FAQs for The IHF Cycle Challenge Porto to Lisbon 2017
Who is this cycle aimed at? Can you cater for different levels?
This cycle is aimed at people who wish to attempt an interesting challenge whilst raising funds for a
good cause.
The overriding criteria is the ability to raise funds for the Irish Hospice Foundation.
For reasons of safety and comfort, the cycle is divided into smaller groups of cyclists according to
their ability. This gives us the opportunity to cater for different levels of cycling ability. If the speed
of cycling is slow for a particular group then we will start them earlier each day to give them more
time to complete the challenge at a pace that is comfortable to them.
It is important to note that the cycle is not a race or an endeavour to maintain a certain average
speed. It is a point to point challenge, in which our aim is to assist people, regardless of
ability/age/previous experience to reach the destination safely and enjoyably.
What is my expected level of fitness for the cycle?
There is no expected level of fitness for someone to sign up, beyond their doctor’s approval.
What someone who signs up has to be fully aware of, is that it is a dual commitment, namely to
raise funds and to follow a training program. Abilities will differ from person to person, but clearly
someone who does no or very limited training, will find it tougher than those that do. There are
many participants who did not even possess a bike when signing up, but followed the training
program over 3-4 months and completed the challenge comfortably.
How can I test my fitness?
There are numerous ways to test your fitness, but your current level of fitness is not important
providing your doctor gives approval to your participation and you are able to follow the training
program, so that before the event you are able to cycle for a minimum of 2 hours without stopping.
I haven't cycled for a long time - how long would it take to get up to an expected level of fitness
or cycling capacity?
This will all depend on what other activities you currently engage in. Making the assumption that
other gentle exercise such as walking are engaged in then a timeframe of around 3-4 months is
required. But this is entirely dependent on the individual.
What sort of bike do I need? How much do they cost?
Not every type of bike is appropriate to do a 5 day 500+km event. The most suitable type of bike is
a racing bike or a road bike with 700c wheels and 16-33 gears. How much you spend will depend
greatly on the quality of the bike you want to buy. We provide a very comprehensive guide on this
which is part of your welcome pack on signing up for the cycle and Irish Cycling Safaris are available
to give advice on this too. Just contact us and we would be delighted to pass on a more detailed
guide on this.
What other equipment would I need?
Clothing is very important and you will need to invest in a couple of pairs of good quality cycling
shorts as well as a cycling jerseys; gloves; appropriate shoes and socks as well as a good rain coat
that can fit in the pocket of your jersey.
We provide a very comprehensive guide on this which is part of your welcome pack on signing up
for the cycle and Irish Cycling Safaris are available to give advice on this too. Just contact us and we
would be delighted to pass on a more detailed guide on this.
How do I get my bike to Portugal?
If you are joining us from Ireland you don’t need to worry about this. Your bike transfer to Portugal
and back to Ireland is included in the Tour Cost of the trip. Cycling Safaris who are guiding the trip
will bring your bike to Portugal in their support vans. All you need to do is drop your bike to them in
Belfield, UCD about 7-10 days before we depart in June. You will be advised of the exact date closer
to the time. If you are joining us from another country you will need to organise transportation of
your bike yourself and we are happy to advise on this.
If I found it too hard in parts, what happens? Will I slow others down?
It is always likely that there will be points where you may find the cycle difficult. This is the
advantage of participating in an event with others, that there is support (both physical and
emotional) from your fellow cyclists and organisers. It is quite possible during the course of the 5
days that every participant will have a “low” moment and you will need to bear that in mind. This is
paradoxically both an individual and group challenge that requires individual mettle as well as
respect and compassion for others. As stated before it is not a race and as far as possible we wish
everyone to achieve the challenge, enjoy the experience and benefit from the sense of camaraderie
that helping other brings.
If your ability is truly different from the others in your group, then the first possibility is to move to
another group where you may be more comfortable.
If you are truly struggling then a lift is available, or maybe desirable, if the opportunity to complete
the challenge is unduly compromised for others. However this is unlikely to be required if you
follow the training program.
Is it easy to raise the funds?
The IHF has a professional fundraising team who will support you in meeting your goal. We will be
available by phone or email to answer any queries you may have between now and the cycle.
All previous participants who would have had concerns around the fundraising have always reached
and in most cases exceeded the fundraising target. You will be amazed when you start and will see
that with our support and a small bit of planning on your part you will be able to raise the funds.
On registration you will be provided with a pack of materials, including tips and guidelines for
fundraising and A-Z list of fundraising ideas and sponsorship cards. We will also offer you a range of
support materials and merchandise (t-shirts, posters, balloons etc). We will give you information on
setting up your own online sponsorship page which you can send to your friends and family. It only
takes a few minutes to set up!