Tour of the Cotswolds Cycle Challenge Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
Tour of the Cotswolds Cycle
Bike Adventure
Starting from Bath, this 3 day ride takes in the best of the rolling Cotswold Hills. We'll meander across the landscape that's famous for its pretty honey coloured houses; we'll also be visiting quaint villages along the way for cafe and lunch stops.
We shall meet the evening before departure to introduce our leaders and help you prepare for the following days, take this time to relax and enjoy the sights of Bath.
Our first day on the bike see's us climb out of Bath to the North and head out along the central belt of the cotswolds, passing through the villages of Tormarton, Petty France and Nailsworth to name a few; we'll then drop down into Stroud for a late lunch. The rest of the afternoon has us skirt along the edge of the Hills arriving into Cheltenham for an overnight rest stop.
The second day is a day of 2 halves, expect a couple of tricky climbs in the morning up towards Andoversford, with rolling hills to for the next 30kms to the lunch stop at Lechdale on Thames. The later half of the day is very flat as we turn south west through the lake land area near south cerney. We shall finish the day in the nice town of Royal Wooten Bassett.
The final day crosses into the North Wessex downs to head through Marlborough and past a number of Wiltshires famous white horses. Similar to the previous day, the majority of the climbing and descending is in the morning with a relatively flat afternoon heading back towards Bath. We'll finish the day heading through the impressive 2 tunnels green way, a disused train line that has been converted into a cycle path, so do'nt forget the lights! We'll then ride to the city centre and celebrate 3 days of great riding.
Itinerary
Day 0- Arrive in the evening at the hotel in bath. (Further details will be sent in the joining instructions)
Day 1- 9.30 am Departure. Ride roughly 25km to the first feed stop. Lunch in Stroud @ 48km. Finsh @ 73km
Day 2- 9.30 am Departure. First feed stop @ 25km. Lunch @ 47km. Finish @ 77km.
Day 3- 9.30 am Departure. First feed stop @ 34. Lunch @ 55km. Finish @ 83km.
Day 4- Return Home.
Accommodation
Accommodation is a twin share basis in suitable 3 star hotels.
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.
Included In Trip
4 nights accommodation with breakfast included
Lunch
Support vehicle and cycle Leaders
Excluded From Trip
Transfers
Cafe stops
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..
Weather
As a UK ride expect changeable conditions. We recommend a number of layers to choose between as we may experience hot weather (25C0) or cold wet weather (10C).
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
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events