Krakow to Budapest Bike Challenge

Itinerary

DAY 1: Pre day preparation. Fly from UK to Krakow and meet at hotel for evening. Prep bikes and briefing for the challenge ahead.

DAY 2: Krakow to Zakopane 124km

Crossing Poland we have an uphill trend for most of the day with one or two short climbs, ending the day in Zakopane.

DAY 3: Zakopane to Banksa Bystrica 146km

A rolling morning crossing the border into Slovakia at 20kms; there is then 3 climbs through out the day, culminating in a total 1780m+. 

DAY 4: Banska Bystrica to Nitra 132km

Heading South West we'll be leaving the Tatras behind and head towards Hungary, a relatively steady day with 1 major climb along the route at 45kms, the afternoon is then a rolling style ride with plenty of gentle hills through the pretty slovakian countryside.

DAY 5: Nitra to Budapest 142km

From Nitra we'll head through 85kms of flat Slovakian coutnryside before the final climb of the ride through the forest just north of Budapest. Its then a quick descent down to the danube and along to the finish in Hungarys capital.

DAY 6: Free day to explore Budapest and return flights to UK

Accommodation

5 Nights Accommodation is included in your fee. Beginning in Prague, we will be in simple hotels throughout the event (including breakfasts). The standard of accommodation will fluctuate throughout the trip - but is designed to be functional - and to enable us to get a good night's sleep - and continue with the challenge. You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.

What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?

You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?

To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.

Visas / Redtape

When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.

Included In Trip

Experienced Cycle Leader/First Aider.

Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic.

Pre-event briefing.

Transfers to/from Polish and Hungarian selected airport.

Bed and Breakfast accommodation en-route.

Snacks and water on route each day.

Excluded From Trip

Flights from and return to UK airport.

Transfers to/from UK airport.

Evening meals whilst on trip,

Personal insurance cover. 

Lunches

Equipment Required

Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe

Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)

Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit  Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant

Washkit

Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.

Cycle  Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable), 

Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride

Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...

Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in

Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport

Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you. 

A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure

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, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.

Weather

We should catch the end of the summer - and have mild warm and sunny weather. Be prepared for hot and sunny conditions - so be prepared to protect against the sun. Equally however, we could get unlucky! So pack rain jackets and warmer clothes too! Just in case….

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