner tubes and pump.
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How many cyclists will be on the challenge?
There will be approximately 500 riders on each event. One of the best elements of these challenges is the team camaraderie and general experience shared by all!
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Will I be timed?
Yes, you will be by an electronic timing system. This helps ensuring your safety, as we know where you are on the challenge.
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What mechanical support is provided?
You are advised to get your bike thoroughly serviced and a bike MOT conducted at your local cycle shop before joining the ride. There will be professional bike mechanics on hand at the start for last minute tweeks and also at rest stops. These mechanics also patrol the route in vehicles and will stop to assist as required.
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What medical support is provided?
We have doctors and medics at each rest stop, should you need them for any reason. They'll also be in roving support vehicles on the route itself.
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What happens when I cross the finish line?
You'll receive a hero's welcome, greeted by friends, family and supporters alike. Along with your finisher's medal and certificate, we put on a special celebratory brunch! Your family and friends are welcome to join the brunch at any extra cost.
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What if I take longer than 24 hours?
RIDEUK 24 is a challenge that's aimed to be completed in less than 24 hours! However, we fully appreciate that this is maybe not possible for some. We have roving rest and recovery buses always on hand should you feel you can't complete a particular stage. We also allow for a 2 hour period following on - in order to accommodate those taking longer than 24 hours.
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How fit do I need to be?
RIDEUK 24 is a tough cycling challenge requiring stamina and endurance. You will need to be prepared to endure long stints in the saddle (stages average 40-45 miles), with little rest, and as the event progresses, under conditions of sleep deprivation and tiredness.
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I've never night cycled before, do I have to practice?
It is very different to cycling by day - especially when cycling as part of a larger group - visibility is reduced, depth perception and judging distances becomes more difficult. It's a skill which you're advised to practice in the company of others, and be comfortable with riding long distances in the dark, relying on your cycle lights only when your body and mind are tired.
We are also offering to our RIDEUK 24 challengers, a discount offer to take part in one of our Moonrider challenges for just £99! These 100km night rides would be ideal for getting to grips with night cycling, and what better way to experience? To find out more about Moonriders, please click here.
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What if I want to retire from the challenge?
If you wish to retire from the event permanently, our rest and recovery buses will be able to transfer you and your bike to the finish line. Or, if you feel like you can't complete a particular stage, you can simply sit it out to be transferred to the next stage where you can continue cycling.
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How old do I have to be?
You can take part if you're 17 years of age, but must have consent from your parents/guardian.
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What insurance do I need?
Participants on RIDEUK 24 are insured under a comprehensive policy taken out by event organisers Action Challenge, in respect of Personal Liability and Accident Cover.
Bike insurance is not compulsory but highly recommended, and protects your bike against damage, theft, and loss. Please note that the organisers Action Challenge do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of damage, theft, or loss of personal property (including bikes!) whilst on the event - however caused.
You are advised to bring a bike lock, which will be used to secure your bike at the start, finish.
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What if I cannot take part?
The deposit of £99 is non-refundable and non-transferable.
If you have paid for the full cost of your place on the event - then the deposit remains non-refundable and the balance paid is fully refundable if eight weeks or more outside of the event, 50% refundable between eight to four weeks prior to the event, and non-refundable if cancelled within four weeks of the challenge.
If you've signed up to fundraise, there are strict rules regarding the refund of donations to donors, and the notification to them that you won't be participating. In this instance, you must speak to your chosen charity directly.
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Who can I fundraise for?
We've partnered with a number of the UK's leading charities to offer you flexibility and choice for you ride for! No matter who you choose, you'll be making a difference to a great cause. Click here for a full list of our participating charities.
Fundraising Target- £450 minimum sponsorship target that's paid directly to your charity. Target is limitless!
- Your charity then covers the costs associated with your place on the event.
- The balance of all remaining monies are retained by your charity.
- Your charity will provide fundraising support, online sponsorship forms, and lots of encouragement!
When is the fundraising due? - 50% of the total fundraising target should ideally be received by your charity 6 weeks prior to the event.
- The charity will pay for the cost of your place on the event (£160) from the sponsorship raised.
- The remaining balance is due to your charity preferably no later than 4 weeks later.
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What if my charity isn't listed?
We have an extensive list of partner charities and are always welcoming of more! If there is a specific charity you'd like to support in the ride that isn't listed, you can sign up to the challenge by selecting 'A Charity Not Listed' we will then contact that charity to agree the formalities. If for whatever reason that charity will not accept you onto the challenge then you will have to select a charity we are currently working with - and your deposit remains non-refundable.
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How do I sign up?
Please click here to register! From there, you'll be able to choose which RIDEUK 24 challenge you'd like to take on. If you decide to do both, you'll receive a discount off your registration fees!
See you in 2013!
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