What to expect
What you will do
Ways to pay
All you need to know
This page provides you with a variety of information about the challenge that you might find useful.
Charity Challenge has over 18 years' experience of providing world-class challenge events. You will be looked after by the crew from the moment you arrive, until you cross the finish line.
The ALDI Isle of Wight Cycling Challenge in support of Teenage Cancer Trust will include:
The ALDI Isle of Wight Cycling Challenge in support of Teenage Cancer Trust is graded as tough. This is the perfect challenge for participants who are of an adventurous spirit and an open mind, who have taken part in other trekking and running challenges and now wish to test themselves in a slightly more extreme environment. You can tell your supporters that on your ALDI Isle of Wight Cycling Challenge you will be:
During the challenge there are limited opportunities to spend any money. We would advise you should need no more than £20.00, excluding your joining and returning home travel costs.
We don’t offer insurance for our UK trips, as any medical emergencies would naturally be covered through the NHS. If you wish, you could look into your own policy that covers cancellation for travel within the UK.
The route will be fully waymarked with very easy to follow route markings. On top of this you will also be provided with a high quality, waterproof Ordance Survey map of the route. We will also provided written route directions in an electronic form alongside pdf copies of the route and gpx files for those wishing to use GPS technology.
Additional to this, the route will also be monitored by our support riders and all particpants will be required to sign in at each checkpoint.
As well as the support riders there will support vehicles with qualified bike mechanics roaming the route.
We employ experienced and fully qualified cycle leaders to work as support riders. The leaders are first aid qualified and have extensive experience in leading rides throughout Britain and overseas. They will be carrying full safety equipment and first aid kits with them at all times.
As you know, the weather in the UK can be highly unpredictable and at times erratic, so being prepared is the key! Whilst we hope for warmer, sunnier and more stable weather conditions at this time of year, we all know that this isn’t always the case. Please check the weather forecasts up to ensure that you bring clothing suitable for warm sunny walking weather and also sudden wind and downpours should they occur.
Your challenge begins early in the morning and you will need to arrive at the registration point for 7.00am in order to maximise the time available to complete the challenge (precise arrival times and instructions will be sent out 1 month prior to the challenge).
When you arrive you will be able to register and then enjoy a breakfast snack whilst meeting your support team and listening to the safety briefing.
We expect the final people to arrive back at the finish at around 6.00pm. Delays can happen, and the return time will all depend on the speed that you cycle, so please do try and book flexible return arrangements. At each checkpoint we will be imposing cut-off times so that we can safely manage the event. At the finish there will be food available before you depart.
ALDI will be arranging your travel to and from the Isle of Wight. If you wish to make your own way there, please note that the ferry transfer is not included in the cost of this challenge and you will be responisble for arranging your own ferry booking. Ferry times can be seen via the Wight Links website.
Charity Challenge will send across all details, plus the address of the registration point, at no later than 1 month prior to the event.
Accommodation is not provided by Charity Challenge on this expedition. ALDI will be sourcing their own accommodation for the duration of the challenge.
We would like to encourage all participants whenever possible to book a few extra nights in the local area to fully enjoy their challenge and to put money back into the local communities. There is an abundance of accommodation options to suit all budgets on the island. The closest hotel is the Travelodge in Ryde should you wish to make your own arrangements. Please book early as these can book up quickly. Please visit visitisleofwight.co.uk for more suggestions and to book somewhere.
Ferries to and from the island depart from Southhampton.
A simple breakfast will be available at registration, however we would encourage you to see this as an added breakfast and to make sure that you have had a full breakfast before arriving. Lunch will be available at each checkpoint in the form of a packed lunch and pasta salads. Food will also be available at the finish point. The drinking of alcohol the night before the challenge is strongly discouraged for your own health and safety during this tough cycling event.
There will be toilet facilities both at the start and end of the ride; however during the challenge such facilities will be limited to the great outdoors!
You will need to bring your own bike. We would recommend a road or hybrid bike.
You will need to bring your own helmet, which is compulsory for you to be able to ride. Gloves are also an essential piece of kit that will relieve strain and abrasions in the event of a fall. You should also bring your own padded cycle shorts, and if you are not wearing SPDs then stiff soled sports shoes are recommended in order to give you just that little extra power! You can see the full kit list here, and when you have booked you will have access to kit discounts through our partners at the Outdoor Shop, Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all of our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we have set up Challenge Safe, one of the most advanced and thorough safety management systems in the industry. Challenge Safe formalises our ethos when it comes to safety, and brings together the procedures and risk management strategies that we use to audit all aspects of our challenges, from vehicles to accommodation to the challenge activity itself. Your welfare is absolutely paramount!
Here are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE