† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $50 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.
The aim of the organizers is to facilitate a fun and enjoyable tour filled with memorable moments while providing you with a real sense of achievement. Upon arrival in London (Heathrow) we will provide transportation to Land’s End and at the end of the tour connection to Inverness.
ROUTE: Starting at Land’s end on the SW tip of England we travel through Cornwall, over Dartmoor, then cross the Bristol Channel into Wales. We then head North to the Lake District and into Scotland where the scenery is filled with lochs and highlands. Finally we reach the North coast of Scotland and John O’Groats on the NE tip. This is a fabulous way to see the UK and probably one of the best tours you will ever do in terms of scenery. Our tour includes two nights stay on arrival at the Land’s End Hotel, 20 days of cycling plus two rest days and, at the end of the tour, transfer to Inverness where there are connections to rail and air (total 25 days). Many LEJOG tours complete the distance in 13 days however we believe there is much to see and experience along the way, so the journey is as important as the destination.
RIDE RATING: This LEJOG is not an easy tour, it is rated a 3C. It is an ambitious challenge, but it can be achieved by most experienced cyclists who have a good level of fitness. The total cycling distance for the 20 days of cycling is 1041 miles, for an average of 52 miles per day, with no days exceeding level 3 rating. The total climb (elevation gain) during the entire tour is approximately 50,000 feet for an average of 2,500 feet per day. There are 3 or 4 days when the gain will exceed this amount, hence the ride alert. The tough climbs are primarily in Cornwall, Dartmoor and Scotland. There are two rest days, Saturday June 10th and Saturday June 17th. The terrain consists mostly of rolling countryside. Frequently we will be cycling on narrow lanes with hedgerows on both sides, where there is only room for one vehicle to pass at a time. The only time we may experience some heavy traffic is when passing near one large town.
WEATHER: The weather in June is generally good but is sometimes changeable, especially in Cornwall and Scotland, where there is a chance of strong winds and rain. Winds generally blow SW to NE but there are always exceptions so clothing for all weather is recommended. Most places where we stop for the night have washing facilities, so there is no need to bring a large quantity of clothes!
LOGISTICS: Road or racing bikes are highly recommended, not mountain bikes. Helmets are mandatory. When the plans of each rider are known, arrangements can be made for transport to the start of the ride. This is what has been done for the UK ride that starts Sept 10th 2016. With regard to the end arrangements, they will be made for transport to the nearest bus service back to London for those that require it
COST & ADMINISTRATION: The estimated cost is $4000 based on an exchange rate of 1£ = 1.50 US$ and includes 23 nights lodging with breakfast each morning, two dinners (first and last) and basic lunch supplies. Cue sheets and GPS files will be furnished as well. Nightly business meetings will be held in either the hotel pubs or local pubs. The usual BAC cocktail hours are not included in the tour cost, not only because bringing drink and snacks into British pubs would be frowned upon but because experiencing the pub atmosphere is part of any tour of the UK. The quality of hotels and small inns where we will stay varies, however, we always strive for the best available.
SUPPORT VEHICLE: Space will be limited in the van as it has to navigate the narrow country lanes. Soft sided luggage is preferred. Bike boxes will be taken in the SAG wagon, so please, no extra large bike boxes. Coupled bike cases are no problem.
SPACE AVAILABLE: The tour is limited to 20 people, (5 couples and 10 singles, approximate). The Ride Leader would like to have a mix of single riders and couples. There will not be any accommodation for Solo riders, as many hotels in remote parts of Scotland are small, and it would not be possible to accommodate more than 20 persons. All rooms are double occupancy
CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.
SIGN-UP: To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable $100 BAC ride registration fee online. Once those steps have been completed, the initial deposit of $1000 will be due. The remaining amount of $3000 will be due on December 1, 2016. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.
Bicycle Adventure Club
PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193
Telephone (858) 715-9510 office@bicycleadventureclub.org