SADDLE UP FOR THE STRIP!!! Death Valley to Las Vegas Bike Ride

Transcription

1 The challenge of a lifetime......for Zoë s Place Coventry SADDLE UP FOR THE STRIP!!! Death Valley to Las Vegas Bike Ride 7 th - 14 th November 2015 Can you challenge yourself to cycle Death Valley? Our babies and children face a challenge every day. You really can make a difference!!!!! events@zoes-place.org.uk

2 420km of breathtaking mountain ranges, jaw dropping views and the bright lights of Las Vegas... Your cycle challenge... Death Valley National Park is located in the South California Desert in Nevada and many people overlook it due to the misguided belief that it is lifeless. This 3.4 million acre expanse is not only the largest park in the USA, but arguably the most striking specimen of Mother Earth join us as we conquer 420km of Death Valley by bicycle! Your itinerary... Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas We depart the UK for our flight to Las Vegas. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guides and transfer to Beatty Junction (approx. 2 hours). We then check into our hotel and hear from our local guides about the challenge ahead. Day 2 Beatty Junction to Stovepipe Wells Following our long journey and to help us acclimatise, we have a restful morning. Around mid morning we will have bike fittings and then following this, have lunch. After our lunch, we jump into the saddle and it s challenge time! We start our ride to Stovepipe Wells and after about 15 miles we reach Daylight Pass (4,317ft) which is at the border of California and Nevada. We cross the border and start our descent from Daylight Pass the descent gives a stunning view of the valley, with dunes shimmering white in the distance. As we reach our overnight stop we can see Towne Pass a mighty challenge which we conquer on Day 4! Day 3 Stovepipe Wells to Panamint Springs Today we ride from sea level to Panamint Springs. It is a long, steady climb and at 2,000ft we get to Emigrant Junction, where we then take the road to Wildrose Canyon. Our route today takes us via Emigrant Pass (5,328ft) and is a great ride! After about 42 miles we take the road to Panamint Springs (2,000ft). 54 miles/87 km Day 4 Panamint Springs to Furnace Creek Another challenging day as we cycle to Furnace Creek. After ascending for about 24 miles from Panamint Springs we encounter the mighty Towne Pass (4,956ft), but following this we get to enjoy the rush of a fabulous downhill section 5,000ft of continuous downhill to the bottom of Death Valley. We continue cycling on undulating roads until we reach the oasis of Furnace Creek. A tough day with approx. 3,400ft of ascent, but 5,000ft of descent! 56 miles/90km 30 miles/48 km

3 Death valley... The Valley itself is 130 miles long, between 6 and 13 miles wide and is surrounded by steep, breathtaking mountain ranges. Our challenge will highlight the most dramatic and most interesting sights of the region including jaw dropping views of both the highest and lowest elevation locations in the contiguous 48 states of the USA. In addition, our challenge sees us finish in the bright lights of Las Vegas, where we celebrate our challenge achievements. Have you got what it takes to survive Death Valley? Day 5 Furnace Creek to Devils Hole, then to Pahrump Following breakfast, we push on with our challenge! From Furnace Creek we cycle to Devils Hole a Death Valley National Monument. En route we cycle at an elevation of only 700ft past Zabriskie Point, from where we can view the breathtaking, multicoloured landscape that surrounds us. We reach Death Valley Junction which is at 2,037ft, and from here it s 5 miles of mostly flat terrain until we reach the Nevada border. We then curve around the Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge and turn southward towards Pahrump, our overnight stop. Day 6 Pahrump to Las Vegas Our last day in the saddle sees us cycle to Las Vegas! The first part of today s ride is a slow climb along the Pahrump Valley before we turn eastward to encounter more hills remember this is a challenge! Our very last climb, to Mountain Springs Summit (5,490ft), is the highest point of our challenge. After celebrating our success, we are rewarded with a long descent as the route passes the dramatic rocks of Red Rock Canyons before we cross the plains into Las Vegas. This evening we celebrate our achievements with a special dinner. Day 7 Depart Las Vegas Following breakfast, we take the transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK. Day 8 Arrive UK. (Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change) 61 miles/98km 62 miles/100km

4 Your questions answered... Is this trip for me? ABSOLUTELY!! This bike ride is suitable for people of all ages (minimum 18 years old). The one thing everyone will have in common is a great sense of adventure and the desire to help Zoë s Place Coventry. Most people will sign up as individuals meaning you will all be in the same situation! How fit do I need to be? This cycle ride has been designed to be challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are cycling for 5 consecutive days and in very hot temperatures the fitter you are the more you will enjoy this challenge. Cycling training tips can be found on the Global Adventure Challenges website to point you in the right direction and why not join one of our training weekends - it s a great opportunity for you to meet our team and fellow participants! Where will we stay? Accommodation will be twin sharing with en-suite washing facilities. Can I stay in the USA after the Challenge? All extensions are strictly limited, subject to availability and are given on a first come first served basis. Those wanting to request an extension should contact Global Adventure Challenges at customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com as soon as possible. There is a minimum 60 + VAT charge for having your return airline ticket extended. Please note, the final decision always rests with the airline. What sort of back-up is there? There will be a strong support team with a professional Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK, as well as local guides. Full, comprehensive medical kits will be taken and we are never too far away from hospitals. An air-conditioned vehicle will follow the group providing support if needed. What happens if I get tired? There will be regular rest stops for drinks and snacks there is no problem if you need to take more rest stops. A guide will be bringing up the rear of the group on the cycle ride ensuring no-one is left alone remember though, this is not a race! Do I need specialist kit? We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. Apart from some cycling shorts you do not need any specialist kit. Cycling helmets and cycling gloves are provided but you may wish to bring your own helmet and gloves for comfort. Participants can bring their own pedals, bar-ends and any other personal cycling equipment they see fit to modify the bikes supplied, although it is not compulsory. You may wish to consider bringing a hydration backpack, although all bikes have one water bottle cage and some have two. Do I have to carry my own luggage? No. All luggage will be transported from accommodation to accommodation by our support vehicles. You will need a small day pack/bum bag/hydration backpack while cycling, to carry items such as camera, sun-screen etc. Food matters All meals and snacks will be provided on the trip. We cater for all dietary requirements as long as we know in advance just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form enclosed. Food will be varied and nutritious. What s included? Return flights from London to Las Vegas, all accommodation - twin share, all meals throughout the itinerary except lunch and dinner on day 7, drinking water and sports drinks for all cycling days, snacks and fruit for cycling days, private air-conditioned vehicles for back up, support and transfers, local cycling guide, bike mechanic, local bike hire with spares, Global Adventure Challenges leader from the UK and a full, comprehensive Global Adventure Challenges medical kit. What s not included? Airport taxes and fuel surcharge these are approximately 250 per person, tips, alcoholic drinks and drinks during meals, personal travel insurance it is strongly advised to take this through Global Adventure Challenges. How do I go about raising the sponsorship? Once you have signed up you will receive a fundraising pack from Zoë s Place Coventry in order to make your fundraising as easy as possible. You will also receive a few tips and ideas from Global Adventure Challenges to help you on your way. Challenge Costs Registration Fee = 399 Minimum Sponsorship = 3,150 You will be required to send 80% ( 2,520) of the minimum sponsorship to Zoë s Place Coventry at least 10 weeks prior to departure. The remaining 20% must be sent to Zoë s Place within 4 weeks of completing the challenge. I m interested... what do I do now? Places are limited and go on a first come, first served basis, so try to register as soon as you can! You can register online at or fill in the enclosed registration form and medical questionnaire and post it back to Global Adventure Challenges along with the registration fee - all payment options and costs are explained on the enclosed information sheet. Once your registration is received, Global Adventure Challenges will write to you sending you further information on what to expect from this awesome adventure! Zoë s Place Coventry will also be in touch with you to discuss your fundraising. Have you got what it takes to survive Death Valley? Register online today!

5 Registration Form - Overseas Challenges Death Valley to Las Vegas Bike Ride, 7-14 November 2015 Personal Details Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms):... Surname:... Forenames:... (As they appear on your passport) Address: Postcode:... Telephone No. Daytime:... Evening:... Mobile:... Address:... Date of Birth:... Nationality:... Marital Status:... Passport Number:... Place of Issue:... Passport Start Date:... Passport Expiry Date:... Would you like your contact details to be circulated to the group? Yes/No Please include a photocopy of the page in your passport containing your photograph. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return from the challenge. Dietary Requirements Do you have any dietary requirements i.e.. Vegetarian, vegan? If so please provide FULL details: Accommodation Accommodation will be on a room sharing basis. Please give name(s) of anyone with whom you have agreed to share below:... Relationship to Sharer:... The Challenge Event How did you find out about the challenge event? Through Global Adventure Challenges website/advertising? Yes/No Other? (Please give details)... Charity Details Charity Name:.Zoe s Place Coventry... Contact Name:.Jane McGaffney... Address of Charity:.Easter Way, Ash Green, Coventry Postcode:.CV7 9JG... Telephone Number: Address:.jane.mcgaffney@zoes-place.org.uk... Insurance It is recommended that your travel insurance cover be taken through Global Adventure Challenges. Once you have completed the registration formalities and we have confirmed your place on the challenge, we will send you further information regarding the travel insurance policy. Agreement I agree to the Global Adventure Challenges Overseas open challenge booking conditions, (available on request and via and enclose payment for my registration fee. Participant s Signature:... Date:... Payment Details *Please delete as appropriate *Cheque enclosed totalling 399 (NON REFUNDABLE Registration Fee - made payable to Global Adventure Challenges) *Please debit 399 from my credit/debit card (NON REFUNDABLE Registration Fee - details below) Name (as it appears on the card)... Type of card (e.g. Visa, Delta, etc)... Card Number Valid from Date Expiry Date Switch issue No. Security No. (last 3 digits on reverse of card)

6 Medical Questionnaire Please complete this medical questionnaire. Your answers will be treated in the strictest confidence and our policy is to encourage and support as many people as possible to take part in our challenges. We request medical information from you in an endeavour to minimise risk to all participants, and for that reason we ask that you disclose all your medical history. Depending on your answers in the medical questionnaire you may need to get your Doctor to sign this medical declaration. Name:... Date of Birth:... Challenge Name and Date:... Section A Height:...cm Weight:...kg Are you taking any medication? Yes No Have you been hospitalised within the past two years? Yes No Are you suffering from or are a carrier of any infectious disease? Yes No Are you registered disabled? Yes No What Blood type are you (if known):... Normal Blood pressure reading (if known):... Do you have a history of:- Asthma or wheezing (with breathing or exercise): Yes No Severe attacks of hayfever/allergy: Yes No Any for form lung disease: Yes No Cancer: Yes No Chest surgery: Yes No Claustrophobia or agoraphobia: Yes No Behavioural health problems: Yes No Mental health problems: Yes No Epilepsy, seizures or convulsions: Yes No Recurring migraine headaches: Yes No Blackouts or fainting: Yes No Motion sickness: Yes No Recurring back problems/surgery: Yes No Diabetes: Yes No Arm or leg problems: Yes No High blood pressure: Yes No Any heart disease/heart attacks: Yes No Angina/heart surgery or blood vessel surgery: Yes No Hearing loss or problems with balance: Yes No Bleeding or other blood disorders: Yes No Any type of hernia: Yes No Ulcers or ulcer surgery: Yes No Bowel disorder: Yes No Drug or alcohol abuse: Yes No Are you awaiting tests/investigations/ results/surgery: Yes No Do you take prescription medicine (please list below): Yes No Are you pregnant: Yes No Do you suffer from any phobias: (heights, water etc.) Yes No Are there any other medical issues not covered which are relevant to your well-being on the challenge: Yes No If you are aged 64 or over or you have answered YES to any questions in Section A you must ask the doctor to sign the reverse of this form to confirm that you are fit to undertake the challenge. Section B If you have answered YES to any of the above please give details below: Medication - Please list any prescription medication and dosage below. Please use BLOCK CAPITALS to fill in this section.

7 Medical Questionnaire Section C Are you a smoker?: Yes No How many cigarettes do you smoke a day? :... Section D - Next of Kin Details Full Name:... Relationship:... Full Address: Postcode:... Telephone No. Daytime:... Evening:... Mobile:... Section E - Doctors Authorisation I confirm I have read the itinerary of the challenge detailed on this Medical Questionnaire. In addition I have read this medical form and I can confirm that the information given by the participant is correct and no significant information has been withheld. I also confirm that to my knowledge, the participant has no physical or mental health problems that should preclude them from undertaking the challenge. GP Name:... GP Signature:... Date:... Practice Telephone:... Practice Fax:... Practice Stamp: Section F - Participant Declaration It is a condition of joining any Global Adventure Challenge that in cases of emergency the Global Adventure Challenges representative has your authority to arrange any necessary medical or surgical treatments and to sign any required form of consent on your behalf. I hereby give permission for the Global Adventure Challenges company's medical advisor to discuss medical conditions relevant to this challenge with either my Doctor or hospital specialist. I also confirm that I will advise my insurer of my medical condition. Should I fail to do this, I understand that I will be liable for any medical costs incurred whilst on the challenge as a result of my condition. If you develop any new medical conditions or experience worsening of existing conditions after returning this form, you must inform Global Adventure Challenges immediately. Signed:... Date:... Please return this form to Global Adventure Challenges Ltd at the address detailed below. Alternatively you can return the form by to customer.care@globaladventurechallenges.com