On this four-day, 250km cycling challenge, you will cycle into the foothills of the Western Ghats, through jungles, forests, beautifully scenic coastal roads, spice plantations and wildlife reserves. Take in a unique culture and way of life as we cycle through the best of Goa.
6 days | India | Challenging
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.
The bikes are 18-gear Trek, Target or Firefox hybrid bikes. They are some of the best bikes available in India; however, they probably do not compare to your bike at home. We add removable bar-ends to the bikes. We also add bells and water bottle holders. Please bring your own toe-clips and pedals if you prefer and we can add them. We take plenty of spares and our mechanics are always on hand for repairs or adjustments. The maximum frame size available in India is 19-inch.
The bikes are 18-gear Trek, Target or Firefox hybrid bikes. They are some of the best bikes available in India; however, they probably do not compare to your bike at home. We add removable bar-ends to the bikes. We also add bells and water bottle holders. Please bring your own toe-clips and pedals if you prefer and we can add them. We take plenty of spares and our mechanics are always on hand for repairs or adjustments. The maximum frame size available in India is 19-inch.
The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour - Cycle Goa is graded as challenging due to the terrain and distances covered. Anyone undertaking this challenge should have some experience of long-distance cycling. During The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour, you will be:
The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour - Cycle Goa is graded as challenging due to the terrain and distances covered. Anyone undertaking this challenge should have some experience of long-distance cycling. During The Most Exotic Bicycle Tour, you will be:
On cycling days, you will rise early and have breakfast, then after warming up, you will start the day’s ride. You will be supported throughout the ride and we will stop often for water and snack breaks to enable you to rest a little, refuel and rehydrate before continuing. We will also allow time to explore some wonderful places of interest and witness local life. You will have the opportunity to visit villages, waterfalls, nature reserves and witness some unbelievable coastal views. You can leave anything you might need during the day in one of the support vehicles and can access anything at the various scheduled water stops. Your main bags will be transported to the next hotel to be waiting for you on arrival. You will enjoy lunch along the route, which will be in a local restaurant. At the end of the day’s ride, you will have the chance to unwind and refresh before enjoying dinner together.
On cycling days, you will rise early and have breakfast, then after warming up, you will start the day’s ride. You will be supported throughout the ride and we will stop often for water and snack breaks to enable you to rest a little, refuel and rehydrate before continuing. We will also allow time to explore some wonderful places of interest and witness local life. You will have the opportunity to visit villages, waterfalls, nature reserves and witness some unbelievable coastal views. You can leave anything you might need during the day in one of the support vehicles and can access anything at the various scheduled water stops. Your main bags will be transported to the next hotel to be waiting for you on arrival. You will enjoy lunch along the route, which will be in a local restaurant. At the end of the day’s ride, you will have the chance to unwind and refresh before enjoying dinner together.
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. 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 paramount! In terms of your Most Exotic Bicycle Tour, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
Charity Challenge considers the safety of all our participants and staff to be a top priority, and as such we set up Challenge Safe, an advanced and thorough safety management system. 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 paramount! In terms of your Most Exotic Bicycle Tour, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:
This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own return flights for the challenge from your home country to Goa International Airport (GOI) in India, return. It is imperative that you load your booked flights into your account area under the 'Travel Plans section' so that we are aware of your arrival and departure flight numbers and times to organise transfers for you.
This challenge is ground only. This means that you will need to book your own return flights for the challenge from your home country to Goa International Airport (GOI) in India, return. It is imperative that you load your booked flights into your account area under the 'Travel Plans section' so that we are aware of your arrival and departure flight numbers and times to organise transfers for you.
On arrival at Goa International (GOI) on 04 February we will organise a private transfer to take you to the main group hotel (as long as you have uploaded your flight details into your account area).
On arrival at Goa International (GOI) on 04 February we will organise a private transfer to take you to the main group hotel (as long as you have uploaded your flight details into your account area).
At this time of year, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 28 - 32 degrees celsius and at night the temperature will drop a little to 25 degrees celsius. October falls just after monsoon season so it is likely you will experience some rains but not as intense as August and September.
The route is stunning, each day with a mix of coastal roads, forests, plantations and wildlife reserves. This ride is graded as challenging, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of cycling before you take on the ride but a novice can tackle the Most Exotic Challenge with training.
While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Cycling on small hills rather than just practicing on flat terrain will certainly help you to be well prepared. Begin slowly and increase your training distance and gradients. Take a couple of 4-5 hour rides before the challenge.
Please also see our Fitness Training page, and there are some support training documents in your account area.
At this time of year, you can expect daytime temperatures of around 28 - 32 degrees celsius and at night the temperature will drop a little to 25 degrees celsius. October falls just after monsoon season so it is likely you will experience some rains but not as intense as August and September.
The route is stunning, each day with a mix of coastal roads, forests, plantations and wildlife reserves. This ride is graded as challenging, which means that a good level of fitness is required! We recommend that you have some experience of cycling before you take on the ride but a novice can tackle the Most Exotic Challenge with training.
While strength is important, endurance training should be your primary focus. Cycling on small hills rather than just practicing on flat terrain will certainly help you to be well prepared. Begin slowly and increase your training distance and gradients. Take a couple of 4-5 hour rides before the challenge.
Please also see our Fitness Training page, and there are some support training documents in your account area.
The luggage allowance will depend on the airline you are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (passport, travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.
The luggage allowance will depend on the airline you are using for your challenge, but in general it will be one piece of checked baggage at around 23kg. However, we suggest that you should only need around 15kg-17kg. If you don’t need it, don’t bring it, is a good rule. Use a padlock on your luggage when in transit to reduce any risks. Carry your passport with you and make sure you have a photocopy of your documents (passport, travel insurance etc.) in case they get lost or damaged.
You will have an experienced cycle leader who will be responsible for the logistics and coordination of the challenge. There will also be numerous support staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of the group. The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. While we will do our very best to maintain the advertised itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leaders will have the final say and will act in the best interests of the group.
You will have an experienced cycle leader who will be responsible for the logistics and coordination of the challenge. There will also be numerous support staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of the group. The itinerary may change due to unusual weather patterns, the strength of the group, and so on. While we will do our very best to maintain the advertised itinerary, we cannot be held responsible for any last-minute changes that might occur. In all such circumstances, your challenge leaders will have the final say and will act in the best interests of the group.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. This is allowed for. As much as possible, we will try and ensure that the group does not spread out too much, however there will be a staff member and support vehicle at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. All crew will carry radios and communication between guides and drivers is key. If we find somebody is unable to cycle at all, then we can transport them from one location to the next.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. This is allowed for. As much as possible, we will try and ensure that the group does not spread out too much, however there will be a staff member and support vehicle at the back of the group at all times to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. All crew will carry radios and communication between guides and drivers is key. If we find somebody is unable to cycle at all, then we can transport them from one location to the next.
The group size is anticipated to be between 20 and 25 cyclists, plus the leadership and support team.
The group size is anticipated to be between 20 and 25 cyclists, plus the leadership and support team.
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Impact Partners to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also contribute each year to a number of local community projects, to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £500,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local ground team. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.
At Charity Challenge we are committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and work closely with bodies such as the International Porter Protection Group and Climate Impact Partners to ensure that our challenges benefit the local environments and communities in which they take place. We ensure that all rubbish is disposed of responsibly and following local guidelines on cultural and environmental protection and respect, we aim to limit our impact on the natural environment. In addition to taking these practical steps to ensure that our challenges are sustainable, we also contribute each year to a number of local community projects, to give something back directly to the communities that we visit. Since 2000 we have donated almost £500,000 to such projects, supporting a range of initiatives, including schooling for children in Africa, shelter for street children in Brazil, and Orang-utan conservation in Indonesia. We recommend that any gifts brought over for children are given to the challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local ground team. If you wish to do more, you should consider buying drinks, postcards and souvenirs from the local vendors. For many, it is their sole source of income. For more information, please visit our Responsible Tourism pages.
The British Asian Trust supports the development of a South Asia that is free from inequality and injustice. We back sustainable solutions that allow people to truly unlock their potential and have touched the lives of more than three million people already. By enabling our supporters to turn their values into action, we transform lives. Together we will support a South Asia that is better for all.
The British Asian Trust supports the development of a South Asia that is free from inequality and injustice. We back sustainable solutions that allow people to truly unlock their potential and have touched the lives of more than three million people already. By enabling our supporters to turn their values into action, we transform lives. Together we will support a South Asia that is better for all.
Pre-arrival Project Visit Jaipur (03 Feb) - You have the option to land a day ahead of the group in Jaipur, to visit a project that is supported by the British Asian Trust. For those participating in this day, we’ll organise group transportation to/from the project visit, as well as dinner together. The costs for this day, including meals, accommodation, transportation, and eventual transfer to Goa are additional to the overall trip cycle challenge. If you’d like to participate in this day please let Charity Challenge know.
Pre-arrival Project Visit Jaipur (03 Feb) - You have the option to land a day ahead of the group in Jaipur, to visit a project that is supported by the British Asian Trust. For those participating in this day, we’ll organise group transportation to/from the project visit, as well as dinner together. The costs for this day, including meals, accommodation, transportation, and eventual transfer to Goa are additional to the overall trip cycle challenge. If you’d like to participate in this day please let Charity Challenge know.
Your challenge includes overnight stays in hotels throughout, in twin rooms, ensuite. Subject to availability, you may be able to request a single room (supplement of £440). We will be staying in the following hotels:
Your challenge includes overnight stays in hotels throughout, in twin rooms, ensuite. Subject to availability, you may be able to request a single room (supplement of £440). We will be staying in the following hotels:
A good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found in your account area and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
A good quality, durable kit could mean the difference between a fantastic challenge experience and an uncomfortable one. For your cycle challenge, padded cycling shorts and comfortable footwear are essential, and helmets are compulsory throughout. Training with your cycling shorts is definitely advised! You can bring equipment like clip-in pedals or a gel seat, if desired, in order to adapt your bike in country, and we would also recommend technical/wicking t-shirts rather than cotton shirts. A full kit list for this challenge can be found in your account area and once you book you will have access to kit discounts with our partners Outdoorhire and Cotswold Outdoor.
We will have some great places to eat to sample the amazing Goan and other region's cuisine. We are using some of the best restaurants in Goa which will cater for all dietary requirements, but if you have any concerns with food or specific diets please let us know. We will have snacks and refreshments set up along the cycle route, but if you are used to certain snacks, you can bring some along too.
Please let Charity Challenge know ASAP upon registering if you have any dietary requirements or allergies. There will be regular drink and snack stops along the way when you're riding.
We will have some great places to eat to sample the amazing Goan and other region's cuisine. We are using some of the best restaurants in Goa which will cater for all dietary requirements, but if you have any concerns with food or specific diets please let us know. We will have snacks and refreshments set up along the cycle route, but if you are used to certain snacks, you can bring some along too.
Please let Charity Challenge know ASAP upon registering if you have any dietary requirements or allergies. There will be regular drink and snack stops along the way when you're riding.
Currency - The currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs. This is a 'closed currency', which means that you cannot import or export Rupees. For up-to-date currency exchange, go to: http://www.xe.com/.
Credit Cards - A growing number of hotels, restaurants and shops in the major cities accept credit cards. Credit cards are not the most convenient form of payment or method for withdrawing cash. However, we recommend having a credit card with you in case of emergencies.
ATMs - Please note that ATMs are not always available and that, when they are they, do not always work. It is best to ensure that you have enough cash with you prior to starting the challenge.
How much to bring - You will not need large amounts of money during this challenge. You will only need money for additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs and for any additional activities. On average, we recommend around £200 in cash, plus a credit card for emergencies. Keep in mind that you will not be able to buy Rupees before entering India, and so you are advised to take enough cash that you can change at the airport or in Delhi.
Tipping – Your challenge cost includes tips for the entire cycling crew, drivers and hotel staff along the route.
Currency - The currency is the Rupee, abbreviated as Rs. This is a 'closed currency', which means that you cannot import or export Rupees. For up-to-date currency exchange, go to: http://www.xe.com/.
Credit Cards - A growing number of hotels, restaurants and shops in the major cities accept credit cards. Credit cards are not the most convenient form of payment or method for withdrawing cash. However, we recommend having a credit card with you in case of emergencies.
ATMs - Please note that ATMs are not always available and that, when they are they, do not always work. It is best to ensure that you have enough cash with you prior to starting the challenge.
How much to bring - You will not need large amounts of money during this challenge. You will only need money for additional food & drink, gifts & souvenirs and for any additional activities. On average, we recommend around £200 in cash, plus a credit card for emergencies. Keep in mind that you will not be able to buy Rupees before entering India, and so you are advised to take enough cash that you can change at the airport or in Delhi.
Tipping – Your challenge cost includes tips for the entire cycling crew, drivers and hotel staff along the route.
You will have mobile phone, internet and WiFi signal during your stay in the hotels, but it is likely to be intermittent during the riding days.
You will have mobile phone, internet and WiFi signal during your stay in the hotels, but it is likely to be intermittent during the riding days.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. This is allowed for. There will always be a staff member at the back of the group to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. Back up support will never be far away and can be called in should there be an emergency. Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team where possible.
The event is not run as a race and there is always a large discrepancy in people’s cycling abilities. This is allowed for. There will always be a staff member at the back of the group to ensure that you are not left behind and can take things at your own pace. Back up support will never be far away and can be called in should there be an emergency. Contact will be maintained between guides and the support team where possible.
We will upload information about visa requirements to your online account area three months prior to departure. The visa information is as per the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website where a link will be provided to the visa office for that country. All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. We recommend applying at least 3 months prior to the challenge start date.
Important note: British passport holders of Pakistani origin may have difficulty in obtaining a visa for India. If the visa is granted it will certainly take much longer than for other UK nationals, and there is a chance that you may not receive it in time to depart on your challenge. Charity Challenge's cancellation terms will apply in all circumstances. Please bear this in mind.
We will upload information about visa requirements to your online account area three months prior to departure. The visa information is as per the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office website where a link will be provided to the visa office for that country. All foreign nationals require a visa to enter India. We recommend applying at least 3 months prior to the challenge start date.
Important note: British passport holders of Pakistani origin may have difficulty in obtaining a visa for India. If the visa is granted it will certainly take much longer than for other UK nationals, and there is a chance that you may not receive it in time to depart on your challenge. Charity Challenge's cancellation terms will apply in all circumstances. Please bear this in mind.
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here. For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
Your safety when travelling with Charity Challenges is our main concern which is why it is a booking condition that you have a suitable travel insurance policy that will cover you for the adventurous nature of your challenge. We have chosen to partner with specialist travel insurance providers Campbell Irvine, who offer cover for an extensive number of adventurous activities. Cover is available directly from Campbell Irvine for most European residents and includes cover for emergency medical and repatriation and for your cancellation or curtailment of the challenge. Full details including costs may be found by clicking here. For more general travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.
For up-to-date vaccination information please check the Travel pro health page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india
Charity Challenge are not medical experts, and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
For up-to-date vaccination information please check the Travel pro health page: https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/105/india
Charity Challenge are not medical experts, and we would encourage you to visit your doctor or travel nurse to discuss vaccination requirements. Your doctor may ask questions about the specific locations that you are visiting, and as such it may be useful to take a copy of your itinerary with you.
Medication
N.B. Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad
Training is definitely required. It is important that you work specifically on your stamina, leg and joint strength, and balance in order to get as much out of the challenge as possible. Don’t forget that the temperature and climate is different to the UK and that you will be exercising constantly for a number of days – the heat and distance will be your biggest challenge.
Training is definitely required. It is important that you work specifically on your stamina, leg and joint strength, and balance in order to get as much out of the challenge as possible. Don’t forget that the temperature and climate is different to the UK and that you will be exercising constantly for a number of days – the heat and distance will be your biggest challenge.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
We do not professionally vet your medical details. Please assess for yourself whether you are fit and able to take on the challenge. Please review the detailed Trip Notes and itinerary to get a better idea of what is involved. Please speak to your doctor or specialist if you have any concerns about taking part. If you suffer from a severe allergy, you are required to contact us to discuss any requirements. If you think that there are things we can do to make the challenge more accessible/comfortable for you, it is your responsibility to let us know, and we will then let you know if we can accommodate your request. Whilst we will do our best to put in place appropriate measures we cannot guarantee that this will be possible.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
First Aid qualified staff will be provided with the medical details that you give on your booking form but please note that they are on the challenge to support with medical matters related to the challenge environment and terrain itself, i.e. heat/cold, high altitude and so on. They will deal with any incidents and accidents (cuts, sprains, breaks and so on). They are not intended to continue any ongoing specialist medical care that you receive in the UK for pre-exiting medical conditions and should not be assumed to have any professional experience of your specific medical condition.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
If you have any specific needs around pre-existing medical conditions, you should discuss with your family doctor or specialist in advance and can discuss any advice given by them with the challenge leader or doctor.
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We hold an Air Travel Organiser's Licence granted by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 6546. Many of the flight-inclusive challenges on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. This ATOL protection only covers challenges that include flights booked by Charity Challenge and that originate in the UK. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.atol.org.uk/ATOLcertificate
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