GENERAL INFORMATION
The Ride (Solo Riders - Team Riders - Relay RIders)
Mr England, the Official Ride Starter,
starting the event at Land's End
We all know how healthy, popular and rewarding cycling can be and the Great British Bike Ride will be all of these things and more. An excellent route has been prepared, all arrangements and logistics have been taken care of and we aim to ensure that everybody has a rewarding and enjoyable time. However, as in all great achievements in life there is a price to pay; preparation for this event is vital to your success. Training will be demanding and time-consuming with considerable dedication, effort and commitment needed before you even get to the start at Lands End.
That said, we intend to make the event as pleasurable and as much fun as we can whilst at the same time giving all riders a great sense of achievement in successfully completing the third annual Great British Bike Ride (to ensure your enjoyment and success (please check out our 'Preparing for the GBBR' page).
Once on the road, you and your team will be able to focus totally on the task ahead and enjoy the ride, all you need is your bike and helmet. Your accommodation is arranged, all your kit and baggage will be transported daily and all food and drink will be provided. The tented villages will be friendly and relaxed and will be ideal places to recover from your exertions and prepare for the next day's ride.
Relay Teams - New for 2012
For 2012, we are introducing relay teams to the event. Teams can consist of two, three or four riders. Teams of four are ideal as you can have three riding, with the non stage rider in the team support car. Change over's will only be allowed at official GBBR pit stops. This system has proved to be very successful for riders who are new to cycling and still want to part of the event. Pit stops are on average 25 miles apart. Please make sure you add the word "Relay" to your registration, after your team name.
The Over Night Camps
At the end of each day, you'll arrive at our specially selected camps where all the facilities you need will be available. At the tented villages you will be able to shower, relax, chat with other competitors and enjoy good food, drink and relaxation.
You will be able to store your bikes safely, with bike mechanics available to attend and fix any problems. Our full medical team will be on hand for any injuries that need attending. All the event staff will be with you all the way - behind you and in front, transporting your bags. All the tents will be erected and ready for you to relax in when you arrive.
The tented villages are on the route so you won't have to cycle extra unnecessary miles just to get to them. All camp sites have been selected for their space, security and facilities. There will be ample toilets and showers. Tents will be erected in prime spots and ready for use, creating a well-lit, warm, base camp where you can mix, meet new friends and share your experiences of the day.
The over night camps are: Seaview Holiday Park, Land's End, Tavistock RFC, Ivel Barbarians RFC at Yeovil, Winchester RFC and Esher RFC. The final day's ride will be just 10 miles arriving in style at Twickenham Stadium.
Daily Stages
The Great British Bike Ride will take place during the day on public roads. The route has taken many months to put together so you can be guaranteed a great ride. Each of the days will differ slightly in mileage, but on average you will be cycling eighty miles per day with clearly marked, pit stops en route. All riders will be expected to comply with the Highway Code and observe road signs. Please show courtesy to other road users at all time, especially local residents. (Please check out our 'Rules for Cyclists' page)
Each day, all Riders will meet at the daily start point at 0645hrs for the official stage start at 0700hrs. Once under way, you'll follow the pre planned route clearly marked with well displayed signs. There will also be highly experienced outriders cycling with you. They'll deal with any problems and help to keep everyone on the correct route. There will be event signs along the route, and support vehicles close by. Our support teams (route marshals, bike mechanics, motorbike safety outriders, pit stop staff and volunteers) will also be in attendance.
Food & Drink
A delicious freshly cooked breakfast will be served every morning, which will get the fuel tanks ready for the big day ahead. Specially prepared lunches and drinks will be available at the pit stops on route. Sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffe will be available for riders on arrival up to 5.00pm and dinner will be served at base camps from 6.00pm to help re charge the batteries for the next days ride.
Pit Stops
We intend to make The Great British Bike Ride one of the best events in the country and we aim to keep everybody happy and satisfied. There will be a minimum of three well-signposted pit stops every day, with food, drinks, toilets, first aid kits and where possible bike mechanics ready and waiting.
Each pit stop will be clearly signposted on the route. All riders will be required to stop at the pit stops - after approx 20-30 miles cycling, we think you'll appreciate our well run relaxing pit stops.
Rider & Team Numbers
You'll be given your own individual rider number. Once you have been allocated a number we will immediately be able to identify you if you need to call The Great British Bike Ride event office.
Volunteers
We will need up to thirty keen and fit people who want to have fun and at the same time help us make the Great British Bike Ride a real winner and raise thousands of pounds for the benefiting charities.
Volunteers will have to be available for the week of the event, to help us prepare for an event that promises to be filled with fun and excitement all the way to Twickenham.
We are looking for Drivers, Route Marshalls, First Aiders, Physiotherapists, Masseurs, Administrators, Tent Erectors and someone who can play the bugle!
All accommodation and food will be provided and any out of pocket expenses will be paid to all volunteers that get selected.
View our Rules & Regulations
This is where you'll find all the important information that you will need to know if you want to take part in The Great British Bike Ride.
You also need to follow Great British Bike Ride rules and regulations to take part in the event. If you have any questions, please give us a call. You can see our rules & regs by clicking here.
