Information…

The London to Amsterdam 4-day Cycle Challenges are perfect for cyclists of all abilities. Starting at ellenor Hospice, Gravesend, this cycle challenge takes you along an iconic route through England, France, Belgium, and Holland.

Details

Date: 25/06/2025 - 29/06/2025
Start time: 08:00am
Start location: ellenor, Coldharbour Road, Gravesend, DA11 7HQ

Costs

Fundraising option: £149.00 registration fee plus minimum sponsorship of £1,995. 50% (£997.50) must be fundraiser 6 weeks before the start of the challenge)
Self-funded option: £149.00 registration fee plus / pay £995.00 to ellenor to cover the cost of the trip plus minimum sponsorship of £1,000.00. £500.00 (50%) must be fundraiser 6 weeks prior to the start of the challenge)

To take part in the Hospice to Holland, Gravesend to Amsterdam cycle challenge, you will need to register and pay a registration fee of £149.00 and guarantee to fundraise a minimum of £1,995 for ellenor. Places are limited so do not delay and REGISTER HERE. If you would like to explore self-funded or part-funded options please get in touch with us here.

After you register our team will look after you every step of the way, providing support with training, choosing the right kit, or even helping you to rent or buy the best bike for you. We make this a cycling experience one you will cherish, be challenged by, and celebrate for a long time afterwards.

Summary of what’s included…

  • Accommodation for each night of your cycle challenge.

  • Food & Drink - During riding days and at snack stops.

  • 24/7 support from our team.

  • Bicycle roadside repairs and medical assistance. Non-roadside repairs may incur additional costs.

  • Transport of your bike back to Gravesend on the day after the event. If you’d like it sent to a specific location or the bike to be stored by our team beyond this day, this can be arranged, but additional costs may apply.

  • Do check out the FAQs in the meantime.

Our support…

If you have not taken part in a challenge like this before it can be quite daunting. There is no need to worry about anything
as we’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way. From the moment you register right up to the point of returning
your bike to you after the challenge, we will be available to answer any questions you may have about your training,
fundraising, preparation, and the challenge days themselves.

We will also connect you with other riders via group chat, welcome events, and training group rides. Full details of all of
these will be sent to you.

On the challenge itself our experienced team, guides, mechanics, medics, and support vehicles will be with you at every
stage of the journey. If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to
support you with this. From a quick roadside repair, refueling some lost energy, or even a break from cycling, our experienced team will always be very close by.

Things you’ll need to arrange…

PERSONAL INSURANCE
It’s important to have personal insurance for a trip like this. Even if you’ve already got travel insurance, check with your provider that the insurance you have covers you and your bike for a trip of this nature.

You should also have a European Health Insurance Card. If you have an existing EHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date on the card. Once your current card expires, you'll need to apply for a new card. You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your current card expires and can get one by clicking here.

BIKE & EQUIPMENT
You’ll need to make sure that you have a bike that’s in good working order, a helmet, and the relevant cycling clothing. We suggest you use a road bike or a hybrid. If
you want to rent or buy a new bike, do talk to us as we can provide a rental or information about the best one to buy for you. It might also be worth investing in
some padded shorts they make a real difference!

Your additional kit will be carried by the support vehicles throughout the three days.

Do contact us if you have any questions about your bike or kit list. We do not carry reserve bikes, so in the unfortunate circumstance that your bike is beyond repair,
we can arrange a rental bike for you (additional costs apply) from the nearest bike rental shop. Though in our experience most repairs can be done at the roadside.

PERSONAL ITEMS
You’ll also need all the usual things that you’d pack for a weekend away – toiletries, money and, of course, your passport. Check you’ve got six months left on your
passport, to be on the safe side. Entry requirements for travel to France can be found here.

Checklist - see full kit list

Getting ready…

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
It’s fair to say that consecutive days of cycling up to 115 miles is no walk in the park. However, with the right training and
mental attitude, this can be a great introduction to multi-day cycling. This is a great event that experienced and relatively
new cyclists can enjoy together.

If you have any health issues or are concerned about the physical nature of this challenge, then do visit your doctor. They’ll
be best placed to advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea for you to take part.

WHAT TRAINING DO I NEED TO DO?

Download our training guide to help you build up to the big event! The key is getting out on the bike and building up your stamina so you can cycle on consecutive days. By building up slowly over several months, you’ll reduce the chance of injury and will be able to get the most out of the experience. Do also join our training rides.

ANY WORDS OF WISDOM?
This is a challenging experience and not a race. Go at your own pace, soak up the atmosphere, and make friends as you go. Our challenge team will make sure that no one gets left behind, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride!

For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit our FAQs page.