Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign up for Cycle India 2014 now?
Yes, we are keen for people to start signing up now. The earlier you sign up the more time you have for fundraising and getting yourself fit for the ride. To register and secure your place click here.
How fit will I need to be?
The people who have taken part in the last three Cycle India events have been a broad range of ages (from 18 to 65) and levels of fitness. We highly recommend you train for the event, and those who have prepared have generally found the cycling far easier than those who haven't. Our event from Mumbai to Goa should be manageable for anyone who has a reasonable degree of fitness and is ready for a challenge!
How long is the event?
For those taking part from the UK the event is expected to last around 10 days. The cycling normally takes five days and then we will be travelling to and visiting the children at the Heal Village, as well as the latest project, the Paradise Village in Vijayawada. Anybody taking part from other parts of the world will need to arrange their own travel plans and co-ordinate with the organisers.
How much fundraising will I need to do?
We request that you firstly pay your own costs of £1,000 (including £250 registration fee) to HEAL at least three months before the event. Your £250 registration fee should be paid as soon as possible to secure your place.
You will then be required to raise at least £1,500 for HEAL through your own fundraising activities. We can help you with advice, and the sooner you start fundraising the better. In previous events, some people have found this more difficult than the cycling, but if you are a couple of hundred short you can always make up the difference yourself. Others have found the fundraising far easier and raised over £10,000 for HEAL. If you don't like the idea of fundraising, you can just pay the full amount yourself and treat Cycle India as a fantastic adventure holiday (which it is!) where you are actually doing something great for orphaned and destitute children.
How many miles will I need to cycle?
We will be cycling approx 400 kilometres over five days. This is challenging yet manageable for most reasonably fit people who have done some training beforehand. We must stress Cycle India is not a race. If a hill is too tough, you can walk for a bit. And, if the going gets too tough, we have support vehicles.
What will the accommodation be like?
Here are links to some of the hotels / lodges we will be staying at Cycle India 2014:
The Fern Samali Resort (http://www.fernsamaliresort.com/about-us.html)
Quality Resort (http://chiplunhotels.com/the_resort.html)
MTDC Ganpatipule Resort
(http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/MTDC_Resort/Ganpatipule/Ganpatipule.html)
MTDC Tarkali Beach Resort
(http://www.maharashtratourism.gov.in/mtdc/HTML/MaharashtraTourism/MTDC_Resort/Tarkarli/Tarkarli.html)
There may be the requirement for people to share rooms and, depending upon numbers taking part, there may be camping required for some of the gentlemen.
What will the food be like?
We will be eating mainly freshly cooked Indian food, and will be supplied with fresh fruit and energy foods for during the cycling. There will be plenty of vegetarian food available. If you have any specific requirements then you will need to let us know.
How much will I need to raise if I'm not from the UK?
We have had a number of US citizens taking part in the last two Cycle India events and already have cyclists registered from USA, Australia and Germany for 2014. For US/Australian citizens, we would ask that you arrange your own flights in addition to paying £250 ($400) registration fee and £500 ($800) towards costs. Fundraising requirement would remain at £1,500 ($2,500). This principle would be applied to people from other parts of the world wishing to take part, although those from Europe may wish to make their way to London before travelling with the main UK group.
Any Indian citizens wishing to take part will also be required to get themselves to and from Mumbai for the event, and then raise (or pay) 1 lakh rupees, paid directly to the HEAL India account. However, a dedicated additional Cycle India event just for riders in India is currently under consideration and by signing up to our newsletter you will be kept informed of any updates on this.