FAQs

WHY YOU SHOULD DO THE SAMARITANS CYCLE?

Running the Chiltern area Samaritans office costs over £30,000 a year and holding this event we hope to raise as much money as possible.

We are keen to see as many people out doing the ride.  Come on…anyone can do at least 40 kilometres!

WHY ARE WE DOING THIS EVENT?

We are supporting the Chiltern Samaritans – our local branch that covers an area roughly from Amersham through to Chesham and the surrounding area.

The Samaritans are passionate about the support they give to our community aiming to keep their doors open 12 hours a day to visitors, and keeping telephones manned for 24 hours a day, every day of the year.. They can’t do it without the support of fund raising events such as our sportive.

Our objective is to put on a truly great fun day and to raise some money for a great cause. 100% of the profits will go to the Samaritans.

WHEN IS THE NEXT SAMARITANS CYCLE?

The next Samaritans Cycle event will be  3 rides : The Dashwood 25 Challenge, the Hellfire 50 Challenge Ride and the Hellfire 80 Challenge which take place  on Saturday 27th June 2020

WHY SHOULD I DO THIS EVENT IN 2020?

Well apart from the good cause and the good exercise, we want it to be a truly memorable day with excellent organisation and facilities. We’ve got some of the best event organisers in our team with a lot of experience so we know we can make it special.

All you need to do is to register for the event and turn up. Of course, if you want to make it a personal challenge and raise some more money through sponsorship then of course we would be delighted.

This will be an  extremely high quality event, offering something for every level of cyclist, giving you the best possible day in the saddle. We are planning to lay on excellent facilities for all riders to make it a great day for all.

WHAT’S THE FORMAT?

We will again be providing three spectacular well signposted and marshalled routes through the Chiltern countryside. Whatever your ability, the choice of three routes on quiet country roads will provide appropriate challenges whilst allowing you to enjoy the spectacular scenery and be well supported on route with feed stations and Marshalls.

WHAT DOES THE EVENT INCLUDE?

Three marked out courses for 130, 80 and 40 kilometres. Designated routes will be accompanied by .gpx map files prior to the event
Rest and refuel stations at approximately 30 and 70 miles with free refreshments, male and female toilets
Ride HQ: Start and finish point with:
Registration desk for all participants to collect a rider pack that includes:
Laminated Bike number and ties
Free Parking
Tented registration cover
Toilets
Water on tap
Ride medal
First Aid and medical support
On course Marshalls at key crossing points
Route signage
Feed stations
Cycle repair and support at Ride HQ and Feed stations

All rides to be complete by 4.00pm and the event site will close at 5.00pm

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The costs for 2020 per rider for each ride is:

130 kms £35.00
80 kms £35.00
40 kms £22.00

On the day will be £40, £40 and £27 respectively.

Whilst this is the entry fee that covers all the facilities provided we hope that many riders will raise their own sponsorship to add funds to our cause. For details on how to set up a Just Giving page for the event please see the Donations and Sponsorship page

HOW DO I ENTER?

All entries must be done online through British Cycling.

Please click on the button and select which route you want to take part in and press “Enter”:

sign up now button

Please note: Entries are non-transferable and entry via the British Cycling website only. You don’t need to be a member of British Cycling to enter but we seriously recommend you join – lots of benefits including insurance and discounts at many cycling outlets.

WHAT TIME CAN I START MY RIDE?

Riders will be able to start anytime between 8.00am and 10.00am on the morning of the ride. All riders MUST ‘sign in’ – once you arrive, please report to the registration tent where you will receive your rider pack with numbers, wristband and your timing chip. Riders will be sent off in groups of 20 at two minute intervals to reduce any road congestion. There will be a safety brief for all riders before they start.

IS THERE A DRESS CODE?

No, you can wear what you want but we suggest a good pair of padded cycling shorts for starters! Furthermore, make sure you are covered for any inclement weather with a light weight waterproof.

All riders MUST wear cycle helmets, this is mandatory for all British Cycling events.

WILL THE ROUTE BE SIGNPOSTED?

Yes. All routes are on country roads, avoiding major main roads and will be clearly way-marked all the way.

There will also be marshals at major junctions on route such as main road crossings. Please obey their instructions!

.GPX files of the route are provided on this a website.(routes link here)

WHERE IS THE START AND FINISH LOCATION?

How to get there is detailed here:  HOW TO GET THERE

WHERE ARE THE ‘FEED STATIONS’ ?

Feed stations will be located at regular intervals during your ride providing male and female toilet facilities and a range of food and drink plus water bottle refills. Please ensure that you stock up with energy and liquids while you can!

WHEN DO I NEED TO FINISH BY?

All Rides must be complete by 4.00pm

The Event site will close at 5.00pm

WHAT IF I GET A PUNCTURE OR MY BIKE BREAKS?

Please ensure that your bicycle is in good working order prior to the event and suitable for the level of ride you want to do. There will be a mechanic offering basic repairs, spare inner tubes etc at Ride HQ. We recommended every rider carries two spare inner tubes and a small lightweight bike tool. Replacement inner tubes will be available to buy from Ride HQ and at the feed stations.

AND FINALLY…

Enjoy the ride – it is not a race and all riders must take responsibility to ride safely and respect other road users and local residents on route. Although cycling is incredibly popular, it can only remain so if cyclists act responsibly, allow road traffic to pass and don’t drop litter!

ENJOY!

See you all at the Start….and the finish

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