Frequently Asked Questions

So where do we start?
How many miles is the route?
Are there many steep climbs to the challenge?

All your questions can be answered on the Hadrian's Cycleway website - this link will show you the route profile and distances - remember we will be starting at Whitehaven and finishing at Newcastle.

Where will we be staying?

We will be stopping at three locations during the cycle challenge; Carlisle, Once Brewed and ending up at Newcastle Upon-Tyne. You will be staying at these YHA’s. Please click on the following links to find out more about these YHA’s. All YHA’s will be providing a safe place for you to store your cycle!

Carlisle YHA: An award-winning conversion of the former Theakston’s Brewery. These Halls of Residence offer comfortable rooms just a few minutes’ walk from Carlisle’s city centre and historic castle. Also within easy reach are Hadrian’s Wall and the Lake District.

Once Brewed YHA: Two miles north of Bardon Mill, it’s also within easy walking distance of Vindolanda, where you can see how the Romans lived, and Housesteads Fort, the most complete Roman fort in Britain. Once you’ve had your fill of history, the hills of the Northumberland National Park await.

Newcastle Upon-Tyne YHA: Located on the city fringe, this accommodation in a Victorian townhouse is ideally placed for exploring the area’s attractions on foot, by car or using public transport. Enjoy the modern attractions of Newcastle and the age-old splendour of Northumberland’s coast and countryside.

Important: On the evening before the big challenge you will have needed to book your accommodation in Whitehaven for the first night. Please book early! The below links will help you choose the accommodation you need.

Visit Cumbria
Whitehaven.org.uk
Whitehaven & Western Lakeland
iKnow Lake District

Fundraising

Hope your fundraising is going well - if you need some hints and tips, you might find this useful:

Fundraising Tips
Downloadable sponsor form

What do I need to bring?

Below is suggestive list of equipment you could bring. Spares and cycle equipment will not be provided by Toybox, but is the responsibility of each cyclist.

Checklist:
Mini tool kit, pump, alum keys, screwdriver, adjustable spanner, spoke key, tyre levers, strong tape/zip ties, lubricant, spares, lights and batteries, straddle wires, puncture repair kit, inner tube, bike lock, personal kit, money, toiletries, waterproof liners, water bottle, change of clothes, towels, clothing, cycle shorts, cycling shirt, fleece top, helmet and gloves, waterproofs, windproof top, cycling footwear.

CTC – Third Party Cover - As a cyclist on the Toybox Cycle Challenge event, we want to insure all our participants have adequate cover in the unlikely event of an accident. The Third Party Cover from CTC covers you for injury or damage caused by you to a third party while you are cycling on the cycle challenge. The policy only covers you for the duration of the Cycle Challenge. If you would like to increase your insurance cover to cover you in your training leading up to the challenge or to you and your cycle, then CTC has options that will suit your needs. Please click here to see the policy in full.

For more information on the CTC Third Party Cover, please contact Justin on 01908 360074 justin.bloomfield@toybox.org

Your Cycle
We would advise a mountain, touring or hybrid cycle - some of the paths are unsuitable for full racing cycles

Here is a very basic list of checks you should carry out on your bike before you start and don't do them the night before you set off! If you are in any doubt as to your competence regarding cycle maintenance then take your bike into the local bike shop to get it serviced.

Brakes - Make sure that the blocks are not rubbing on the tyre when you apply your brakes, also check that the blocks hit the rim squarely and do not slide under the rim. Check that the blocks are not overly worn and that they connect with the rim cleanly.
Cables - Check that neither the gear or brake cables are frayed. If they are, replace them.
Tyres - The tyres should be inflated correctly to manufacturers recommendations and check the amount of tread left. If in doubt, replace them.
Lubrication - Apply lubrication to front and rear mechs, brake holder pivots, all entry and exit points on cable outers, chain, brake lever pivot points and reapply lubrication at the end of each days riding
Spares - Check out the spares list (above) for a basic list of kit to take with you.

What does it cost?

The full fee for the 3 day cycle challenge is: £138 – a £40 deposit is needed to secure your place.

Fundraising Tips
Downloadable sponsor form