Cycle approximately 380 miles through the exquisite country of Italy from the beautiful canals of Venice, built on more than 100 small islands in a marshy lagoon in the Adriatic sea; to the ancient ruins of the cosmopolitan city of Rome, the historic Italian capital. Experience the breathtaking views as our exciting event takes us south on flat roads as we leave the canals, crossing farmland, wetlands and waterways, to the rolling hills near Umbria, finishing on a relatively flat run-in to Rome. All promises to provide some of the most tranquil and beautiful settings in this “not to be missed” event.
Date of Event – 12 to 18 Jun 2017
Days – 6
Registration Fee – £99
Minimum Fundraising – £1,950 (£1,500 needed by 21 April 2017)
For more information contact:
Irene Chambers – fundraiser@kidneysforlife.org or 0161 276 6671
Michele Scappaticci – m.scap@sky.com
ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrive in Venice
On arrival in Venice, you can check into the hotel and spend your free time (flight-times dependent) exploring this amazing city. 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 Venice has to offer!
Day 2 – Venice to Comacchio
Approximate cycling distance 114km (71 miles)
Our exciting event begins after breakfast, as we head south along this flat tranquil terrain and leave the beautiful canals behind, continuing towards the arcaded streets and stylish cafes of Padua. Remaining south to southwest we cycle through the low ground of Rovigo, were the architecture of the town bears the stamp of both Venetian and Ferrarese influence. Here we continue south towards the regional natural park of the Po river Delta, an area of nature reserves, wetlands and natural beauty before arriving at our first stop for the night in Comacchio. This enchanting town, know as “the little Venice” is situated in a lagoon and built on more than 13 islets all joined by bridges.
Day 3 – Commacchio to Rimini
Approximate cycling distance 121km (75 miles)
After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off continuing our journey on this flat terrain, southbound, into the roman founded town of Argenta, situated in the provenance of Ferrara. This wildlife sanctuary town is home to the Marsh Museum offering many facilities for ornithology. Continuing on our southbound journey to the town of Ravenna, the capital city of the Western Roman Empire from 402AD until that empire collapsed many years later. The city still has amazing mosaics recalling that very heritage. Our final destination for the night is the delightful town of Rimini, the largest beach resort on the Adriatic Sea! Don’t forget that swimwear! despite Second World War bombing this is still a typical Italian town with historic lanes, palazzi, and many tourist sights. if you like to party and sunbathe, this is the right town to do it!
Day 4 – Rimini to Gubbio
Approximate cycling distance 126km (78 miles)
We set off after a well earned rest continuing flat along the coast line of Eastern Italy through various picturesque towns of Riccone, Cattolica and Gradere before heading east to our only real climb on this event as we encounter the rolling terrain towards the region of Umbria and our next stop, the town of Gubbio. Peacefully set on the slopes of Monte Ingino, Gubbio is known for its medieval palaces, churches and cathedrals. There are plenty of Gothic style buildings, traditional in their designs and distinct rooftops. Most of these homes were built in the 14th and 15th centuries and were originally inhabited by rich merchants.
Day 5 – Gubbio to Orvieto
Approximate cycling distance 130km (81 miles)
As we leave this fascinating medieval town, not before a hearty breakfast of course, we continue southeast through the mild rolling terrain, passing several traditional Italian villages and towns. Eventually we reach Lake Di Corbara (Lake Corby), the lake of “central Italy”, a truly stunning area with breathtaking views and a pleasure to cycle and well worth a stop to take it all in. Cycling on we pedal our way towards our stop for the night, the majestic hill town of Orvieto, which sits atop a humongous chunk of “tufo” volcanic stone. A very memorable town and perfect place to rest those tired legs.
Day 6 – Orvieto to Rome
Approximate cycling distance 121km (75 miles)
Our final leg of the journey is quickly upon us as we set off in jubilant style for our ultimately greatest finish in a magnificent city! Today is all about celebrating…forget that saddle soreness…reminisce in those memories shared over that last few days as we continue to our finish and that special capital that is, Rome. One things for sure, the champagne will be flowing as we reach our final destination!
after photos and cheers and well deserved “pats on backs” we head to our hotel for the evening and of course our celebration meal…Chapeau!
Day 7 – 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 Rome has to offer, or preparing for that homeward bound journey.
What’s Included?
• Transportation service for bikes from Manchester (venue and times TBC) to Venice for the start of the ride and from Rome to the agreed venue in Manchester at the end of the event. Participants are responsible for their own travel to Venice for the start of the event and from Rome at the end of the Event.
• Accommodation and transportation of luggage, from the start of the event, on the evening of 12 June 2017, until breakfast on 18 June 2017.
• 3 meals per day and 2 water stops for each day of riding, from breakfast on 13 June until breakfast on 18 June 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 Venice for the start of the event and from Rome 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 trip 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 of approx £200.
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 70 miles a day for 5 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding a 60-70 mile day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile on one day in particular is hilly, so you should include some hilly rides in your training. 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”. At Chapeau Events we pride ourselves on our high crew: cyclist ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as excellent trip safety.
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 Italy 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 Rome.
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.