Seashell Trust is a national charity based in Cheadle Hulme supporting children and young adults with some of the most complex needs. They provide education and care, from 2 – 25 years, at their outstanding special school and college, and through their short breaks services and inclusive sports programmes. The Trust is planning to take a group of cyclists on the tour of a lifetime around some of Switzerland’s most scenic routes from Geneva to Zurich to raise valuable funds for the charity’s work. All the funds raised will support their work educating and caring for profoundly disabled children and young people.
This route has been designed exclusively for Seashell to be challenging, yet within the capability of the experienced cyclist. You will be exploring pretty mountain villages and climbing some classic passes, all with views to take your breath away!
Dates and Prices
Date of Event
17-22 September 2019
Duration
6 Days (4 cycling)
Difficulty Rating
7/8 (click here for details)
Registration Fee
£250
Event Fee
£950*
Min. Sponsorship
£3,000**
*This amount is payable in addition to the registration fee above.
**This amount, if available, includes the event fee but not the registration fee.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Geneva
On arrival in Geneva, you will check into your hotel and meet your Chapeau crew, who will register you onto the ride and provide all the details you need for your first days cycling. Your bikes will have arrived safely in advance and will be ready and waiting for you to start your challenge.
Day 2 – Geneva to Martigny
Approximate cycling distance 130km (81 miles); 2,500ft elevation gain
Our challenge begins after breakfast, as we leave our hotel in the beautiful city of Geneva. As a gentle warm up, the first day is a predominately flat ride around Lac Lemen, on easy roads with very limited traffic. Continuing around the stunning lake, we head southeast and onto our stop for the night in the picturesque city of Martigny.
Day 3 – Martigny to Andermatt
Approximate cycling distance 156km (97 miles); 8,000ft elevation gain
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off continuing our journey in a north-easterly direction, exploring the stunning scenery that Switzerland has to offer. Todays route is relatively flat to begin with but incorporates two category 1 climbs as we cycle into the last 40 miles of our route. Passing many quaint Swiss towns, we continue our journey to our final destination for the day, Andermatt. This beautiful village is located at the centre of the Saint-Gotthard Massif and historical centre cross of the north-south and east-west traverses of Switzerland.
Day 4 – Triple Peaks Challenge – Start and finish in Andermatt
Approximate cycling distance 97km (60 miles); 11,000ft elevation gain
After breakfast we head off to begin the Queen stage of the Tour. First we will ride the Furka Pas which was immortalised in the James Bond film ‘Goldfinger’. The views are stunning with rows of granite peaks, then a descent into the town of Ulrichen. We then take in the vista of the Rhone Glacier. Next challenge is the Nufenenpass reached via Switzerland’s second highest paved road. This is a stark, exposed climb with a summit cafe. The final challenge on the day is ancient Tremola Pass with its 24 hairpin bends and at the top, some are cobbled. A famous climb with even more famous views. We then descend back to our starting point for a well earned rest!
Day 5 – Andermatt to Zurich
Approximate cycling distance 113km (70 miles); 3,500ft elevation gain
After a great nights rest and fuelled from a hearty breakfast, we begin a beautiful end to the tour riding around three stunning lakes with fabulous views. With some climbing still to be done initially, we then head into the picturesque lanes of the central Altstadt (Old Town), where on either side of the Limmat River, you can reflect on the towns pre-medieval history. As the waterfront promenades like the Limmatquai follow the river toward the 17th-century Rathaus (town hall), we continue on the final straight, finishing in Zurich for a well earned celebration…Chapeau!
Day 6 – Departure Day
After a leisurely breakfast, the event comes to an end. Your bikes will be safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free to continue with your onward arrangements whether homeward bound or enjoying the amazing delights that Zurich has to offer.
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 the UK and back, if required.
• Five nights accommodation based on twin share. Single occupancy is available (£300 for 5 nights)
• All meals starting from breakfast on 18th Sept to breakfast on 22nd Sept
• Complete transport of luggage between hotels during the ride
• Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers and full route support
• Full GPX route files and fully marked route.
• Water stops, at least 2 per day.
What’s Excluded?
• Flights and transfers both inbound and out bound
• Evening meal on arrival day, due to cyclists arriving at different times
• A bicycle
• Personal travel insurance
• Remember to allow extra money for meals, 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 in 3-4* hotels, picked for their proximity to our route. All the hotels we choose are excellent with en-suite facilities, offering exceptional value for money; standards however may vary between the hotels. The price of this trip is based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. 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 supplementary charge of £300 per event.
What food is included and does it cater for all diets?
Breakfasts and evening meals will be provided at the hotels, starting from the morning of day two. Lunches will be provided by our own Chapeau caterers and will consist of hot and cold buffet style with plenty of nutrition to keep you going. Refreshments will also be provided at each cycle checkpoint of which there will be a minimum of two each day consisting of water, juices and high-energy snacks. Chapeau 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.
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 plus a day for 4 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding a 60-70 mile day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile on some days will be hilly, so you should include some moderate to difficult climbs in your training. We have rated this ride as a “7 – Tough” – On occasions the route will contain long tough sections testing your ultimate fitness and stamina! This event will be challenging yet within the capability of the experienced cyclist. 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 expedition 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 sailing bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag, weighing up to 15kg max.
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.
Are flights and transfers to and from destination included?
No…we do not arrange any flights for this challenge, enabling you to take advantage of the many competitive fares between Switzerland and different UK cities.
Chapeau events will of course provide advice on best travel options and further accommodation requirements should you require.
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.