Poppy Ride FAQs

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.

Please contact 0345 845 1945 if you’d like to know more about all we are doing.

We are putting in place all the necessary measures to create a Covid Secure event in line with the standards set out by the government and British Cycling when the event takes place.

Please visit our Covid-19 promise page for full details.

Our bike rides are aimed at keen amateurs and are designed for a broad range of experience, speeds, and stamina. It is not competitive, and you do not need to have done anything like this before. However, we always recommend a sensible training programme leading up to the ride - as you will enjoy the event so much more if you are properly prepared. Check out our cycling training guide for more information.

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

Definitely! There is no minimum or maximum size of team. When you register, make sure to add your team name to ensure you are recognised as a team.

For safety reasons, all participants must be aged over 18. We may accept entry for 15+ if they are accompanied by an adult please contact 0345 845 1945 to check.

• Unique finisher’s medal
• Timed event, online results available
• On-site Parking
• Your choice of three professionally designed and sign posted routes
• Medical and Mechanical support throughout the ride and a sweeper vehicle
• Fully stocked Feed Stations

There will also be an option to join ability groups or a development group for those wanting to gain more experience in group riding. Each group will be led by our experienced RBL Ride Captains so you can focus on the challenge ahead.

The costs of travel to and from the events, accommodation before the event, spares that are needed for your bike during the ride (although they will be fitted for free) and insurance for your bike while in use.

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 do either ride, please consult your doctor. Our training plans will help you on your way to getting the most out of the event.

A mechanic will be available in the event village before the ride starts and once the ride begins there will be a mechanic on the route to offer support Please ensure your bike is in good working order with fully functioning brakes and gears, as there will be limited time to resolve any issues on the morning of the event.

Please ensure you have a properly fitting cycling helmet and enough spares to be self-sufficient for the duration of your ride. This should include (as a minimum) a spare inner tube, puncture repair patches, and a pump or co2. Also consider bringing sunscreen, a light jacket or gilet in case of changeable weather and lights.

A medic will be situated in the event village before the ride begins and there will also be medics available on the route.

For up to date information, please contact myevent@britishlegion.org.uk or call 0345 845 1945.

All routes will involve hills of some description so it’s a good idea to put in some training for the climbs. We recommend you ride at your own pace, that way it’s very likely you will find yourself cycling with people of a similar ability.

All three routes are full signposted, with marshals on key junctions. GPX route downloads will be available just before the event so you can follow the route using your GPS cycle computer.

Our bike rides are very social with people of all abilities taking part. Our experienced Ride Captains will be there to support you the whole way. We will facilitate groups to ride as a peloton with the guidance of our Ride Captains or you are welcome to set off on your own and go at your own pace.

Yes, there will be fully stocked water and feed stations at key intervals on all routes.

We ask that all sponsorship monies are sent to us no later than eight weeks after the last day of the ride.

The Royal British Legion has been organising its own bike rides for over 20 years and covers all organisational aspects for most of our rides.

There is an opportunity for family and friends to cheer you in at the end of the ride and to celebrate your achievement.

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. In addition, the RBL team are on hand to support you every step of the way!

Registration fees only help to cover the event costs – so fundraising is really important in helping serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Your donations enable us to make a huge difference to the lives of those that we support in our Armed Forces community.  Every year we are able to save lives, save marriages, keep families together, alleviate poverty, prevent homelessness, and improve physical and mental health – these are all life changing events enabling those we support to live safe, secure and fulfilling lives.

We’ll include all the information you need in your registration pack when you sign up to the event. Your Fundraising page will be set up automatically when you register. So all you have to do is share the link with your friends.

Yes. This is very easy online as JustGiving has facilities to set up team pages. Please remember to let us know the link to your page so we can ensure all donations are credited to the team.

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.