Fancy cycling from Geneva to Milan whilst raising money for a fantastic cause?

Re~Cycle, the UK charity changing lives through bicycle re-use in Africa, has partnered with professional cycling tour company Ride25 to host a 350 mile cycling challenge from Geneva to Milan on the 19th-23rd September 2015.  This will be a fantastic experience for all involved and will help to raise much needed funds for the charity.

On top of that, everything will be organised for you by Ride25 including all your hotels, support vehicles, meals, snacks… even down to your own personalised cycling shirts, so that all you need to do is enjoy this amazing challenge, raise money and ultimately have fun!

A bit more detail…

The route is split across four days’ cycling, covering 350 miles in total with an average of 88 miles a day.  It is not a race and riders are encouraged to pedal at their own pace within groups.  You can choose various ways to fund your cycling challenge – please see below. The ride is open to all cycling abilities and all types of bikes. We do recommend that you use a road bike, however, previous Ride25 Riders have used hybrids and Bromptons.

When is it?

The ‘Grand Depart’ in Geneva will take place on Saturday 19th September 2015 and after 4 days’ cycling, everyone will arrive in Milan on Tuesday 22nd September 2015. We will then enjoy a celebratory meal and overnight stay in Milan, with everyone going their separate ways on Wednesday 23rd September 2015.

The route

Over the 4 days’ cycling you will see some stunning sights.  Beginning with the breathtaking sight of Lake Geneva, the route will cover 350 miles bringing together flat and traffic free routes, and an exciting/gruelling mountain climb up the Nufenen Pass. Taking in some of Italy’s most beautiful lakes including Lake Maggiore and Lake Como, we will also climb to the Madonna del Ghisallo, aptly known as the patron saint of cyclists, before finishing in Milan.

2 ways to fund your cycling challenge…

Option 1 – Funded Charity Place with Fundraising Target

If you choose this option, a minimum sponsorship of £1,700 is required, and a commitment to fundraise this amount for Re~Cycle is mandatory if you register for the event.   You will be required to pay the initial deposit of £250 to secure your place and this will go towards your fundraising target.  If you choose this option, please indicate this in the booking form.

Option 2 –  Self Funding with Sponsorship

Pay the trip costs of £1,250 yourself and then fundraise as much as you can for Re~Cycle, or make a personal donation.  You will be required to pay the £250 non-refundable deposit during the booking process to secure your place and then pay the remaining balance 6 weeks before you depart.

The Sign up Process…

Once you have decided which option you want to book with, click the “Book Now”  button below and fill out the details in the booking form.  Please select your charity (Re~Cycle) in the signup process and if you are choosing a Funded Charity Place (Option 1) please indicate this on the appropriate question.

You can then pay your deposit by PayPal or Bank Transfer, whichever is easiest for you.  We will then put you in touch with Re~Cycle so they can work with you on ideas to raise the money and smash the fundraising target.

What’s included?

• Four nights’ accommodation in a clean, comfortable hotel (in Sierre, Airolo, Como and Milan).  All rooms will have twin beds and we will allocate you a room partner unless you specify who you would like to share with.  (You may select a single supplement in the booking process if you prefer not to share)
• Three meals a day plus stops for snacks
• Support vehicle to transport your luggage (clothes and supplies) from each stage to the next
• Back-up vehicles to provide you with medical help and any assistance should you need a rest
• A digital map in the format of a .gpx file for mobile navigation devices such as Garmin
• Customised, waterproof route maps including essential directions, pitstops and interesting information on the area.
• Two new, bespoke high quality breathable cycling shirts for use on your trip. These will be fully personalised for you.
• Daily fresh fruit and water in the support vehicles
• Celebratory dinner in Milan

What’s not included?

• Flights and transfers
• Accommodation the night before the tour commences (this can be selected as an optional extra during the check-out process)
• A Bike
• A bike box (this can be selected as an optional extra during the check-out process)
• Personal insurance

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

• Bike box hire – In order to transport your bike to and from the Geneva and Milan you will need to hire or buy a bike box.  If you would like to hire a bike box from Ride25 you can choose this in the booking process, we will then contact you to find out your bike box requirements.
• Personal navigation system – Garmins can be hired as an optional extra, please select in the booking process
• If you need more than what’s included and provided at the drink stops, you can purchase Energy bars, drinks and gels from the support vehicle on a pay-as-you-go basis.

How do I book a place?

Just click here and follow the booking process.  Remember to indicate whether you would like a Funded Charity Place or whether you will pay for the trip yourself.