Brompton Ride – Essential Information
WHEN IS IT?
Wednesday 14th September 2016 – Friday 16th September 2016. (We will be cycling on the 14th and !5th September and returning home on Friday 16th)
DAYS’ CYCLING:
2
DISTANCE:
140 miles
WHAT IS THE COST – AND WHAT’S INCLUDED?
The cost per rider is £620. You are required to pay a £250 deposit on booking. You will then be invoiced 6 weeks before the event for the remainder of your balance.
THE FOLLOWING IS INCLUDED:
- 2 nights’ accommodation in a clean and comfortable room (one night on the Ferry and final night in Amsterdam). 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 for an extra £100 if you prefer not to share a room.
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and a lovely dinner in a local restaurant).
- Coffee and cake at designated stops
- Ferry crossing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland
- Professional Ride25 support crew with back-up vehicles to provide you with any medical help and assistance should you need it – including a mechanic and a first aider who will be on hand to help throughout the trip.
- Support vehicle to transport your luggage (clothes and supplies) from each stage to the next
- 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 personalised high quality breathable cycling shirts for use on your trip
- Daily fresh fruit and water in the support vehicles
- You will also have access to all the photos that the tour crew take during the trip – plus a special video to help remember the highlights of this epic event!
OPTIONAL EXTRAS:
- Brompton waterproof cycling gilet (this can be purchased before the event)
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED?
- A Brompton bike – please contact us if you do not own a Brompton and would like to hire one
- Personal insurance
HOW WILL I NAVIGATE?
Please note that the route is not sign-posted and we encourage everyone to either have a Garmin (or similar GPS navigation device) or install the Strava App & routes onto your phone. Garmin has launched various new models in the last 12 months, many of which include navigation at far lower price points. See reviews here: (http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/garmin-edge-complete-buyers-guide-183499) – a great excuse for a new cycling gadget!
As always, we do not follow the quickest routes each day – the routes are planned to minimise traffic & busy roads and maximise the scenery & significant places.
We will give you more information on navigation once you have signed up for the ride.
What do I need to bring?
- Chamois Cream – lots
- Helmet
- Sunglasses / clear lenses for glasses
- Large saddle bag with – 2 x spare inner tubes, puncture repair kit and tyre leavers
- Cycle pump or gas canisters
- 2 x large water bottles for hydration drinks and water
- Your favourite energy gels or bars
- Sun cream
- Top bar bag for phone, wallet and energy stuff
- Phone mount if you are using Strava as a navigation tool
- Portable battery charger for mobile
- Garmin (or similar GPS navigation device) or Strava App for phone
- Bright lights (Front & Rear) – hopefully you won’t be cycling at night but a good precaution
- A bell for your bike (this is a legal requirement in the Netherlands)
- EHIC Card (formerly E111) – these are free. Click here to get one
- One hand luggage sized bag (for all your belongings)
- Passport and personal insurance document
What bag should I bring?
Please bear in mind that there is only limited space in the van for your bags. Therefore, all your belongings that you do not need whilst you are on your bike need to be contained in a hand luggage sized bag i.e. 56cm x 45cm x 25cm (22in x 18in x 10in) and should weigh no more than 10kg.
What clothes should I bring?
We recommend layering up so that you can add or remove items of clothing to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Always make sure you carry waterproof layers with you and buy clothes made from a fabric that is designed specifically for exercise that will absorb sweat and dry out quickly.
- Padded cycling shorts
- Cycling socks
- Cycling shoes and pedals (either clipless with your own pedals or firm-soled shoes suitable for cycling)
- Helmet
- Waterproof jacket
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling overshoes (a good idea if the weather looks bad, but not essential)
- Arm and leg warmers (if it looks like the weather will be bad)
- Some comfortable, casual eveningwear for when we kick back and relax in the evenings and for the celebratory meal in Amsterdam.