Paddle & Pedal Windermere Marathon

Itinerary

06:30 Breakfast

07:30 Meet at the pier in Ambleside to size up bikes & kit up. Safety brief.

08:00 Depart on bikes (24km & 350m ascent)

09:30 Arrive at cycle-kayak change. Feed station, kit up and safety briefing

10:00 Begin Canoe leg (18km)

13:00 Lunch (30 mins)

16:00 Expected arrival time into Ambleside

16:30 Cut off arrival time

These times are approximate and are subject to participant ability and effects by weather conditions that could prolong progress made by teams.

In the event of a Northerly wind the itinerary may be reversed beginning by kayaking from Ambleside and finishing by cycle.

Accommodation

2 nights hostel accomodation with breakfast

What is a Level 3.0 Multi Activity Challenge Like?

These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect around 8 hours of full on multi activity. In the case of a multi day challenge, you can expect a lower daily duration, but of course the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be used to challenging physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy your training, and to do it regularly. Longer duration challenges are likely to be easier in terms of the physical effort, however, you will need to be more resilient due to simple living conditions, i.e. using same clothes for several days, simple food, and maybe camping. This forms an integral part of the challenge.

How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Multi Activity Challenge’?

You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing longer days in the outdoors - 7-8 hours. You should be doing regular exercise - with some intense outdoors exercise. You should be used to long rides, long walks, and all round challenging days. You need to have balanced the need for multiple forms of exercise in your training - including some upper body work, and some flexilbility.

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

You will be paddling in double sit on top kayaks.

Any opportunity to practice paddling in a straight line (ideally in pairs) before the challenge would be highly recommended. 

Included In Trip

- 2 nights accomodation & breakfast

- 2 dinners

- UKCC qualified paddle sport leaders

- Experienced cycle leaders

- Double sit on top kayak hire including paddles & bouyancy aids

- Full vehicle support & baggage transfer

- First Aid support

- Safety equipment

- Radio communications

- Event maps

- Water and energy snacks

Excluded From Trip

- Transport to and from the event.

- Bike Hire additional £20pp

Equipment Required

Medikit

Sunbloc, blister repair kit, plasters, Vaseline, rehydration salts, painkillers, tubigrip (optional)

Waterproofs

1outer fully waterproof jacket (gore-tex, e-vent), 1 pair outer waterproof bottoms—please note you require these even in the height of summer!

Clothing

Trainers, medium weight fleece, lightweight gloves, fleece hat, sports shorts, padded lycra shorts or leggings suitable for both kayaking and cycling. comfortable shirts / t-shirts (long/short sleeved), nb T Shirts & long sleeve base layers should ideally be made of wicking type material—which helps sweat to evaporate and stays comfortable throughout the challenge, running socks, underwear, 1 change of casual wear for after the event.

Other 

Water bottles e.g. exercise bottle/Nalgene bottle), Sun hat, sun cream, (waterproof bags are provided but bring own if prefered).

Camera, memory card, wallet, credit cards, cash, sunglasses, spare comfortable shoes, energy gels and rehydration salts.

Lunch - Adventure Cafe will set up a feed station for a buffet lunch. 

Snack Foods - we recommend good slow burning items - nuts, dried fruit, cereal bars etc.

Bringing your own bike

· Good fast hybrid or road bike

· Spare inner tube/multitool/tyre levers

· Mini Pump

· Bottle cage and water bottle

· Helmet (compulsory, must be worn at all times)

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

As you know the weather in England is unpredictable, so it’s best to prepare for hot or cold conditions. Bear in mind you will be on the water and it is likely you will get wet, so please bring suitable clothing for this. Equally during the summer, you could find hot and sunny conditions, so please be prepared with plenty of fluids, and sun protection.

Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions

To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge