Celebrate 40 Years of Cycling for Charity!

REGISTER FOR SACA CHARITY BIKE RIDE
20th - 21st July 2024

This year marks a significant milestone for the SACA Charity Bike Ride as we celebrate four decades of dedication, community, and passion for change! Since 1984, we’ve been pedalling with a purpose, bringing together cyclists from across the nation to support incredible causes. Through these rides, we’ve transformed countless lives and supported numerous children’s charities.

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THE CHALLENGE

Take part in 2 options this year a ride to suit every ability.

Endurance – Two Day – Birmingham – Luton – London (130 miles)

Breeze  – One day – Luton to London (40miles)

THE Charity

Are you up for a tremendously fun challenge and at the same time raise vital funds for our charity of the year ‘Queen Elizabeth Hospital’

Apply for THE Rides

Endurance
20th - 21st July 2024

Birmingham to London

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Starting Point: Smethwick Gurdwara, High Street, 128-130 High Street, Smethwick, B66 3AP, 0208 867 9111

Endurance

2 Day Birmingham – Luton – London (130 miles)

The ride starts from Birmingham (Smethwick) and proceeds through Coventry, Daventry and through Milton Keynes taking in the picturesque views of our British countryside. 

It then reaches its centennial milestone in Luton.

The ride continues on Sunday from Luton and and travels through Harpenden, Elstree, Harrow before reaching its final destination in Southall (London)., 

Approx times:

  • Day 1 – 6:30am Check-in / Briefing in Birmingham
  • 7:00am Start
  • Arrive at Luton Approx 7-8pm
  • Day 2 – 9 am Briefing in Luton
  • 10 am Start
  • Arrive at Southall Approx 4pm
  • Finish in Southall Park

£80

Breeze
Sunday 21st July 2024

Luton to London

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Start point: Guru Nanak Gurdwara – 2A Dallow Rd, Luton LU1 1LY

Breeze

1 day – Luton to London (40 miles)

The ride starts in the morning, in Luton and passes through St Albans. Radlet, Elstree and Harrow before reaching its final destination to Southall in West London.

Approx Times:

  • 9 am Briefing
  • 10 am Start
  • Arrive at Southall Approx 4pm
  • Finish in Southall Park

£55

THE Details

APPLY AND TAKE PART

  • Individual application is required*
  • Please remember to check your junk/spam folders for confirmation emails, just in case
  • If you are doing the full-ride event, then both Saturday and Sunday are included.
  • Or you can do the Sunday ride only, which is a 1 ride
  • Please Note: Rider will be required to join the SACA Strava group as proof of cycling experience. ***
  • Create your Just Giving page and raise funds for a good cause.

Your Target

  • Your mission – Aim to Raise a minimum of £200. This creates a sense of mission and purpose with gratitude.
  • You are more than welcome to raise as much as you can over the minimum sponsorship of £200
  • Compete amongst your friends and family to beat your personal best.

Travel Arrangements

Please note: Transport will be provided from west and east London to Birmingham on Friday 19th July. 

Please select your options on the application page. 

Transport of bikes can also be provided on Sunday 21st July back to East London and Birmingham from Southall Park after the event.

Accommodation

Basic accommodation is available at Smethwick Gurudwara on Friday night and Basic accommodation is available at Luton Gurdwara on Saturday night.

Local hotel accommodation is also available in surrounding areas. Please check online to find the best rates.

FAQ - Got Questions?

A: Simply fill in the online application form from our website, or download it and send it to us along with your selected / preferred registration choice. Upon completion we will send you a sponsorship pack and associated ride entry procedures, for example for storing your baggage and unique markings for you and your bike. You can also request a application form to be sent to you via post – email us on info@charitybikeride.com or call us on 020 8867 9111.

A: Once your registration has been validated, we will post you a joining pack that contains the sponsorship form.

You can also collect sponsorship online by creating your own fundraising page on our just giving page. The link can be found on www.charitybikeride.com .

A: Please contact our hotline on 020 8867 9111 and speak to someone regarding sponsorship packages. They will be able to go through different sponsorship packages with you. You can also email your interest on info@charitybikeride.com .

There are various different marketing opportunities available for company sponsors to reach out to their customers and for brand awareness.

A: SACA’s mission statement states that it aims for 100%. This is because many of the ride logistics’ and all of the committee organisers give the time and dedication over the year proceeding the ride for free.

A: Information is available regarding training; nutrition and safe cycling are available on our website.

A: We have a fully trained paramedics team accompany us during the ride who specialised in dealing with medical situations on our event. The ride has marshals spread out across the ride to look after and help the riders through their journey. We ensure that there are breaks atleast every 15 miles for riders to take a rest, and the ride also has support vehicles (minibuses) for riders that are feeling tired.

A: On the first day, 90 miles is completed and on the second day the remaining 36 miles
NB Formal breaks for food and drinks stops are available throughout the ride (all free, including lunch and dinner on the evening of the Saturday). You can find a pit stop within every 15 miles.

A: Yes, adequate mini-buses and bike carrier trucks follow the riders all the way if you wish to take a break.

A: There are special allocated luggage vans that transport your bags / sleeping bags etc during the ride. You will not have access to your bags on the 1st day after disembarking until you reach Luton and on the 2nd day your bags will be loaded on luggage vehicle which will only be accessible at the ride finish

A: Yes, bike mechanics are available on route but as a rider it is your responsibility to ensure that your bike is road worthy. Repairs will be basic, for example: Air, brakes and gear checks which will be carried out during pit stops

A: We suggest that you do get your own bike and if you do rent a bike the rental contract will be binding between yourself and the rental organisation. We do not make any bikes available or let people randomly pick from ones owned by riders who maybe resting!

A: We arrange transport (coaches) for London riders and transportation for their bikes (trucks). There will be 2 pickup points – 1 in West London and the other from East London a day before the ride. You will need to be at the pickup point at the specified time to take advantage of this facility (details will be provided in your rider pack once you apply). There is no other pickup points other than the one mentioned above

A: Free accommodation and breakfast on the day of the ride is provided by the organisers (at Birmingham for London Riders) and the (at Luton for all riders). The accommodation is provided courtesy of Smethwick and Luton Sikh Temples. The facilities offer a well carpeted hall where you sleep (please bring a sleeping bag / blanket for your own comfort) and shower facilities. There are separate accommodation halls for men and women.

If this accommodation is not suitable for you then we have special rates agreed with local hotels prior to the ride which you may want to take advantage of. Details are on the website. Breakfast will still be available at the start of the ride for these riders. If you are planning to arrange your own accommodation then you must ensure that you reach the start point of the ride well in advance as mentioned in your rider pack or you will get left behind!

A: The last date of application is the 19th July 2024. Register early to receive the discounted early bird offers.

A: As with most sports you will have to be dressed appropriately. If you are not wearing cycling clothing then we recommend track suits, shorts, jogging bottoms and trainers – no jeans, or trousers. We also strongly recommend high visibility clothing to be worn throughout the ride for your own safety. High visibilty vests will be provided by the organisers and must be returned at the end of the ride.

A: For you safety, helmets are highly recommended on all road cycling activities and must be worn at all times during the time you are cycling. We recommend that you visit your local cycling shop as they will be able to advise you on the correct sized helmet to fit your head comfortably.

If a rider refuses to wear a helmet (unless you are wearing a turban) you will be putting your own personal safety at risk and the other users of the highway.

A: The minimum age for entry is 18.

A: We award prizes to top fund raisers who participate in the ride, these may be flights to an international destination, Sports club membership, Bikes and electronics. Please remember that this is a ride not a race and we hope people will enjoy themselves doing something positive for charity.

A: The minimum aim for each rider needs to raise is £200.  If the minimum sponsorship is not received, you will be refused entry and your entry fee will be fortified.

A: Your bike should be road worthy (checked by a specialist prior to the ride – i.e. a mechanic at a cyclists shop). It is essential that your brakes, gears are in good working order and you know when and how to use them. We recommend that you have a bike that has gears as they help when you are travelling uphill. Most riders these days prefer bikes that have light frames and a good selection of gears to help them on different terrains – speak to a specialist at your local bike shop who will advise you.

We do not recommend purchasing a bike just before the ride as most bikes are assembled the day you purchase it and you may not get enough practice on riding it. Sometimes bikes are not assembled correctly (brakes, gears etc..) and you may need to visit your bike shop again after purchasing it to get it adjusted.

Nb: If your bike is not road worthy (bikes are checked when you register) then you will not be able to enter and no refunds will be given. It is your own responsibility to get your bike checked!

A: The first day involves approximately 10 hours of cycling which includes breaks for FREE refreshments, osteopathy sessions (by qualified consultants) and lunch.

A: SACA offers free Dr.Bike sessions, which is available to all our ride participants.Details of which will be in the information pack which you will be receiving once you register.

A: There is free accommodation provided at the gurdwaras for SACA organisers and all riders. If they wish to stay at a hotel then each person does this at their own expense.

Got more questions? Click here