18–22 May 2016

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18–22 May
Patron Her Majesty The Queen
Registered Charity No. 1059050
2016
CHOOSE A CHALLENGE AND CHANGE LIVES
Key facts about Cycle Majorca 2016
• Four/five days of on-road cycling
• Route includes the snaking Sa Calobra climb
• Includes hire of good spec carbon road bike
• All meals included (except Sunday lunch)
• 3–4* hotels throughout
• Riding as part of a team and alongside the people we support
• Flights NOT included
ABOUT NORWOOD
Norwood has over 20 years’ experience of organising
challenges – from cycling in South Africa to trekking
in Iceland. We were the first charity in the UK back
in 1992 to introduce the charity cycle challenge
and we have been attracting participants to our
rides and treks ever since.
We’ve taken thousands of challenge participants all over the
world, testing their levels of endurance to the limit, giving them
the chance to achieve something spectacular, as well as making
friendships and memories to last a lifetime.
Our challenge participants, who range in age from 18 to 82,
have been inspired to raise millions of pounds to support our
work with 7,000 vulnerable children and their families, children
with special educational needs and adults with learning disabilities every year. Many have said that getting the chance to cycle
alongside some of the people supported by Norwood made the
experience even more memorable.
“
Each day was filled with different surprises and highlights, but
the overall theme of the trip was being challenged, working together and making a difference in people’s lives. Being able
to spend the week with some of the people Norwood supports
was an incredibly humbling and life-changing experience.
Climbing those last three kilometres into Jerusalem on the final day was a tear-jerking moment that I will never forget.”
Participant on the Israel Bike Ride 2015
We organise a series of cycle and trek challenges every year and
we’re sure there’ll be one that appeals to you. So if you want to be
part of something truly amazing and help change lives, read on…
majorca
18–22 MAY 2016
Views, valleys, villages and vines.
Over 200 miles. Five unforgettable days.
One amazing adventure.
Join Norwood for a springtime challenge
you’ll never forget.
Test your limits as you cycle through some
of the most spectacular scenery in the
Mediterranean. Experience the challenging
highs, the thrilling descents and the fast,
flat cycling among orange groves, through
medieval villages, up mountains and
around lakes. Buoyed by the spirit and
camaraderie of the team, you’ll push
yourself to the limits of endurance and feel
a great sense of achievement.
ABOUT MAJORCA
Majorca (or Mallorca) is the largest of the Balearic
Islands and along with its sister islands of
Menorca and Ibiza, lies in the Mediterranean Sea
off the south-east coast of mainland Spain.
It has a population of almost 870,000 people, half
of whom live in or around the capital, Palma, which
boasts the 13th century Santa Maria cathedral and
hosts the annual Copa del Rey regatta.
The island has a Mediterranean climate, with mild
and stormy winters and hot, bright, dry summers.
Although it’s known for its glorious beaches, it also
boasts majestic mountains and stunning scenery.
Majorca has two mountainous regions, the Serra de
Tramuntana and Serres de Llevant. Each one is about
70 km (43 mi) in length and occupies the north-western (Serra de Tramuntana or Tramuntana range) and
eastern thirds of the island.
The highest peak on Majorca is Puig Major at
1,445 m (4,741 ft) in the Serra de Tramuntana.
As this is a military zone, the neighbouring peak at
Puig de Massanella is the highest accessible peak at
1,364 m (4,475 ft). The north-east coast comprises
two bays: the Badia de Pollença and the larger
Badia d’Alcúdia. You can also find protected
national parks in all four corners of Majorca.
CYCLING IN MAJORCA
Majorca offers some of the most impressive, demanding and leisurely rides that make the
island a popular destination right through
from amateur to professional cyclists. Indeed, the island plays host to over 35,000
cyclists annually. These are not only professional cyclists who like to take advantage of the island’s terrain, but also
consist of cycle tourists as well.
Cycling is massive in Majorca and the island
has so many sides to it that to get on your
bike and explore is a truly liberating experience. The beauty of cycling in Majorca
is the sheer variety of terrain – from easy flat
rides through the orange groves to big days
in the mountains.The Tramuntana mountains
make the perfect cycle playground for those
wanting to test their strength against Majorca’s mountain range that stretches the
whole west side of the island.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1: 18 MAY
PALMA TO VALLDEMOSSA
CYCLE – A GENTLE START OF 66KM
Getting straight down to business, we
arrive at Palma Airport for 10am for a
short transfer, a bike fitting and on the
road for 12. Make sure all your essential
kit is handy as we set off on our journey
through the interior lowlands to Santa
Maria. Following a brief respite, we head out into the mountains along the beautifully remote and serene
Orient Valley to Bunyola before making the final climb to Valldemossa.
A leisurely dinner and a good night’s sleep is recommended for the
toughest day ahead.
DAY 2: 19 MAY
THE CORNICHE ROAD AND THE
WESTERN PENINSULAR
CYCLE – THE TOUGHEST DAY 101KM
Starting along the narrow, winding and
undulating Corniche Road towards the
remote mountain village Puigpunyent,
we continue through to the well-known
artists’ colony of Galilea, Capdella, Perguera and the pretty resort of Camp
del Mar before finally resting at Port Andratx – the photogenic south-west tip of
the island. Climbing up to the main town itself, we face a challenging uphill battle
to join the start of the Corniche Road, enjoying the spectacular and staggering
views of all that lies below. Passing through Estellences and Banyalbufar before
finally rejoining our start point, we head back for a much-needed second night’s
rest in Valldemossa.
DAY 3: 20 MAY
VALLDEMOSSA TO PORT DE
POLLENCA (plus a little boat ride)
CYCLE – 72KM BUT WITH A
2,500FT CLIMB!
Continuing back out on the Corniche Road through Deia, we
drop to sea level at Soller to pick up
the boat from the Port, across to the
stunning cove of Sa Calobra. Here
we face the snaking 11.5km, 2,500ft
cycle back up the mountain. A day
of ups and downs, we stop off at
the pretty mountain lake of Gorg
Blau before enjoying the fantastic
descent down into Pollenca. A fun
night in a boutique hotel in the fashionable resort of Port de Pollenca rounds off a challenging day before the early start scheduled for the morrow!
DAY 4: 21 MAY
PORT DE POLLENCA TO RANDA VIA FORMANTOR
CYCLE – 96KM, BIT HILLY BUT GOOD MIX OF CHALLENGES AHEAD
The day promises to be spectacular,
featuring some early short, sharp climbs.
We start from Port de Pollenca with the
“climb of the trip” to Formentor and
then it’s on to the lighthouse at the most
northerly point of the island. Swapping
cycle for sea legs, we take a short boat trip back to the Port to
experience a very different terrain as we ride along the coast to
the historic old walled town of Alcudia. Travelling through Majorcan olive and orange groves along the way, we finally
arrive at Randa, saying goodbye to our bikes and celebrating in style with a good meal, a laze by the pool and a few stories to tell.
DAY 5: 22 MAY
TIME TO SAY GOODBYE...
. . . but not before a tiny
5.2km, 260m climb up the Puig
de Randa for a grand view of
what you’ve achieved.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
TRAVEL DETAILS
Flights
You will need to book your own flights for this challenge but must
be at Palma Airport for 10am to take advantage of the group
transfer to our bike fitting. We recommend the Easyjet Flight London Luton to Palma EZY2271 06.00-09.25 or the Easyjet London Gatwick to Palma 05.40-09.00. If you wish to travel outside of the dates of this challenge, then please do let us know
well in advance. You will then need to ensure that you arrive at the airport at the scheduled time – further details will be given after registration.
Option to stay on
You can stay on in Majorca after the challenge, but please do contact us at Norwood as soon as possible and advise us of your plans.
Passport and visas
A ten-year passport is essential, which must have at least six
months still left on it. British passport holders do not need a visa.
Insurance
Travel insurance is a compulsory condition of your booking and can be arranged by Norwood if you do not have your own
insurance in place.
Baggage
Your allowable hold luggage should be in a soft shell bag (it can
have wheels) with a weight allowance that does not exceed 20kg.
Any excess baggage charges must be met by you. You will also be
permitted one piece of hand luggage. Make sure you carry your
cycle helmet with your hand luggage.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation will be twin sharing in hostels or hotels throughout.
Single person supplements may be available on request.
FOOD
All meals and snacks will be provided on the trip (with the exception of lunch on Sunday). We cater for all dietary requirements
as long as we know in advance. Just fill in the appropriate section
on your registration form.
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
VACCINATIONS All travellers are advised to ensure that their diphtheria, tetanus
and polio vaccinations are up to date. A booster dose is needed
if it is longer than ten years since you last had a vaccine against
these diseases do let us know well in advance.
CURRENCY
The local currency is the Euro although it is always handy to bring
along a credit card. Do let your bank know in advance that you
will be travelling with your card prior to the trip.
KIT LIST
We will supply you with a kit list of what to take once you register to take part. If taking part in a cycle challenge,
you won’t need any specialist equipment, but you will need to bring:
WHAT TO BRING
ESSENTIAL
Your own helmet
Cycling gloves
Some cycling shorts
Small rucksack or bike bag
Something smart for end of
ride dinner
WHAT TO BRING
OPTIONAL
You can bring your own pedals, bar ends
and toe cleats and any other cycling
equipment to modify the bike supplied, but
it isn’t compulsory.
You may wish to bring a hydration backpack,
although all bikes are equipped with one
water bottle cage to ensure that you stay
hydrated during the ride
WHAT’S INCLUDED/NOT INCLUDED
All transfers if meeting at the scheduled times and locations
as advised
All accommodation (based on twin-sharing rooms)
All meals on each of the cycling days
with specific dietary requirements met on request
Drinking water for all cycling days
Snacks and fruit on cycling days
Back up support vehicles
A good carbon spec road bike
Local cycling guide
Medical support
Bike mechanic
Personal travel insurance (this is a requirement of the trip but
Norwood can organise this for you)
Personal cycling equipment, helmet and clothing
Tips
Extra meals
Tours and entry fees
Favourite snacks and bars for that extra energy boost if needed
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE? WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET TIRED?
This cycle ride has been designed to be
challenging, but achievable by anyone as long as
you fitness train beforehand. Remember, you are
cycling for four consecutive days and in hot
temperatures. The fitter you are, the more you’ll
enjoy this challenge. Why not join one of our
Norwood Cycle Club rides on a Sunday or our
weekly (free!) spinning class? It’s a great opportunity for you to meet our Norwood team and fellow participants.
There are regular rest stops and toilet breaks
on the trip – one in the morning and one in the
afternoon – plus a good lunch stop every day.
Don’t worry if you need to take more rest stops
as well during the day. A guide will be bringing up
the rear of the group on the cycle ride to ensure
no one is left alone. Remember, this is not a race.
DO I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN LUGGAGE?
No. All luggage will be transported from
accommodation to accommodation by our support
vehicles. You’ll need a small day pack/bum bag/
hydration backpack while cycling, to carry items
such as a camera, sunscreen and snacks etc.
WHAT SORT OF BACK-UP IS THERE?
There’ll be a strong support team with a
professional ground handling crew as well as
local guides. Full, comprehensive medical kits
will be taken and we are never too far away from
hospitals. An air-conditioned vehicle will follow
the group, providing support if needed.
CAN I BRING MY OWN BIKE?
It is possible to bring your own bike, but we’d prefer you did not. This is because we plan to cycle directly from the airport. The rented bikes
will all be assembled and ready to go. Storing and
transporting the packaging for your bike will also
be a challenge for our logistics team. So to help us
depart on time, and keep the logistics simple, we’d
prefer you don’t bring your own bike.
USEFUL TRAINING TIPS
USEFUL TRAINING TIPS
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FOOD AND NUTRITION
What you eat impacts on your energy levels, so
concentrate on improving your diet as you start
training. Fried or sugary foods, and too much dairy,
will counter the training you have started to do.
• Carbohydrate breaks down to form glucose,
which is stored in your muscles as glycogen
to provide your body with energy. However,
muscles only store a limited amount so you
need to eat more carbs as your life becomes
more active. Carbohydrate is found in cereals,
potatoes, bread, pasta, noodles and rice.
• Fruit and vegetables are needed for maximum
vitamins and minerals. It’s not hard to
incorporate five portions per day. Fruit is high
in fructose, which your body absorbs more easily
than other sugars. Bananas are especially good
for maintaining energy on a long active day.
• Meat and fish provide some essential microproteins which help muscle development. It’s
healthier to eat fish and white meat. If you want
to eat red meat, remove the fat. Vegetarians
should concentrate on maintaining a balanced
diet, with plenty of iron, while increasing
energy intake.
• Increased fluids are vital. Dehydration affects
your ability to exercise. Drink plenty of water
before, after and during exercise. Drinks
containing caffeine do not help to prevent
dehydration. If you plan to use isotonic (energy)
drinks on your challenge, it’s important that your
body gets used to them while training.
HOW TO BOOK
Now you’ve read the itinerary and seen what’s involved, please secure your place by booking online at norwood.org.uk/majorca or call us directly on 020 8420 6829. Places are limited and are issued on a first-come, first served basis.
The online registration is payable via Paypal only, although payments
by credit or debit card can be taken over the phone. If you’d prefer
to pay by cheque or bank transfer, please contact us directly.
There’s also a bit of form filling to do, but it’s essential to make sure
that all these forms are completed to ensure that you have the best
possible experience with Norwood and the right sized bike. Once
we have received your registration, we’ll confirm your booking and
send out regular updates with everything that you need to know.
If you sign up to two international challenges in
the same year, the amount you will be required
to raise in sponsorship will be reduced by £500!
Pricing options (excludes flights)
Option
A
Registration
Fee
£295
B
C
£795 £1,995
Minimum
£1,700 £1,200
Fundraising
--
A = Standard registration and minimum fundraising
B = Cover costs / reduced minimum fundraising
C = Pay outright - no fundraising required
Under 35? There is
a £250 reduction on
minimum fundraising.
HOW DO I RAISE THE SPONSORSHIP?
Once you have signed up, we will send you a
fundraising pack in order to make your fundraising
as easy as possible. But do follow Norwood on
social media for fundraising tips. We recommend
Follow us
@norwoodchals
that all participants set up VirginMoneyGiving pages
in order to fundraise online. They charge less
commission than other online fundraising platforms,
which means more money for Norwood!
norwoodchallenges
norwoodcharity
Norwood is one of the largest children, family and
learning disability charities in the UK. We support
7,000 people every year, including vulnerable
children and their families, children with special
educational needs and adults with learning
disabilities. We are ambitious for the people who
use our services and we strive to ensure that everyone
can live the life they choose, irrespective of ability.
Our range of personalised services includes
everything from family support to support groups
for young people, a nursery to Norwood Drugsline,
and special educational support for children and
young people, to supported living for adults with
learning disabilities. To help us deliver these services,
we have a workforce of over 2,000, made up of
1,250 staff and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.
The charity operates in London and the South
East. Our vital services cost £35 million a year to
run and every year we must raise £12 million of this
through voluntary donations.
HOME
SCHOOL
LIFE
Children and their families
facing individual challenges
Children and young people
with special educational needs
People with learning disabilities
and/or autism, throughout their lives
N
W
E
S
Norwood works with 56 local authorities
and has 55 homes and centres across
London and the South East.
It costs £35 million a year for Norwood to
provide our services. Every year we must raise
N over £12 million from voluntary donations.
W
E
S
N
W
E
S
Norwood has a workforce of over 2,000,
made up of 1,250 staff and hundreds
of dedicated volunteers.
Norwood provides services
for 7,000 people.
N
W
E
S