Cycle Manchester to London Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: Year Round
Manchester to London bike ride
Bike Adventure
Cycle from the capital of the North to the UK's capital city. Three days of cycling take us South from the historic Industrial Capital of Manchester to buzzing world city London. This 354km city to city route will really test you, whilst highlighting some of England's most beautiful countryside. We have two nights en route, and three memorable days of riding.
Starting from Central Manchester we’ll head South to skirt around the spectacular Peak District National Park, with a hilly start on day one, finishing our first leg in Derby.
Our second day continues South through Leicester and Loughborough, crossing the Midlands via the Soar Valley, following the River Soar and crossing the River Trent before our second night’s rest in the new town of Milton Keynes.
The Grand Finale takes us into the big City from the West via the Grand Union Canal on National Cycle Route 6, having spent some time riding through the glorious Chilterns. 354km in the legs and a job well done.
Itinerary
DAY 1: MANCHESTER TO DERBY,* 110KM
Deaparting Manchester we shall head out South, and towards the fringes of the Peak District. We shall ride over two main climbs, which will give you a taste for the challenges of the mountains, before we level out - bound for the city of Derby for a good overnight in a comfortable hotel - and a good meal to recharge the batteries.
DAY 2: DERBY TO NORTHAMPTON / MILTON KEYNES*, 110 - 130KM
We continmue our ride, leaving the Pennines behind us now, with the road not flat, but certainly less dramatically hilly than the first day. We pass via the river Trent, and across the Nene at Northampton - through the very heartland of England. Our overnight will be set according the best availability of a good hotel, and a decent meal. You'll need it in readiness for the final push to London.
DAY 3: NORTHAMPTON / MILTON KEYNES* > LONDON 130/100km
Summoniing all our reserves of strength, we push on today towards the Capital. We ride down via Leighton Buzzard, over the Chilterns and into the Thames Valley picking up the Grand Union Canal in places, before a final ride along the Thames, and up to the gates of Buckingham Palace. This is a fantastic ride - and an incredible way to experience England's amazing countryside.
* nb precise overnight locations tbc.
Accommodation
Two nights in clean, comfortable 3-4 star hotels with breakfast included.
What is a Level 3.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
These rides are typically multi day rides, with medium distances and undulating terrain. Level 3 rides suit riders who ride regularly, and are looking for something challenging but manageable. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 8 hours of cycling with breaks. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect a slightly lower daily duration - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You should be a competent rider, with regular training outings - both at the weekend and ideally with another session during the week. A 10 week training programme is available for our 3 star rides.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long bike rides in the countryside of 5 hours + and distances of between 45 - 55 miles . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training (at least twice per week in the run up to the event). Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 21-23 km/hr on flat and gently undulating terrain, and you should be able to cycle at higher speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km (on a road bike). You may also blend in other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Special Notes
Your baggage will be transported in a support vehicle for you, which will also carry mechanical and first aid support, as well as snacks and water. We recommend you remain grouped with your fellow riders at all times. Small groups will be supported either by our vehicle or by our ride leaders who are there to keep you riding in the right direction, to offer mechanical support, and to keep you safe on the road.
Please note, that your target for fundraising will be in discussion with your group co-ordinator. Please call if you have any queries.
Included In Trip
Support vehicle.
First aid trained and experienced cycle leader.
Two nights hotel accommodation including breakfast.
3 x picnic lunches
Mechanical Support
Excluded From Trip
Evening meals.
Transfers to start/from finish of challenge.
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..
Safety Information
You should stay in contact with your leaders at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each morning. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. You should make sure you have programmed your leader's phone number in your own phone. If you are stuck at the roadside - please make yourself safe. Also it is essential that you check your bicycle is in good working order before joining this event.
Weather
Being in the UK we should be prepared for anything. Whilst not wishing everyone to bring heaps of equipment we should be prepared for both poor weather and scorching hot weather.
Bring both equipment to protect from hot sun, and also to protect in case it rains. It is unlikely to be cold.
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