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Find the answers to your questions about Escape to Africa here. If your question isn't answered below, then please email cycling@macmillan.org.uk| or give us a call on 020 7840 7875.
The challenge takes place from 2-13 February 2013.
Simply pay a non-refundable £350 registration fee and return this with a completed application form.
We will then ask you to pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £3,750, of which you should aim to send £1,350 to Macmillan Cancer Support three months prior to departure. The outstanding amount must be with us within one month of the event taking place.
The group will be made up of around 60 people, both men and women, from all backgrounds, abilities and ages, although you must be 18 or over to take part. While some take part with friends, most people come on their own, so it's a great way of meeting new people. You will find that the group quickly bond and support each other throughout the challenge.
Whilst cycling we will be camping in two-man tents, staying at extremely basic campsites with few facilities. If this sounds daunting, don’t worry, it’s all part of the challenge and helps create a great sense of team spirit.
Please be aware that these will not be offical campsites and you will be wild camping. You will also be responsible for erecting your own tent - full instructions and support will be provided.
Throughout the ride we will be accompanied by support vehicles which will carry all our equipment and supplies between each campsite. You will need to carry a day pack/camelbak to hold any equipment you might need during the day.
Macmillan challenges are designed to be accessible to anyone of average fitness. However, this challenge is one of our toughest, so if you do not already cycle on a regular basis you will need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack.
Everyone on the challenge is required to complete a medical form that must be signed by your GP. Medical forms will be provided in your fundraising packs. Please note that individual surgeries may charge for this service.
At least 64% of the £3,750 minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £3,750 the entire surplus will benefit the charity.
We will provide you with a fundraising pack full of ideas on how to reach your target. You will also have the support of the Challenge Team and our extensive network of Macmillan fundraisers throughout the UK. However, if you do not manage to raise £1,350 two months prior to departure you will have the choice of making up the shortfall yourself or transferring to a later challenge, and thereby giving yourself longer to fundraise.
It will be hot in the daytime whilst we cycle across the plains. However, much of the ride is at altitude so there is a chance that the temperature will drop to around freezing on some nights.
Discover Adventure can provide you with a bike or you can take your own. The bikes provided are 21-gear mountain bikes with front suspension (in the UK a similar bike would retail for around £300).
You can take your own saddle, peddles and bar ends and our bike mechanic in Africa will fit them for you. If you decide to bring your own bike, you will need to ensure that is properly packaged for the flight and adequately insured. You will also need to bring sufficient spares for your model of bike. Please be aware this challenge is unsuitable for road or hybrid bikes.
Whilst cycling our local support crew will carry the group’s main luggage, food, water and camping equipment. You will need to carry a day pack with personal items needed during the day (water, sunscreen, camera, waterproofs etc.).
Cycling time varies from four to nine hours per day. There will be off-road segments as well as cycling on tarmac. The cycling is achievable, but tough - we thoroughly recommend getting up some hills as part of your training.
This trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply.
One of the key determining criteria Macmillan looks for when selecting a tour operator to organise our events is a demonstrable appreciation of environmental concerns. Our tour operator Discover Adventure has links with 'Climate Care', a service that enables participants to neutralise the carbon emissions caused by taking long-haul flights.
For full details of how to offset your carbon emissions visit the Discover Adventure website|.
If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7875 or email us at cycling@macmillan.org.uk|
Email cycling@macmillan.org.uk| Call 020 7840 7875 Facebook facebook.com/macmillanbikingevents| Write to Cycling, Macmillan Cancer Support, 89 Albert Embankment, London SE1 7UQ