Is Cycle a Difference the challenge for me?

You won't ever regret choosing to go on this sponsored challenge ride – you will have an opportunity to experience the beauty of Vietnam make new friends, enjoy the comradeship of a great group of fellow cycling enthusiasts and to make a real difference to the life chances of the thousands of newborns.

How can I find out more?

If you are excited by the ride and the cause, but would like to know more before you sign up, please email our ride captain at luke@cycle-a-difference.com.

How much do I have to raise?

The minimum total amount you need to raise is £3,000 sponsorship. This includes flights and accommodation so £2,400 will go to Newborns Vietnam for nurse training and lifesaving equipment. Please note that Newborns Vietnam has no employees, and the management of its activities, and the Cycle a Difference ride, is done by unpaid volunteers.
We are seeking corporate sponsorship for flights and accommodation and our aim is for 100% of your sponsorship to go towards lifesaving equipment and nurse training. We will post on the website news of the corporate sponsors as they come on board.

What's included in the cost?

Economy return flights UK to Vietnam, the majority of the trip is fully catered for, internal travel, accommodation, water and refreshments on cycling days, mechanics, guides and medical support. Local food is inexpensive for the times when ride catering is not provided. Our aim is for 100% of your sponsorship to go towards lifesaving equipment and nurse training. We are seeking additional sponsorship for flights and accommodation.

What deposit do I have to pay?

£500 – this is payable when you register

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! Check out our help with sponsorship page for some ideas.
You are doing something simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!
To help you spread the word of your great challenge, you can send the' 900 grams' Cycle a Difference inspire your supporters card – to view and read more click here, and you can make your own JustGiving webpage and send it to all your friends, for more information, click here.

Can you help me with sponsorship?

Yes, for example, we can help you make your own JustGiving webpage and give you pictures to help you inspire support. JustGiving is a great way to spread your message. Click here for more details.. We will provide you with a sponsorship pack with examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will of course be available every day to help you with more ideas!

How fit do I need to be?

You don't need to be a fitness fanatic to do this cycle ride but we suggest that as a minimum you need to have completed at least one century ride in 7 hours or less and preferably take regular rides of 60 miles or more.
We can provide a full training plan if you need help and support to prepare for the ride. Please do not be put off by these suggestions if you want to go and have not done either of the above then we have enough time to help you train you.
We recommend that you will need to have time to train a minimum of two to three times per week or be cycling regularly distances of 60 plus miles at a good pace.
We will provide you with a detailed training plan that we strongly recommend you stick to. The Cycle a Difference team captain will support and advice you and if you do have a tough day there is no shame in taking a ride in the support van.
This is ride is a challenge, nothing happens quickly in Vietnam and everyday life can be challenging, you will experience different culture, conditions and food. Central to the experience is team spirit, and we are all out there taking part in a sport we love to Make a Difference.

Can I extend my trip or bring my family?

Yes! More details can be provided and assistance with planning an associated travel itinerary is available.

Will you support me?

YES! One of our highly experienced trip co-ordinators will be on hand to help you throughout the months leading up to the ride. You will be sent a confirmation pack shortly after you register which will give you all the information you need.

What is the food like?

Your trip will be fully catered and include traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Chris Green will be providing a nutritional strategy for the ride, however we would recommend you bring a supply your favourite energy/cereal bar.

What bicycle do I need to bring?

You will need a road bicycle with 700x23-28C tyres. If you wish to discuss any technical equipment queries please email Luke via the contact form.

What do I need to pack?

The trick is to travel light and appropriately for the Vietnamese climate, full inventory will be provided in your confirmation pack.

What will happen to my luggage while I am riding?

Your luggage will be transported for you by one of our support vehicles.

How many people can take part?

The maximum number of riders is 50 per annum. Once 2013 is sold out you can pre-register for 2014.

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

We stay in 2 star hotels, homestays, and for 2 nights in the north west, very basic hotels. This is a remote and poor area, the beds are clean and the water hot. You may be required to share a room with up to 3/4 people, and the homestays are dormitory style with male/female separation, the settings are fantastic and offer the chance to experience local life.

Is there an age restriction?

You will need to be over 18 but there is no upper age limit.

What about insurance?

You must have travel insurance cover in order to participate in this challenge.
We have negotiated a group policy through Lark Insurance Broking, underwritten by Royal and Sun Alliance Insurance plc, which provides comprehensive cover specifically for this trip. We have been able to negotiate a very favourable rate and we strongly suggest you use it. Please download full details of the policy here.
Alternatively you can either arrange insurance yourself (as long as your insurance company is aware of the nature of what you are doing and that it is a charity event).

When will the ride take place?

The ride is planned for May 2013. The ride period including travel is scheduled for 14th to 27th May, however the start and finish may vary by a day depending on the airline schedules which have yoet to be published. We will confirm the exact dates as soon as possible..

How do I book my place?

As soon as possible! Simply click here to book online today. If you have any concerns about signing up, please get in touch and let us know what they are.

Terms and Conditions

Click here to read the ride Terms and Conditions.