Just in case
We would recommend that all riders carry a phone and some form of I.D. in case you take a wrong turning. A small amount of money is recommended for essential spares such as inner tubes and refreshments.

Helmets
An approved safety helmet must be worn by all participants at all times whilst riding in the St Giles Cycle rides. Any individuals not wearing such a helmet will not be covered by the event insurance and therefore not be able to ride our event.

Clothing
It is up to each rider as to what you want to wear for your own safety and comfort, however everyone looks good in an orange St Giles Hospice cycling shirt, which co-incidentally are available to purchase both before and on the day.

If you would like to purchase a St Giles cycle vest please contact the Supporter Care Team on 01543 432538.

Remember your bike!
Please make sure that you have your bike prepared for your chosen distance. We will have people available at the start who might be able to help with some small adjustments or blow up your tyres, but please ensure your bike is ready and safe on arrival. Our checklist – tyres to be in good condition, your brakes working, your chain lubricated and your seat is secure. Remember you will need a helmet to take part in the ride.

To make sure you stay the distance, you might want to watch this:

Essential energy boosts
We have feed stations on all routes but we do recommend that you carry something to snack on should you need it. Make sure you have a water bottle or two on your bike – dehydration will slow you down quicker than lack of food.

Your number is your number
Cycle numbers will be sent to you in advance of the event. Please remember to bring this with you, as we will use your number to check you off on arrival.

Before the event, you will also be given your dedicated arrival time. On arrival, you will be directed to a one way system that will take you to the start line.

Unless agreed beforehand, you must not ride under someone else’s number. We will not accept substitutions after the closing date for entries.

Registration closes on Thursday 15th October at midday.

Parking
Limited parking is available at Coton House Farm (WS14 9LQ), The Dog Inn and Sheepwash farm. Where possible, please walk, cycle or jog to registration and help us to keep access to the Hospice as clear as possible.

On arrival
All cyclists must be wearing their cycle numbers, these will be posted to you ahead of the event. You do not need to check in at a registration desk, we will check off your numbers as you start.

Before the event, we will send you your on the day arrival time. Please arrive at this time only. If you do not arrive at your arrival time, you may be asked to wait.

On arrival, you will be directed to a one way system that will take you to the start line. Make sure you give yourself enough time to eat your breakfast roll before the ride starts!

There will be no left luggage facilities available on site and staff will not be able to look after your personal belongings. Toilets are available at the event site.

Track your journey
We are asking our cyclists to track their journey using their own devices and are unable to provide timing chips this year.

The route
Once you are out on the route, please follow the St Giles arrows throughout. You may see other orange arrows, but all St Giles Hospice direction signs have the St Giles logo on them. All the routes are different in parts to last year, so just because you’ve cycled with us before please don’t assume you know where you’re going.

Help
If whilst out on the course you need some help, we will have one of our volunteers who is an experienced cyclist on his motorcycle, carrying a limited amount of spares to assist with minor repairs.

Start with the end in mind!
Ride, laugh, eat, chill, and freewheel. Talking of freewheeling take every chance you can to freewheel as you will need energy for the next hill but please remember, this event is not a race.

Please respect the environment
The countryside and routes are open to be enjoyed by all throughout the year so please don’t drop any litter. Bins will be provided at each feed station for you to dispose of any waste.

Don’t forget the Highway Code!
Our routes are on public roads, so please ensure that you follow the Highway Code.

For more information about this event please contact fundraising@sgileshospice.com or call 01543 432538.

Now that you are registered you will receive a welcome pack which will include event information, training tips, some fundraising ideas and a sponsorship form, which you will need to help you collect money from friends, family and colleagues when you’re out and about.

Your pack will be sent to you in the post within five working days.

Your entry fee covers the administration cost of the event
You can help even more by raising sponsorship which will help St Giles to continue to provide care and support free of charge to patients and their families.

Don’t forget Gift Aid…
We can claim an extra 25p from HMRC for every £1 donated. Online giving pages allow your sponsors to easily add gift aid to their donations. If you are using a paper sponsorship form, then please check these are filled out correctly with gift aid boxes ticked. Remember to send the forms back to us along with your donations so we can benefit from that extra 25p per £1!