Frequently Asked Questions

Just sign up and fill in the form to let us know you’re planning to take part.

We’ll try to get your pack to you within seven to ten days of registering. If you don’t  receive it, please let us know by email fundraising@macmillan.org.uk or by phone 0300 1000 200.

Here at Macmillan, we love fundraising and we want to help make sure it’s as easy as possible for you. We’ve got lots of ideas to help get the money rolling in.

There are lots of popular routes in the UK and abroad. Think about how much time you have and how much of a challenge you want to set yourself. Some of the most popular challenges last year were

• Lands End to John O’Groats
• London to Paris
• Coast to Coast (St Bee’s to Robin Hood’s Bay)
• Box Hill Olympic Circuit

Check out 10 of Britain’s Top Long Distance Cycle Rides.

If you’re cycling in memory of a friend or family member you could do a route that’s special to you. Maybe somewhere you rode together if they were a cyclist or cycle to a special place for you.

Lots of things can affect how far in advance you plan your cycle. Will you need to do some training? Will you want to hold extra fundraising events to help you reach your target?

If you’re hoping to lead a large cycle, how much notice might people need to get it in their diaries? And will you need time to apply for permission from the council?

Lots of our cyclists start planning three to six months before their cycle to give them plenty of time to fit fundraising and planning around their busy lives. If you’re planning something ambitious, you might need a bit longer.

Are you taking on a solo challenge? If so, it can be safer (and more fun) to have friends or family meet you at points along the way. If that’s not possible, make sure there’s someone who knows your route and is waiting to meet you at the end.

As with all cycling you need to plan your route carefully and think about avoiding busy roads. This will not only make it safer but make it much more enjoyable for you.

If you’re not a regular cyclist you should read British Cycling’s top tips for cycle safety.

Are you leading or organising a cycle? If so, one of the most important things to do is a risk assessment. This will help you to anticipate and plan for anything that might go wrong. You can find advice about how to do a risk assessment at the Health and Safety Executive.

There’s also some useful information on organising your own event at the Institute of Fundraising.

You will also need to consider whether or not you need insurance. This might be insurance for yourself if you’re doing an overseas walk or public liability insurance if you’re holding a public event. For private events this may not be necessary.

Here is some great advice from British Cycling.

If you need advice about any of this, get in touch with our fundraising support team on 0300 1000 200 or by email at fundraising@macmillan.org.uk.

Start with a roadworthy bike. It doesn’t have to be shiny or expensive but it does need to be safe and suitable for the terrain you’re riding on. If you are going to be riding a long way make sure you get it serviced beforehand so it can go the distance.

• Like with any sport there is endless gear you can buy but we’ve listed the essentials below:Helmet – don’t leave home without one
• Waterproofs
• Puncture repair kit (and the ability to use it!) Check you YouTube or your local bike shop for classes)
• Some comfy clothes. You don’t have to go full lycra if that’s not for you but something that’s comfortable for riding in. It is worthwhile investing in a pair of padded shorts you can buy them quite inexpensively and will make your cycle a bit more pleasant.

We have training guides from British Cycling to get you in tip-top shape. Visit our Training Zone to find useful training plans and guides to help you on your ride.

If you are planning on organising something bigger than a few friends you might have a bit more to consider.

Cycling UK have put together this handy guide.

You have no obligation to notify the council of a cycling event unless you are planning to close the roads however you may wish to out of courtesy.

You can find more guidance on large public events here.

Yes you can download this sponsorship form.

There are cycling jerseys available to buy on our online shop.

You can create your own event materials using our online facility be.Macmillan. Once you register on the website you can create any materials you need for your event.

Paying your money is easy. Find out how.