Here you will find all you need to know about the physical ride from Alexandra Place to Download Festival
Please note this is a complex itinerary and is subject to change.
Wednesday 8th June London – Luton
approx. 69km /42.8 miles
Our journey begins at Ally Pally, the “People’s Palace”, a venue where the likes of The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Kings of Leon and The Who have all played. It’s an early meeting time of 8am within the grounds of Alexandra Palace in North London. Here you will meet the ride support team and your trusty bikes (if you have hired) and load your bags onto the support vans which will be carrying your luggage as you cycle. The views across the city of London from here are stunning.
Thursday 9th June London – Leicester
approx.146km /90 miles
Today we have an early start as we head out on our longest day of riding. The morning has some busy sections as we head away from Luton and out of town towards Northampton passing through meadows, back roads and cycle paths passing through quiet villages.
After lunch, we face the toughest section of the day, with plenty of hills to tackle. We spend the afternoon following designated bike paths as we get forever closer to Leicester and then the end of day two. Time for a well-earned rest after cycling 146km (90 miles). Dinner and briefing followed by free time to rest up.
Our route today takes us out of London using back roads and cycle routes, including the traffic free Lee Valley bike route. We head into rural Hertfordshire with great views as we cross the Chilterns then a leisurely lunch stop at the Red Lion pub, close to Knebworth House; the open air venue has hosted rock concerts for nearly 40 years. Rest and relax, then spend the afternoon cycling along country roads, through quiet villages all the way to our first overnight stop. Dinner and briefing, then relax and socialise to prepare for a tough day of cycling tomorrow!
Friday 10th June Leicester – Donington Park
approx.40km /25 miles
This morning we head out on our final day of riding and pedal up to Donington Park with a scheduled arrival for around midday. The route sticks to small roads through the green and rolling countryside, mostly gentle up for the first part and then sweeping descents for the second.
We regroup close to the finish to ride the last few miles together as a team. The ride finishes with a celebration close to Download at Donington Park! We then say farewell to our bikes and the support crew and head into the festival. 2022 HMT 10 complete!
Costs
To take part in the physical ride, there are costs involved.
TOTAL to PAY: £550
MINIMUM to FUNDRAISE: £1,500
When you register on Race Nation, you will pay £100 deposit (+ £5 to cover admin fee). Once you have been vetted by our Operations team that you are made of real metal, you will receive another invoice for £450.
These two amounts cover 74% of your ride costs. The remaining balance will be taken off your fundraising total. We ask that you raise a minimum of £1,500 so that the charities get their fair share.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your employers and ask them to cover the full sponsorship of £1,750 as a charity donation. This will cover all your ride costs and start your fundraising off with £1,000! Highly recommended
There are additions if you wish to bring your own bike and have it returned to London whilst you stay at Download festival (£30). And if you wish to have a single room (£95). These will be invoiced separately via Classic Challenge. Make sure you click the relevant sections when registering to ensure this is captured.
Ride costs include:
- All ground costs
- Hybrid Bike Rental
- Ally Pally start point
- Medic
- Support vans and signing vehicle
- Tour Leader
INSURANCE
UK Residents
Insurance is not included in your tour cost. Insurance is not required for accidents and emergencies, you will be treated by the trip paramedic or taken to the nearest medical centre. Valuables are not insured unless they are protected by your home contents policy. Please note there is no refund if you cancel your place on the ride.
Non-UK residents
Please check that your travel insurance policy provider is aware that you are doing a charity bike ride in the UK.
All non-UK riders will be asked to provide a copy of their insurance schedule detailing insurance company name, policy number and 24 hour medical helpline number. You can do this now by emailing info@heavymetaltruants. We require your insurance details by 6 weeks prior to the event (30 April 2017).
If you have a pre-existing medical condition you need to advise your insurance company so that you are adequately covered.
If you plan to bring your own bicycle, please check you have insurance in place and bring an insurance-compliant bike lock.
KIT LIST
CLOTHING
- T-shirts – one per day and spares for the evening (3 cotton HMT shirts will be provided for every rider)
- Socks –one pair per day plus spares and extra for evenings
- Waterproof jacket / bicycle poncho & trousers (we’re in the UK – expect rain!)
- Cycling shorts – 1 or 2 pairs (padded)
- Cycling shoes – or suitable footwear e.g. sports sandals (which dry quickly) or trainers
- Fingerless gel padded cycling gloves – one pair
- Scarf to cover back of neck to avoid sun burn
- Cap to cover head when not wearing helmet
- Spare trainers
- Casual wear for evenings and free time
- Warmer layers for the evening
EQUIPMENT
- Cycle helmet – essential
- 1 – 2 water bottles for bike, with a cover on top to prevent mud from getting into the drinking nozzle. A more hygienic alternative is a “camel pack” which is worn on the back.
- Saddle – your own saddle or a gel seat cover (optional)
- SPDs and bar ends (optional)
- Bum bag for carrying small items while cycling e.g. camera, sun cream, tissues etc.
- Small ‘day’ bag which can be used for extra items and transported on support vehicle
- 1 lightweight travel size towel
- Good quality sunglasses with UV protection
- Ear plugs (sharing with noisy room mates can prevent sleep!)
- Travel alarm clock
- Carrier bags/bin bags – useful for dirty washing or wet clothing
- Camera and memory cards
SMALL PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT
- Sufficient supplies of regular medication
- Antiseptic ointment
- Plasters & bandages
- Ankle & knee support
- Pain killers
- Diareze, Dioralyte, immodium
- Vaseline or sudacrem
- Isotonic powders (if used to taking them during training), energy sweets, cereal / energy bars
- Lip salve (minimum factor 20)
- Sun block (minimum factor 30)
- Tissues & toilet paper
- Wet wipes & anti-bacterial hand gel
- Contact lens wearers should bring glasses and / or prescription sunglasses
- Ladies are advised to take tampons regardless of timing
GETTING TO THE START
TIMINGS
Meeting Time: 08:00
It is important you arrive on time so that there is time for bike fitting, registration, loading your luggage on the van and have a group briefing before departing at 09.30.
LOCATION
Alexandra Palace
The Beach, nr. Palm Court Terrace, Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY
DIRECTIONS
By Car
Postcode for Sat Nav: N22 7AY, if you’re being dropped off by car marshals are on hand to direct you.
By Tube
Wood Green is the nearest underground station on the Piccadilly Line. (journey time is 20 minutes from Piccadilly Circus). Exit Wood Green Station and go to bus stop A to pick up the W3 bus up the hill to Alexandra Palace, Palm Court Entrance.
Distance from Wood Green Tube on foot: approximately 30 minutes.
Finsbury Park is on the Piccadilly and Victoria Line. On arrival at Finsbury Park station, take the W3 to the Palm Court Entrance. (Journey time from Finsbury Park is 20 minutes).
By Rail
Alexandra Palace has its own British Rail Station, fittingly called Alexandra Palace Station. It is located at the Wood Green entrance to the Park. A regular train service runs direct from Moorgate or from Kings Cross, changing at Finsbury Park.
Distance from Alexandra Palace Station on foot: approximately 10 – 15 minutes uphill.
By Bus
The W3 bus route will take you directly to the Palm Court entrance at Alexandra Palace.
From London Bridge walk to Monument bus stop Q and take the 141 bus to Wood Green Station, then take the W3 bus to Alexandra Palace.
From London Charing Cross walk to Trafalgar Square bus stop C and take the 29 bus to Finsbury Park, then take the W3 bus to Alexandra Palace.
From London Victoria take the 38 bus from bus stop D to Denmark Street, then take bus 29 to Finsbury Park, then take the W3 bus to Alexandra Palace.
By Air
From Heathrow Airport, take the Piccadilly Line directly to Wood Green Station.
From Gatwick Airport an express train takes you direct to Victoria Station, then take the Piccadilly Line direct to Wood Green Station.
From Stansted Airport, take the Greater Anglia train to Tottenham Hale Station, then take the Victoria Line to Finsbury Park Underground Station, and then the Piccadilly Line direct to Wood Green Station.
From Luton Airport, take the Route Express bus 888 to Luton Airport Parkway Station, then take the First Capital Connect service to St Pancras International, then walk to King’s Cross St Pancras Underground Station and take the Piccadilly Line direct to Wood Green Station.
Transport is subject to change, please check your route a day or two in advance on the Transport For London website (www.tfl.gov.uk)
ACCOMMODATION FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE (NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR ARRANGEMENTS)
Should you wish to stay close to Alexandra Palace, please see the list of suggested hotels provided by Alexandra Palace and few other cheaper options. This is not included in the arrangements.
White Lodge (Hornsey) 1 Church Lane, London, N8 7BU 020 8348 9765 Twin B&B £78
Comfort Hotel (Finchley) Leisure Way, High Road London, N12 0QZ 0208 446 6644 Twin B&B £99
This list is a guideline, not a recommendation. They have not been checked by Classic Tours. There are other hotels & B&Bs in the area. See the list on the following page. There are other hotels & B&Bs in the area. Prices are subject to change.