A Guide to Charity Bike Rides in 2014

Charity Bike Ride Calendar 2014

Over the last few decades charity and fundraising has become more visible with big events on national and international television. Moreover, sport related charity events have increased in popularity such as Sports Relief, running and biking events. According to a survey conducted in 2011 and published in the Guardian the United Kingdom ranked 8th out of a 153 countries in a global charity index. iThe index covered how charitable countries across the world are. It is not surprising to see the United Kingdom scoring that high, some of the greatest charity events are held or organised in the UK. Furthermore, according to the Charity Commission there are over 180,000 charities registered in England and Wales, employing over 800,000 people and achieving a charitable activities income of over 32 billion each yearii. A report in the Telegraph stated that Charity Bike Rides have increased in popularity and is now one of the top ways to raise money through sport. This could be down to the great success at the London Olympics in 2012.iii The following guide will give an overview of some of the most popular and/or exotic Charity Bike Rides being held in 2014.

Contents
London to Paris ............................................................. 3 London to Brighton ....................................................... 6 3 Cities Cycle Ride ......................................................... 7 Vietnam Cycle ............................................................... 9 London Bikeathon ....................................................... 11 Conclusion................................................................... 12

London to Paris

Photo source: http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/full-page/london-paris

Ever thought about travelling to Paris? Well, this charity bike ride will let bike riders experience France, and Paris in particular, on a whole different level. Although most people would think that this type of ride would need an advanced level of riding experience not really. The route has been laid out so that people with all experience levels can take part and achieve their set goal. It comprises of a five day bike ride, which is split in the following way:

First Day Getting to Calais

Bikers will have to make their way nice and early to Crystal Palace to then start heading south to the coast.

Second Day Getting to Abbeville

Now in France and taking in all the amazing scenery, it becomes clear why so many people take part each year. When taking part it is not only the joy of actually raising money for a good cause but also the opportunity to enjoy the amazing French countryside.

Third Day Getting to Beauvais

This leg of the route is a relaxing which allows some wandering of the mind, whilst cycling next to the river Somme out of Abbeville.

Fourth Day Getting to Paris

The final leg of the rout is all about fighting exhaustion and pushing to Paris.

Fifth Day Paris to London

The final day is all about relaxing those sore legs and, if not too painful, taking a stroll (or ride) through Paris. Once totally relaxed, all participants will have to gather again and get back to London at least this time it is on the Eurostar! So if you think the London to Paris Bike Rideiv is the one for you and you would like to join the huge amounts of cyclists and tackle the 250mile ride, then the next dates in 2014 are 7th 11th of May and the 19th 23nd of June. Picture source: http://leukaemialymphomaresearch.org.uk/londonparis

London to Brighton

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/elsie/170665744/sizes/l/

This is a 54 mile bike ride raising money for over 500 different charities, which the cyclists pick themselves. However, if someone is in need of a cause or charity there are always 5 charities of the year listed which are selected as fundraising partners, and can be chosen by cyclists if need be. In 2014 over 1000 people are expected to ride again for a good cause. The route starts in South London and then goes through Mitcham, Carshalton, Chipstead, Banstead, Haywards Heath and finally cyclists will cross the finish line in Brighton. Although cyclists will not need any previous experience to finish this challenge, it is recommended to get prepared beforehand. With just a little bit of training participants will be able to complete the event. It is important to keep in mind that it is not a race (so not about winning) but about taking part and raising money. So if you want to be one of the 1000 cyclists taking on the London to Brightonv challenge then get signed up and raise money for a good cause on the 15th of June 2014

3 Cities Cycle Ride

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinrobson/8940095544/sizes/l/

London to Paris not enough? Well, why not cycle for charity and visit 2 more countries? This is the chance to raise money for a good cause and visit Brussels and Amsterdam. However, before cyclists get to Brussels, they will have to cycle through England; crossing through some beautiful English villages and then reach the Dutch lowlands via Amsterdam. Cyclists will have the pleasure of passing canals, historical landmarks and some more villages when getting to Brussels. With a little training beforehand, everyone should be able to complete the route, which is split over several days. This 5 day challenge is split into the following legsvi:

First Day Getting to Harwich

Starting from the heart of London cyclists will then peddle their way through the Essex countryside heading to the East Coast. There they will then board a ferry to Netherlands.

Second Day Getting to Amsterdam

From the Hook of Holland it then is full steam-ahead to Amsterdam. Cyclists will be able to enjoy some amazing views and pass some historic cities on the way.

Third Day Getting to Turnout

From Amsterdam cyclists will then cross some great countryside until arriving in Turnout, which has a mysterious gothic touch to it.

Fourth Day Getting to Brussels

The last day is marked by some relaxed cycling through quiet little villages and the end spurt into the capital Brussels.

Fifth Day Back to London

The final leg is all about being able to enjoy the ride, get around in Brussels, and then get back to London on the Eurostar! So if a Nordic adventure is something you are looking for, then sign-up and keep these dates pencilled into your calendar 28th of May 1st of June 2014

Vietnam Cycle

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyletaylor/7506324078/sizes/l/

This is the most exotic charity bike ride. It is also the longest out of all. People who have taken part have called it the charity cycle challenge of a lifetime. This ride spans over 13 days, but inexperienced cyclists should not worry, with a little preparation this route is more than achievable. Most cyclists taking part will not have great experience cycling through Asia themselves.

First Day Getting to Hanoi

The first day is relatively easy, no cycling involved as it is getting on a plane from London to Hanoi

Second Day Getting around in Hanoi

Day two is all about getting to know the city and allowing some time to get accustomed to the new environment.

Third Day Getting to Mai Chau

The third day breaks the start to the actual adventure. Cyclists will be transferred out of the city and then get peddling through some amazing valleys making their way to Mai Chau.

Fourth Day Climbing to Moc Chau

Cyclists will have to climb steep roads to arrive at the amazing tea plantation village Moc Chau.

Fifth Day Getting to Son La

This day has been described by cyclists as easier, peddling and taking in the beautiful scenery of cliffs and rice paddies.

Sixth Day Getting to Tuan Giao

Vietnam will leave some remarkable memories with participants; this leg of the journey will take them through amazing hill-tribe villages, with some steep climbs and an endless seeming descent to Tuan Giao.

Seventh to Ninth Day Getting to Tam Duong

These three days are quieter than the others, taking cyclists through quiet relatively easy back roads. They will cycle through Dien Bien, along the Na river, experiencing the jungle and bamboo landscape.

Tenth Day Getting to Sapa

This day is said to be one of the most spectacular, due to its great scenery. It is also the final climb of the journey before descending into Sapa.

Eleventh to Thirteenth Day Back to UK

Once in Sapa the last few days are all about recovering from this amazing journey. Cyclists will be free to explore Sapa for a day before heading by train back to Hanoi. Before heading back to the UK there will be still some time to wander the streets of Hanoi and then this ride of a lifetime comes to an end. So if an exotic cycle trip through Vietnamvii is something that you would love to experience, then keep these dates in mind 29th of October 9th of November 2014.

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London Bikeathon
The London Bikeathonviii is a large event with over 7000 cyclist taking part in 2013, it has 3 routes to challenge cyclists at all levels of fitness. It has a 26 mile route, a 52 mile route and since 2013 has a challenging 100 mile route. All the routes start and end at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with a big after ride party. This cycling event is different to all of the others detailed above. This event has one core goal to raise money and awareness for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research and ultimately help to beat blood cancer. So if you are still looking for the right cause in 2014 it could be fighting blood cancer.

Photo source: http://leukaemialymphomaresea rch.org.uk/londonbikeathon

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Conclusion
The bike rides detailed above do not simply show a way to raise some money but also a selection of different experiences and memories that can be built around it. So according to the figures discussed at the very beginning over 50% of people living in Britain will be giving money to charity why not add a little spice to your donation and take on one of the challenges, be it on home turf or riding through Asia!

Sources:
i

Charitable Giving by Country Charity Commission Telegraph Cycling from London to Paris London to Paris Bike Ride London to Brighton 3 Cities Cycle Ride Vietnam Cycle London Bikeathon

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