Cycle approximately 250 miles on this truly wonderful, and most picturesque cycling adventure from charming Salzburg to elegant Vienna. Ride along the lakes and rivers of Salzach and Inn to Passau on the German/Austrian border before joining the mighty Danube to journey south past medieval towns, ancient vineyards, abbeys and romantic castles to the Austrian capital.
Date of Event – 26th September to 1 October 2017
Days – 6 (4 days cycling)
Registration Fee – £100
Minimum Fundraising – £1,700 (£800 needed by 11 August 2017)
For more information Contact:
- Carol Bonham 07714 864833 or E: carol.bonham@kidneysforlife.org
- Irene Chambers 07779 133326 or E: fundraiser@kidneysforlife.org
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive in Salzburg
On arrival in Salzburg, you can check into the hotel and spend your free time (flight-times dependent) exploring this amazing city, the birthplace of the famous composer Mozart. You will meet the crew at registration together with details of the first days cycling. Your bikes will have arrived safely in advance and will be ready and waiting for you to start your challenge. As participants will be arriving throughout the day and evening, tonight’s evening meal is not included, leaving you to sample all that Salzburg has to offer!
Day 2 – Salzburg to Passau
Approximate cycling distance 105km (65 miles)
Our exciting event begins after breakfast, as we head north along some of the most tranquil and breathtaking views you could ever imagine, we cycle towards Seeham and the Obertrumer See, a bathing lake with excellent water quality so be sure to bring adequate attire! Passing through absolutely stunning and undulating terrain, we continue north for a while before passing the boarder of Austria into Germany. Changing our direction slightly, we head north east to the town of Pocking and finally, Passau the city of three rivers and our stop for the evening. This town is renowned in Germany for its institutes of economics, law, theology, computer science and Cultural Studies.
Day 3 – Passau to Linz
Approximate cycling distance 93km (58 miles)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off continuing our journey on this relatively flat terrain, heading southeast following the famous Danube, the longest river in Europe flowing through 10 countries! The river was the preferred route of travel by rulers since ancient times and has long been called “the river of kings.” Passing through many quirky German villages and towns, we hug the river all the way before returning to the boarder and back into Austria. We reach our stop for the night in the provincial capital of Linz, with its charming historical center of Renaissance houses. This city really has it all, from Baroque buildings to an old town main square; a major modern art museum and across the river the focus is on society, technology and life in the future.
Day 4 – Linz to St Polten
Approximate cycling distance 126km (78 miles)
We set off after a good rest from the Land of Lakes, continuing on a relatively flat terrain along the river. We cycle east heading through the country’s largest wine producing province in lower Austria. Totally spoilt by the romantic mountainous scenery, we savour all those sublime views and memories…which just keep getting better if that is at all possible! Taking in the sights of many amazing architectural buildings, monasteries and castles as we pass through Melk, we continue to our stop for the evening and a well earned rest, in the city of St Polten. This picturesque place is the capital and largest city of the State of Lower Austria. Just the spot to rest those legs after the longest cycling day of the event.
Day 5 – St Polten to Vienna
Approximate cycling distance 87km (54 miles)
After breakfast and a good nights rest, we embark onto the final leg of this outstanding adventure, continuing our journey along the Danube, we encounter pretty sunflower and wheat fields, cross streams, and just enjoy this delightful countryside as we head towards Tulln. Because of its abundance of parks and other green spaces, Tulln is often referred to as Blumenstadt, meaning city of flowers. Continuing through this picturesque terrain, the excitement begins to build as we head to Austria’s capital and our event finish in the artistic and intellectual city of Vienna. We will meet at a holding point and cycle the last few miles together, through the city streets, where we will celebrate our wonderful achievement and toast to a successful Chapeau ride!
Day 6 – Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, the event comes to an end. Your bikes will be safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free to continue with your onward arrangements, whether taking in the delights Vienna has to offer, or preparing for that homeward bound journey.
Chapeau Events reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
What’s Included?
• Transportation service for bikes from Manchester (venue and times TBC) to Salzburg for the start of the ride and from Vienna to the agreed venue in Manchester at the end of the event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Salzburg for the start of the event and from Vienna at the end of the Event.
• Accommodation and transportation of luggage, from the start of the event, on the evening prior to the start of the cycle on Tue, 26 Sep 17 until breakfast on 1st Oct 2017.
• 3 meals per day and 2 water stops for each day of riding, from breakfast on Wed, 27th Sep (evening meal the night before is not included) until breakfast on 1st Oct 2017.
• Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers and full route support
• Water stops
• A minimum of 7 crew members for the duration of the ride
What’s Excluded?
• Flights and transfers, both inbound and outbound. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Salzburg for the start of the event and from Vienna at the end of the Event.
• A bicycle
• Personal travel insurance
• Drinks, personal items or entry to any optional tourist sites you may wish to visit.
What can I expect from your accommodation?
Accommodation is in 3-4* hotels, picked for their proximity to our route. All the hotels we choose are excellent with en-suite facilities, offering exceptional value for money; standards however may vary between the hotels. The price of this challenge is based on two people sharing a room. If you are travelling on your own don’t worry, we will pair you up with somebody in a similar position. You can also opt for a single room, but this will incur a supplementary charge.
What food is included and does it cater for all diets?
Evening meals and breakfasts will be provided at the hotels, apart from the evening of day 1 as specified in the itinerary above. Lunches are provided by Chapeau Catering and are a generous buffet-style (hot and cold) with plenty of energy food to keep you going! In addition, we will provide refreshments at each cycle checkpoint of which there will be 2 each day, in addition to lunch of course and consisting of water, juices and high-energy snacks – 1 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. Chapeau can cater for all special dietary requirements provided you let us know well in advance of the trip.
How fit do I need to be?
These events attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge, but we respect everyone’s limits. You will be in the saddle for upward of 50 miles a day for 4 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding upwards of 50 miles in a day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile can be undulating, so you should include some hilly rides in your training to make the most enjoyment. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace; this is not a race.
Who will be there to support me during the event?
Your trip will be led by experienced Chapeau Events crew. Our crew are selected for their experience in cycling events around the world, their friendliness and approachability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. Our crew leaders are also trained in expedition first-aid. You are in very safe hands with the Chapeau Events crew.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-marked, sorting out any mechanical problems or giving you a lift in our back vehicle – our “Love bus”.
Will I be safe?
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with emergency mobile phones, first-aid kits and other safety apparatus where necessary. They always have access to our 24-hour emergency back-up in the UK. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
What happens to my luggage each day?
Our support vehicles are with the group all of the time. All luggage and spares will be carried in them as we travel to each destination. On reaching our hotels, at the end of each day, you will hand over your bike for safe overnight keeping and collect your luggage. Each morning, you will hand over your luggage and collect your bike. Obviously space is limited and hard-sided luggage is not suitable, so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft sailing bag, rucksack or expedition kitbag.
What insurance will I require?
It is a requirement of entry that you have adequate insurance to cover your participation on the event. We will require a copy of valid insurance before travel. We also recommend that you apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), as the NHS will cover most medical care when travelling in Europe. You can apply for an EHIC at your local post office.
Are flights and transfers to and from destination included?
No…we do not arrange any flights for this challenge, enabling you to take advantage of the many competitive fares between Austria and different UK cities. Chapeau will, however ensure your bike is safely transported to and from the event if required, allowing you the freedom for free time in Vienna.
Chapeau events will of course provide advice on best travel options and further accommodation requirements should you require.
Will I receive further information?
Yes…a full detailed information pack will be issued no later than 4 weeks before the event start.
Terms & Conditions
Please follow this link for Terms & Conditions of Cycle Challenges
Registration & Medical Form
You will need to complete the KFL Registration & Medical Form – Cycle Events to participate in the event.