England the Easy Way (Or Not). A Tour of East Anglia

† 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 $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW:  Much of East Anglia, comprised of the counties of Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, has preserved its character, rural landscape, architecture and traditions. There are many miles of quiet country lanes to explore, numerous delightful villages to discover plus a whole host of castles, stately homes, churches and ancient monuments to visit. The ancient university city of Cambridge, Norwich Cathedral, the Royal Estates, Bungay Castle, the National Heritage Centre for Horseracing, and the Norfolk Broads are amongst the highlights of the itinerary. With virtually flat terrain, East Anglia is a cycling paradise, particularly for those who consider those steep English climbs a burden. For those seeking a more challenging ride, extensions to the core route are plentiful, including an optional century loop ride!

RIDE RATING: This Tour is rated 1A with the average distance of 35 miles per day and 850 feet of climbing on our 9 required riding days. Two required days exceed the 1A rating by 10 miles but are within the 1A elevation profile. There are 2 optional loop rides and optional extensions on most riding days.

WEATHER: Expect daytime temperatures in the mid 70's, cooler at night. Early August is a drier time in this region, but it is England so expect some precipitation.

LODGING AND MEALS: Overnights are in Cambridge (first and last night), Bury St. Edmonds, Ipswich, Woodbridge, Beccles, Norwich(2), Stiffkey(2), Hunstanton, Kings Lynn, and Downham Market. Accomodations are in 3* hotels and Country Inns and include breakfast. Seven three course dinners are also included.

LOGISTICS: The tour begins at our hotel in Cambridge on August 4, 2019, and ends after breakfast  in Cambridge on August 17, 2019. Participants may wish to add a day or two on either end to fully explore this historic and fascinating city and its notable Colleges. Cambridge is easily accessible by train from London (50 minutes). English trains are much more reliable than US trains, are plentiful, and run on time. Detailed transportation options to and from Cambridge, UK, together with a hotel list will be provided well in advance of the starting date, Iron Donkey can arrange transfers at an additional cost if there is sufficient interest.

COST AND ADMINSTRATION: The cost estimate of this ride is $3700 calculated at $1.50 to the Sterling Pound. Depending on currency exchange rates, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. The initial deposit is $1700 with the final payment of $2000 due on 2/1/2019. Cost includes 13 nights accomodations with breakfast, 7 dinners, maps, cuesheets, daily happy hours, luggage transfers, bike box storage, and van pickup for emergencies only. Rental bikes and preloaded gps units will be available directly from Iron Donkey at an additional cost. English law prohibits bringing in outside beverages so participants must buy their own drinks

SINGLES & SOLOS POLICY: It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until January 1, 2019 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, riders will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and payment processing fee) or up to two riders may pay the $1100 single supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate, but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary.  The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride.   Solo supplement payments need to be sent to the BAC office by 2/1/2019 . Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check. They should be mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

CANCELLATION POLICY:  The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing 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 cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling 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.  In addition to the BAC cancellation policy, those who cancel may be subject to Iron Donkey’s cancellation policy:

• For cancellation before final payment date, loss of deposit £210 ($315 US at $1.50 to the £) unless replacement(s)found. 
• From final payment date until 30 days before departure, 25% of payment £524 ($786US at   $1.50 to the £) unless replacement(s) found.
• From 30 days before departure, 100% £2095 ($3142.50 US at  $1.50 to the £) of payment unless replacement(s) found.

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 BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit $1700 by credit card.  As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List.  To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description.