Pedal to Ypres FAQs

Our bike rides are aimed at keen amateurs and are designed for a broad range of experience, speeds and stamina. 

It’s not competitive, and you don’t need to have done anything like this before. However, we always recommend a sensible training programme leading up to the ride - as you’ll enjoy the event so much more if you’re properly prepared. Check out our training advice for more information.

Yes, of course! Many of our supporters sign up for the challenge as an individual - this is a fantastic way to meet new friends. Just leave the team name blank when you register.

Definitely! There’s no minimum or maximum size of team. When you register, make sure to add your team's name to ensure you are recognised as a team, and get your captain to sign up first to create the team.

Participants taking part on their own must be over 18. We may allow participants under the age of 18 to take part, this is subject to approval of the events team, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Our prices are as all-inclusive as possible. All your meals and refreshments during the day of the challenge are included (excluding breakfast on the first day). Accommodation, outward travel from and return travel to the start point is also included.

The costs of travel to and from the start points, accommodation before the ride begins, spares that are needed for your bike during the ride (although they will be fitted for free), insurance or insurance for your bike while in use or in transit or storage. Bar bills are also not included.

We follow government guidelines and put the health and safety of our participants, staff and beneficiaries first and foremost. If it is necessary to postpone an event we will be in touch to offer a choice of transfer or refund. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

Anyone with a basic level of fitness who commits to training can take part. There are regular stops and each day has one climb, this ride is targeted at beginner to intermediate cyclists and is a perfect event for anyone taking on their first multi-day cycling event.

You should have a basic level of fitness with the commitment to prepare properly in training for the challenge. If you have any queries about your fitness to take part, please consult your doctor. 

Our training plans will help you on your way to getting the most out of the event.

Participants who are flagged by the event medics as being high risk may need to acquire permission from their GP to take part in the event. These participants will be contacted in advance of the ride to discuss if this is a requirement to take part.

A standard hybrid or road bike will be sufficient for your needs.

E-bikes are permitted but there is a limited number that can be taken on the ride due to charging facilities. Riders must contact the event organisers to confirm permission to bring an e-bike.

Riders with e-bikes are responsible for their own parts and for bringing their own adapters and charging points. Riders are also responsible for ensuring their bike is fully charged each evening.

You should carry the essentials you would normally take for a ride (inner tube, tyre levers, mini pump or CO₂ inflator, and a multi-tool) and anything else you need to stay comfortable on the road. 

Full vehicle and mechanical support will be provided throughout. We will provide a recommended kit list closer to the time. 

We will provide links to the route in advance to help you prepare but you don’t need to know the route as you will cycle with the guidance and support of ride captains and support vehicles.

Day 1 is approximately 120km with one climb, day 2 is approximately 102km with one climb, day 3 is approximately 65km and is mostly flat. You will be stopping regularly to visit historical sites or for a feed stop.

Bring one bag that is a maximum of 10kg. This will be transported for you by the event crew to each hotel. You do not need any formal clothing, we recommend casual/smart casual for the evenings.

Yes. There are usually two speed groups that will travel at the average speed of the riders we have on the event. Groups will stop regularly and meet up together at historical sites. Even if you have never cycled in a group, you will be fully supported by ride captains and other support crew.

We do! The Royal British Legion has been organising its own bike rides for over 30 years and covers all organisational aspects for this ride.

Accommodation will be in 3 star (or more) hotels, standards may vary but they have en-suite facilities and are comfortable. Where possible we will always try to keep team members in the same hotels.

If you would like to share a room with someone specific, we can arrange this.

Participants will be paired up with someone a similar age and gender and a twin share is part of the trip.

If you would like to have your own room, you can request a single supplement at registration for an additional fee.

Breakfast and an evening meal will be served in the hotel. We will provide energy drink and bars at feed stations throughout the day. These are specifically designed to refuel you for the number of calories you will be burning. If you have specific things you would like to have we can carry these for you and make them available at feed stations. 

We cater for all dietary requirements if you let us know in advance.

If you have a preferred brand, please bring your own supplies. We do not provide energy gels so please bring these if you use them.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a welcome email containing lots of information and advice about raising money for the Royal British Legion. Posters to publicise your participation in the event and collection pots are also available via our website. In addition, the RBL team are on hand to support you every step of the way!

We’ll include all the information you need in your registration pack when you sign up to the event. Your online fundraising page will be set up automatically when you register for the event. You can use this page to share with friends and family. All donations to this page will be automatically credited to your fundraising for the event. If you make a donation another way, please let us know by emailing [email protected].

Yes. If you create a team when you register your teams fundraising page will be created automatically, anyone joining your team can search for it, and will added to this page automatically.

Yes, if you are a UK tax payer. You cannot claim Gift Aid on a donation from a public collection or fundraising event, unless each individual donor has submitted a Gift Aid Declaration. For more information, please read our Gift Aid information.

We ask that 70% of your fundraising is raised by April before the event. All sponsorship monies should be sent to us no later than eight weeks after the last day of the ride.