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Thailand Cycling Tour


We aren't currently running public Thailand Cycle rides but please contact us for further details about arranging a bespoke group booking.

Cycling through Thailand – the land of smiles, is an adventure you’ll remember forever. The smooth roads are cycle friendly and quiet, the people are extremely welcoming and the vast array of Thai food is absolutely delicious.

Take a route less travelled and see all the beauty Thailand has to offer with 522 miles of glorious cycling from the capital to the perfect beaches of Phuket. We pass plantations, rice fields, temple sites and tropical jungle as well as many traditional villages along the way. Many new cycle paths have been created by the Thai government since the explosion of road cycling in the country.

You’ll be treated to some truly wonderful scenery as we pedal down the east coast, meander across the country to the border of Myanmar and finally along the west coast of the enchanting county to the lively party island of Phuket.

A Challenge Central leader is accompanied by an experienced and passionate tour leader who is fluent in English, French and German. Additionally, the challenge is supported by English speaking Thai Guides who enrich the experience with their fantastic cuisine selection, knowledge of Thai history and assisting with communication in the many communities we pass.

Our VIP support vehicle tails 25 metres behind the group throughout the challenge to provide instant support, frequent refreshments and valuable protection from other road users.

There are no charity commitments so you are free to raise money for any charity of your choice, or simply take on The Thailand Cycle Tour for a personal challenge without a minimum fundraising obligation.

Our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is also available on this challenge of a lifetime; please contact us for further information.
 

Day 1 - Bangkok - 0 miles / 0 km (D)

The adventure starts in the phenomenal, brightly lit capital of Thailand, Bangkok. The rapidly developing city is one of the biggest in Asia and home to over 8 million people.

The vibrant city is packed with sky-scrapers and impressive architecture combining modern and traditional buildings making the city one of the most interesting on the planet to explore.

The first night accommodation is in the mighty Mode Sathorn, right next to the BTS sky train for easy access from the airport. The hotel has a wonderful rooftop bar overlooking the city lights, as well as an impressive view from the infinity pool bar for some relaxation before the cycling begins.

There are two options for the evening, either jump on a boat with the team leaders for a short journey to The Asiatique River Front for absorption of some of the sights, sounds, smells, shops and history of this exciting city. If you are joining the group, dinner is included as well as a complimentary welcome drink. Alternatively, you are free to take on the city yourself or simply unwind in hotel and appreciate the city lights.

Bangkok may seem a real culture shock upon arrival, but it’s actually one of the safest and friendliest major cities in the world. It’s definitely worth the effort to experience what Bangkok is all about, if nothing else it puts into perspective the difference between the capital city compared to the more rural and peaceful places we will visit as we progress south on our cycle tour towards Phuket.

Accommodation - Mode Sathorn Hotel

Carefully decorated with fashionable lifestyle design, offers an immaculate business service, a pleasurable spa, an absolutely incredible view from the rooftop bar at the 38th floor and a mouth-watering dining service with Thai specialties, daily buffet breakfasts and delicious cocktails and tapas.

Thailand Cycling Challenge

 

Day 2 -  Petchaburi to Hua-Hin - 35 miles / 56 km - 159 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

After a buffet hotel breakfast, we will gather at the hotel reception where we will meet the full support crew and load up the vans ready for the truly epic adventure.

The leaders and support crew do everything they can to ensure the cycle tour to Phuket is safe and enjoyable. The staff will always be on hand to answer any questions you may have about the cycle tour or the wonderful country of Thailand.

As safety is an absolutely priority for us, we do not attempt to ride directly out of Bangkok as it simply too busy and too dangerous for group cycling. From Bangkok, we will take an air-conditioned minibus journey of approx. 1.5hrs to Petchaburi, a provincial town just a short way down the coast where we will visit an historic cave surrounded by monkeys for added entertainment.

After the cave, we will continue in the minibus for another hour where we will find our first resort in Hua Hin, the enchanting Vana Varin Resort. Lunch is served at the resort and everyone will have a chance to prepare themselves and their bikes for the first leg of the tour.

Around mid-afternoon, the time has come for the cycling to finally begin. After a long flight, the busiest of Bangkok and morning bus trip, our groups are always ready to get the show on the road by this point.

For the first leg of the tour, we have opted for a shorter than daily average and a circular route which means we are back at the same resort for the evening. This gives us the perfect opportunity to adjust to the bikes and assess the group’s cycling pace and experience.

The cycle ride is flat and short but the heat might take a little getting used to so ensure water bottles are full and suntan lotion is properly applied.

The ride will take us out to a lake, for an awesome view and a perfect opportunity to capture some photos. The quiet back roads with excellent surfaces provide the first real glimpse of the beauty and peacefulness of cycling in Thailand.

During the ride, we will pass farms, plantations and make a short stop at Wat Mongkol, a very popular Buddhist shrine with a huge image of the famous monk.

Back at the magical, idyllic and secluded lodges of the Vana Varin Resort, there will be a chance to take a dip in the pool or relax overlooking the beautiful lake that the wonderfully Thai styled bungalows surround.

For dinner we head into the centre of town to discover what an interesting place Hua Hin is. We will take the opportunity to sample the locally sourced seafood from a Thai restaurant and visit the famous night market. Hua Hin is the last vibrant town we will visit for a few days so a good chance to enjoy the nightlife.

Thailand-Cycling-Tour-TeamPhoto

Accomodation - Vana Varin

Vana Varin is a gem in Hua Hin hidden in the middle of a large forested area, full of trees and flowers. Due to the abundance of water supply in the area, the Vana Varin resort offers a truly unique environment surrounded by lush nature.

Thailand Cycling Tour - Day 2 Accomodation

 

Day 3 - Hua-Hin to Kuiburi - 53 miles / 86 km - 67 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

We commence cycling at 08:00. For the next leg of our cycling tour, we head south along some of the new purpose built cycle paths towards Prachuap Kiri Khan. 

During this day of cycling we will ride along beautiful tropical bays, through national parks and sections of magical tropical forests. Our journey now takes us away from the large tourist area of Hua Hin and heads into areas not often explored by most tourists; now the real Thailand starts to unfold in front of our eyes.

 

Thailand-Cycling-Tour-TeamPhoto

Accomodation - Kuiburi Hotel Resort

The Kuiburi Resort is a luxury hotel found on the quiet end of Kuiburi Bonok Beach, 30 minutes away drive away from Hua Hin.

Kuiburi Hotel & Resort provides a secluded private beach on the doorstep of the hotel. The location of the hotel ensures privacy and total relaxation away from the busier beaches of Hua Hin.

Bangkok to Phuket Cycle - Day 3 Accomodation

 

Day 4 - Kuiburi  to Haad-Baan-Krut - 68 miles / 108 km - 292 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

During today’s cycle, we ride through a Thai military base and over an airplane runway. Thailand invests heavily on its defence with National Service still being a legal requirement for a lot of Thai young men. The soldiers are generally very friendly and cycling is very popular with the army personnel.

After lunch we will continue towards Haad Baan Krut, passing small rural villages, pineapple plantations and  the Wat Tang Sai Temple. We will arrive at our beach houses for the night, where we can relax and watch the sun go down on a quiet palm and coconut-lined bay.

 

Thailand-Cycling-Tour-TeamPhoto

Accommodation - Sunshine Paradise Resort

The perfectly named Sunshine Paradise Resort is situated on a tranquil beach, which has yet to be discovered by the tourist crowds.

This charming destination at Rumra Beach, Prachuap Khiri Khan is a well kept secret where beach lovers can unwind and enjoy the pristine white sands of the beach.

Bangkok to Phuket Cycle - Accomodation Day 4

 

Day 5 - Haad-Baan-Krut to Chumphon - 87 miles / 140 km - 569 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

For the fourth consecutive day on the bike and the last before the rest day, we will start to really see the tropical environment come to fruition. The waters are home to an abundant of tropical fish that you would expect to see in aquariums and lush forests become plentiful as we meander our way through this fantastic country. We will also see a different style of Thai people with their relaxed attitude and welcoming attitude to all visitors.

On this leg of the Thailand Cycling Tour, we will pass a large Buddha sitting on the top of a steep hill, which provides a superb panoramic view over the sea and coastline. 10 miles further on from the Buddha and we will eat another tasty lunch in a Thai wooden house gazing out at the sea.

There is a little bit of climbing during this section of the cycle tour, but fairly easy and nothing with an aggressive % elevation, with the exception of the Buddha climb of course, which is optional.

With the cycling complete, we will arrive at our beautiful accommodation for our double night stay. With no cycling tomorrow, there is no need for an early night so a few drinks at a local bar with a pool table are normally in order.

Thailand-Cycling-Tour-TeamPhoto

Accommodation - Armonia Village

Armonia Village is an absolutely perfect retreat for our double night stay where we can relax in style. In a welcoming and traditional southern environment, you will be surrounded by peace and tranquillity where you can recuperate after four consecutive days of cycling.

Bangkok to Phuket Cycle - Accomodation Day 5

 

Day 6 - Rest Day and Thai Cooking Class - 0 miles / 0 km (B) 

With over 240 miles under our belts, the rest day should be a very welcomed sight for the team.

For those who wish to bring home some of the wonderful tastes of Thailand, our Thai guides provide an opportunity to join a complimentary Thai cooking class. The class will show the step-by-step process of how to create some traditional Thai meals that you will be able to impress your friends and family with upon your return home.

The rest day is fundamentally the chance to recuperate after the first half of the cycle tour, enjoy the amazing environment and take the lactate acid out of legs with a Thai massage. We would also recommend you take the opportunity to wash your clothes ready for the next four days of cycling.

Hopefully by now the whole team has adapted to the climate, the food and their bikes so they are fully enjoying the challenge of cycling across Thailand. This can all be reflexed upon from the pool situated 5 metres away from each Thai hut!

Thailand Cycle Tour - Rest Day Cooking Class

Accommodation - Armonia Village

A second day at the Armonia Village will allow you to relax in complete harmony with yourself, the natural environment and the tranquil atmosphere among the Village's guests and residents.

Bangkok to Phuket Cycle - Accomodation Day 5

 

Day 7 - Chumphon to Paktako- 58 miles / 94 km - 313 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

After a good breakfast, we are back on our bikes and heading across the country towards Paktako. Today's flat stage leads past shrimp farms, coconut plantations and mangrove forests. In the several fishing villages we pass, you will see the traditional fishing boats with the Thai sea as a backdrop. With this being a short day, you will have plenty of time in the afternoon to relax by the hotel pool or on the beach.

Thailand Cycling Tour - Day 7

Accommodation - Tusita Wellness

At Tusita Wellness, every effort is made to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

 

Day 8 - Paktako to Surat-Thani - 68 to 105 miles / 110 to 169 km - 247 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

We will need a good breakfast this morning, as we move into a day of high cycling distance.

We continue South along the beach where tourism has not yet arrived. Our journey leads to Chaiya, one of the oldest cities in Thailand. Lunch will be on the beach and for the last stretch of km (around 59km), you can decide to complete by bike or in the minibus.

 

Thailand Cycling Tour Day 8

Accommodation - S22

Thailand Cycling Tour - Kuraburi Greenview

 

Day 9 - Surat-Thani to Cheow Lake - 51 miles / 82 km - 257 climbing metres (B, L, D) 

A new day, a new experience during your bike tour through Thailand. Longtailboat to the floating huts of the Cheow Lan Lake.

We cycle to the Ratchapraba dam, where we take a long tail boat, which will brings us to floating huts in the lake . The day at the lake is at leisure. We swim in the lake or can use the small canoes to explore the lake. In the evening we take a boat tour to see the wildlife at the lake.

Thailand Cycling Tour Day 9 Group

Accommodation - Raft House

 

Day 10 - Ratchapraba to Phuket - 37 miles / 59 km - 543 climbing metres (B, L) 

We leave the beautiful lake landscape by boat.

On small, scenic roads we cycle south along the Klong Phanom National Park to the temple named Wat Bang Riang, which is considered one of the most beautiful in southern Thailand.

A short bus drive takes us to Phuket Nai Yang Beach +/- 4 pm and we are no doubt you will have been moved, inspired and immeasurably surprised by all the wonderful things will have seen and experienced on your cycle odyssey.

Challenge Central takes great pride and enjoyment from helping our cyclists cross the wonderful country of Thailand. Our Thailand Cycling Tour is the most exciting and enjoyable challenge we organise. The tour isn’t just a challenge, it’s a cycling holiday, one which you will treasure and remember forever.

Thailand Cycling Tour Day 10

Notes

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Please note - Unless otherwise stated, we will usually start cycling each day at 8am and go out for dinner at 7pm - when applicable.

 

Thailand Cycle Tour Challenge Dates

20th - 29th November 2021

 

What's included:

>> Excellent Quality Resorts x 9 nights (Accommodation is based on twinned rooms, please see further details below for single occupancy)

>> 9 Breakfasts

>> 8 Lunches

>> 7 Dinners

>> Fruits, Snacks, Soft Drinks and Electrolytes

>> Support Vehicle (includes First Aid and Bike Spares)

>> Thai Cooking Class

>> Local Thai Guide (with vast culutural knowledge)

>> Experienced Tour Leader (Multilingual)

>> Challenge Central Representative

 

What's not included:

>> Flights

>> Airport Transfers

>> Bike Rental

>> Guide Tips

>> 1 Lunch and 3 Dinners (see FAQs)

>> Personal Insurance

 

The challenge cost is based on participants sharing a twinned room. If you are joining the challenge as an individual or in a group with an odd number, you will be subject to a single supplement charge unless another participant of the same sex signs up in the same situation. In this instance, we will place you both together in a twinned room. If you have a preference to stay in a room of your own or another person of the same sex doesn’t sign up on their own / in an odd group number, we will require the single supplement fee at the time of the remaining balance (3 months before the event start date).

 

All Challenge Central events require a minimum participation level in order to operate. On very rare occasions if this level is not reached with 3 months to go, we may unfortunately have to cancel the challenge date. Bookings can either be refunded in full or transferred to another Challenge Central event within the next 18 months. Please find our full Terms and Conditions here.

 

Downloadable Kit List available here

Bike Clothing:

>> Padded Cycling Shorts x 2

>> Cycling Jersey x 3

>> Lightweight T-Shirts x 3

>> Sweat Wicking Undergarments x 2

>> Cycle Shoes

>> Cycling Socks x 3

>> Bike Gloves

Clothes can be washed manually in the evening and will be dry by the morning due to the heat. There will an opportunity for a laundry service from the hotel on Day 6 where all clothes can be properly washed.

 

Other Clothing:

>> Casual Clothing (shorts, trousers, t-shirts, shirts, underwear, socks etc.)

>> Shoes / Trainers

>> Sandals

 

Bike Kit:

>> Bike Helmet (compulsory)

>> Pedals (you will need your own pedals for the hire bikes)

>> Bike Computer

>> Water Bottle (only if wish to use your own as there are spares in the support vehicle)

>> Spare Inner Tubes x 4 (if you are unlucky enough to have more than 4 punctures, additional inner tubes can be purchased for 200 THB)

>> Watertight bag / pouch (for protection of your phone / camera)

 

Luggage / Packing Equipment:

>> Holdall / Suitcase (for everything in the support vehicle)

>> Packing Sacks and Dry Sacks

>> Plastic Bags (for wet clothes and separating items)

 

Hygiene & Health:

>> Toiletries

>> Sun Protection

>> Flannel / Hand Towel (for Freshening Up)

>> Anti-Insect Spray

>> Anti-Chafe Cream

>> Prescribed Medication (if applicable)

>> Basic First Aid Kit (Guides will carry as well)

 

Nutrition

Meals and snacks are provided throughout the challenge but it is fine to bring additional energy bars, gels and other snacks you are used to consuming if you wish.

 

Documentation / Other:

>> Passport

>> Travel Documents

>> Travel Insurance

>> Mobile Phone and Charger

>> Power Bank Charger(s)

>> Asian Plug Adapter

>> Thai Baht (you will be able to withdraw from cash machines with your UK cards at 200 THB charge)

Bangkok to Phuket Cycle Finish on beach

8 days of cycling with only a single rest day in the middle is definitely a serious cycling challenge, however that said the roads are smooth and fairly flat with only one hilly day. Essentially the Bangkok to Phuket Cycle is suitable for those able to cope with 515 miles over 8 days at an average pace of 15mph.

Relevant training is always key when planning for any event. In this case, you are cycling over 500 miles in 8 days (between 50 and 90 miles each day) so your first point of training should be out on your bike. We recommend you also practice riding in groups as this will help you prepare for cycling with others on the challenge. When training you should be aiming to cycle between 14 – 16mph.

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 the practice whilst in the comfort of your home.

Spinning classes are another option for training although it should be noted that the intensity of spin classes is very different to endurance cycling. A spinning class is normally a high intensity blast of 30-45 minutes whereas the event will see you cycling up to 8 hours per 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.

We encourage in the build up to this challenge that participants undertake physical activity for at least 6 months. All challengers will receive a plan to help support with their training.

As you will need to take your own pedals with you (either for your own bike or a hire bike), if you cycle with cleats/SPD's, you will need to be able to clip in/out with ease. Please ensure you are therefore comfortable with these shoes/pedals ahead of the challenge.

Yes of course. Please contact us and we can provide you with this information.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the majority of the tour:


Day 1 - Dinner
Day 2 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Breakfast only (Leisure Day)
Day 7 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 – Breakfast, Lunch
(There many options for dinner in Khao Lak, so challengers are free to select from a range of different restaurants.)
Day 10 – Breakfast, Lunch
 
Water is included at every meal and throughout the challenge accessible from the support vehicle, stored in the ice bucket amongst other special treats.


Breakfast is either a buffet or menu from the hotel. Lunch and Dinner will be a combination of Thai food selected by the guides. This is a fantastic opportunity to try new foods and the many flavours Thai cuisine has to offer. The selection of dishes will take into account any specific dietary requirements such as vegetarian, gluten free and dairy free. There is no additional cost for this as everything is ordered specifically for the group based on requirements.

 

No, there will always be a leader at front and a guide at the back to ensure no one is left behind. If necessary, the group will be split into two paces to accommodate mixed levels.

The support van drives behind the group throughout the challenge which carries spare front and back wheels for the hire bikes. The team will assist with all inner tube replacement to get you back on the road as soon as possible. You will be required to bring your own replacement inner tubes or pay 200 THB (approx. £4) per replacement.

Bike hire is not included in the base cost but bikes are available to hire on the trip:

Aluminium Frame with Shimano 105 -  £175

Carbon Frame with Shimano Ultegra - £225

All the bikes are thoroughly cleaned after each challenge and extremely well maintained. Even if you hire a bike, you will still need to bring your own pedals. Flat pedals can be available for you to use on the hire bike so if require them, please contact us so we can allocate them to your hire.

Yes you can, you will need a bike box or bag to fly with your bike and there will likely be an additional charge depending on total weight of all your luggage - Thai Airways Baggage Conditions.

Yes, helmets and pedals are not included even if you hire a bike so please bring your own with you. We find most participants prefer to use their own pedals that fit their cycling shoes however if you have trained with flat pedals, there are some available to use so if you require them, please contact us.

You will also need to bring spare inner tubes with you or pay 200 THB for new ones from the support van.

No, flights are not included in the price. At the time of writing this document (December 2015) and with advanced booking, flights to Bangkok and return to Heathrow from Phuket can be purchased for around £500.

Your booking will not be 100% confirmed until we have secured our minimum number of participants for this challenge. This can take a number of months however we will inform you as soon as possible.

We strongly suggest you therefore do not purchase your flights until we have fully confirmed your place with you.

Of course, please contact us if you would like us to book accommodation for you.

We advise one rucksack for everything you need access to during the day and one large suitcase for everything else. Please do check baggage restrictions too with your airline.

Unless you are staying for more than 30 days, or do not have onward air tickets, a visa for Thailand is not required by European, North American, Australian and many other nationalities.

You may also wish to look at: https://www.britishpassportsuk.co.uk/travel-planner.html for further information.

From the Tropical Medical Bureau:

“For most standard tourists the usual recommended vaccinations for Thailand include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella) as well as cover against the food borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A". 

Cover against Hepatitis B and Rabies is also a recommendation and should strongly be considered.

 

Passport and a copy of your personal travel insurance.

No, transfer to the hotel is not included but it can be arranged if required. The cost of a taxi to our starting hotel is around 700 THB (£12).

The Thai currency is Thai Baht - THB. As of 8th December 2015, £1 is equal to 54 THB. A beer with dinner is approximately 80 THB and a Thai Massage to ease the cycling pain is 300 – 500 THB.

The weather will be hot (between 25-32 centigrade) so make sure you bring your suntan lotion. It’s not uncommon for heavy downpours during the challenge but these are often very welcomed! Just make sure you have something waterproof to protect your phone.

The challenge is split into two sets of four days of cycling with a rest day in between.

Yes, all guides and leaders speak fluent English.

1 member of staff for every 4 participants.

Only carry what you need for cycling as the support vehicle is always close and there will be regular stops (every 20-30 miles).

The support vehicle will be with us at all times where items can be accessed. We advise to have night luggage and day bike luggage kept separately so they can be stored differently in the bus.

The accommodation will be a mixture of 4 star traditional hotels and a range of lovely Thai-style bungalows. All accommodation includes swimming pools, hotel bars and free Wi-Fi.

 

If you would like to book a room for yourself and not share a room with anyone else during the challenge, there will be an additional single supplement charge of £240.

If you are booking alone however happy to share with someone else, you will need to pay for the single supplement at the time of paying the remaining balance however we will refund you this cost if another participant in the same position books on to the challenge.

16 years old with a guardian or 18 and above without.

The remaining balance must be paid 90 days before the challenge start date.

Our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is also available on this challenge; please contact us for further information.

We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up to a challenge. When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. 

The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us. 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 undergo the activity. Please refer to 6.6 in our Terms & Conditions.

Time before start of the challenge Deposit refund
More than 3 Months 50% Refund of Price Paid
(excluding challenge deposit)
OR
Transfer to Another Event within 18 months
(excluding challenge deposit)
Between 1-3 Months 0% Refund
HOWEVER
Transfer to Another Event within 18 months
(excluding challenge deposit)
Less than 1 Month 0% Refund
AND
No Transfer

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

We will do our best to recover any lost property from our local provider and will post the belongings out to you. If posted, please note you will be charged P&P plus a £10 admin fee in advance of the items being delivered. Please refer to 6.5 in our Terms & Conditions.

The challenge cost is based on participants sharing a twinned room. If you are joining the challenge as an individual or in a group with an odd number, you will be subject to a single supplement charge unless another participant of the same sex signs up in the same situation. In this instance, we will place you both together in a twinned room. If you have a preference to stay in a room of your own or another person of the same sex doesn’t sign up on their own / in an odd group number, we will require the single supplement fee at the time of the remaining balance (3 months before the event start date).

Yes, our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is available on this challenge; please contact us for further information.

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 from our Tour Operator insurance. 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 are not at fault and Personal Insurance is essential for this challenge. We will need to receive your personal insurance information no later than 6 weeks before the event.