Fundraising

What resources are available?

You will get personal fundraising support from an experienced member of the Above & Beyond team.

We can help with event planning and provide you with collection tins and buckets, t-shirts, badges or anything else you think you might need to make your fundraising a success. Just get in touch!

By what date do I need to have raised the money?

By 15 June you need to be at 80 per cent of the fundraising target, which is £1,600. We need this to confirm your place.

You have until we leave for Paris to raise the remaining £400.

Can I self-fund?

There is the option to self-fund the cost of your trip, meaning everything you fundraise will be a direct donation to the charity. You can pay the full cost of £942 on 17 April or you can pay in two installments of £471. The first is due on 17 April and the second on 15 June. Your fundraising target will then be £1,058. Once you've signed up, get in touch about self-funding and we'll send you everything you need to know.

What if I don’t hit my fundraising target?

By registering in this challenge you are pledging to raise the minimum sponsorship of £2,000 and understand that it is the endeavour of this challenge to raise as much above this amount as possible in aid of Above & Beyond. Of the money raised approximately £996 will be used to cover the costs of your transport, accommodation, food, transfers, guides and back-up team.

If you cannot raise the minimum sponsorship your place will be forfeited unless you make up the balance yourself.

Don’t worry, our fundraising team are on hand to help you reach the target and make the whole experience fun!

The trip

What route do we take?

The first day sees you leave Bristol heading through the English countryside to Salisbury - approximately 105km - where you will spend the first night. From there you will cycle the 90km to the ferry port at Portsmouth where you will board the overnight ferry to Le Havre. 

The first day cycling in France is also the longest day at 145km. You'll be rewarded with stunning views of French farms, churches and countryside before you arrive at the hotel in Gournay-en-Bray.

On the final day you will cycle 115km into the centre of Paris. You'll regroup with your fellow participants and do the final part of your journey together before arriving at the Eiffel Tower.

Please note all distances are approximate and the route is subject to change.

What is provided on the trip?

All your food, accommodation and return travel to Bristol are included. Your bike is transported back to Bristol separately and will be waiting for you when you arrive.

Half a bottle of wine per person is provided at the celebration meal, but any other alcohol would need to be purchased.

How hard is the challenge?

While the challenge is open to all abilities, cycling 450km is not easy and we recommend all participants train for the challenge. We organise group training rides so you can meet your fellow cyclists and get a feel for what is expected of you on the challenge, but you should be aiming to get out on your bike more frequently than these rides.

The terrain on the trip is very mixed so it's good to reflect that in your training rides. You’ll be faced with some challenging uphill climbs and rewarding downhills. It’s important to remember that it’s not a race.

What do I need to bring?

Each participant will need their own bicycle for the event. Please note there is an upper limit of £1,000 on the Classic Challenge public liability insurance. A mechanic will accompany the ride and will have a limited supply of inner tubes, chains, cables and other parts but should not be relied upon, particularly if you have a more unusual model.

Participants will need a helmet, water bottle, bell and bike lights. We also recommend cycling gloves, padded shorts, a bum bag or saddle bag and waterproof jacket, as well as a change of clothes for the evenings. A full kit list will be provided nearer the date of the trip.

What can you expect on a typical day?

You’ll usually wake up between six and seven. Breakfast is provided at the hotel or ferry. There will be a briefing every morning.

We will stop between every 15km and 25km for water and snacks depending on the temperature and the ability of the riders. The lunch break will be between an hour and an hour and a half long.

Direction arrows will be clearly sign posted and you will be provided with the detailed route before we leave for the trip. You'll be given a card with contact details in case you do take a wrong turn.

Each evening everyone will eat together before being briefed on the following day’s ride.

Do you cater to dietary requirements?

Yes all dietary requirements can be accommodated. This includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-intolerance, IBS, or any other needs you might have. Just let us know in advance.

 

Anything else?

I’ve signed up on my own, how can I meet other participants?

We have organised group training rides, social events and a nutrition evening which are all great ways to meet your fellow cyclists.

You’ll also be added to the private challenge Facebook group where you can share fundraising tips, organise training rides and ask any questions.

Any other questions?

If there’s anything else you want to know get in touch with the Above & Beyond team by emailing [email protected].