Cycle Training Day

Itinerary

Meet at Cotswold Water Park at approx 09:30. After a cup of tea and a briefing we’ll set off cycling.

The cycle ride will last approximately 5-6 hours, which will include stops for re-grouping, lunch and a couple of basic bike maintenance sessions.

There will be a couple of timed, measured sections for you (and us) to assess your current fitness levels in respect of a further extended challenge. Your leader will encourage you to cycle at a speed which will give you an indication of what you need to maintain on one of our longer cycling challenges.

We expect to finish around 16:30 in time for another cup of tea (and maybe a slice of well deserved cake) and, of course, a chat about your next challenge!

Journey home - tired and looking forward to the next one, or maybe the Big One!

What is a Level 2.5 Cycling Challenge Like?

For this type of challenge - you can expect either distance (up to 80km), or altitude gain - around 5-600m. But not both! If you climb, then the distance will be less, if you cover the distance, then the altitude gain will be little. Typically road conditions will be good - although there are exceptions to this. If you encounter rough road conditions (or it is a mountain bike challenge), then the distance / altitude will be reduced. These events would suit someone of good all round fitness, who takes exercise regularly - without neccessarily being of high specific cycling fitness.

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 2.5 ‘Bike Ride’?

You must be active and with moderate fitness level. You should be taking regular exercise, consisting of regular bike rides and possibly other sports (swimming / football etc.) You should be comfortable in undertaking long country rides of up to 6 hours or 60 km in the lowland English countryside. Your training rides will encounter a few reasonable length hills.

Medical Issues

Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.

It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.

Special Notes

This training / fitness assessment day is ideal to demonstrate your fitness for one of our longer rides such as London to Paris or a further afield challenge. Please call us and discuss your cycling background.

Included In Trip

Experienced cycle leader/mechanic/first aider.

Booking and joining pack.

Fitness and ability evaluation.

Excluded From Trip

Transport to and from start location.

Food.

Bike Hire.

Equipment Required

Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with Appropriate Tyres) - please call us for guidance on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Mini Bike Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)

Medikit
Suncream, Sunbloc (maybe... just maybe!)

Clothing
Medium Weight Softshell
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirt (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (to suit your own pedal choice)
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
1 Pair Extra Eight Long Tights (in poor conditions)

Other
Wallet, Credit Cards, Cash
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone (Essential)
Snacks for the day (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)

Safety Information

By nature all activities contain an element of risk. Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity. The leader’s primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listed to their guidance and instructions.

Weather

Please plan to experience everything from glorious burning sunshine to rain and even snow or hail. Please ensure you pack sufficient water and sun protection, but also don't forget your hats, gloves, and waterproofs, as well as warm gear.

Notes on Cycling Events

This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss! Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles. On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag. To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK). Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.

Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge