Bosnia & Montenegro Cycle Challenge

Level of difficulty

This challenge is graded as Tough. A "tough" cycle challenge should be undertaken by someone with previous experience and interest in the activity. A tough challenge will test you both physically and mentally. The ride will be hilly and training is essential.  

You can tell your supporters that on your Bonsia & Montenegro Cycle you will be:

• Cycling for around 6-8 hours per day
• Covering approximately 300kms over 5 days
• Climbs of up to 1250m in a day

Typical day

You will wake early, have breakfast and pack your daypack for the next section of the cycle.  The rest of your luggage will be transported for you to the next destination. Cycling days will last between 5-8 hours, including breaks and snacks. You should arrive at your accommodation each day in time to relax before having dinner and a briefing about the next day's ride.

Safety

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, 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 absolutely paramount. In terms of your Bosnia and Montenegro Cycle challenge, there are a couple of important points that you should be aware of:

• You will take on some steep descents on tough terrain, which will require a lot of concentration
• At times, the cycling route is exposed and on sunny days the temperatures can be quite high.
• You should make sure you wear sun cream and keep hydrated.
• A cap with a peak may be useful (so it can be worn under a helmet). 

Responsible Tourism

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 Care 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 make a contribution each year to a number of local community projects, so as 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 UK challenge leader and distributed where needed by them and our local Ground Agent. 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, where you will be able to view a list of the projects that we currently support.

Flights

You will be flying from London to Sarajevo (Bosnia) to start your challenge. Your return flight will depart from Podgorica (Montenegro) and arrive back to London. Your flight tickets will be e-mailed to you before departure. 

If you choose to book your own flights you must confirm with the Charity Challenge office before paying otherwise you may be liable for your included group flights (please contact flights@charitychallenge.com for further assistance). Your flight info can also be found in your Account Area under 'Flights' once they have been confirmed. 

Please note: Timings of the group flights are subject to change so please take this into consideration when booking domestic travel arrangements to reach your departure airport i.e. book flexible tickets where possible. We are unable to take responsibility for the consequences of missed international flights due to delayed travel arrangements to the airport. We therefore advise you, when booking transport and making any arrangements, to plan to get to the airport in plenty of time allowing for any possible delays which may occur on the day (bad weather, break down, cancellations etc). If you book a domestic flight, in order to get to your international departure airport, please do consider that this flight ticket cannot be linked to the ticket we are organising for you; you will need to collect your luggage, possibly change terminal and check-in again as normal.

For any general flights questions, please refer to our main FAQs page.

Visa

You need a valid passport to fly from London to Sarajevo and to return from Podgorica to London. To travel in Bosnia & Montenegro, UK passport holders don't need a visa for trips of 90 days or less within a 6-month period. Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you plan to leave and have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive.

Make sure you get your passport stamped on entry and exit. 

Non UK passport holders should consult their nearest Bosnia and Montenegro embassies regarding visa requirements.

Vaccinations & Montenegro

For up to date vaccination information please check the Travel Health Pro page: 

• NaTHNaC - Bosnia and Herzegovina
• NaTHNaC - Montenegro

The Charity Challenge team 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

• Carry medicines (including those bought over the counter) in their correctly labelled original packaging, as issued by the pharmacist. These should be carried in your hand luggage.
• Consider packing a spare supply of medication in the hold luggage in case of loss of hand luggage
• A letter from the prescriber detailing the medicines with the generic names for the medications can be helpful for border control checks, and in case medicines have to be replaced or medical help is required
• Carry a note from the prescribing physician on letterhead stationery for controlled substances and injection medications
• Take out an appropriate level of travel health insurance including repatriation and specific cover for any pre-existing illnesses

N.B.  Some medications are banned abroad so please check. You can find further information at https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/factsheet/43/medicines-abroad

Climate & Terrain

Climate - This cycle covering parts of Bosnia & Montenegro will see a mix of continental or alpine climate and Mediterranean climates. You should experience cooler temperatures inland and as you get closer to Podgorica the temperatures are likely to increase. To avoid the heat of the summer, this cycle challenge will be running in October. Rain is a possibility either side of the hot summer months, but the pleasant daytime temperatures make it a great time to cycle in this part of the world. The daytime temperatures during the challenges should range between 15C – 25C, falling at night to 5C – 15C.

Terrain - Most of the cycling is on tarmac roads but some sections of the road may be in a poor condition. The terrain is undulating with some long, but gradual climbs and fast descents. Throughout the route we try to use quiet roads where possible, but on occasions we may need to pass by busy sections especially when we reach the Montenegran capital of Podgorica. A support vehicle accompanies the rides throughout the trip so if there are sections that you are struggling with, the vehicle will stop and assist.

Training

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 are slightly different to the UK and that you will be exercising constantly for a number of days – the distance and back to abck days will be your biggest challenge. You need to be able to sustain around 5-8 hours of cycling for 5 continuous days. Replicating this back to back cycling over a weekend would be fantastic training. In your member's area you will find more comprehensive Fitness Training Notes.

Insurance

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 travel insurance questions, please refer to our main FAQs page or for any specific queries, please contact us at bookings@charitychallenge.com.

Luggage allowance & valuables

Try to keep luggage to an absolute minimum – details of what to pack are provided in your kit list. Your rucksack/holdall (suitcases are not appropriate) must not exceed the maximum weight limit of the airline you are flying with (usually 20kg, however do check this with the airline or contact our flights team if in doubt). 

Each day when you begin to ride, your personal kit will be transported to the next hotel/guesthouse. You will only need to have a handle bar bag or bum bag with you during the day and you will be able to access your day pack at rest stops.

While we will do everything to provide adequate safety for the group and security for your possessions, the general rule is that if you don’t need it, don’t bring it. This includes jewellery, necklaces, rings and even watches.  Your passport and money should be kept on you at all times.

Leadership

There will be an English-speaking challenge leader who will be responsible for the logistics and co-ordination of your challenge. There will also be numerous local support guides and staff to assist them. The challenge leader will be ultimately responsible for the running of the itinerary and the safety of your group

Group size

Each group is intended to be a minimum of 26 people in order to run and a maximum of approx. 30 people. 

Clothing & equipment

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.

Please refer to the full kit list for this challenge. As a Charity Challenge participant, you will get members only benefits and/or discounts at a wide range of clothing and equipment suppliers including Outdoorhire, Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock, Water to Go, Sporttape and Nomad & MASTA.

What are the bikes like?

The bikes are good quality 24 gear specialised Crosstrail or Ariel hybrid bikes with front suspension. All bikes have a water bottle holder included as well as the facility to fit your own pedals or saddle if you wish to bring them. A support vehicle accompanies the rides throughout the trip. Please let us know your height at the time of booking so that we can pre-book the appropriate bike for your challenge in advance. Please make sure you bring your own helmet!

What if I can’t keep up?

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. If we find somebody is unable to cycle at all, then we can transport them from one location to the next.

Accomodation & toilets

Accommodation - On this cycle challenge, the hotels offer a good level of service often with other amenities such as a restaurant, bar and garden. Generally rooms will be comfortable with en-suite facilities. 

If you are travelling with a friend or partner who you wish to share with, please ensure that you note this where appropriate when booking or email challenges@charitychallenge.com

Please note that single rooms are not available on this challenge. 

Toilets - These range from basic during the cycling route to normal western standards in the accommodation. Remember to bring some toilet paper with you as it may be difficult to find during your cycling day

Food & drink

The food will be very filling and nutritious. Breakfast will consist of eggs, ham, cheese, jam or honey and tea/coffee. Lunches are picnics with meat, cheese, fresh vegetables and fruit, chocolate or cookies. Dinner will be three courses: soup followed by a main course and dessert. Plenty of drinking water will be available to keep you hydrated. You may want to bring some extra snacks, such as cereal bars, nutrigrains, dried fruits etc.

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, with a limited choice, it may be more difficult to cater for special diets. The local team are very good at trying to accommodate different dietary requirements but a vegan and gluten free diet will be difficult to cater for. It may be necessary to supplement your diet with food products that you are used to eating as well as snacks from home. It is very important that you let Charity Challenge know prior to departure if you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies. 

Money

Currency: The national currency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Convertible Mark (BAM), while in Montenegro the official currency is the Euro (EUR). For up-to-date exchange rates, visit www.xe.com. Euros are widely accepted in Montenegro, and in tourist areas of Bosnia, but it is recommended to use local currency where possible in Bosnia.

Cash: ATMs are available at Sarajevo International Airport and in the larger towns and cities on this cycle route. When travelling through rural or mountainous areas, it is advisable to carry cash, as card facilities will be limited.

Credit cards: ATMs are generally reliable in both countries. Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted, with American Express accepted less frequently. Credit cards can be used in many hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, particularly in cities and tourist areas. However, in smaller towns and remote areas—especially in parts of Bosnia—cash is often preferred and sometimes essential.

Spending money: You will not need a large amount of spending money for this trip. The Convertible Mark (BAM) cannot easily be exchanged outside Bosnia, so it is best to spend or exchange any remaining currency before leaving. Euros can be used freely in Montenegro and are often accepted in tourist areas of Bosnia. As a guideline, approximately £100 should be sufficient, though you may wish to budget more if you plan to shop or extend your stay.

Tips: Tipping is personal and at your sole discretion. You may wish to tip if you feel you have received good service. We recommend approximately EUR 50 per person for the challenge, to be given to the challenge leader at the end of the trip for distribution among local guides and drivers. In bars and restaurants, tipping is customary, typically around 10% of the total bill. 

Phone & wi-fi

Most of the accommodation you stay in will have Wi-Fi available, but this may be limited or unreliable, particularly in more remote or mountainous areas, so please do not rely on it. You are likely to have mobile phone signal in most places along the challenge, although coverage can be weaker in rural and mountainous regions.

Please note that neither Bosnia and Herzegovina nor Montenegro are in the EU, so EU Roaming Regulations do not apply. This means you may be charged for using mobile data, calls, and texts while travelling. We recommend checking with your network provider before departure or considering a roaming package.

Emergencies

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 be a staff member 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. In the event of an emergency, all guides and leaders are maintaining contact via radio, and the backup vehicle will not be far away. If somebody is unable to cycle at all, then the guides will arrange evacuation to a vehicle.

Pre-Existing Medical Conditions

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.

Medical Support

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.