When is the trip?
Dates: 26th December (Departure from London, UK) - 4th January (Return from New Delhi, India). Other overseas and Indian participants will join UK group on 27th December in New Delhi. Cycling commences on 29th December for five days, ends in Jaipur on 2nd January, back to New Delhi on 3rd and departure to London on 4th.
Who can take part?
People from all walks of life and of all ages come on our challenge events. Anyone over 14 years old (12 years old if accompanied by an adult) is welcome as long as you are fit and healthy enough to do the challenge.
How much is registration?
Registration Fee (Non-Refundable): £250 for full time students, £300 for all other adult cyclists, payable in full at Registration.
What is provided?
We provide the accommodation, transfers, full medical support, experienced guides, mechanic, bikes (on a rental basis), support vehicles, water and all meals.
What do I need to provide?
You only have to pay a Registration Fee (see above) and for your flights (around £570 for UK participants). If you wish to take your own bicycle, a nominal fee (TBC) for transportation will also be payable. You will need to allow for airport taxes, visa costs, personal travel insurance and spending money.
How much are flights?
You will pay an initial Deposit of £125 (non refundable) at the time of Registration, Balance will be payable by September 30th 2008.
How much do I need to raise in sponsorship?
Full time Student - £750 In Full Time Employment - £1,250 Professionals, Business and Corporate - £2,500 Family Package - Full Payment from Highest Sponsorship category, then each further immediate family member entitled to 25% Discount for their category level. For example, Rohit Mehta will pay £2,500 (in full) and Meera and Punir will both be entitled to 25% Discount on the £750 student category. Volunteers/Support Members - £1000 All sponsorships should be banked with organisers prior to start of the event.
Am I fit enough?
You do not have to be super fit to take part but the bike ride will be physical challenging. Training and fitness are necessary to be able to actually enjoy the event. However, this is not a race – the aim is for you to complete the challenge at your own pace. Whilst there will be people of differing levels of fitness you will find that there is a great sense of team spirit and support for everyone to complete the challenge.
What training is required?
We strongly recommend that you undertake training before the event. This is a challenging 5 day cycle ride and the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this amazing experience. The more cycling you can do before the event the better to build up your stamina. We will send you training guidelines when you register to set you on the right path. We also hope to form local cycling clubs in the summer so you can start getting to know fellow participants.
Do I need a specialist kit?
We will supply you with a list of what you need to take including the type of clothing that you will require. The essential items are a cycle helmet, get seats, gloves water bottle and cycling shorts. And although you will be sleeping on proper beds, a sleeping bag may be very useful to keep you warm.
What will the weather be like?
This ride takes place during the dry season when daytime temperatures are around 25-30°C. It will be quite chilly at night especially in the desert. Rain is unlikely but better to come prepared with a waterproof jacket.
Where will we stay?
A mixture of tourist class hotels and campsites will be used en-route. On camping nights, each tent will have a carpeted floor and three comfortable beds. Toilets and washing facilities will be available.
What will we eat and drink?
The food will be varied, plentiful and wholesome to provide energy. All food will be vegetarian (no meat, no fish and no eggs). If you have a special dietary requirement please let us know and will do our best to accommodate it. Bottled water will be provided throughout the ride.
What kind of support is there?
Our Logistics Partners in India will lead the event with a local support team including English speaking guides and mechanics. We will also be accompanied by an English-speaking doctor throughout the event who will have medical supplies. Our experienced team will be there to provide extra help and encouragement whenever you need it.
Will I have to carry my kit?
No, your main luggage will be transferred to the overnight accommodation each day. You will need a small rucksack or bum bag for the bike ride to carry water and small items e.g. sun block, camera, toilet tissue and hand wipes. You can also leave a day bag in the support vehicles with any other items.
Do I need any vaccinations?
We recommend that you consult your doctor about which immunisations are required for the Rajasthan area of India. However, we do suggest the following: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid and Meningitis. Malaria precautions are essential.
Do I need travel insurance?
You must be insured to take part in this event. You can take out insurance through a company of your choice and the policy should include health, repatriation, accidents and loss. You will need to provide proof of your insurance 8 weeks prior to the challenge
Do I need a visa?
British passport holders require a visa to enter India, which currently costs £30.
How will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?
Raising money can be a daunting task but over the last decade, Veerayatan has been organising challenge events in which hundreds of participants have managed to raise large sponsorships for different charities. Once you put your mind to it, it’s surprising what you can achieve. When you register, we will send you a fundraising pack full of information and ideas. The possibilities are endless and once you start you will be surprised at how generous people are.
How will the sponsorship funds be used?
The funds will be used to set up Educational Centres in rural locations in Gujarat and Bihar, identified by Acharyashriji as those with the most pressing needs. The first Centre will be in the holy city of Palitana, a location of historical and religious significance for Jains.
All our projects are run on zero administration costs - i.e. every penny you raise will go directly into charity projects!
Who will be managing the project?
The event will be managed by Veerayatan. We will be partnering with one of India’s best known adventure companies who will be running the itinerary, the logistics and safety of the group.