Q. – When does the ride take place?
A. – 23rd-27th Sept, or 26th-30th Sept. Or both.
Q. – How much do I need to raise?
A. – £1500 in total, minus £150 deposit.
Q. – Why do I need to pay a deposit?
A. – To secure your place, and pay for flight, ferries, hotel, etc.
Q. – Will I be fit enough?
A. – Action Bikes and Sarn Helen Events Team will provide full training programme.
Q. – How does my bike and luggage arrive?
A. – Luggage and bikes are to be brought to us when flying out of UK, the day before dept.
Q. – What do I do to take part?
A. – Contact Sarn Helen events or call into Action Bikes Swansea, see contact details.
Q. – What about the hotels?
A. – All rooms are booked by the events team.
Q. – Do I share a room?
A. – All rooms are shared by twin rooms where possible, you can nominate a room-mate if you wish.
Q. – What type of bike do I need?
A. – We recommend a road bike in good working. Speak to us if you need advice.
Q. – What about food?
A. – Food is prepared and cooked by our experienced caterers at arranged stops.
Q. – Where will we get water?
A. – Water is carried by all events vehicles. We will have dedicated hourly stops, energy drinks/bars also available.
Q. – What if my bike breaks down?
A. – There will be cycle mechanics patrolling the route, with spare parts on board.
Q. – Do I need spares?
A. – No our mechanics will carry anything you need. PS – it’s sometimes worth carrying a spare tube.
Q. – What happens to my luggage?
A. – Luggage is dropped off day before departure to us when flying to destination, or can be taken to departure point if cycling from UK. Those flying back from Paris, your luggage will be available the day after you arrive back.
Q. – Do I need specific equipment?
A. – Yes, there is a list of equipment that you will need, we can email you a list or check our web site.
Q. – What about my evening meal?
A. – This is the only meal not provided, but we will organise restaurants for group bookings.
Q. – How do we get to airport, if flying from UK?
A. – We do not provide transport to UK airports, for dept or arrivals.
Q. – How do we get from airport to hotel?
A. – When abroad, transport is organised in groups with our reps.
Q. – Will I meet fellow participants before the ride?
A. – Yes. Many training sessions and trips are organised from the guys at Action Bikes.
Q. – What is the route like?
A. – Mostly flat and away from all main roads.
Q. – Who organises the trip?
A. – Action Bikes and Sarn Helen Events have over 15 years in cycling/tours events.
Q. – What time do I need to be up in the morning?
A. – Most mornings we are cycling by 08.00 am. Please bring luggage early to our luggage handlers.
Q. – I’m worried I may get lost?
A. – We will provide route markers, daily maps, Garmin info and signage wherever possible. We also encourage teams or group riding.
Q. – When do I get my luggage in Paris?
A. – Our luggage handlers will be at the hotel location each day before our arrival.
Q. – Will my bike get damaged in transition?
A. – We will take great care with your bike when transporting in our vehicles. Please bring some extra padding for your frames, no bike boxes will be allowed sorry.
Q. – Can I change my travel details?
A. – No, sorry. We cannot change your travel details.
Q. – Why do I have to have banked £800 before June?
A. – This pays for most of the hotels, flight, ferries, food, etc.
Q. – When do I need to have all the money for Shelter Cymru?
A. – 1 week before departure.
Q. – Where is the start point for this ride?
A. – Millennium Stadium, Westgate Street, Cardiff for outbound trip, departing at 08.00. Eiffel Tower for return trip.
Q. – How much money will I need?
A. – Between £100 and £150 for evening food and drinks.
Q. – Do I need insurance?
A. – Yes. Insurance is required. Sometimes annual holiday cover is sufficient. Please check with your insurers, for bikes and equipment.
Q. – Can I book additional accommodation for friends and family?
A. – No, sorry we cannot make these arrangements.