Bike FAQs

Welcome to our all new Adventure Cafe BIKE FAQ site.

1. Q. How fast do you need to ride - I’m not a fast rider and I’m worried I will hold people up?
A. The majority of our cycle trips are planned to be ridden at an average moving speed of around 12-15mph. This will ensure we complete the daily distances comfortably and arrive in good time to relax in the evening (some of our 5* cycle events (L2P 24hr) will require higher average speeds and should only be applied for by more experienced cyclists). The cycle leader on your trip will govern the pace through the day thus ensuring all riders are on time. If, at any time, it looks like a rider is falling back and not able to maintain the necessary pace that particular day (for whatever reason) then the rider will be asked to join the supporting vehicle and ride forward either to shorten their riding day or to the day finish (hotel). When applications are received, a training plan is issued as a guide to improving your cycling fitness up to the minimum level of fitness expected when joining a trip – our Cycle Training Plan is available on request prior to application.

2. Q. What bike should I use?
A. All of our cycle challenge and events are principally road based and therefore road bikes are recommended. However, not just any road bike will do! Road Touring/Race bikes with drop handlebars and Sport Hybrid bikes (flat bars) are the order of the day. Your bike should have a double (or triple) compact groupset (minimum requirement) and a good robust wheelset. Please note, light bikes with lightweight wheels do not fair so well when touring – we recommend mid-range price-point bikes and same for wheels – these prove to be the most reliable for multi-day touring over 100s miles.

3. Q. Can I use my Mountain Bike (MTB)?
A. These bikes are not recommended for multi-day touring, however, if you are joining one of our single day events (Sportive) then it is possible - with a few tweaks (narrower road tyres, improved gearing). If you are joining one of our multi-day tour challenges and you currently own a MTB and not a road bike then we can talk to you about your training for the challenge using a MTB with a view that, for the challenge, you hire one of our Sport Hybrid road bikes. The Sport Hybrid bike has flat handlebars and similar gearing (triple) to a MTB but is designed for the road and able to munch the miles more comfortably – provided you have trained correctly. NB it is also possible to attach your own pedals to our hire bikes allowing you to use your own cycling shoes.

4. Q. Can I hire a bike?
A. Yes, we have a stable of road bikes and sport hybrid bikes available. You will need to inform us your bike hire request (and size details) at the time of your application to guarantee your hire. For overseas events, there is limited availability and if you are seeking bike hire we ask you to contact us before application to discuss your requirements. Typical bike hire tariff is £20 per day.

5. Q. If I hire a bike, can I bring my pedals for my spd shoes?
A. Yes you can. We ask that you contact us in advance to discuss and confirm this request but normally it is ok 99% of the time.

6. Q. How do I transport my bike to/from overseas events?
A. You will be required to carry your bike with you on your flight. Please arrange this at the time of your flight booking. It is important that you use a semi-rigid bike bag or soft bike bag for the transport of your bike. We can help you with advice on how to pack your bike using these types of bike bags with a little extra ‘padding’ and attention. We will be happy to discuss flights timings and bike carriage further with you at the time of your application.

7. Q. Why can’t I use a hard bike box to travel to/from an event?
A. We ask people not to bring hard ‘rigid’ bike boxes to overseas trips because there simply is no space to stow these bike boxes away during the event. We have very limited space in the supporting vehicle(s) for all luggage (and equipment) for the group (group sizes range between 14-30) and room for large rigid bike boxes simply is not there.

8. Q. What happens if my bike breaks during the trip?
A. Firstly, we ask all participants to arrive on trips with a fully serviced and well maintained machine – this is a good start to seeking out any hidden problems and avoiding any unwanted mechanical failures. However, of course things can happen on trips – if you are unfortunate to experience a mechanical failure or worse during your ride (for whatever reason), we (Adventure Café) will do everything we can to get you rolling again. We have experienced teams of leaders and support staff who will be carrying spares and tools that can (generally) cope with most roadside repairs (from punctures to broken chains). If your bike is not able to be repaired roadside we can pop you on a spare bike while one of the support staff take your bike to the nearest bike shop for a replacement part or workshop repair.

9. Q. If I should have a serious accident what happens?
A. Firstly, all our team are qualified First Aiders and will be carrying first aid kits to cope with most roadside situations. If you require further medical assistance you will be either taken to the nearest hospital by one of the supporting crew or the emergency services will be called. It is important that all participants have appropriate travel/sports insurance in place when joining one of our challenges and events. Aswell as other things, this will ensure you receive the best health care while outside of the UK – particularly when outside of the EU. When your visit to the hospital is complete, plans for you to rejoin the group will be made in-situ. If matters are more serious, plans for emergency repatriation will be made between the hospital and your insurance company. When travelling in the EU, it is advisable to be carrying an EHIC card as a minimum (apply online at NHS.uk).



If you have any questions in the meantime, please call us on 01823 444246 or email us at info@adventure-cafe.com