Frequently Asked Questions
When's the latest I can make an advance booking on the ride?
Applications received before the Wednesday before the ride will be sent out by post. Bookings received between the Wednesday and midday on the Friday before the ride (when online booking closes) will be taken to the administration tent at the Start for collection.
Can I book transport on the day of the ride?
As spaces are limited it’s best to pre-book transport to guarantee a seat. Any spaces on the day are sold on a strictly 'first-come, first-served' basis.
Can I change a rider on my team?
Yes- please contact us on enquiries@bike-events.com with details
Can I register on the day of the ride?
Yes (please note that entry fee will be slightly higher on the day)
Can I add myself / others to an already registered team?
Yes. Anyone can add themselves to a pre-registered team if it was originally registered as ‘public’. On the corresponding ride booking page simply enter the number of places required in the ‘Team Entry’ field and click on ‘next’ – then choose from the list of publicly listed teams in the next dialogue box.
Teams created as ‘private’ can be added to ONLY by the original registrant (usually the team leader) and they need to log into their user account using the same email address as for the original booking and then use the appropriate ride booking page, as described above.
Please note that all team entries will be sent to the team leader for distribution.
A ‘private’ team can be converted to ‘public’ (i.e. made available for others to book onto directly) by the team leader. To do so, they must log into their account, choose ‘team details’ from their account menu and make the appropriate changes.
What happens if I have a medical problem on the ride?
All rides are covered by teams of qualified first-aiders - typically either St. John's Ambulance or the British Red Cross. If you have an accident or feel unwell, or witness an accident or rider experiencing medical difficulties, simply call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll direct a first-aider / ambulance to where you are. In the event of further medical assistance being needed, riders will be taken to the nearest available A&E department, as appropriate. RIDERS REQUIRING REGULAR MEDICATION SHOULD BRING THEIR MEDICINES WITH THEM. IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT YOUR FITNESS OR ABILITY TO COMPLETE THE RIDE, PLEASE SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IN ADVANCE.
How much is entry if riding a tandem?
The registration fee is per person only - as are transport fees.
When I registered I didn’t book transport – can I add it now?
If you registered an account with us when you booked your place on the ride, you will be able to add transport – simply log into your account and book the required transport on your 'My Bike Events' page. If you did not register an account when making the original booking, you can still create an account now and book required transport but to do so you must use the same email address used for the original booking.
What happens if I have a mechanical problem on a ride?
TO DEAL WITH SIMPLE PUNCTURES, WE ADVISE THAT ALL RIDERS BRING ALONG A PUNCTURE REPAIR KIT AND PUMP.
If you need further help, we provide a number of cycle mechanics - either mobile or static - to help with any problems. Just call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll either direct a mobile mechanic to where you are or a pick up vehicle to relay you and your bike to the nearest static mechanic (typically situated at refreshment stops).
Most problems with brakes, tyres, pedals and chains can be dealt with at the roadside. The service is free but a charge may be made for any replacement parts needed. If your problem cannot be resolved by the mechanic, you and your bike will be relayed either to the start or finish point, as appropriate.
I just booked on a ride and paid online - how can I be sure my registration was successful?
On successful purchase of a place on a ride, riders receive a confirmation email from SagePay, who take payments on our behalf.
The email from SagePay will contain a unique 3/5 digit transaction code ('xxx-xxxxx') which should be quoted on any enquiries.
What happens if I want to retire from the ride?
Riders who unable to complete the ride, for whatever reason, can call the emergency number shown on the route map given out on the day and we'll direct a pick up vehicle to relay you and your bike to either the start or finish, as appropriate.
My entry pack is missing my ID/entry card?
In this case you can pick up a new one from our administration tent at the start of the ride.
Do I have to raise a minimum amount of sponsorship?
The rides raise money for different charities who rely on the sponsor money you raise, so we encourage all riders to raise sponsorship and a sponsor form will be sent with your registration pack.
There isn't a minimum amount of sponsorship on any of our rides and all funds raised are gratefully received by the charities concerned.
Please make sure that funds raised are returned to the charity, with cheques made out to them - the address will be shown on the sponsor form.
Do I have to wear a cycling helmet?
While cycle-helmets are not currently compulsory in the UK, we strongly recommend that everyone taking part in our rides wear one. All riders under 16 MUST wear a cycle helmet, while being accompanied by an adult 18 and over.
Can I raise sponsorship for a charity other than that associated with the ride?
Each ride has an official charity sponsor, whose logo and mission statement appear on the homepage of each individual ride. The charity's sponsor form is sent with each rider registration pack and we encourage all riders to raise sponsorship for them. Where riders wish to raise sponsorship for an alternative charity, we suggest that 20% of the total raised be donated to the official charity, as without their support the ride would not be held.
In this case, a sponsor form other than the one sent with the registration pack should be used to collect sponsorship - the amount for the official charity being returned to their appeals office – the address will be on the official sponsor form included in the rider pack.
You can also sign up for one of our Open Events - rides with no official sponsor - and raise sponsorship for the ride of your choice. This year these are the Tour de Tendring (May 22) the Wiltshire Big Wheel (June 12) and the Wessex 100 (Sept 11th. Go to our homepage for more information.
How long will my registration pack take to arrive?
We try to post out registration packs within 2 weeks, although please allow up to 28 days during busy periods. Registration packs for earlier rides are prioritised. Late entries purchased on the Thursday or Friday before an event will be available to pick up from the administration tent at the start of the ride.
Can I transfer my booking from one ride to another?
Sorry, registrations to another ride are non transferrable but you can find another person to ride in your place if you email us with their and your details.
Can we put up a tent for our team at the finish?
This will vary with each event due to space and access, please contact us using teams@bike-events.com to discuss options
I can’t find my transport ticket - what should I do?
If you have pre-booked transport with us please bring along the confirmation email sent when you registered. If you can't find that, we have a separate record of all transport bookings.
Can I take my tandem on the transport?
Yes, we are able to take tandems. Transport tickets are sold with consideration to seating allocation on our coaches so are sold per person – i.e. a 2 seater tandem would require 2 transport tickets.
Can I change my start time to ride with a friend?
The start times are a guide only – you do not need to inform us if you wish to change your start time
Can I have a copy of the route map before the ride?
Due to possible last minute route changes we will provide a printed route map ON THE DAY OF THE EVENT ONLY
Are all your rides on road?
All our rides are on road unless otherwise stated - please check individual ride pages on the website for details (under 'Other Info').
I signed up for the 100 mile ride but want to change to the 50 (and vice-versa)
No problem - please contact us on enquiries@bike-events.com to arrange this.
Can I bring a child in their bicycle child seat / using a trailer bike on the ride?
In general, we do not allow the carriage of small children using child seats or on 'tag-along' type trailer bikes, although they are welcome on the shorter routes of the GR8 Escape, Essex Countryside, New Forest and London to Windsor rides.
This is due partly to safety considerations: the possible dangers posed by vehicular traffic (our rides always taking place on open roads) or by other participant cyclists (the possibility of collisions between riders being increased the more riders there are in a given space).
In addition, weather conditions on the day may be unsuitable for the carriage of a small child for extended periods.
Can I bring my dog in my bike basket?
No. The carriage of, or accompaniment by, dogs or any other animal is not allowed on any ride.
Can I get a refund on my entry fee?
Entry fees are refunded only in the event of illness (minus a 25% administration fee). In this event, please return your registration pack with a covering letter. Alternatively, find someone to replace you, but make sure you supply Bike Events with their details.
Can I get a refund on my transport ticket?
Transport tickets are non-refundable.