Inverness Highlands and Islands Cycling Challenge

Itinerary

Day 1: Meeting Day - no Cycling 

Prepare yourself for a scenic journey to our start line just outside of Inverness, either flying from London to Inverness, or catching the train, before a short transfer to our hotel. A short coach trip will deliver you to the hotel where you'll be reunited with your bike or hire bike, and then a good refuelling dinner and good night's sleep before starting our two wheeled epic highland odyssey in the morning.

Day 2: Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh

Starting early after a hearty breakfast, we'll have the whole day to take in this glorious route. Heading westwards, we shall pass via Loch Luichart and into the heart of the Highlands. After Achnasheen, we continue to Stathcarron, heading south and then West again and here we have our decision point for the brave souls who will tackle the highest road in the UK - the Bealach nam Ba - reaching 2000 feet. From the top of the pass we retrace our steps to Loch Carron, and then down to our fantastic overnight at Plockton, by the waters edge.

Day 3: Kyle of Lochalsh to Fort William

Today is our most varied and scenically stunning in the saddle, with not only wild moorland roads, but also the crossing of the Skye bridge, close ups with the mighty Munroes on Skye, and then the ride via Glenfinnan to Loch Eil, with the distant views across to the small isles. We finish our day just beaneath Great Britain's tallest mountain, the mighty Ben Nevis, A very well earned dinner before bed and our final stage tomorrow.

Day 4: Fort William to Inverness,

It's a slightly shorter day in the saddle for our grand finale to reach the city of Inverness in good time, but we won't be compromising on the scenery today. Starting off along Loch Lochy, we shall then progress via Loch Ness, and we'll follow the River Ness into the historic city of Inverness. Please note that good quality puncture resistant tyres (not lightweight racing tyres) are a must, as we have some sections of gentle trail riding which are available to us as an option. At the end of this amazing exploration, we shall enjoy a hearty meal and a celebration befitting of such an amazing ride.

Day 5: Homeward bound

After a relaxed breakfast, we will check out of our hotel in Inverness to either fly back or train back to London. You may have tired legs now, but rest assured that this gorgeous country will leave you longing for more... Your bikes will be transported back for you.

Accommodation

Will be in simple but comfortable hotels throughout the event (including breakfasts). The standard of accommodation may fluctuate throughout the trip, but is designed to be functional and to enable us to get a good night's sleep. 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, subject to availability).  

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.

Medical Issues

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.

Visas / Redtape

We recommend you take out travel insurance for this event - a cycling specific policy.

Included In Trip

Experienced cycle leaders, full vehicle support and driver/mechanic, baggage transfer,  4 nights hotel accommodation including breakfast. Picnic or cafe lunches will be provided. Arrival Transfer included.

Excluded From Trip

Transport to the airport / train station at the end of the event.

Equipment Required

Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike / Mountain Bike (with Touring Tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf
Small Rucksack (or small pannier)
Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Lamps (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Under Saddle Pouch (recommended - can be used to carry asterik* items)
Duck Tape (small folded piece off the reel)*
Puncture Repair Kit*
2 x Inner Tubes*
Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Oil/Lube*
Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)

Medikit
Suncream, Plasters
Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc

Washkit
Pack Towel (lifesystems recommended), Soap (small bar)
Toothbrush, Toothpaste

Warm Clothing
Medium Weight Fleece, Lightweight Gloves, Fleece Hat

Cycle / Overnight Clothing
Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts
Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Cotton T-Shirts for evening
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (Dryflo type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes suitable)
Sandals / Spare Shoes for after ride
Underwear
1 Set Casual Evening Wear
1 Pair Cotton Trousers

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

Other
Camera, Memory Card
Wallet, Credit Card, Cash
Sunglasses, Mobile Phone
Penknife, Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)

Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip

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 first aid kits, our on hand support vehicle, 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. You will be issued with detailed safety guidance for riding safely. It is our primary focus to ensure you arrive safely at your journey's end without any crashes or accidents!

Weather

We'll be hoping for mild warm and sunny weather, but remember this is the UK so be prepared for every eventuality... Be ready for hot and sunny conditions, protecting against the sun but also pack rain jackets and warmer clothes too, just in case! We recommend you bring long fingered gloves, and extra cycling jackets to keep you warm (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