Cycle approx. 140 miles over 2 days from Essex to Amsterdam, finishing with a day free to explore this vibrant city! Join us on this awesome challenge as we cycle together to raise vital funds and awareness for Kids Inspire Charity and this great cause!
Dates and Prices
Date of Event
21-23 June 2024
Duration
3 Days (2 cycling)
Difficulty Rating
2/8 (click here for details)
Registration Fee
£150*
Self Funding
£800**
Min. Sponsorship
£1,250***
*Registration fee is non-refundable
**Self-funding amount £800 is to be paid over and above the registration fee and includes ferry and accommodation costs provided separately by our partner company Travel Counsellors Ltd
***The sponsorship amount £1,250 set by Kids Inspire is to be raised over and above the registration fee.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Friday 21st June – Essex to Harwich
Approximate cycling distance 120km (75 miles)
Your challenge begins from an early start, after registration and bike checks from our experienced mechanics, as you head out eastwards towards Harwich cycling through lovely villages including Wethersfield and around Colchester and on to our final destination. We have evening dinner in Harwich before catching our overnight ferry to the Netherlands and the Hook of Holland. Cyclists will spend the night on the ferry in ensuite cabins.
Day 2 – Saturday 22nd June – Hook of Holland to Amsterdam
Approximate cycling distance 104km (65 miles)
After an early morning hearty breakfast on the ferry, we head off towards the Dutch capital on the flat cycle paths of Holland, hugging the coast and passing beaches and coves along the way. Cycling through The Hague and some typical Dutch towns, Scheveningen and Noordwijk- Binnen we welcome a delicious Chapeau lunch near Langevelderslag . Once fuelled, our journey continues towards Hillegom as we head towards our holding point on the outskirts of Amsterdam. Cyclists will be escorted into the centre passing famous sites such as the Olympisch Stadion and the Van Gogh Museum.
Day 3 – Sunday 23rd June – Day in Amsterdam
After a night’s celebration of your fantastic achievement and a much needed leisurely breakfast as you wake in this vibrant city, the event comes to an end. Your bikes will be safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free enjoy the amazing delights that Amsterdam has to offer. Direct flights to London Southend are available too, ensuring a much smoother journey back home after two days in the saddle!
Chapeau Events reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
What’s Included?
• Full bike transport from route finish in Amsterdam back to the UK – Drop off points to be confirmed.
• All accommodation based on twin share for 2 nights. First night accommodation is on the overnight ferry. As provided by our partners Travel Counsellors Ltd.
• All meals starting from lunch on day one to breakfast on day three.
• Complete transport of luggage between hotels during the ride
• Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers and full route support, including outriders
• Water stops
• Celebration meal in Amsterdam at the end of your ride.
What’s Excluded?
• Personal transport to route start in Essex and from route finish in Amsterdam, although direct flights are available to Southend from Amsterdam.
• Accommodation in Essex immediately before the event is not included and you will need to arrange independently if you are travelling from outside Essex and prefer to stay over.
• A bicycle
• Personal travel insurance
• Drinks, personal items or entry to any optional tourist sites you may wish to visit.
• Remember to allow extra for drinks, snacks, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
• We strongly recommend you carry a credit card in case of personal emergency.
What can I expect from your accommodation?
Accommodation is on the overnight ferry on day one and in a 3-4* hotel on day two, picked for its proximity to our route and provided by our partner Travel Counsellors Ltd. All accommodation is chosen with en-suite facilities, offering exceptional value for money; standards however may vary between the accommodation types. The price of this trip is based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own don’t worry, we will pair you up with somebody in a similar position. You can also opt for a single room, but this will incur a supplement charged at the current rate at the time of booking.
What food is included and does it cater for all diets?
Breakfast, lunch, and evening meal will be provided as part of the event package, starting with lunch on day 1 and finishing with breakfast on day 3. Evening meals and breakfasts will be provided at the hotels and/or restaurants if applicable. Lunches are a generous buffet-style with plenty of energy food to keep you going! In addition, we will provide refreshments at each cycle checkpoint of which there will be 2 each day, consisting of water, juices and high-energy snacks – 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. We can cater for all special dietary requirements provided you let us know well in advance of the trip.
What’s unique about Chapeau…why should I choose you?
Our events are tailored to you…our team have physically driven and assessed every mile of the route to ensure the safest and best possible route for your challenge, so rest assured you are in the safest hands. All our routes are specifically tailored with you in mind.
How fit do I need to be?
Chapeau events attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge, but we respect everyone’s limits. You will be in the saddle for upward of 60 miles a day for 2 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding a 50 mile day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. Whilst the profile for this event is mainly flat on ride day two, ride day one will be undulating terrain, so you should include some easy hilly rides in your training. Chapeau has rated this event 2/8 difficulty – Relatively Easy – slightly longer descents/ascents with occasional steeper spurts. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace; this is not a race. For further information regarding how we rate our challenges click here
Who will be there to support me during the event?
Your trip will be led by experienced Chapeau Events crew. Our crew are selected for their experience in cycling events around the world, their friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. Our crew leaders are also trained in outdoor first-aid. You are in very safe hands with the Chapeau Events crew.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-marked, sorting out any mechanical problems or giving you a lift in our back vehicle – our “Love bus”. At Chapeau Events we pride ourselves on our high crew: cyclist ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as excellent trip safety.
Will I be safe?
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with emergency mobile phones, first-aid kits and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the UK. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
What happens to my luggage each day?
Our support vehicles are with the group all of the time. All luggage and spares will be carried in them as we travel to each destination. On reaching our hotels, at the end of each day, you will hand over your bike for safe overnight keeping and collect your luggage. Each morning, you will hand over your luggage and collect your bike. Obviously space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag of no more than 15kgs.
What insurance will I require?
It is a requirement of entry that you have adequate insurance to cover your participation on the event. We will require a copy of valid insurance before travel. We also recommend that you apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as the NHS will cover most medical care when travelling in Europe. You can apply for an EHIC at your local post office or online.
Is travel, to start of route in Essex and from end in Amsterdam, included?
No…you are responsible for your own travel arrangements to the start of the event in Essex and return travel from Amsterdam back to UK. Chapeau will, however ensure your bike is safely transported from the event if required, allowing you the freedom for free time the fabulous Amsterdam.
Chapeau events will of course provide advice on best travel options and further accommodation requirements should you require, and flights direct to Southend and may airports in the UK are available.
Will I receive further information?
Yes…a full detailed information pack will be issued following registration and before you set off for your event. In addition, pre-event support is always available, simply email us at cycle@chapeauevents.co.uk with your questions.