London Amsterdam 24 Hour Express Picture 1
Next departure:
Please Call for Details
Best Time of Year: April - October
Ride London Amsterdam 24 Hour Challenge
Bike Adventure
Join us on an epic journey across Europe - from Olympic Park London, via beautiful Essex countryside, to Harwich and across to Holland. We shall then explore the amazing and spectacular Dutch cycle path network, taking in canalside riding, and up the River Amstel before the final ride into Amsterdam, and doubtless one big celebration! And all this in one incredible blast of 24 hours.
We shall meet at Olympic Park, for a team briefing and to load luggage on Saturday Morning. We shall depart from London at around midday and head out eastwards into Essex, picking smaller roads as we leave London behind. The countryside is surprisingly pretty, with lovely rolling farming land studded with lovely villages as we pedal towards Harwich. We shall aim to hit Harwich early enough for a quick bite of dinner, prior to boarding the ferry.
After our overnight crossing staying in either two or four berth cabins - you will have breakfast on board, before setting off on the Cycle Paths of the Netherlands - bound first for the historic city of Delft, then via the spectacular and unusual cycle path across the flatlands of Holland, before our final ride into the wonderful World Heritage City of Amsterdam.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet at hotel in Olympic Park. Participants who have reserved bike hire must arrive early for fitting. Others should arrive in time for briefing at 11:30 hrs. Departure at 12:00 midday - tbc
Stage 1 Ride = 124kms -
Departure point and main photograph outside Olympic Stadium. Ride via East London then into the picturesque Essex countryside, small villages and open farmland out past Colchester and on to Harwich port for the ferry crossing to Hook of Holland - distance for the day - approx. 124km regular breaks and a lunch stop.
Stage 2 Ride (Day 2) = 90km - It's a bright start from The Hook of Holland to begin our way down the Nieuwe Maas - before we peel away inland and up to the pretty town of Delft - where we shall take our first break in the main square. From here we continue to explore the fabulous network of cycle routes to pass through Alphen and Uithoorn before our final triumphant arrival (fingers crossed for no mechanicals!) into this magical city of Amsterdam. Lets hope you have a little energy left to celebrate an amazing ride!
Day 3 - Return to UK - Adventure Café will pack and return bikes to London Gatwick, there are easy trains from Central Amsterdam to Schipol Airport. Bikes will return to Gatwick. Timings tbc.
Accommodation
We'll be using simple but clean hotels en route sharing twin rooms - good enough to give you somewhere to get clean, and get a good night’s sleep with planned refreshment stops along the way. On board the ferry the cabins are modern, and are offered in quad share. Please note cabins are in limited supply - hence singhle occupancy may not be available on the ferry.
Single supplements are available - please inform us at the time of booking if you would like a single room. Price tbc
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!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on the challenge.
Please make sure you have travel and bike insurance prior to the event.
Special Notes
Single supplement upgrade is available - on a first come first serve basis - however only a twin share option is available on board the ferry due to short supply of cabins.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information, please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leaders, full vehicle support and Driver/Mechanics, Qualified First Aiders, pre-event briefing, waymarking, ferry crossing to Hook of Holland, bed & breakfast accommodation in Amsterdam, snacks and water throughout.
Excluded From Trip
Return flight from Amsterdam to UK.
Travel to and from start and finish.
Pre Event Accommodation
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
It is advised that you stay in contact with your leader 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 leaders 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 bike is in good working order before joining this event, please ensure it has been recently serviced.
Weather
Weather conditions are very similar to the South East of England - dependent upon time of year it could be cold, hot or rainy. Prepare for all conditions. - The support vehicle will be close at all times and will be able to carry your waterproofs/ extra layers should the weather be changeable on the day.
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