2026 Cycle`challenge…
London to Bristol Cycle Challenge
18th - 19th September 2026
Be part of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity 2026 cycle event from London to Bristol.
This challenge goes through an iconic English countryside route and is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. TFA Events will look after you every step of the way, from training to fundraising to keeping you safe on the ride. This is truly a ride you will really enjoy, be challenged by, and celebrate for a long time after. Make this a journey to remember and register for your place above. All the information you need to know about the challenge, the foundation, how to rent a bike, plus the event terms & conditions, are available below.
EVENT INFO
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DATES
18th - 19th September 2026
COSTS
To take part, you will need to pay a registration fee of £99.00 plus fundraise a total of £xx for GWAAC)
The registration fee is due at sign-up and is non-refundable. If you find you are unable to make the event, you can transfer your place.
Places are only confirmed when the deposit is paid, and you have received confirmation from TFA Events.
REGISTRATION FEE
Your registration fee for this challenge is £99.00 and is non-refundable under any circumstances.FUNDRAISING COMMITMENT
If you are self-funding the trip, 80% will need to be raised in advance of the trip.CANCELLATION
If you cancel for any reason, the following will apply.Deposit - non-refundable, but it is transferable.
Cancel before 18 May 2026 - no charge
Cancel 18 May - 31 July - 50% refund
Cancel 31 July onwards- no refund
Full Event Terms & Conditions available below, but please do speak with TFA Events (info@tfaevents.co.uk) if any changes to your plans should occur.
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On the challenge itself our experienced team, 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.
Our experienced team will always be very close by.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
ACCOMMODATION - One night’s accommodation during the challenge.
FOOD & DRINK- breakfast, lunch, and evening meal.
SUPPORT - 24/7 support from our event team, professional medical team, bike mechanics, and partners from sign-up to return. Any bike parts are at an additional cost.
BIKE RETURN - Transport of your bike back to London after the event. If you’d like it sent to a specific location or stored by our team beyond the trip, this can be arranged, but additional costs may apply.
RETURN TICKET TO LONDON - from Bristol to London St Pancras on 20th September.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
RETURN TRAVEL - on a different day unless approved by TFA.
HOTEL UPGRADES - If you wish to upgrade your hotel for your stay in Bristol, we can arrange this, but additional costs apply.
CERTAIN FOOD & DRINKS - Alcohol or specialist food you may require. Please discuss with TFA Events if you require anything.
BIKE RENTAL– This is available for all at an additional cost.
INSURANCE - You must have bicycle liability insurance, medical insurance, and travel insurance, which you will need to arrange yourself.
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TFA Events has a range of bikes available for rent or purchase.
To find out more, email us, and we’ll be back in touch soon.
OUR ROUTE
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DAY 1 - London to Marlborough | 61.5 miles | 732 m Elevation | ROUTE
We’ll set off from West London at 9.30 am after the morning rush hour.
There are frequent stops and the pace is gentle to allow us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way out of London and enter the peace and quiet of the Berkshire countryside.
The morning ride is undulating, not too intensely, though. After regular stops at Winnersh, Mortimer, and Brimpton to recharge, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch near Newbury.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Marlborough, but you’ll be pleased to hear, it will be less than 25 miles!
We’ll head north of Newbury through the village of Ramsey and then over a short, sharp hill, before free-wheeling into Marlborough. 61 miles done, day 1 complete!
Upon arrival in Marlborough, you will get a well-earned break and be able to check in to the hotel for our overnight accommodation.
After you’ve had the chance to freshen up, we will all meet for our evening meal and a chance to reflect on the first day of cycling and get to know one another.
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DAY 2 -Marlborough to Bristol | 82.1 miles | 1,228 m Elevation | ROUTE
Day 2 is our biggest day when it comes to cycling.
We will start earlier, and the roads around Marlborough quickly become country lanes with a limited amount of traffic. We’ll need to maintain our pace on the day to complete the 82 miles, but our guides will support you throughout the day.
Cycling starts around 8.00 am, with a short hill, then a steep descent, and a flat road to Westbury and Frome.
The route is gently undulating for the first 40 miles, before our lunch stop in the village of Witham Friary. After lunch, we have a bit of a climb just before Castle Cary. Following this, you’ll be glad to hear the remainder of the day cycling (30m) is downhill, flat with minor undulations!
Upon arrival in Bath we’ll pick up the cycle route to Bristol and be on the final stretch.
Soon we will see the GWAAC headquarters and cycle in to enjoy some celebratory food and drinks and then have a team photo to make the success of this amazing challenge.
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After your challenge, you will need to arrange your journey home.
Please do get in touch with us if you would like any assistance or if you wish to stay in Bristol longer; we can also arrange that for you.
We can also arrange bike return.
Additional hotels and bike return do incur additional charges.
HOTEL & FOOD
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Night 1 - Premier Inn Marlborough
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FOOD & DRINK- breakfast, lunch, and evening meal.
CERTAIN FOOD & DRINKS, like Alcohol or specialist food, you may require are not included, but please do come and discuss with us in advance.
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CLICK HERE for the full training guide as recommended by TFA Events.
Do get in touch with us if you have any questions on training.
KIT LIST
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ClOTHING & EQUIPMENT
A bike that has been serviced in the last six months
Helmet
Bell
Working front and rear lights
Front and rear reflectors
Water bottle and bottle cage fitted to the bike
Four spare inner-tubes or we can provide - from £10 per inner-tube
Bike bag or saddle pack (not essential)
Comfortable cycling shoes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Comfortable cycling tops/t-shirts (one per day)
Waterproof & warm cycling clothing (start of day 2 can be cold)
Change of clothing for three days away (when not cycling)
Shoes/Trainers/Flip Flops
Small Hand Towel
Main bag for all your luggage
Day pack for essentials
Prescribed medicine (please let us know in advance)
Phone or laptop charger
Earphones/headphones
Camera
Toiletries
Sun protection
Ear plugs
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DOCUMENTATION
Travel Insurance, which includes your bike, is compulsory on our challenges.
Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back home.
Cycling Insurance - this is a requirement for this trip. See above.
Credit or Debit card
Other photo identification - Driving Licence/ID Card
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INSURANCE
You must have your own travel, medical, and cycling insurance to cover you for this type of cycling activity.
Travel Insurance - covers you for the damage, loss, or theft of your possessions, your bike, and any other items you bring with you.
Cycling insurance - covers you for taking part in this type of cycling activity. Please ensure you have third-party cover as well as additional medical costs. Visit the British Cycling or Yellow Jersey (use MYCYCLE10 to get a 10% discount) website for more information. There are plenty of other providers as well.
Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back to the UK or your home country.
If you have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge.
Do get in touch with us if you have any questions and our full terms and conditions are available in the footer of this page.
FAQs
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Which route will the cycle challenge take, and how far is it?
The total cycling distance for the London to Bristol cycle ride is 143 miles (route details - see panel above)
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Where do the cycle challenges start and finish, and at what time?
This cycle ride starts in Alexandra Park, Windsor at 8.30am on 18th September 2026 and finishes at GWAAC, at approximately 4.00pm on 19th September 2026.
Participants can meet from 8.00am at the start location.
_______________
What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
This is not an easy cycle ride, but don’t let that put you off. You will be in the saddle for two consecutive days, cycling between 60-85 miles for 6-8 hours each day.
If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike, it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone.
Get in touch with our Event Director, Laura Roberts, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - info@tfaevents.co.uk or 0333 4441189.
_______________
What training do I need to do?
As you will be cycling for a long time for two consecutive days, getting comfortable with your bike, shoes, helmet, and clothing is essential.
We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can, practice riding in groups.
We will be setting up a cycling WhatsApp Group if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before your challenge.
Do check out our training tips, and remember, your training should be fun! If you are a member of a local gym, sign up for a spinning class, as they are great ways to prepare. We encourage you to build up to the challenge, and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.
_______________
I have a medical condition. What should I do?
We strongly recommend that anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for 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 undertake the activity.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (below) for further details.
_______________
What will the challenge cost?
You will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £99.00 and fundraise an additional agreed amount to cover the cost of the trip
_______________
How will each day of cycling work?
Each day’s cycling will be broken down into 4-5 shorter cycling sections, usually between 15-20 miles long.After each section, there will be ‘Stop Points’ where you can take on snacks and drinks, rest your legs, and catch up with your fellow challengers.
We have several support vehicles travelling with the group, so if you need to stop or want to ride in one of the support vehicles for part of a section, that’s absolutely fine.
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Will food and accommodation be provided?
Yes, all your meals and hotel accommodation will be provided. We do not provide breakfast on Day 1.
Accommodation will be in 2* hotels, which are more than comfortable, but if you wish to upgrade, we can arrange for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want. All the additional bookings are subject to availability.
_______________
What type of bike do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable riding for two consecutive days.
We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for two consecutive days, that’s fine.
Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy or want to rent a bike.
_______________
What happens if I experience problems with my bike?
Don’t worry, we have a bike mechanic with us on the support team, who will be able to provide any quick roadside repairs to get you going again.
If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible.
We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles.
Any additional repairs needed for your bike will need to be covered by you.
_______________
What happens if I get injured?
We have carefully planned out this challenge to try and make sure that no one gets injured.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of group cycling over two days on public roads, there may be injuries.
To support you, we have a qualified medic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention.
It is, though, your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance and cycling insurance (see below) to do this challenge.
Additional costs for medical support may be incurred, which will need to be covered entirely by yourself.
_______________
Do I need insurance?
YES! You must have your own insurance, and it will need to cover you for cycling activities (see liability insurance via British Cycling or Yellow Jersey websites), your personal possessions, and medical support if needed in the UK.If you are a UK resident and have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further policy or additional cover.
There are plenty of other companies that also provide this cover and support, and the above two organisations are only suggestions.
_______________
What other documents do I need?
You need to have the following documents to take part:A form of identity (Passport/Driving Licence, etc)
Cycling Insurance - You must bring a copy of your cycling insurance policy with you
Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card. If you are a non-UK national, you will need to have relevant health cover insurance.
Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike
_______________
How will I get back home?
You will have to arrange your return from Bristol yourself. TFA Events can arrange this for you (including your bike), but there may be additional charges._______________
Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Just let us know when we speak to you after booking, and we will help you with your hotel booking where we can. Additional charges may apply.
_______________
What will happen to my bike after the challenge?
You will need to arrange transport for your bike home. TFA Events can arrange this for you, but there may be additional charges.
_______________
If I cancel my place, what happens?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (below in the footer of this page) for full details. -
Where do the cycle challenges start and finish, and at what time?
This cycle ride starts in Alexandra Park, Windsor at 8.30am on 18th September 2026 and finishes at GWAAC, at approximately 4.00pm on 19th September 2026.
Participants must meet at 8.00am at the start location.
_______________
What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
This is not an easy cycle ride, but don’t let that put you off. You will be in the saddle for two consecutive days, cycling between 60-85 miles for 6-8 hours each day.
If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike, it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone.
Get in touch with our Event Director, Laura Roberts, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - info@tfaevents.co.uk or 0333 4441189.
_______________
What training do I need to do?
As you will be cycling for a long time for two consecutive days, getting comfortable with your bike, shoes, helmet, and clothing is essential.
We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can, practice riding in groups.
We will be setting up a cycling WhatsApp Group if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before your challenge.
Do check out our training tips, and remember, your training should be fun!
If you are a member of a local gym, sign up for a spinning class, as they are great ways to prepare.
We encourage you to build up to the challenge, and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.
_______________
I have a medical condition. What should I do?
We strongly recommend that anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for 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 undertake the activity. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (below) for further details.
_______________
What will the challenge cost?
You will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £99.00 and fundraise an additional amount to cover the cost of the trip
_______________
What type of bike do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable riding for two consecutive days.
We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for two consecutive days, that’s fine. Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy or want to rent a bike.
_______________
What happens if I experience problems with my bike?
Don’t worry, we have a bike mechanic with us on the support team, who will be able to provide any quick roadside repairs to get you going again.
If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible.
We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles.
Any additional repairs needed for your bike will need to be covered by you.
_______________
What happens if I get injured?
We have carefully planned out this challenge to try and make sure that no one gets injured.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of group cycling over two days on public roads, there may be injuries.
To support you, we have a qualified medic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention.
It is, though, your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance and cycling insurance (see below) to do this challenge.
Additional costs for medical support may be incurred, which will need to be covered entirely by yourself.
_______________
Do I need insurance?
YES! You must have your own insurance (see liability insurance via British Cycling or Yellow Jersey websites), and it will need to cover you for cycling activities, your personal possessions, and medical support if needed in the UK.If you are a UK resident and have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further policy or additional cover.
There are plenty of other companies that also provide this cover and support, and the above two organisations are only suggestions.
_______________
What other documents do I need?
You need to have the following documents to take part:A form of identity (Passport, Driving Licence, etc)
Cycling Insurance - You must bring a copy of your cycling insurance policy with you
Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card
Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike
_______________
What forms do I need to complete?
You will need to complete the Registration form and then the Rider Info Form once you are registered.
-
Will food and accommodation be provided?
Yes, all your meals and hotel accommodation will be provided.
We do not provide breakfast on Day 1. Accommodation will be in 2* hotels, which are more than comfortable, but if you wish to upgrade on Day 3, we can arrange for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want.
All the additional bookings are subject to availability.
_______________
How will I get back home?
You will have to arrange your return from Bristol yourself. TFA Events can arrange this for you (including your bike), but there may be additional charges._______________
Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Just let us know when we speak to you after booking, and we will help you with your hotel booking where we can. Additional charges may apply.
_______________
What will happen to my bike after the challenge?
You will need to arrange transport for your bike home. TFA Events can arrange this for you, but there may be additional charges.

