London to Brussels via Bruges!
Bike Ride 2013
Event Facts
Date: 14 - 17 June 2013
Distance: 360 km
Registration fee: £75 (before 31 Dec 2012),
£99 after
Minimum sponsorship: £1,350
Event Highlights
Become part of a passionate NAS
team including both supporters and
senior staff members.
Achieve a cycling feat of 360 km in
three days.
Cycle through stunning countryside
in France and Belgium.
Enjoy an overnight stay in fabulous
Bruges and Brussels.
Discover three fantastic cities in
three days!
Join us for our annual European cycling challenge
This long weekend challenge will see you cover three fantastic cities in three days! Becoming part
of our team is not only a fantastic way to raise vital funds for the NAS, but also a great way of
achieving a superb fitness goal of cycling 360km in three days.
‘Along the way we found out more about ourselves as individuals and the strengths of our
colleagues. The buzz we had (and still have regarding the event) is so infectious’
Paris to London 2012 participant
Loop
Itinerary
Day 1: Friday 14th June
London to Dover: 120km approx.
Ferry crossing: Dover to Calais
Our starting point is the south-east London borough
of Bexley. After 16 miles we reach the city of Rochester with its 100 year old Norman Castle, historic
cathedral (the second oldest in Britain) and strong
links to Charles Dickens.
From this stage of the day our surroundings start to become less built up and
congested. We’ll cycle on narrow, winding roads with high hedgerows either side.
Much of the route from Rochester onwards is through small towns and villages along
the edge of the North Downs – a designated “Area of Outstanding Beauty” – and
over the Pilgrim’s Way, a route used by pilgrims on their way from Winchester to
Canterbury. Having now cycled a large chunk of the day’s distance, we’ll stop for
lunch in Wye.
After lunch we continue cycling on small roads before we head up to the cliff top
where we take a brief break and enjoy the spectacular views across the seaside
town of Folkestone and the English Channel. We continue cycling along the cliff tops
all the way to Dover, where we will catch the 20:00 ferry to France. Dinner will be
served on board. On arrival in Calais we’ll cycle approximately 2-3km to our hotel.
Day 2: Saturday 15th June
Calais to Bruges: 120km approx.
Our route today takes us through the Nord Pas de Calais department of France. The
sights and monuments here bear witness to the region’s rich history: abbeys,
churches and chateaux abound. En route we pass Dunkerque, famous for the
wartime evacuation of British, French and Allied troops in 1940.
As we leave Dunkerque, and head towards the Belgian border, the Flemish influence
is evident in the area’s architecture and the names of its towns. The picturesque
countryside consists of forests, meadows and rolling hills.
Roughly half way through the day we cross the border into Belgium with our
destination being Bruges. Famous for its network of canals, Bruges is often described
as the ‘Venice of the North’, and holds some of Eurpoe’s best preserved medieval
buildings.
Day 3: Sunday 16th June
Bruges to Brussels: 120km approx.
We leave Bruges in the morning and head east towards the country’s capital
through popular cycling areas. Our undulating route takes us through forests and
along minor roads until we reach busier traffic entering the city.
We’ll pass the Haysel Stadium and finish at the Atomium, the monument in
Brussels originally built for Expo ’58 and has become a symbol of the city.
In the evening we’ll meet up and celebrate our achievement with a fantastic team
meal. Awards will be handed out, and there may even be an opportunity to sample
some of the famous (and much deserved) local beers…!
Day 4: Monday 17th June
Brussels to London: Eurostar
We’ll have a free morning and early afternoon to explore Brussels (Eurostar times
permitting), a compact city crammed with cobbled streets, art nouveau buildings,
chic boutiques, beautiful parks, sumptuous chocolates and over 500 different beers.
We’ll catch the afternoon Eurostar train back to London from the centrally located
Brussels Midi Station. Our bikes will travel back via our support van and we will be
reunited with them upon arrival at London St Pancras.
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I fit enough?
You don’t need to be super fit when you sign up, but cycling can be a
fairly strenuous activity and this is a challenging bike ride therefore a
good level of fitness is required. We will send you a training plan and
strongly recommend you follow it, cycling regularly on different terrain
on consecutive days and some long distances in the weeks leading
up to the departure. If you are worried about your level of fitness
please consult your doctor. If you are over 65 or suffer from a
medical condition that is affected by exercise you will need to ask
your doctor to sign your medical form (sent on registration).
I have an ASD. Can I take part?
We welcome people with autism spectrum disorders and would be
pleased to support you as much as possible to achieve your
challenge. Please phone Vicky on 020 7903 3590 if you have any
questions about your personal circumstances and wish to discuss
any support you may require.
What is the average age?
People of all ages take part in our cycle challenges, so it is
impossible to give an average age. The minimum age to join the
cycle ride is 18 and there is no upper limit provided you are fit and
able to complete the challenge.
What will the weather be like?
It is likely to be an average of 15-20ºC during the day. We
recommend you take quick drying, non-cotton and warm layers.
Rain is reasonably likely so wet weather clothing is essential.
Do I need specialist kit?
You will need to bring your own bicycle and helmet. We will supply
you with a list of what you will need to take, recommending the type
of clothing and equipment that you will require.
What kind of support is there on the cycle ride?
A tour manager, bike mechanic, UK doctor and NAS representative
will accompany the group throughout the journey.
Can I stay on in Belgium after the cycle ride?
Yes, although Eurostar extensions are subject to availability. Anyone
wishing to stay on after the cycle ride should contact us for more
details.
Do I need insurance?
Yes. You must have adequate insurance to cover yourself for health,
accident and loss. It is important that you find a policy that is suitable
for cycling and that your insurance company is aware it is for charity.
You may organise this personally, or alternatively it may be arranged
through Classic Tours whose insurance cover is available at around
£25. We will need to have proof of adequate insurance a minimum
of 10 weeks prior to departure.
What’s included
Scheduled return
transfers by ferry and
Eurostar
Three nights hotel
accommodation
All food on cycling days
All ground and luggage
transfers
All necessary back-up
including medics and
guides
Do I need a Visa and what are my passport requirements?
You will not require a visa if you are a British passport holder. If you hold a passport from any other
country please contact us for advice. You must have at least 6 months validity on your passport from
the date of return to the UK. If not we recommend that you obtain a new one between now and the
event. We require full valid passport details upon sign up (passport and medical form sent to you in
second part of the registration process) and if you need a new passport please ensure we have your
details a minimum of eight weeks prior to departure date. We suggest that you take a photocopy of
your passport and keep it separate from other documents on the bike ride. This is a precaution in the
event that the passport is lost or stolen.
£1,350 in sponsorship seems like a lot of money; will I be able to raise that amount?
Don’t worry! We will provide you with a fundraising pack filled with ideas and tips on how to raise your
sponsorship. There are many different ways of raising money; through your friends and family,
organising a fundraising event or asking companies and businesses to support you, and don’t forget
that we are here to help and provide ideas and support. Unfortunately we can’t include Gift Aid in this
total as it is not guaranteed and we don’t receive it until long after the event.
How long have I got to raise the sponsorship?
By completing your form and sending in your registration fee to join the ‘London to Brussels Bike
Ride’ you are pledging to raise a minimum level of sponsorship which is set at £1,350. We request
that 80% of the money must be paid to the NAS 10 weeks before departure (5 April 2013). The
remaining sponsorship can be sent 4 weeks after the event has taken place (12 July 2013). If you do
not raise this amount you are liable to forfeit your place on the cycle ride unless you choose to make
the balance up yourself. However, if you do experience unexpected difficulties, please do not hesitate
to contact us.
How much of the sponsorship goes towards the NAS?
It costs the NAS approximately £675 for your place on the event. The registration fee (early bird £75)
and minimum sponsorship (£1,350) have been set at a level to ensure that we are able to cover your
event costs and that a substantial donation is raised towards the work of the NAS. Approximately
47% of the total amount covers your place on the challenge, the remaining 53% (£700) and any
additional funds you raise above the minimum amount will come directly to the NAS to support our
important work. Many of our cyclists raise more than the minimum and some choose to cover their
own tour costs.
What will my sponsorship money go towards?
Your sponsorship will enable the NAS to provide our life changing services such as the Autism
Helpline, our befriending scheme, Parent-to-Parent support service and Help! Programme.
Unfortunately, we are unable to restrict monies raised by the ‘London to Brussels Bike Ride’ to a
particular service, programme or branch. All monies raised from NAS Challenge events are allocated
by our senior management team and trustees to the services deemed to have the greatest need.
Sounds great! How do I sign up?
Just fill out a registration form, and return it with your registration fee of £75 or £99 – it’s as easy as
that!
Any more questions?
Call Jack on 020 7903 3529
Finally…
“It was such a great weekend with so many fab people, I enjoyed every
second from start to finish!”
Paris to London 2012 participant
The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for people affected by autism.
Over 500,000 people in the UK have autism. Together with their families they make up over two
million people whose lives are touched by autism every single day. Despite this, autism is still
relatively unknown and misunderstood. Which means that many of these two million people get
nothing like the level of help, support and understanding they need.
Together, we are going to change this.
For more information about the London to Brussels Bike Ride, or any other event,
please call our Supporter Care team on: 0808 800 1050
Email: [email protected]
Visit: www.autism.org.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to our team!