CYCLE THE NILE November telephone:

Transcription

1 R E G A I N CYCLE THE NILE A 400km cycling challenge along the banks of the River Nile in Egypt to the Valley of the Kings to raise funds for the charity REGAIN supporting men and women paralysed in sporting accidents. events@actionforcharity.co.uk telephone: Acting as agents for Managed by Registered Charity No To take part you need to pay a registration fee of 250 and raise minimum sponsorship funds of 2,600.

2 Following the huge success of REGAIN s previous cycle challenges in Africa, Spain, Cuba and China, the charity is encouraging tetraplegic hand cyclists to take up this challenge alongside able-bodied cyclists. ininerary Egypt captures the imagination of all who go there. The mighty River Nile has always been its lifeblood and we will cycle for five days along its banks, spending each night on a Nile cruiser. Our route will be one of contrasts: from flat to undulating and from fertile green vegetation to desert. We will start with a visit to the pyramids at Giza then visit the temple at Kom Ombo and Aswan s Low and High Dams during our ride. The spirit and camaraderie will be very special and Cycle the Nile will be something that will be remembered forever by those who take part. Day 1 Saturday 10 London Cairo Fly from London to Cairo and transfer to a hotel located close to the Pyramids to overnight. Day 2 Sunday 11 Cairo Luxor Morning visit to the Pyramids and afternoon visit to Chan el Challil market. Dinner near the airport and an early evening flight to Luxor followed by coach transfer to the boat in Esna our base for the week ahead. Day 3 Monday 12 Cycle Esna Edfu 52 km approx. Morning bike fitting and our first chance to see Esna in daylight a small, busy farming town south of Luxor. After lunch we set off cycling south along the west bank of the Nile towards Edfu on flat terrain. Overnight on boat. Day 4 Tuesday 13 Edfu Aswan 110 km approx. Part of today s ride takes us into the desert making the route one of contrasts: from flat to undulating (with a couple of short hills) and from fertile green vegetation to yellow sand. We cross the Nile by small launches and go for a short cruise around the islands at Aswan to meet up with our boat. The river is very picturesque here as it flows down from the dams and around giant boulders and palmstudded islands. Day 5 Wednesday 14 Aswan Kom Ombo 44 km approx. Cycle through Aswan to the Low Dam and then up to the High Dam returning downhill to the island of Philae and then to the boat for a late lunch. We spend the afternoon on board and sail to Kom Ombo. The surrounding area is fertile with sugar cane and corn growing in abundance. This evening there is a chance to visit the Temple at Kom Ombo. Day 6 Thursday 15 Kom Ombo Esna 122 km approx. This is the longest day of cycling as we head northbound on the east bank of the Nile. The terrain is mainly flat with a few small hills. We cross back to the west bank for our overnight stay. The last 20 km is lined on both sides by tropical fruit trees. Day 7 Friday 16 Esna Luxor 80 km approx. Our last day of cycling on the west bank and we pass through agricultural villages en route. After around 63km we break at the Colossi of Memnon and then ride up to the Valley of the Kings to tour some of the tombs before getting back on our bikes for the last stretch towards the Nile and the finish of the challenge. Overnight on boat. Day 8 Saturday 17 Luxor Free day for relaxation and sightseeing in and around Luxor. Optional tours are available. Tonight we enjoy a celebratory meal on the boat. Day 9 Sunday 18 Cairo Luxor London Morning flight from Luxor to London via Cairo. This is a complex itinerary and may be subject to change This itinerary is the copyright of Classic Tours

3 CYCLE TH questions and answers CYCLE Who can take part? Any person over the age of 18 who is reasonably fit and is prepared to put in plenty of cycling training beforehand and raise a minimum of 2,600 in sponsorship funds and donations. Those taking part will be from all walks of life and all age groups, but they will all have two things in common a sense of adventure and the desire to help British men and women who have become paralysed as a result of sporting injury. How fit do I have to be? You will need to be fit and to have trained beforehand. Most of those taking part in this type of event are often not regular cyclists so it is imperative that everyone follows a reasonably serious course of training before the event. If you are over 65 or have a medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise or any worries about your medical fitness you must get a letter from your doctor. Tetraplegic cyclists should seek advice from the charity regarding fitness and eligibility to participate. Where will we sleep overnight? We will sleep for one night in a hotel in Cairo and then throughout the rest of the event the group will stay on a Nile cruiser in shared (twin) cabins. The boat will cruise down the Nile while we are cycling each day and be there to meet us in the evening. Will I have to carry my own kit? No, your main luggage will remain on the boat and any smaller day bags can be transported each day by our support team. You will need a small waistbag or rucksack for your day-today needs while you are cycling eg. camera, sun cream, tissues etc. Who organises all the travel arrangements? All the tour arrangements are organised by specialist tour operator Classic Tours, the originators of cycle and trekking challenges in aid of charity. The company is bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL number What about insurance? You will need to take out your own personal travel insurance covering health, accident, loss and repatriation. Classic Tours has a recommended policy. You can however take out your own insurance providing it covers you for a charity cycle ride in Egypt. flights from London; accommodation; meals and refreshments; transport and transfer of luggage throughout; technical and medical support; local and Englishspeaking guides and bikes. In addition to paying your registration fee you will need to budget for airport and departure taxes, personal travel insurance, a tourist visa, gratuities, optional tours and personal expenses including travel to and from the departure airport. Do I need special equipment? A cycling helmet is essential and cycling shorts are recommended. Additionally everyone will need a water bottle for the bike or a camel back-type water carrier. Apart from that no specialist equipment is required. We will supply you with a list of everything you will need to take before you go. You will have the use of gear bikes and you may wish to bring your own saddle. If you are a disabled cyclist you will need to provide your own hand cycle. Regain has a number of hand cycles that are available for loan to tetraplegic cyclists. Do I need a passport and visa? You will need a passport that has at least six months validity from the date of our return to the UK. You will need to arrange your own visa and you will be sent instructions nearer the time you need to apply. It currently costs 15. If you are a non-british passport holder you should let us know so that we can check your visa requirements. What is the cost of taking part in Cycle the Nile? The registration fee for taking part in the event is 250 per person. This is solely to cover non-travel costs and is not refundable under any circumstances. The tour costs for the ride are 1,315 approx. for each person. These will be paid by the charity from the sponsorship funds you raise, unless you choose to pay them yourself. This will cover return What happens if I don t reach the 2,600 sponsorship target? Sponsorship funds must be raised and paid in ten weeks before departure ie. by 31August If you cannot do so you will forfeit your right to take part. You can however make up any shortfall yourself and if you have any difficulties with raising funds along the way you should let us know and we will do our best to help. How do I book a place? Fill in the application form attached and send it to Action for Charity, the organisers of Cycle the Nile on behalf of REGAIN with your registration fee of 250 payable by either cheque or credit/debit card. You will then be sent confirmation of your registration, further details and a comprehensive information and fundraising pack.

4 E NILE conditions of entry Medical history and fitness confirmation You should be fit and in good health to participate in Cycle the Nile. If you are over 65 years of age or have a medical condition which could be adversely affected by exercise, particularly a heart condition, or if you are in any doubt about your health, please send a letter from your doctor confirming your fitness to take part with your application. Conditions of entry 1. A registration fee of 250 (nonrefundable) is required to participate in Cycle the Nile. In addition you must raise a minimum of 2,600 in sponsorship money and donations for REGAIN which must be sent to the organisers, Action for Charity, by 31 August Of the monies raised approximately 1,315 will be used to cover your tour costs including air fare, accommodation, food, transfers, guides, bikes and back-up support. 2. If you are unable to raise the minimum sponsorship required you will forfeit your right to a place on the event or you may choose to make up the balance yourself. 3. If you do not take up your place for any reason, you must inform Action for Charity immediately. You must contact all your sponsors to ask if they wish to make a donation or have their sponsorship money returned. You must send all sponsorship forms and sponsorship money collected to Action for Charity who will pass it on to REGAIN. 4. All cheques for sponsorship money must be made payable to REGAIN and sent to Action for Charity. 5. The good reputation of the charity is paramount. You must agree to act lawfully and follow the fundraising guidelines laid out by the organisers of the event. 6. You must be at least 18 years of age before You must not be dependent on alcohol or drugs or have any criminal convictions. 8. You must be covered by full travel insurance for health, accident, loss and repatriation during the event. You will need to provide proof of travel insurance 8 weeks before departure or you may forfeit your place on the challenge. 9. All those who take part in Cycle the Nile do so at their own risk. The charity has arranged flights, accommodation, food, guides etc. with Classic Tours, a company which specialises in events of this nature and is fully bonded by the Civil Aviation Authority ATOL number In making these arrangements the charity and Action for Charity are acting as your agents and are unable to accept liability for any loss or damage, however arising, or for cancellation of the event for any reasons outside their control. 10. If you are refused passage and/or entry/exit to or from Egypt any additional costs incurred are your responsibility. 11. If you withdraw from the event in circumstances where recovery of cancellation charges is indemnified under travel insurance, you hereby agree that you will co-operate in the recovery of these charges from the insurers and any sums recovered under the policy will be paid to the charity. If the insurance company does not recognise your claim, you will be responsible for any cancellation charges levied on the charity. 12. Itineraries schedules and accommodation may change and other alterations may occur which are beyond the control of Classic Tours. 13. You must agree to be bound by Classic Tours Booking Conditions for the event. 14. Action for Charity and REGAIN may, at their discretion, withdraw places on Cycle the Nile if they believe it is in the best interest of the charity to do so. 15. Your passport must have at least six months to run from the date you return to the UK. It is your responsibility to apply for a visa before the event. 16. It is a requirement that you must wear a cycle helmet at all times whilst cycling on this challenge. 17. You will be responsible for providing your own personal equipment. I would like to take part in the Cycle the Nile and agree to abide by the Conditions of Entry above. I undertake to raise a minimum of 2,600 in sponsorship funds and donations for REGAIN and to send it to the organisers by 31 August I will also endeavour to raise as much sponsorship as possible in addition to the minimum amount. I confirm that to the best of my knowledge my general state of health and fitness is good and I take full responsibility for my fitness to take part. I enclose a cheque for the registration fee of 250 made payable to Cycle the Nile or please debit 250 from my Visa/MasterCard/Switch/Delta/Electron Card Card Number: Issue No. (Switch/Solo only) Start date Expiry date Cardholder s name Signature Signature (cardholder) Date Data protection The informationyou have provided will be used by REGAIN, Action for Charity and Classic Tours for the purposes of administering Cycle the Nile. Additionally, with your permission, your contact details including your name, address and contact telephone numbers will be passed on to other Cycle the Nile participants. If you would prefer that your details are not passed on please tick this box. Cycle the Nile is managed by Action for Charity on behalf of REGAIN, 78 Shirburn Road, Watlington, Oxon OX9 5BZ. Registered Charity No Action for Charity is the trading name of Action Events Limited, Registered office: Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 9BP. Company Registration No

5 CYCLE THE NILE To register for Cycle the Nile complete all sections of the application form and sign the pledge to raise funds overleaf. Post the completed application form and medical form with your non-refundable registration fee of 250 and two passport-size photos to: Cycle the Nile, Action for Charity, Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington SO41 9BP. application form Personal Details Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss) Surname Forenames Name by which you like to be known Address Postcode Home Tel Work Tel Mobile Tel Occupation/job title Employer s address T-shirt size S/M/L/XL Height (for bike size) Passport Details Full name on passport Date of birth Place of birth Date and place of issue Nationality Passport no Date of expiry Marital status Note: Your passport must be valid until 6 months after the event. Next of Kin Name Address Relationship Daytime Tel If yes, please give details: Postcode Evening Tel Cabin/Room Sharing Accommodation will be shared. Please give the name(s) of anyone with whom you specifically wish to share Name(s) Special Dietary Requirements Vegetarian Vegan Other (please state) Medical Requirements Do you suffer from a medical condition, allergy or take regular medication? If yes please give details: YES/NO Details of Company/Organisation Sponsorship Are you representing or being sponsored by a company or organisation? YES/NO Company/organisation name Address Postcode Telephone no How did you hear about the event? Please give details Have you undertaken an overseas challenge for charity before? If yes, please give details: YES/NO

6 Life can change in a second about regain REGAIN is the only charity dedicated solely to improving the independence of British men and women who have become tetraplegic as a result of a sports injury. One minute they are fit, active and healthy and the next they are paralysed, unable to move and in need of support for the rest of their lives. Tetraplegia is sometimes referred to as quadriplegia it is the result of a severe spinal cord injury. It affects both sensation and mobility because messages to the brain have become interrupted. A tetraplegic is unable to walk and has limited reach and dexterity because use of the arms is severely impaired. Most accidents occur during active participation in sports such as rugby, cycling, horse-riding, swimming and diving. Many of those paralysed are young people at the beginning of their lives. REGAIN is a lifeline to many tetraplegics across the country. The charity helps by: Providing equipment to improve the mobility and independence of tetraplegics Supporting tetraplegics and their families giving advice and help on financial, legal, medical and equipment matters Organising forums for tetraplegics to meet up and share their experiences with each other Increasing awareness of the risk of injury in sporting activities resulting in tetraplegia with the aim of reducing the number of accidents Actively encouraging tetraplegics to participate in sporting activities. Funds raised by Cycle the Nile will support REGAIN 78 Shirburn Road, Watlington, Oxfordshire OX9 5BZ Registered Charity No Cycle the Nile is managed by Action for Charity on behalf of REGAIN Cycle the Nile, Action for Charity, Newcourt House, New Street, Lymington SO41 9BP events@actionforcharity.co.uk Because they have lost the use of their limbs, tetraplegics are often unable to perform the most mundane of day-to-day tasks such as brushing their teeth or raising a drink to their lips. Tetraplegics need extensive support and without it many are unable even to get up in the morning. Funds raised by Cycle the Nile will be used to provide direct help to individual sports tetraplegics for the purchase of specialist equipment such as sports wheelchairs, adapted vehicles, voice-activated computers and other equipment to help them lead more independent and fulfilling lives. REGAIN currently has a waiting list of tetraplegics needing equipment that will make a real difference. Cycle the Nile will raise funds to support many of those in need.