Charity Cycle Rides
Charity Cycle Rides (16)
What is the CARE London to Paris Cycle Challenge?
CARE’s London to Paris Cycle Challenge is a fantastic 4 day adventure, taking place from 19-22 September 2013. An early start from Blackheath allows us to avoid the morning traffic. Our route takes us through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and small country roads to Dover and the coast. We then take the short ferry crossing over to Calais.
You’ll spend the next two days cycling on fantastic French roads, through peaceful vineyards and quaint villages - where you can sample the fine French cuisine – before you reach the wide boulevards of Paris. Like the Tour de France professionals, you will also finish your tour cycle down the Champs-Elysées, before your final stretch to the Eiffel Tower!
Who can take part in the CARE London to Paris Cycle Challenge?
Anyone can take part in this fantastic bike ride, on your own, with a friend, or in a team. We have discounted fundraising rates for groups of 5 or more participants, so please contact us for more information.
How will I find my way from London to Paris?
Don’t worry; this cycle ride is guided, so you will never be cycling on your own. Our guides are experienced, having completed the route several times, so they know where they are going! You will be split into groups according to your self evaluation, to ensure you complete the event at a pace that is comfortable for you. You will be able to change groups if you wish to cycle at a faster or slower pace. Your guide will also be able to help you with any bike problems, such as punctures. The support vehicles will carry your luggage, so you won’t have to carry anything more than you need during the day on your bicycle.
Where will I stay? Do I need to book it?
3 nights accommodation is included on the event. You will stay in twin rooms in 2 or 3 star hotels. If you sign up with a friend we can put you together, otherwise we will put you in a room with another participant of the same sex. There are opportunities to have a single room, in which case you will need to pay the single room supplement.
When should I sign up?
ASAP! To guarantee your place, we advise that you sign up as soon as you can. Participants who sign up and pay their registration fee before Christmas will be entered into a draw to win £100 worth of vouchers to spend at outdoor equipment retailer, Cotswold Outdoor.
How fit do I have to be?
You have to be reasonably fit for the London to Paris Cycle Challenge, although nearly anyone can take part providing they follow the training programme that we provide. To help with your training we’ll also give you a place on our CARE London to Brighton Cycle Challenge on 18 May for the cost of the entry fee, £30.
What is provided on the challenge?
- Support staff & vehicles
- Medic
- Guides – ratio 1:10
- All food & refreshments
- 3 nights’ accommodation
- Ferry to France
- Eurostar back to London
What will I need to bring with me?
- Bike and helmet
- Kit – a full kit list will be provided on
- registration
- Mobile phone
- Passport valid for six months after the event
How much is the registration fee?
The registration fee is £50, which you need to pay within 2 weeks of signing up.
How much do I need to fundraise to take part and by when?
The minimum fundraising target is £1,300 per person (excluding your registration fee and gift aid). All other event costs (food, accommodation, guides, ferry, Eurostar) are taken out of this. Some participants chose to make a donation to cover part or all of their events costs. You must have raised a minimum of £600 by 10 July 2013 to confirm you place on the trip. We ask that your raise and return the remainder of your sponsorship by October 2013.
I’ve never fundraised before, where do I start?
A great way to start fundraising is to set up an online sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/care which you can send to your suppliers, clients, colleagues, friends and family. Many participants fundraise by organising events such as dress down days, quiz nights, five–a–side football tournaments, golf days, car washing, cake bakes… which have all proved to be successful and great fun! There are many ways to raise funds and when you’ve signed up we’ll give you lots of ideas and support.
What support will I receive?
We’ll send you our fundraising guide, full of hints and tips to help you reach your target. You’ll also have a dedicated member of the Challenge Team who can talk through your ideas and give you advice whenever you need it.
Why should I support CARE International?
CARE is one of the world’s top three aid agencies, fighting poverty and injustice in 87 countries around the world and helping vulnerable people to find routes out of poverty. We deliver long term programmes to fight poverty, and are always among the first to respond to emergencies. CARE is also one of the most efficient aid and development agencies, with 94 pence in every pound raised going directly to our relief work. That’s one of the highest rates of all agencies, so you can be assured your money is making a huge difference.
For example: Worldwide hundreds of thousands of women die from complications during pregnancy or child birth each year the majority of these deaths can be prevented. Thanks to the support of people like you CARE is able to make lifesaving interventions, keeping mothers and babies alive. In parts of Tanzania, CARE has cut fatality rates by an incredible 30-50%. Previously if women needed emergency care, they had to be carried by four men for several miles to the nearest medical centre, a trip that took several hours and often was too far, too late. But that has changed since CARE has helped villages to buy a tricycle ambulance to take pregnant women to hospital in emergency situations. CARE also provided training for community health workers to help mothers give birth safely and recognise complications early, and since then there have been no maternal deaths in the village, helping to break the cycle of poverty.
To give you an idea of how your fundraising could make a difference, £125 could provide a tricycle ambulance which could save the life of a pregnant mother and her child.
How do I sign up?
To register, please sign up here. Once you have registered, we will be in touch to welcome to your challenge and send through all the information you need to prepare for the event.
If you have any other questions please contact us:
Tel 020 7091 6111
Email challenge@careinternational.org
Web www.carechallenge.org.uk/londontoparis
All our places for the Ride London event are now full. If you would like to be on our waiting list, please email challenge@careinternational.org or register your interest below and we'll be in touch if a space becomes available - Why not join our exciting Etape Surrey Cycle challenge instead! Experience the best of the Olympic Road Race route and the Tour of Britain in our bespoke 65 or 90 mile ride. Find out more.
Ride London - Surrey 100 is part of the Mayor’s August festival of cycling. You’ll be part of a mass cycling challenge like no other, riding 100 miles through the closed roads of London and the Surrey Hills, cycling a modified version of the London 2012 Olympic Road Race. This new event offers a unique opportunity to become part of cycling history, celebrating the legacy of London 2012. What’s more, you will cycle just hours before the world’s top cyclists race the RideLondon Classic.
Ride London - Surrey 100 will start in the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, then follow the closed roads through the capital and onto Surrey’s stunning country roads and hills. With leg-testing climbs and a route recently made famous by the world’s best cyclists, this promises to be a truly spectacular event.
CARE places
We ask all CARE cyclists to pay a £50 registration fee and aim to reach a fundraising target of £500 –that’s £5 for every mile you cover. If you would like to cycle for CARE please register your interest as soon as possible and we will send you an application form.
You’ll receive:
- A technical CARE cycling jersey
- Great support on fundraising and training from the moment you register
- Fundraising materials
By cycling for CARE, you’ll be helping to support the world’s poorest people.
For example in one village in Tanzania where CARE works, if pregnant women needed emergency care they used to have to be carried for miles to the nearest medical centre. It would often take hours and sometimes the women would die on the way. With CARE’s help, a tricycle ambulance was purchased which transports women from the village. Your £500 could help to buy a tricycle ambulance for a village like this and also fund a nurse’s salary for a whole month, saving women and babies’ lives.
When you sign up for a CARE event you’ll be challenging more than yourself: you’ll be taking on the scourge of global poverty. CARE works in 87 countries, tackling human suffering at its root cause. Ninety four pence in every pound donated to CARE goes directly to support our overseas programmes. So you know that every bead of sweat is worth it.
Lifesaving water
Worldwide, 1 in 8 people do not have access to clean water. Every 2 minutes a child dies of a preventable, water-borne disease such as diarrhoea.
14 year old Ayanna (pictured above) endures a grueling trek every day, just to fetch dirty water that could kill her. It also means she has little time for school. With your help, CARE can fund the building of a well near her community. We also have plans to improve the sanitation facilities in her school so she can easily attend her lessons.
You will help to support our life-saving water projects that improve the lives of people like Ayanna. We improve water supplies, sanitation and hygiene to stop the spread of disease. We also lead education programmes, promoting good health and hygiene, improving facilities in schools to ensure more children gain an education. We also provide clean water in emergencies.
CARE has supported water activities for over 45 years, directly benefitting more than 10 million people in 20,000 communities worldwide. We currently have water projects in 40 countries around the world. Please support us by signing up today
The event base for the day is Rosslyn Park FC near Putney, which is very close to Barnes train station and has onsite parking. You’ll have access to showers, toilets and changing rooms as well as a coffee bar in the morning and a licensed bar for a celebratory post event drink.
Within a few minutes of starting the challenge, you will ride through Richmond Park, one of the most picturesque parks in London. As you cycle along make sure you keep an eye out for the herds of deer roaming the park. Soon after leaving the park and passing over the Thames, you will pass another world famous landmark, Hampton Court Palace. After you travel south through Esher and Cobham along quiet roads away from the hustle and bustle, you will reach the beautiful English countryside surrounded by fields and small villages.
The 90 mile route option allows you to continue south, taking on some of the tough but beautiful climbs that formed part of the Tour of Britain - Britain’s largest professional cycling race, where the world’s pros competed. The 90 mile cyclists will continue on a longer stretch through stunning scenery before re-joining the 65 mile route in the town of Dorking. Here you will stop for lunch, before taking on the infamous Box Hill Zig Zags. The stunning views of the south east at the top of the hill should reinvigorate you for the journey home.
A well-earned drink will be awaiting you back at Rosslyn Park, where you can relax and celebrate your achievement.
What is the CARE Etape Surrey Cycle Challenge?
The challenge will take place on Saturday 22 June. You will cycle part of the route used in the Olympic Road Race, and the 2012 Tour of Britain. There are two routes that you can choose from either 90 miles or 65 miles with both routes starting and finishing in the same location.
Where does it start and finish?
As this is a circuit, it will start and finish at Rosslyn Park Rugby Club in Putney, which is a short ride from Barnes and Putney rail stations. You will be able to purchase teas and coffees in the morning and there will be facilities to shower and change after the challenge. The bar will be open for the finish.
Do I need my own bike and helmet?
Yes, all cyclists will need to bring their own bike and helmet. We can advise on places to hire a bike should you need to do so.
How many people do we need to take part in the CARE Etape Surrey Cycle Challenge?
As many as you want! From individuals to groups of friends or colleagues, everyone is welcome to take part. If you would like to cycle with friends and family, we can arrange it that you have the same start time.
How will I know the way to cycle?
Don’t worry; the route will be fully signed so you won’t get lost. There will also be guides cycling the route, so if you would prefer to cycle in a group you can join them for all or part of the route.
How fit do I need to be?
You need to be reasonably fit to complete the challenge, although nearly anyone can take part providing that they follow the training plan that we provide upon registration.
What is provided for me on the challenge?
• Marked route and instructions
• Guides on the course
• Marshals on route
• Support staff and medics
• 2 refreshment stops (refreshments will be provided at the first stop and lunch will be provided at the second stop)
• Celebration drink at the finish
What do I need to bring?
• Bike and helmet
• Comfortable cycling clothes for all weather conditions (Padded cycling shorts are recommended)
• Water bottle and water
• Snacks for the day (jelly babies/energy drinks)
• Mobile phone
Do I need insurance?
As the event is registered with British Cycling all participants are automatically entitled to Third Party (Public) Liability Insurance (for participants at fault or partly at fault). This insurance will cover you if you are blamed for causing an incident and someone wants to pursue a claim against you. You are insured for claims up to £10m. If you wish to gain further cover you can join British Cycling, which offers different levels of cover (depending on the membership level) as well as a range of benefits including discount at Wiggle, Halfords, CNP and Training Peaks and access to the new Sportive Training Plans. Find out more: http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership/article/ride-membership
Can I take part in any other cycling challenges?
Of Course! If you also take part in our CARE London to Brighton Challenge, we’ll waive your £30 registration fee for your second challenge, so you will have a reduced fundraising target. If you take part in our London to Paris Cycle Challenge you can complete this challenge for just £30 (which covers event costs).
How much do I have to fundraise?
We ask each cyclist to reach or exceed a target of £150. This includes a £30 registration fee, which goes towards the event costs.
I’ve never fundraised before, where do I start?
A great way to start fundraising is to set up an online sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/care which you can send to your suppliers, clients, colleagues, friends and family. Many participants fundraise by organising events such as dress down days, quiz nights, five–a–side football tournaments, golf days, car washing, cake bakes… which have all proved to be successful and great fun! There are many ways to raise funds and when you’ve signed up we’ll give you lots of ideas and will be on hand to support you.
Why should I support CARE International?
Your funds will support CARE International to fight poverty and injustice in 87 countries around the world. We deliver long term programmes to fight poverty, and are always among the first to respond to emergencies. CARE is also one of the most efficient aid and development agencies, with 94 pence in every pound raised going directly to our relief work. That’s one of the highest rates of all agencies, so you can be assured your money is making a huge difference.
For example: Worldwide hundreds of thousands of women die from complications during pregnancy or child birth each year the majority of these deaths can be prevented. Thanks to the support of people like you CARE is able to make lifesaving interventions, keeping mothers and babies alive. In parts of Tanzania, CARE has cut fatality rates by an incredible 30-50%. Previously if women needed emergency care, they had to be carried by four men for several miles to the nearest medical centre, a trip that took several hours and often was too far, too late. But that has changed since CARE has helped villages to buy a tricycle ambulance to take pregnant women to hospital in emergency situations. CARE also provided training for community health workers to help mothers give birth safely and recognise complications early, and since then there have been no maternal deaths in the village, helping to break the cycle of poverty.
To give you an idea of how your fundraising could make a difference, £125 could provide a tricycle ambulance which could save the life of a pregnant mother and her child.
If you have any other questions please contact us:
Tel 020 7091 6111
Email challenge@careinternational.org
Change Lives
This is a great way to get fit and experience the best of rural Europe with friends, colleagues or on your own as a personal challenge. The funds you raise will support CARE’s work around the world.
CARE works to help poor communities lift themselves out of poverty. For example, we support volunteers like Eugenia (pictured right) who travels by bike to remote towns near her home in Peru to ensure pregnant women and new mothers receive healthcare. Before, women were often left with little support or language barriers meant healthcare assistants could not communicate effectively with them. With local volunteer support, issues are identified early on and even women living in remote areas can benefit from health services
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque English countryside, we cross the Channel and pedal through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement. Our last day is spent exploring the fabulous city of Paris before heading home on the Eurostar.
Day 1: Thursday 19 September - London to Dover (80miles/128km)
We will meet at Blackheath for breakfast and full briefings with the guides. You’ll be split into groups according to your fitness self assessment completed before the event. Leaving Blackheath, you will cycle through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It’s not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses. We will continue our journey along the North Downs Way and small country roads to Dover and the coast. We will then take the short ferry crossing over to Calais, where you’ll cycle a short distance to the hotel. Lunch is included but you will need to buy your own dinner on the ferry.
Day Two: Friday 20 September - Calais to Amiens (100 miles/160km)
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head south out of Calais and it’s not long before we are passing through beautiful rural landscapes. We’ll pass through ancient Desvres, renowned for it’s pottery and head south on quiet winding roads running parallel to the coast. Reaching the picturesque valleys of the Canche River, we head south east towards Doullens, pedalling through lovely farmland dotted with villages, chateaux and abbeys as we follow the Authie River. We then pedal south through villages of the Somme heavily damaged during the First World War, before reaching Amiens, straddling the banks of the River Somme itself. Although the city suffered considerably in both World Wars, it’s 13th-century Gothic cathedral was unscathed and now has World Heritage Status. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day Three: Saturday 21 September 2013 - Amiens to Paris (96miles/153km)
Another early start as we cycle through the centre of Amiens, heading south through quiet villages and farmland. We pass through the 14th-century Chateau de Folleville before pedalling through Breteuil and then alongside the Breche River. We’ll pass the remains of the beautiful Royaumont Abbey and then after a short stretch through woodland, we’ll reach the suburbs of Paris. We’ll see the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and Sacre Coeur standing out on the skyline as we pass through the suburb of St Denis. Following the northern esplanade of the River Seine in the shadow of the Bois de Boulogne, we'll ride until we reach the Pont d’lena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. We’ll mark our incredible achievement with a champagne celebration and photos in front of this famous landmark! You are welcome to invite friends and family to meet you at the finish, and they will be able to confirm an exact time of arrival with the guides on the day. Finally you’ll cycle to the hotel where you can shower, change and enjoy a fantastic celebration dinner at the hotel. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.
Day Four: Sunday 22 September - Paris to London by Eurostar
You will have free time to explore Paris before you make your own way to the Gare du Nord to catch our evening Eurostar back to London. Your bikes will be transported to the Gare de Nord through the morning and put on trains back to London ready for you to pick up when you arrive at St Pancras.
Breakfast and Eurostar to London are included. You will need to buy your own lunch and dinner.
Please note: this itinerary is the property of Discover Adventure and may be subject to change.
Any Questions?
If you have any questions relating to this itinerary then please contact the challenge team 020 7091 6111 or email challenge@careinternational.org
You will change lives
Why join?
When you sign up for a CARE event you’ll be challenging more than yourself: you’ll be taking on the scourge of global poverty. CARE works in 87 countries, tackling human suffering at its root cause. Ninety four pence in every pound donated to CARE goes directly to support our overseas programmes. So you know that every bead of sweat is worth it.
Cycling in Tanzania: a lifesaving activity
In industrialized countries like the UK, a woman has a 1 in 8,000 lifetime risk of maternal death. Across the developing world as a whole, that probability is 1 in 76.
It is vastly unjust that worldwide hundreds of thousands of women die from complications during pregnancy or child birth each year, when the majority of these deaths can be prevented.
CARE’s lifesaving work in Tanzania has increased access to emergency healthcare for pregnant women, cutting fatality rates by an incredible 30-50%.
For example in Tanzania’s Gamgajiga village, if women needed emergency care they used to have to be carried by men for several miles to the nearest medical centre. It would often take several hours and all too often the women would die on the way.
But that has changed since CARE helped the village buy a tricycle ambulance to take pregnant women to hospital in emergencies. CARE also provided training for community health workers to help mothers give birth safely and recognise complications early.
Since CARE’s help there have been no maternal deaths in the village.
To give you an idea of how your fundraising is making a difference, £125 could provide a tricycle ambulance to transport high-risk, expectant mothers from rural areas to hospitals so that they can receive quality care.
By taking part in the CARE London to Brighton bike ride you will be helping to save the lives of women and babies.
The London to Brighton Cycle Challenge is one of the most iconic bike rides. We have designed a route that will take you through some of the most picturesque villages in the south, roads have been selected which have the least amount of traffic, so that you can enjoy the feeling of being out in the country away from the hustle and bustle of city living. In this 91 km / 56 miles long cycle challenge you will climb over 1120m providing some breath-taking views.
Starting in Kingston you will cycle past Bushy Park and Hampton Court Palace before slipping over the Thames and heading south west towards Esher and Cobham, turning due south we break out into the countryside leaving the suburbs behind. Making your way along quiet undulating roads shaded by overhanging braches you will enjoy the feeling of cycling without having to dodge buses or taxis.
The scenery continues to switch from quiet roads lined by trees to open rolling fields on either side as you make your way south to your goal, winding you way down the country through towns and villages making good use of the two refreshment stops which are provided along the way.
You will finally come to your Everest for the day, Devils Dyke your final and toughest challenge before you lazily freewheel down into the beautiful town of Brighton and the finish line. Once you have reached the finish line, you are free to enjoy the rest of your day in Brighton.
What is the CARE London to Brighton Cycle Challenge?
You will cycle from city to coast in this one day bike ride from London to Brighton (the date for 2014 will be released soon) You will cover over 56 miles (91km) through some of the South’s most stunning countryside. All cyclists will congregate at Kingston upon Thames in the morning and make their way to Brighton on their bikes. Funds raised will support aid and development agency CARE International.
Do I need my own bike for the London to Brighton Cycle Challenge?
Yes, all cyclists will need to bring their own bike and helmet. We can advise on places to hire a bike.
How many people do we need to take part in the CARE London to Brighton Cycle Challenge?
As many as you want! From individuals to groups of friends or colleagues, everyone is welcome to take part. If you would like to cycle with friends and family, we can arrange it that you have the same start time – please let us know after each individual has registered.
How will I know the way to cycle from London to Brighton?
Don’t worry, the route will be fully signed so you won’t get lost. There will also be guides cycling the route, so if you prefer to cycle in a group, you can join them.
How fit do I need to be for the London to Brighton ride?
You need to be reasonably fit to complete the challenge, although nearly anyone can take part providing that they follow the training plan that we provide upon registration.
How will I get back from Brighton?
Transport back to London is not provided. However, we are able to provide a bike transfer service for the cost of £10 per bike, which you need to book in advance. Please note bikes must be collected from Kingston by 20:00hrs on the Saturday night. Alternatively, you are able to take your bike on the train from Brighton.
Can I stay in Brighton on the Saturday night?
Of course. Brighton is always very busy at the weekend and some hoteliers operate a minimum 2 night stay policy. If you are planning to stay over, we strongly advise that you book accommodation ASAP.
What is provided for me on the London to Brighton challenge?
• Marked route and instructions
• Guides on the course
• Marshals on route
• Support staff and medics
• 2 refreshment stops
• Celebration drink at the finish
What do I need to bring?
• Bike and helmet
• Comfortable cycling clothes for all weathers
• Water bottle and water
• Snacks for the day
• Mobile phone
Do I need insurance?
As the event is registered with British Cycling all participants are automatically entitled to Third Party (Public) Liability Insurance (for participants at fault or partly at fault). This insurance will cover you if you are blamed for causing an incident and someone wants to pursue a claim against you. You are insured for claims up to £10m. If you wish to gain further cover you can join British Cycling, which offers different levels of cover (depending on the membership level) as well as a range of benefits including discount at Wiggle, Halfords, CNP and Training Peaks and access to the new Sportive Training Plans. Find out more: http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/membership/article/ride-membership
When should I sign up?
ASAP! This will ensure you get a place and give you time to train, prepare and fundraise.
Can I take part in any other cycling challenges?
Of course! If you also take part in our CARE Olympic Cycle Challenge too, we’ll waive your £30 registration fee for your second challenge, so you will have a reduced fundraising target for the two bike rides. If you take part in our London to Paris Cycle Challenge you can complete London to Brighton Cycle Challenge for just £30 (which covers event costs).
How much do I have to fundraise?
We ask each cyclist to reach or exceed a target of £150. This includes a £30 registration fee, which covers the event costs.
Why should I support CARE International?
• CARE works in 87 countries helping poor and marginalized people find ways out of poverty. CARE was recently voted as a top aid agency by experts in the field, so you can be assured your support is making a huge difference to the people who need it the most
• CARE has staying power. Our mission is to create lasting and long-term change in the poorest communities. This often means instigating radical changes to the wider systems of government or business that keep people trapped in poverty from one generation to the next.
• CARE puts money where it is needed. 94 pence in every pound goes directly to our poverty fighting work. That’s one of the highest rates among all UK aid agencies.
• CARE is always among the first to respond when disaster strikes. We make sure the aid gets to precisely where it is needed most.
• CARE has an unparalleled track record of working with communities to help them find sustainable ways of making a living.
• CARE places great emphasis on local presence. Over 90% of our staff is employed locally to ensure that we are really responding to local cultures.
If you have any more questions, please contact us on 020 7091 6111 or email challenge@careinternational.org
