London to Amsterdam Cycle

Cycling the distance of 136 miles over two 2 days is no easy task but providing you are currently active, this challenge is certainly achievable for an average level of fitness.

Relevance training is always key when planning for any event. In this case, you are cycling quite a long way so your first point of training should be out on your bike. We would also strongly advise where possible, to get experience cycling in close proximity of other cyclists.

If the glorious UK weather does not allow any outdoor cycling then a turbo trainer, which uses your own bike would be a suitable replacement. This means you can get used to your own bike whilst cycling in the comfort of your home.

Spinning classes are another excellent way of preparing you for the London to Amsterdam cycle although the intensity vs time will be different to the challenge. A spinning class is normally a high intensity blast of 45 minutes whereas the event will see you cycling all day at a much lower intensity.

The gym can also be used to help strengthen muscles required for cycling. Exercises such as squats, leg extensions, hamstring curls and calf raises will all help to increase leg strength.

When training, you should be aiming to cycle between 12 – 15mph.                                    

We encourage in the build up to the challenge, participants undertake physical activity for at least 3 months. All challengers will receive a plan to help support with their training.

If you are cycling with cleats/SPD's, you will need to be able to clip in/out with ease so please ensure you are comfortable with these shoes/pedals ahead of the challenge.

During the London to Amsterdam challenge, you will need to make sure you have consumed enough food and drink to keep you fuelled and hydrated throughout the ride. While there will be opportunities to purchase food and drinks at rest stops, it's important to come prepared with your own supplies as well.

Lunches on Days 1 and 2 are provided by us. For the rest of the ride, you will need to bring/purchase your own food.

It's important to stay hydrated during the ride, especially if it's a hot day. The support vehicles will carry large canisters of tap water, so you don't need to bring too many bottles of water with you. However, it's a good idea to bring a water bottle or hydration pack with you so you can easily access water while you ride.

In addition to water, you'll want to bring snacks and drinks that will give you a steady supply of energy throughout the ride. Fast-releasing sources of energy such as bananas, energy bars, gels, sweets, and nuts are all good options. Make sure you bring enough to last you throughout the day, and consider bringing a little extra in case you need it.

Remember, proper nutrition and hydration are key to a successful and enjoyable ride, so plan ahead and come prepared with plenty of food and drink to keep you going!

The ferry will take approximately 8 hours with the ferry departing England around 23:00 (depending on the tide).

You will have bedding and a towel to use in the cabin.

The cabin allocation is based on participants sharing and will be split male / female or by groups who sign up to the challenge together in the most suitable options available at the time we make the ferry booking. If you would like to have a cabin on your own or in smaller groups, we can request this for you (subject to availability) however please note there will be an additional charge.

Please contact us at the time of making your deposit to arrange.

This can be found on the route tab of the event page however if you require any further details about the route please contact us.

No, you will not be left behind if you are slow. The challenge is designed to be achievable for a range of fitness levels, and there will be Challenge Central leaders at the front and back of the group to ensure that everyone stays together and no one is left behind. The leaders will set a comfortable pace for the group and will take regular breaks to allow everyone to rest and re-group.

It's important to note that while the leaders will do their best to keep the group together, it's also up to each individual participant to pace themselves appropriately and ensure they have enough energy to complete each day's cycling. If you are struggling, don't be afraid to speak up and let the leaders know - they may be able to offer support or advice to help you continue.

Overall, you can rest assured that you will not be left behind if you are slow. The Challenge Central leaders are there to support and encourage you throughout the journey, and the challenge is designed to be achievable for everyone with the right preparation and mindset.

If you get a puncture during the challenge, don't worry as our support team will be on hand to assist you. We recommend that you bring with you at least 4 spare inner tubes and a puncture repair kit. Our support vehicle will also carry spare inner tubes, tyres and other necessary equipment to assist with any mechanical issues.

During the challenge, our support vehicle will be following the group and will be able to provide assistance quickly. Our team will help to fix punctures or other mechanical issues so that you can continue with the ride. If the issue cannot be resolved on the road, we will arrange for your bike to be taken to a local bike shop for repair.

It is important that you know how to fix a puncture before the challenge. We recommend practicing this before the event to ensure that you are confident and prepared.

The remaining balance is due 3 calendar months before the event start date. A member of the Challenge Central team will be in contact around this time to advise on the payment options.

While you can use a mountain bike for the challenge, we strongly recommend using a road or hybrid bike. Mountain bikes are heavier and typically have wider, knobbly tyres which can make cycling long distances on paved roads more difficult and slower.

If you do decide to use a mountain bike, we recommend fitting slick tyres, which have a smoother, more streamlined tread pattern than traditional mountain bike tyres, to help reduce friction and increase speed on the road. Keep in mind that road bikes or hybrids are generally more suitable for this challenge and will provide a more comfortable and efficient ride.

We must bring all bikes back with us to the UK post-challenge due to the Customs Import/Export of goods paperwork we have to complete. This is mandatory and included in your challenge package.

In addition to this, there is an option to pay an upgrade fee to also have Challenge Central transport your bike to London for the start of the challenge. You would need to bring your bike to our CC HQ in Letchworth at a pre-agreed time within 7 days of the challenge start date. The cost for this is £30, and you can add this option at the time of booking or by logging onto your booking profile and adding the extras.

It is recommended that you wait until your place on the challenge has been fully confirmed before booking your return journey. This is because your place on the ferry is not guaranteed until the event reaches its minimum participant level or three months before the challenge begins. Once your place on the ferry has been secured, Challenge Central will notify you, and you can then make arrangements for your return journey.

To travel to the Netherlands, you will need to bring your valid passport with you as it is a requirement for the ferry. Please make sure to state your full name as per your passport when registering for the challenge. It is also recommended to check whether your nationality requires you to obtain a visa to enter France. You may use websites such as https://www.ivisa.com/visa-requirements/ to check for visa requirements.

Additionally, it is recommended to obtain a UK Health Insurance Card (UK GHIC), which is free, to get state healthcare at a reduced cost or for free in EEA countries.. However, note that this should not replace your travel insurance, which is still required. It is important to have a copy of your valid travel insurance document with you, and the policy should cover you for the activity you are undertaking, including your bike. 

There is always a Challenge Central leader at both the front and back of the group. Depending on the group size, there may also be additional leaders interspersed within the group.

No, you will not have to cycle with all your belongings. The support vehicle will transport your luggage and anything else that you don't need with you while cycling to the next destination. You will only need to carry essentials such as water, snacks, and any personal items you might need while cycling. This will make your cycling journey much more comfortable and enjoyable.

During the challenge, the support vehicle will meet the group at designated points along the route where you can access your belongings and refuel. However, it may not be possible for the support vehicle to be with the group at all times, especially when cycling on certain routes or tracks that are not accessible by the vehicle. In such cases, the support vehicle will meet the group at the next designated point. Rest assured that the support vehicle is always within a reasonable distance of the group in case of any emergencies or unforeseen circumstances.

All challengers must be over the age of 18 (or 15 if accompanied by an adult taking part who will have full responsibility of the child during the trip).

It is recommended that you carry a small backpack or a bento box attached to your crossbar to hold enough food and drink for the duration of your cycling leg, which should not exceed 30 miles. It's important to carry water bottles, snacks, and energy gels to keep your energy and fluid levels maintained.

It is required that all challengers carry two spare inner tubes throughout the challenge. You can leave extras in the support vehicle, which should be re-stocked at designated stops. Additionally, a puncture repair kit, including a pump, should be carried in case you have already used your spare inner tubes and another repair is necessary.

We also recommend carrying a lightweight windbreaker in case of sudden changes in weather or for emergency situations.

Unfortunately, we cannot predict the weather however we do advise you to have layers of cycling clothing as you can increase/decrease your layers as the challenge (and weather) progresses! Items can be left/picked up when the van meets you at rest stops.

There are many B&B’s and hotels in the area for you to choose from although some will require a minimum of 2 night stays. As accommodation after the challenge is not included in the package, we have no specific recommendations however as suggestions to start your search, we have listed below some that are near our finish point in Art Square.

Hotel City Garden Amsterdam 3*

XO Hotel Inner 3*

Bilderberg Hotel Jan Luyken 4*

We understand that individuals may have medical conditions that need to be taken into consideration before participating in the challenge. We strongly recommend that you seek advice from your GP or medical specialist to ensure that you are fit enough to take part in the challenge.

Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to participate in the activity. We take the health and safety of all participants and members of staff seriously, and we reserve the right to decline your registration if we believe it may put you or others at risk.

Please refer to section 6.6 in our Terms & Conditions for more information regarding medical conditions and our registration process

?If you need to cancel your place at any point before Day 1 of the challenge, all deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable.

If you have already paid your remaining balance at the time of cancelling, please refer to the table below:

Please refer to section 9 of our Terms & Conditions for full details.

Any lost property can be collected from our HQ in Letchworth, Hertfordshire or we can post the belongings out to you. If posted, please note you will be charged a £15 fee (P&P and admin fee) in advance of the items being delivered. Please refer to 6.5 in our  Terms & Conditions.

You are required to have your own travel insurance and it will need to cover you for cycling activities.If you have travel insurance already, we recommend you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further cover.

Visit British Cycling website for extra support and information on this topic.

Yes, Challenge Central have both public and employer liability cover. This covers us for the costs of legal fees resulting from claims of negligence against Challenge Central. If you would like to view a copy, please get in contact.

Our insurance does not cover participants personally if Challenge Central is not at fault.