Frequently Asked Questions

When's the latest I can make an advance booking on the ride?
Applications received before the Wednesday before the ride will be sent out by post. Bookings received between the Wednesday and midday on the Friday before the ride (when online booking closes) will be taken to the administration tent at the Start for collection.
Can I book transport on the day of the ride?
Yes, although spaces are limited so it’s best to pre-book transport to guarantee a seat. Any spaces on the day are sold on a 'first-come, first-served' basis.
Can I change a rider on my team?
Yes- please contact us at enquiries@bike-events.co.uk with details. We will need the replacement rider's full name, address, contact details (phone & email) along with the name & telephone number of an emergency contact.
Can I register on the day of the ride?
Yes, however, the entry fee will be slightly higher on the day. Please arrive 20 minutes before you hope to start cycling to allow you time to register. You can pay by cash or credit/debit card. NB WE DO NOT TAKE CHEQUES ON THE DAY.
Can I add myself / others to an already registered team?
Yes. Anyone can add themselves to a pre-registered team if it is designated as ‘public’. On the corresponding ride booking page simply enter the number of places required in the ‘Team Entry’ field and click on ‘next’ – then choose from the list of publicly listed teams in the next dialogue box. Teams designated as ‘private’ can be added to ONLY by the original registrant (usually the team leader) and they need to log into their user account using the same email address as for the original booking and then use the appropriate ride booking page, as described above.
What happens if I have a medical problem on the ride?
All rides are covered by teams of qualified first-aiders - typically either St. John's Ambulance or the British Red Cross. If you have an accident or feel unwell, or witness an accident or rider experiencing medical difficulties, simply call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll direct a first-aider / ambulance to where you are. In the event of further medical assistance being needed, riders will be taken to the nearest available A&E department, as appropriate. RIDERS REQUIRING REGULAR MEDICATION SHOULD BRING THEIR MEDICINES WITH THEM. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT YOUR FITNESS OR ABILITY TO COMPLETE THE RIDE, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IN ADVANCE.
How much is entry if riding a tandem?
The registration fee is on a per person basis - as are transport fees.
When I registered I didn’t book transport – can I add it now?
If you registered an account with us when you booked your place on the ride, you will be able to add transport – simply log into your account and book the required transport on your 'My Bike Events' page. If you did not register an account when making the original booking, you can still create an account now and book required transport but to do so you must use the same email address used for the original booking.
What happens if I have a mechanical problem on a ride?
TO DEAL WITH SIMPLE PUNCTURES, WE ADVISE THAT ALL RIDERS BRING ALONG A PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT AND PUMP. If you need further help, we provide a number of cycle mechanics - either mobile or static - to help with any problems. Just call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll either direct a mobile mechanic to where you are or a pick up vehicle to relay you and your bike to the nearest static mechanic (typically situated at refreshment stops). Most problems with brakes, tyres, pedals and chains can be dealt with at the roadside. The service is free but a charge may be made for any replacement parts needed. If your problem cannot be resolved by the mechanic, you and your bike will be relayed either to the start or finish point, as appropriate.
I just booked on a ride and paid online - how can I be sure my registration was successful?
On successful purchase of a place on a ride, riders receive a confirmation email from SagePay, who take payments on our behalf. The email from SagePay will contain a unique 3/5 digit transaction code ('xxx-xxxxx') which should be quoted on any enquiries.
What happens if I want to retire from the ride?
Riders who unable to complete the ride, for whatever reason, can call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll direct a pick up vehicle to relay you and your bike to either the start or finish, as appropriate.
My entry pack is missing something - eg transport ticket etc
We'll have a record of your order at the event so you can pick up a new one from our administration tent at the start of the ride.
Do I have to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship?
There isn't a minimum amount of sponsorship on any of our rides and all funds raised are gratefully received by the charities concerned. Please make sure that funds raised are returned to the charity, with cheques made out to them - the address will be shown on the sponsor form sent with your registration pack.
Do I have to wear a cycling helmet?
Yes you must wear a helmet on this event. While there is discussion about the use of cycle helmets and the wearing of helmets is not mandatory in law, it is a condition of entry for cycle rides run with British Cycling, that riders wear one. We will have helmets for the sale at the start of each event.
Can I raise sponsorship for a charity other than that associated with the ride?
If it's an Open Event, you can raise money for the charity of your choice. If the ride has a single charity sponsor, whose logo and mission statement appear on the homepage, you should donate a minimum of 20% of the total raised to the official charity, as without their support the ride would not be held. All our rides offer the opportunity to raise sponsorship for very worthwhile causes, while there is no minimum sponsorship amount set. Where applicable, the charity's sponsor form is sent with each rider registration pack and we encourage all riders to raise sponsorship for them. In this case, a sponsor form other than the one sent with the registration pack should be used to collect sponsorship - the amount for the official charity being returned to their appeals office – the address will be on the official sponsor form included in the rider pack. You can also sign up for one of our 'Open Events' - a ride with no official sponsor - and raise sponsorship for the charity of your choice. This year there are several Open Events: the Tour de Tendring, London to Southend, London to Cambridge, Essex Castle, London to Windsor . Please contact the charity of your choice for sponsorship information. In all cases, sponsorship raised should be returned to the charity concerned and NOT to Bike Events.
How long will my registration pack take to arrive?
You can choose to collect your pack at the Start, or have it posted in advance. If you paid for postage, we aim to post out registration packs within 2 weeks, although please allow up to 28 days during busy periods. Registration packs for earlier rides are prioritised. Late entries purchased on the Thursday or Friday before an event will be available to pick up from the administration tent at the start of the ride.
Can I transfer my booking from one ride to another?
Yes, with Covid still with us, you can either find another person to ride in your place if you email us with their and your details, or email us saying you'd like to transfer to another event, either this year or next.
Can we put up a tent for our team at the finish?
This will vary with each event due to space and access, please contact us using teams@bike-events.com to discuss options
I can’t find my transport ticket - what should I do?
If you have pre-booked transport with us please bring along the confirmation email sent when you registered. If you can't find that, we have a separate record of all transport bookings.
Can I take my tandem on the transport?
Yes, we are able to take tandems. Transport tickets are sold with consideration to seating allocation on our coaches so are sold per person – i.e. a 2 seater tandem would require 2 transport tickets.
Can I change my start time to ride with a friend?
The start times are a guide only – you do not need to inform us if you wish to change your start time
Is a copy of the route map available before the ride?
GPX maps of the routes are available for download after successfully registering on each individual ride. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE CREATED AN USER ACCOUNT DURING THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE and then login to your My Bike Events account area (link in grey menu bar at the top of the page) using the email address and password entered during registration. You'll find a link to the GPX file in the menu on the left of the page. There will also be a printed route map - showing rest stop locations and support service contact details - available on the day of the ride.
Are all your rides on road?
All our rides are on road unless otherwise stated - please check individual ride pages on the website for details (under 'Other Info').
I signed up for the 100 mile ride but want to change to the 50 (and vice-versa)
No problem - please contact us on enquiries@bike-events.com to arrange this.
Can I bring a child in their bicycle child seat / using a trailer bike on the ride?
In general, we do not allow the carriage of small children using child seats or on 'tag-along' type trailer bikes, although they are welcome on the shorter, specifically designated, routes of some of our rides. This is due partly to safety considerations: the possible dangers posed by vehicular traffic (our rides always taking place on open roads) or by other participant cyclists (the possibility of collisions between riders being increased the more riders there are in a given space). In addition, weather conditions on the day may be unsuitable for the carriage of a small child for extended periods. Where child entry is allowed, it will be indicated on the individual ride page of our website, as will minimum rider ages for older children. Please contact us if you have specific queations or need further information.
Can I bring my dog in my bike basket?
No. The carriage of, or accompaniment by, dogs or any other animal is NOT ALLOWED on any ride.
Can I get a refund on my entry fee?
You may transfer to another event, or find someone to ride in your place (please email us their and your details INCLUDING THEIR EMERGENCY CONTACT'S NAME & TELEPHONE NUMBER.) Entry fees are refunded ONLY IN THE EVENT OF ILLNESS (minus a 35% administration fee). In this event, please return your registration pack with a covering letter. Refunds are NOT available AFTER the event has taken place.
Can I get a refund on my transport ticket?
Transport tickets are non-refundable.
I've just signed up for a ride. How do I create an online giving page?
The two major online sponsorship sites are Justgiving (http://www.justgiving.com) and Virginmoneygiving (http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/giving. To set up your own page for one of the rides you've signed up with at Bike Events, simply visit one of these sites and follow their step-by-step instructions to create a new page. Once you've entered your details and chosen a username & password etc., you can then search for the name of the ride's charity sponsor (e.g. BHF). Choosing them from a list (or using the search facility provided) you will then be presented with a list of that particular charity's forthcoming programme of sponsorship raising events. Select the ride you've just registered for and finalise your page. You will then have successfully created your personalised online giving page and you can then share your page with your friends and family by emailing the link to your page. In the case of Justgiving, when creating your page your details are passed to the chosen charity sponsor.
Is there a GPX map of the route available?
Yes. Once you've registered for a ride (and if you've CREATED AN ACCOUNT during the registration process) you can log into your My Bike Events account and download a GPX file of the route. As there are now a wide variety of GPS units used by cyclists, you will have to convert it to a format appropriate to your particular unit (tcx, kml, etc.). To convert it, navigate to www.bikehike.co.uk and to the COURSE CREATOR page (http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php). Choose 'Load Route', browse for your downloaded GPX file then upload it. Select the correct format for your unit. Once converted, you can download the new version and transfer it to your GPS unit. If you are encountering any problems with the GPX file, please send your query to: gpx@bike-events.com RIDERS SHOULD NOT RELY EXCLUSIVELY ON GPX MAPS ON THE DAY AND MUST PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD, TO DIRECTIONAL AND CAUTIONARY SIGNAGE DISPLAYED ALONG THE ROUTE, AND TO ADVICE FROM RIDE MARSHALS
Can I use my triathlon bike on a Bike Events ride?
Our rides are non-competitive mass-participation events, often with a fundraising, charitable purpose. Riders of widely varying ages and abilities take part - from the occasional, sometimes inexperienced, through to the regular, proficient club-cyclist. They are not triathlons, neither are they timed events. For this reason, riders are NOT PERMITTED to use bikes fitted with tri-bars or otherwise adapted for specialised use.
Can I phone?
Yes, 0117 422 1472
Can I use an electric bicycle on Bike Events rides?
Yes, you can, although we don't provide any e-bike specific facilities, and we do not allow e-bikes on our 100 mile routes. Please note that there won't be anywhere to charge batteries at the start, finish or en route. You are responsible for knowing the range of your battery and we suggest you may wish to bring a spare battery.
I've already registered, what do I need to do on the day of the ride?
Come to the start area, with your Rider bib number. There will be cycle mechanics, coffee and toilets at the Start and when you're ready just go the Start Tent. If you're riding on one of the events with preferred start times come along just before the time you have chosen (your time is on your rider pack envelope label and Rider Number). Otherwise, turn up between the start times advertised and set off when you are ready. We will have safety pins you can use for your bib number at the Bike Events admin tent. You DO NOT need to check in at the Admin Tent.
What is the wording of Bike Events standard terms and conditions?
By entering this ride you agree to be bound by the following conditions: I understand that this event is not a race and I must obey the Highway Code and the following rules of the ride: I will show consideration and courtesy to other road users and pedestrians. I will not ride more than two abreast/cross the centre line of the road, attempt any dangerous overtaking or ride on pavements or footpaths, except where clearly instructed. I will clearly signal my intention to turn right or left and will not brake abruptly. On downhill sections I understand that I should moderate my speed and not attempt any dangerous overtaking. I understand that all riders must wear a cycling helmet. (Helmets conforming to BS standards will be available for purchase at the start of the ride. Riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18 and wear a helmet.) I understand that any electronic maps produced by Bike Events are for guidance only and that I should follow Bike Events directional signage in the first instance, I understand that marshals will provide assistance but I remain responsible for deciding when it is safe to proceed. Cycling can be a dangerous activity and I accept that the organisers cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident, loss, damage or public liability. We recommend that all riders have both bike and personal liability insurance, please check your household insurance or visit www.cyclinguk.org/insurance I understand that if I do not comply with these rules, I risk being disqualified from the ride and from future participation. Signed………………………………………………….................... Date:………………………………………. Bike Events reserve the right to cancel/change the date of events/change the planned route and start and/or finish venue due to circumstances beyond its control. In the event of modification, cancellation or postponement of a ride, Bike Events will offer a transfer to another event or a full refund. Bike Events will not be liable for any costs incurred as a result of such modification, postponement or cancellation. Riders aged 65 or over on the date of the ride, and any rider with a medical condition or unsure of their physical ability to take part in the bike ride, must take medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event. Transport tickets are non-refundable. Entry fees are refunded only in the event of illness (minus a 35% administration fee). In this event, please return your registration pack before the event with a covering letter. Riders are encouraged to raise money for the ride charity, who may contact the riders about this event and their work and other fundraising activities - riders can opt out of being contacted by the charity when booking. Photographs taken on the route, either by the ride charity or by Bike Events, may be used for publicity purposes by either of one these organisations. Please email us if you have any objections or concerns about this.
I registered a team and made it 'Private' but now I want to make it 'Public' (or vice-versa). How do I do that?
If you've registered a team as 'Private' but want to change it to 'Public' - or vice-versa: to make a 'Public' team 'Private' - follow these steps: 1. Log into your Bike Events account at www.bike-events.co.uk 2. Click on the 'My Bike Events' link that will appear just to the right in the menu bar. 3. In the account area, go to 'Team Details' in the menu on the left hand side of the page: the team name and team members already entered is displayed below it. 4. Click on the 'Edit' button at the bottom of the list of names. 5. If you want your team to be Public, make sure the 'Team is Public?' box is ticked - if you want your Public team to now be Private, simply untick the box. 6. Click on the 'Save' button & logout.