The London to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge is perfect for cyclists of all abilities, this challenge will take you along an iconic route through England, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Summary of what’s included…

• Hotel accommodation for three nights between 17-20 June. Any additional nights need to be covered by yourself.

• Food & Drink during riding days and at snack stops does not include breakfast on Day 1.

• 24/7 support from our team.

• Bicycle roadside repairs and medical assistance. Non-roadside repairs may incur additional costs.

• Return to London from Amsterdam via train.

• Transport your bike back to London to the MUFG Ropemaker Street Office on the day after the event. If you’d like it sent to a specific location or the bike to be stored by our team beyond this day, this can be arranged, but additional costs may apply.

You will need to commit to raising £750.00 for our charity partners across the region. Full guidance on how to do this will be provided once you have registered.

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Fundraising should be fun!

From cake sales and pub quizzes to dress-down days or guessing how many sweets there are in a jar – fundraising is a great way to make your friends and family feel part of your London to Amsterdam cycle challenge.

Contact the CSR or TFA Events for Fundraising Tips or to discuss ideas.

How do I register for the event?
Just click here to submit details.

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How do I set up an online fundraising page?
Details on how to set up your fundraising for the cycle challenge will be provided soon.

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What is the date of the event?
The London to Amsterdam cycle ride is from 20 - 24 June 2024. Cyclists will return on the day after the event finishes unless they specifically request to come back on a different date, though this may incur additional costs.

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How do I find out more about the charity partners?
You can find out more information about our charity partners by clicking here.

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What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
You will be in the saddle for three consecutive days, cycling between 50-80 miles for 6-7 hours each day. If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone. Get in touch with our Event Manager, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - info@tfaevents.co.uk or 0333 4441189.

What does the London to Torquay cycle ride cost?
Everyone who takes part must agree to a fundraising commitment of £750.

I have a medical condition, what should I do?We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for a challenge. When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undergo the activity. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (see below) for further details.

Where does the challenge start and finish and at what time?The London to Amsterdam cycle ride starts from Orpington, London at 7.00 am on 20 June 2024 and finishes in Amsterdam, at approximately 5.00 pm on 22 June 2024.

What training do I need to do?As you will be cycling for a long time for three consecutive days getting comfortable with your bike, shoes, helmet, and clothing is essential. We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can practice riding in groups. We will be setting up a London to Amsterdam WhatsApp Group if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before the challenge. Also if you are a member of a local gym sign up for a spinning class, as they are a great way to prepare. We encourage you to build up to the challenge and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.

Which route will we be taking?Please see our route page for the distance and elevation guide.

How will each day of cycling work?
Each day’s cycling will be broken down into 4-5 shorter cycling sections, usually between 10-20miles long. After each section, there will be ‘Stop Points’ where you can take on snacks and drinks, rest your legs and catch up with your fellow challengers. We have a number of support vehicles traveling with the group so if you need to stop or want to ride in one of the support vehicles for part of a section that’s absolutely fine.

Will food and accommodation be provided?Whichever package you sign up for, charity place or self-funded place all your meals and accommodation will be provided. We do not provide breakfast on Day 1. Accommodation will be in 2/3* hotels, which are more than comfortable, but if you wish to upgrade on Day 3 we can arrange it for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want. All additional bookings are subject to availability.

What type of bike do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable riding for 3-consecutive days. We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for 3-consecutive days that’s fine. Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy a new bike.

If I don’t own a bike can I rent one?Yes absolutely. You can find out more about bike rental by getting in touch with our team who can talk you through all the options on the bikes we have and the cost of hiring for training and the challenge or just the challenge only.

How will I get back from Torquay?Everyone is booked on the lunchtime train from Torquay to London Paddington Station on Monday 27th September. You can change this, just contact us and we can arrange for you, though this may incur an additional charge.

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What will happen to my bike after the challenge?
We will return your bike to MUFG Ropemaker Street after the challenge, and it will need to be collected after the event. If you wish to collect it at another time or have it returned to another address, we can do that, but there may be additional charges.

If you prefer to take your bike back with you on the train, we can arrange this, but this is subject to availability and will need to be in a bike box.

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What happens if I experience problems with my bike?
Don’t worry, we have a bike mechanic with us on the support team, who will be able to provide any quick roadside repairs to get you going again. If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible.

We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles.

Any additional repairs needed for your bike will need to be covered by you.

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What happens if I get injured?
We will have carefully planned out this challenge to try and make sure, at all costs, that no one gets injured. Unfortunately due to the nature of group cycling over 3 days on public roads, there may be injuries.

To support you, we have a qualified doctor and paramedic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention. It is your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance if required.

Please do contact us if you need more information. Any additional medical costs incurred will need to be covered entirely by yourself.

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Do I need travel insurance?You must have your travel insurance and it will need to cover you for cycling activities like this in the UK. TFA Events Limited will not be held responsible for any loss, damage, theft, or vandalism to any of your or a third party’s possessions at any time during the challenge.

If you have home contents and/or cycling travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require a further policy to cover you. Visit the British Cycling website for more information.

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What other documents do I need?
You need to have the following documents to take part:

• A form of formal identity - A valid UK Driving License or Passport

• Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card if applicable. contact us for more information.

• Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike, it will need to cover you for cycling activities. Visit the British Cycling website for extra support and information on this topic.

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Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Just let us know when we speak to you after booking, and we will help you with return trains and accommodation booking where we can. Additional charges may apply.

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If I cancel my place, what happens?
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (see below) for full details.

HOTELS
D1 - Overnight Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland.

Departing at 11.00pm and arriving at 7.30am, everyone will be in 4-Berth en-suite cabins.

Due to group size, single cabins not available, but if you wish to book a single cabin you can via the Stena Line website, you will need to cover the cost.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?

It’s fair to say that three days of cycling between 70 and 100 miles is no walk in the park. However, with the right training and mental attitude, this can be a great introduction to multi-day cycling.

This is a great event that experienced and relatively new cyclists can enjoy together. If you have any health issues or are concerned about the physical nature of this challenge, then do visit your doctor.

They’ll be best placed to advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea for you to take part.

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WHAT TRAINING DO I NEED TO DO?

Have a read of our training plan, in our event brochure, to help you build up to the big event!

The key is getting out on the bike and building up your stamina so you can cycle on consecutive days.

By building up slowly over several months, you’ll reduce the chance of injury and will be able to get the most out of the experience.

Do also join our training rides in Sept, full details of timing and locations to be announced.

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ANY WORDS OF WISDOM?
This is a challenging experience and not a race. Go at your own pace, soak up the atmosphere and make friends as you go. Our challenge leaders will make sure that no one gets left behind, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride! For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit our FAQs page.

The Support Team

If you have not taken part in a challenge like this before it can be quite daunting. There is no need to worry about anything as we’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way. From the moment you register right up to the point of returning your bike to you after the challenge, we will be available to answer any questions you may have about your training, fundraising, preparation and the challenge days themselves.

We will also connect you with other riders via group chat, welcome events and training group rides. Full details of all of these will be posted here and emailed to you.

On the challenge itself our experienced team, volunteers, mechanics, medics and support vehicles will be with you at every stage of the journey. If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to support you with this.

From a quick roadside repair, refueling some lost energy or even a break from cycling, our experienced team will always be very close by.

One question that is frequently asked is… do I need to get insurance for the challenge?
In most cases it is unlikely and you will need to get additional insurance that covers you for this type of cycling activity. You can get this cover from British Cycling or other insurance companies. You will need to confirm the details of the cover in advance. and you can find out more info in our FAQs. Do contact us if you want to chat more.Getting home…

One question that is frequently asked is… how will my bike and I get back after the challenge?.

We want to make this as smooth as possible for you. Cyclists will come back on the train to London Paddington on the day after the event and our team will bring your bike back for you. If you want to come back on the evening of Day 3, then we can arrange that for you.

You will be able to collect your bike upon arrival in London from the MUFG Ropemaker Street office. If you want to return on the evening of Day 3 or would like to stay in Torquay a little longer, let us know and we can arrange that for you. We can also arrange for your bike to be returned to an alternative location or stored for a few extra days. Just let us know your requests as soon as possible, so we can keep any additional costs to a minimum.

Things you’ll need to arrange…

PERSONAL INSURANCE - see full kit list
You must have personal insurance that covers you for cycling activities for a trip like this. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the right cover, you will not be able to ride.

Even if you’ve already got travel insurance, you must have the right insurance that covers you for a bike trip like this. There are many providers, and British Cycling is one of them.

BIKE EQUIPMENT
You’ll need to make sure that you have a bike that’s in good working order and has been serviced in the last 3-4 months. You will need to wear a helmet at all times whilst cycling and your bike will need to have working front and rear lights, which must be on at all times.

We would suggest you use a road bike, but a hybrid bike is also fine if you prefer, It’ll be hard going on a mountain bike, but if you are looking to purchase or rent a bike our team is happy to provide advice.

We’ll also have plenty of water and snack stops – but do bring your own water bottle (more than one if possible) for your bike. It really is worth investing in some padded shorts and other good cycling clothing.

kit list…

Your additional kit will be carried by the support vehicles for three days.

• A helmet which must be worn at all times when cycling

• Water bottle bring a spare if you have one

• Comfortable, warm, and waterproof cycling clothes

• 4 x Inner tubes (available from our team, from £10+ each)

• Working front and rear bike lights which must be on at all times

• Working bell

• Recommended kit list

We don’t carry reserve bikes, so in the unfortunate circumstance that your bike is beyond repair, we will try and arrange a rental bike for you (additional costs will apply) from the nearest bike rental shop. Road bike or hybrid serviced in the last 3-4 months

Getting ready…

MUFG London to Harwich
129 kms | 722m elevation

We’ll meet at MUFG Ropemaker Street and set off at 9.00 am.

There will be snacks and drinks on hand. We will have a briefing and then a group photo before we set off for our journey to Amsterdam!

There are frequent stops and the pace is gentle to allow us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way out of London and enter the nearby countryside, where we will reach our first stop after 23 miles. In the next section, our mid-morning ride will take us via the Essex and Suffolk villages, where we’ll stop for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll continue on our journey to Harwich, but it is less than 25 miles!

After cycling through some more stunning villages, we will take a break at Harwich Port, where we will have our evening meal, before boarding the 11.00 pm ferry to Hook of Holland and enjoy and have the opportunity to relax and no doubt reflect on the first day of cycling.

DAY 2 - Hook of Holland to Utrecht
161 kms | 300m elevation

Day 2 is our longest day of cycling. We’ll start at 8.00 am, heading out of the Hook of Holland Ferry port, and along the coast, then inland before we eventually stop at the Kinderdijk.

Kinderdijk, a World Heritage site, is a village in the Netherlands, known for its iconic 18th-century windmills. We will have the opportunity to walk and cycle around the fantatsic windmills and refuel before our afternoon ride to Utrecht.

This final section will take us along the Dutch canals and canal paths to the beautiful town of Utrecht.

When we arrive at the hotel, we will have a chance to relax, enjoy an evening meal, and reflect on what, for some, will be the longest day of cycling they have completed.

DAY 3 - Utrecht to Amsterdam
83.1 kms | 145m Elevation

This is it, the last day, just a few more miles to complete the challenge.

After breakfast, aim to set off by 8.00 am. There are It is once again completely flat.

As we cycle through the beautiful Dutch countryside, passing more canals, windmills, and rural areas, we will eventually stop for some great local snacks and coffee!

After our stop, we pick up the cycle paths along the northern canals.

We will once again pass the traditional Dutch windmills and then stop for lunch at a beautiful lake, knowing that we are only 35 kms from the finish line.

After lunch, Amsterdam will really be in our sights. The route will be a lot slower in places as we start to reach the city limits, again along the main canals.

We will ride the last section into the city as a group at a slower pace, before eventually going through the city park and arrive at MUFG Amsterdam to complete our epic cycle journey!

Do invite friends and family to join the finish line, just tell them to contact us to get details and where to meet us.

After the initial celebration on the seafront, we’ll check into our hotel and head to a local restaurant for a celebratory meal.

Please see below for our recommended kit list for the challenge.

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DOCUMENTATION

• Travel Insurance which includes your bike - compulsory on our challenges. See FAQs for more info.

• Medical Insurance

• Credit or Debit card

• Photo identification - Driving License/ID Card/Passport etc.

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PERSONAL ITEMS

• Mobile phone, tablet, laptop.

• Phone or laptop charger

• Earphones/headphones

• Camera (though we do have a photographer)

• Toiletries

• Sun Protection

• Earplugs

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CYCLING EQUIPMENT

• A bike that has been serviced in the last three to six months

• A helmet that must be worn at all times when cycling

• Bell

• Working front and rear lights

• Water bottle and bottle cage fitted to the bike

• Four spare inner tubes

• Bike bag or saddle pack (not essential)

• Comfortable cycling shoes

• Padded Cycling shorts

• Cycling gloves

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CYCLING AND PERSONAL CLOTHING

• Comfortable cycling tops/t-shirts (one per day)

• Waterproof & warm cycling clothing (start of day 2 can be cold)

• Gloves

• Warm hat

• Warm socks

• Change clothing for three days away (when not cycling)

• Shoes/Trainers/Flip Flops

• Small Hand Towel

• Main bag for all your luggage

• Day pack for essentials

• Prescribed medicine (please let us know in advance)

You may be wondering about the type of bike you may need to do this challenge.

Before you do start looking and purchasing, we have experts in our team who can give you free advice on what is best for a challenge like this.

We also rent and sell preloved bikes (which we think are better than brand new!) but before we do rent/sell you anything we always allow you to try for free.

To find our more just get in touch with TFA Events via info@tfaevents.co.uk or call us on 03334441189.

START ADDRESS

MUFG
Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9AN

LOCATION

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TIMINGS

08:00 am - Participants meet at MUFG

08:30 am - Participants briefing

08.50 - Participants assemble in groups to prepare to leave

09:00 am - Participants depart

Bag Drop

Date: Weds 16th June.

Please take these to the storage room on 2nd floor at Ropemaker (to the right of reception) between 16:00 and 17:00 – a member of CSR Team will be waiting there to assist.

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Bike Drop

Date: Weds 16th June.

Please take these to the basement parking lot – further details on the bike rack will follow, but there will be a sign indicating where to leave your bike.

HOTEL ADDRESS

Travelodge,
City Road
London,
N1 6DR

DIRECTIONS TO HOTEL

All bikes will be available for collection from the address below.

MUFG
25 Ropemaker Street
London
EC2Y 9AN

Bikes will be available from 8 am on Sunday 21 June 2026.