How difficult is it to cycle 100+ km a day?

One of our key considerations when choosing a route is accessibility. We aim to balance the ‘challenge’ aspect with the objective of keeping the cycle open to all abilities. Therefore, you certainly don’t have to be a professional cyclist to participate in Cycling4Gaza. Each cyclist should ensure that they train and condition their body to be in the saddle for extended periods of time. This may sound daunting, but upon registration, a huge support network will open up to each cyclist. And it goes without saying that the strong sense of purpose and camaraderie, as well as remembering that we are all cycling FOR GAZA with the other cyclists will give that extra push when you most need it.

How many hours do we cycle per day?

We aim to limit your time on the saddle to 6 full hours a day, excluding water, snack and meal breaks. This could mean early starts so as to ensure we arrive at our destination before dark each evening.

Is it safe to cycle in Europe?

Yes. We work very carefully to select a tour operator whose priorities are in line with ours, and safety is utmost among them.  The Operator will also provide support vehicles with professional cycling staff to escort us throughout the cycle and provide route guidance and technical support to all cyclists.

Should I bring my own bike (if I own one)?

The Registration Fee includes bike rental, and we recommend that everyone take advantage of this and NOT to bring your own bike. 

What kind of bikes are provided on the cycle?

The tour operator will provide excellent condition Road Bikes for cyclists taking part in C4G rides. These bikes will be ‘fitted’ to your height specifications as indicated in the registration form, and will be adjusted to you (if necessary) prior to setting off on the ride. These bikes are fitted with flat pedals, so you must bring your own pedals if you want to clip in!

Is there a typical cyclist age group?

C4G always boasts an impressive range of cyclists each year, with our youngest rider in past cycles being 16 and our oldest over 60. This makes for an interesting group dynamic and a wonderful experience across the board, from cycling to socialising. 

How do I sign up?

The registration form is available to download on our website at https://cycling4gaza.org/

or click here to register now!

You will need to complete the registration form, sign the Terms & Conditions and pay the Registration Fees in order to secure your place on the ride.

After completing your registration, you will be contacted by C4G to take you through the next steps. 

What does my registration fee cover?

• Hotels/ accommodation for 6 nights (shared double room)
• Food throughout the cycle – 3 meals per day, starting with dinner on day1 (check-in day) and ending with breakfast the last day (check-out day)
• Bike rental
• Helmet rental
• C4G Cycling Jersey
• Tour guides/Group Leaders
• Luggage Transport
• Support Vehicles
• Water supply for refills

What is NOT INCLUDED in my registration fee?

• Flights to and from our destination
• Transport to and from the airport
• Travel and activity insurance costs
• Visa costs (if necessary)
• Single Room Supplement (optional, subject to availability)
• Beverages 
• Additional Luggage Storage (if necessary)
• Additional bike materials (as below)

What shall I bring with me?

A detailed list of items will be shared with you after registration, but some of the key items to bring with you are:

• Two water bottles or a refillable water source such as a Camelback.
• A water-proof cycling gilet/raincoat 
• At least 2 pairs of padded cycling shorts/leggings 
• 2 cycling Jerseys/sports tops
• Cycling gloves (recommended)
• The Rental bikes are fitted with flat pedals, so you must bring your own pedals (and shoes!) if you want to clip in!
• Sunscreen and Sunglasses
• If you are bringing your own bike (not recommended), please ensure you bring replacement inner tyre tubes in case of punctures.

Can you tell me about room-sharing and accommodation?

We will be checking in to different hotels each consecutive day throughout the tour. All rooms are twin (sharing basis). If you’re joining with a friend/family member/partner, please indicate their name in the Registration Form if you wish to room-share with them. If you do not assign a name, we will work on matching cyclists of similar profile together.

Does C4G arrange visas?

C4G does not personally arrange for cyclists’ visas, but we facilitate the process by providing appropriate documentation required by the relevant authorities. We will also provide further details on the visa process for your respective nationalities upon registration.

What are the luggage restrictions?

Please limit belongings (to accompany you during cycling days) to one small/medium piece of soft luggage (such as duffle/sports bag) and a small carry-on bag/backpack where you will hold your daily belongings along the ride.  Throughout the challenge, all luggage will be carried in our support van. Space is limited, so it will not be possible to transport large, hard luggage.

Do you arrange our flights?

No. Flights and travel logistics are the responsibility of each cyclist. However, we will provide cyclists with recommended flights to ensure that everyone arrives before the commencement of the cycle event. 

I love the idea of providing support for Palestine but I’ve never fundraised before. Do you think it will be difficult?

Fundraising can seem daunting but with time, it becomes a passion as well as a skill. Every year, the C4G team is made up of first-timers who have joined because of their passion for the cause and have done great (both on fundraising and cycling fronts). We will support all cyclists with fundraising tips post registration. These include:

• Country-group allocations to encourage groups to fundraise together.
• Suggestions on fundraising events and techniques. 

How can people make donations?

Cyclists are required to create an online donation page (instructions to be sent upon registration). We encourage donations online as your donation pages are linked and therefore funds raised can easily be tracked. 

Where do the donations go?

Every year C4G partners with a charity that can provide critical support to children and vulnerable communities in Gaza and the funds raised will be dedicated to the partner organisation to help them achieve their objectives.

Who is responsible for the logistics?

All logistics arrangements are organised by the C4G team in collaboration with the Tour Operator.

What if I do not make the minimum fundraising amount?

Upon registration, we will provide you tips for fundraising. This aims to keep you on track and mitigate the risk of not making the minimum fundraising amount. There is also lee-way for further fundraising to reach the minimum amount after the cycle. 

In the event that you have not made the pre-cycle fundraising deadline, then we encourage the cyclist to continue to raise the funds after the cycle is completed.

What happens if I cannot make the cycle?

Most of the cycle costs are paid as a group lump sum to our tour operator and respective stakeholders (hotels, food providers, bike rentals) prior to the cycle taking place as we are a big group. This means that should you not be able to make the cycle, you will not be able to recoup the amount required to cover your share of the above expenses unless 

• You manage to find a replacement participant who will shoulder the expense burden on your behalf and who is also able to meet the minimum fundraising amount  or
• We have adequate time to get a waitlisted cyclist registered, on track with our minimum fundraising amounts and with no foreseeable hurdles (visa processing time, etc).

Can a friend/partner/spouse who is not cycling come along?

Anyone can travel to the places where they will be cycling to support their loved ones, BUT C4G will not be responsible for providing any of the accommodations, meals or transport (or any other costs) that they will need to accompany their loved one who is a registered cyclist.

We tried to cover all possible questions that might come up in the previous FAQ section. Should we have missed something, you can contact us at contact@cycling4gaza.org 
To learn more about the initiative, visit https://cycling4gaza.org/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/cycling4gaza
Instagram: @cycling4gaza