FAQ

What is included in the package?

1. Transport from the departure point plus any required transfers during the trip.
2. Travel insurance.
3. Meals and accommodation.
4. A bike for the duration of the challenge.
5. A support crew and doctor during the trip.
6. The celebration dinner on the last night.
7. Learn to use your gears properly. You should not be in too low a gear on flat or slightly rising terrain otherwise your pedaling rate is too frequent and you will be expending unnecessary energy.
8. Training programmme, fundraising support and advice.

What isn't included in the package?

1. Vaccinations (we advise you to check with your doctor).
2. Visas (if required).
3. Evening drinks.
4. Lunch on your free day.
5. City tours.
6. Spending money for souvenirs.

What if I change my mind or have to withdraw?

1. If you withdraw from the event up to 10 weeks before the start date then you will forfeit your registration fee.
2. If you withdraw after the 10 week deadline you will be liable for any cancellation charges, payable in accordance with the Terms and Conditions of the Tour Operator (Classic Tours Ltd) and Marie Curie Cancer Care.
3. Depending on the nature of your cancellation, you may be covered by your travel insurance.

How fit do I need to be?

1. Obviously the fitter you are the more you will get out of this trip. Remember there is plenty of time to prepare for this challenge and it is not a race.
2. If you do feel that you’ve had enough at some point during the day there is always a support vehicle on hand to give you a rest.
3. If you do have a medical condition that will make it more difficult for you it is essential that you advise us prior to departure and get your doctor to sign a letter to say you are fit enough to take part. There is an English speaking doctor on every route who will be aware of your condition and will keep an eye on you.

When do I have to raise my sponsorship by?

1. The minimum sponsorship target is broken into two parts and you must have the majority of it (80%) with us by 10 weeks prior to the start date.
2. The balance we would like before you depart but we can accept it up to four weeks after you return.

What happens if I haven't raised the minimum by one of the deadlines?

1. If you have not managed to raise enough to meet the 10 week target then you will be asked to advance the shortfall yourself. This can be done by cheque or credit card.
2. Once you have raised the minimum sponsorship we will refund your advance.
3. If you think you will make use of this facility please contact the Event Management Team for more details.

Where does my sponsorship money go?

1. At least £1,250 (depending on the route) plus every extra penny you raise above the minimum target, goes directly towards funding the vital work of Marie Curie Cancer Care.
2. If you would prefer that all the money you raise goes to the Charity you might like to consider funding all or part of the trip costs yourself.

Can I bring my own bike?

We actively discourage participants from bringing their own bike for a number of reasons:

1. Firstly, the crew carry spares for the standard bikes and any unusual ones may require special tools and parts that you would also have to provide.
2. Secondly the responsibility of getting your bike to and from the event is yours, as are the additional costs involved, including insurance cover.
3. Finally, the Tour Operator will not be able to give your bike special treatment and cannot accept liability for damage.
4. Note that during transfers bikes are all tightly packed into the van.

Can I bring my own bike?

We actively discourage participants from bringing their own bike for a number of reasons:

1. Firstly, the crew carry spares for the standard bikes and any unusual ones may require special tools and parts that you would also have to provide.
2. Secondly the responsibility of getting your bike to and from the event is yours, as are the additional costs involved, including insurance cover.
3. Finally, the Tour Operator will not be able to give your bike special treatment and cannot accept liability for damage.
4. Note that during transfers bikes are all tightly packed into the van.

What if I need medical attention during the ride?

1. You should register for and carry a European Health Insurance card (the replacement for the E111 form).
2. Full details of what is covered by the card can be found on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk
3. European Health Insurance cards can be obtained online on the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk
4. Alternatively a form is available from any post office. An EHI card should be in addition to and not instead of comprehensive travel insurance. Please apply in ample time before departure.
5. A UK based doctor will accompany the event. In an emergency an ambulance will be called.
6. Participants should bring their own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip.

Do I need any vaccinations?

1. As far as we are aware there are no compulsory vaccinations required for the countries you will be visiting but we suggest that participants are up to date with Tetanus and Hepatitis A.
2. We also recommend that participants consult their doctor for professional medical advice.

Will I get a map?

1. A map will be provided each day showing the number of kilometres to be cycled and key places of interest en route.

Where will I be staying?

1. Accommodation will be interesting and varied. It will include small hotels, guest houses and perhaps even the occasional castle.
2. You will be sharing single sex rooms with two, three or sometimes four to a room.
3. Couples and families can request to share and we will do our best to accommodate this where possible, but it does depend on the individual format of each hotel.
4. It is important to remember that none of the accommodation will be luxurious. This is partly to keep the cost of the trip to a minimum but also because, in many rural towns in this part of the world, they do not have luxury hotels available.

What will I be eating?

1. Wholesome and tasty food designed to give you plenty of pedal power.
2. With many meals taken in the heart of the countryside, you are very likely to experience local dishes made in the traditional way, a special experience you are unlikely to have in the tourist driven cities.

What if I have special dietary requirements?

1. This is not a problem, provided you have advised us in advance.
2. You may find that in some rural locations the options are very limited but the crew will do their best to help.

What will the weather be like?

1. This ride takes place towards the end of summer. Average temperatures for each of the key cities is as follows:
   1. Warsaw 13-24°C
   2. Vilnius 11-21°C
   3. Riga 13-22°C
   4. Tallinn 8-15°C
   5. St Petersburg 9-15°C.
2. Rain should be minimal but there is a chance of wind, particularly on the last stage (Tallinn to St Petersburg route).

Will I need a visa?

1. Participants must have at least 6 months validity on their passport from the date of return to the UK. If not we suggest that they obtain a new one between now and the event.
2. Nationals of the EU, do not require visas to visit any of the countries (except Russia) as tourists for up to three months.
3. Most other participants must have a visa for each country – please check with the Event Management Team if you are unsure.
4. It is your responsibility to ensure your passport is valid and you have all the required visas.
5. You are also responsible for all costs relating to passport updates and visas.

Will I need travel insurance?

1. All participants will automatically be given Classic Tours standard travel insurance.
2. However, if you have your own travel insurance, and it covers you for a charity cycle ride, then we will credit you transfer £15 of your registration fee into your sponsorship.
3. This can only be done once we have the full details of your own insurance.

Do I need to take any money?

1. We suggest £100-£150 spending money for drinks, souvenirs, postcards and sightseeing.
2. We do not recommend travellers cheques because they can be difficult to change whilst cycling. However if anyone is staying on they would be useful.
3. You will be advised of the currency to take (depending on your route) depending on your route.

Can my friends and family meet me at the finish line?

1. Yes of course. A crowd to see you across the finish line would be very welcome.
2. We will be organising ‘guest packages’ for friends and family that will include accommodation and a place at the celebration dinner.
3. More information will be sent to you as it becomes available.

What about tips?

1. The support staff work extremely hard and if at the end of the ride participants would like to show their appreciation, we suggest a tip of £5 per participant.
2. You may also want to tip the Tour Leader as they will not have a share of the main crew tip.
3. Please do not tip the Marie Curie Cancer Care representative as they are not allowed to accept it.

Can I book my own flights from a local airport?

1. Yes if you wish. We will give you an allowance of £100 if you do so however, this will be credited to your sponsorship account and cannot be paid directly to you.
2. You must also understand that if you do opt-out of the official flight:

1. You have to do so for the outgoing AND the return flight.
2. If you do opt-out you cannot then change your mind and opt back onto the official flight as your seats will have been released.
3. You are responsible for any transfers to and from the hotel.
4. You must advise us BEFORE the 10 week deadline as no changes can be made after this. You must also be sure you arrive in time for the bike fitting and briefing with the other participants.

Can I go out early?

1. Yes it is possible to go out earlier if you wish but you will have to opt-out of the official flights (see above)
2. Please note that you must do this prior to the 10 week deadline.

Can I stay on after the ride?

1. It is possible to stay on if you wish.
2. Information will be available from the Event Management Team.

Training part 1

Know you own abilities

Training part 3

Training tips: be prepared and get motivated.