Big Battlefield Bike Ride

Not at all, the ride is suitable for a mix of abilities and we have plenty of first-time riders each year. We advise that you do regular training rides on a mix of hills and flats before the event, so you're prepared for cycling for four days. 

We'll send you a training guide within your first month. We're happy to help with any training preparation too so you can have a truly enjoyable ride. This year's ride is 250 miles in total.  

Here's what one of our riders said:

“I’d never really cycled up until I started to train for my first event. I really enjoyed the cycling, and now cycle three or four times a week. All of my training was done alone, so being able to ride with a group was amazing!"

You'll get access to our cycling event participant Facebook Group upon registering, so you can join forces with fellow riders on training sessions and get motivated. 

The Big Battlefield Bike Ride charity bike ride is not designed to be a race; however, you should be comfortable maintaining around 10 - 12mph. An average day will be around 60-70 miles and in true Help for Heroes style, you can expect some sneaky hills along the way. The days in the saddle will be broken up with water and food breaks, along with historian-led stops and visits to war cemeteries.

Yes! If you are part of a team please make sure you let the Events Team know by emailing events@helpforheroes.org.uk, if you haven’t already done so on your registration. We will do our best to put your group in the same hotels during the ride.

The first target of £1,524 which covers the cost of your trip (including accommodation, transport and food) is due by 8 March 2024. 

We know this sounds daunting, but we have seen fundraisers raise this amount over a weekend! 

Of course, we're here to support you to make sure you smash your fundraising.

Yes you can. These costs need to be paid by 08 March to secure your place. 

Simply register, then contact us at events@helpforheroes.org.uk and we'll help you with this. 

• Transport and transfers throughout the challenge; from the ferry outbound to the coach inbound.
• Accommodation in 2 to 4-star hotels (1-star hotels may be used if no available alternative) 
• All meals including catered water stops; including a welcome dinner at Portsmouth on 24 June and breakfast on 29 June before the return journey via coach.
• Full support crew including ride leads, medical, mechanical, historical and ceremonial support.
• Unique cycling jersey, commemorative t-shirt, and finishers medal.
• Commemorative video and images of the ride.
• Fundraising pack and support from the Events Team including fundraising and training advice.

• Personal travel insurance – required
• Travel to Portsmouth for the start and end of the ride
• Depending on your location and travel arrangements; overnight accommodation before or after the event may be required
• Personal clothing and kit, including helmet & hi-vis vest (see kit list)
• Spending money
  
  

The suggested minimum fundraising target for this cycling challenge is £3,000 of which £199 is payable on registration, and £1,524 must be received by Help for Heroes by Friday 8 March 2024 to cover the cost of your trip. 

The remainder of your fundraising will support wounded servicemen and women. You'll still have three months after your challenge to boost your fundraising. 

We encourage all fundraisers to be open and transparent. No matter what fundraising activity you are planning, it's always important that you state if a proportion of all money raised is going towards the costs of your participation in the challenge. Unless you've self-funded the trip costs. 

We suggest the following wording: “Please note that a proportion of the total money raised will be used to cover the costs of my participation in the challenge, which totals £1,524.”

Our Events Team are always on hand to guide you through your fundraising. Once you register you'll receive our comprehensive fundraising guide, planner and sponsorship form via email to help you get started.

Keep an eye on your inbox because we'll send you tools and fundraising ideas to support you throughout your challenge. There's also our participant Facebook Group brimming with advice. From top tips to newsletters, advice to wristbands; we will do our best to help you become a fundraising champion!

If you're raring to get going simply search 'Fundraising Tools' on our website. 

We recommend using a road/racing or e-bike for this cycling challenge. Whatever bike you choose to use, you should complete plenty of training on it, so you are comfortable.

Clipless pedals (with cleated shoes) give you greater power from the effort you put into each pedal revolution – they take some getting used to though and most people will fall off a few times. Please ensure you get used to them in good time before the ride.

To comply with French standards, your bike must have reflectors at the front and rear, plus you must always carry a hi-vis vest and wear it in poor visibility. 

Please comply as French Police can stop you. If you have a high-quality bike frame without reflector fittings, ensure it can be attached securely to your saddle bag or clothing.

It is essential that your bike is in good mechanical order before leaving the UK. If in doubt most good bike shops will service it for you. 

There will be a full tool kit with spares (e.g. inner tubes and puncture repair kits) carried in the support vehicles but we cannot supply spares for all eventualities. Spares will be charged at competitive rates advised by the mechanics on the ride. 

If your bike has unusual features (e.g. flat spokes) please bring suitable spares and tools required. Do not assume bike shops on route stock everything, many have to order specialist parts.

Help for Heroes works closely with Discover Adventure, our tour operator who supports the logistics of the ride. We have worked with Discover Adventure for many years and teams from both companies are present during the event. 

After the evening meal, your time is your own. Some people choose to rest their weary limbs and get an early night, others choose to spend time getting to know each other better. 

Most meals are included apart from those stated above. Lunches are prepared using fresh local ingredients and will give you lots of energy, and there is plenty of it! Evening meals will either be taken in hotels or in local restaurants.

We recommend bringing some snacks if you'd like an extra boost during cycling, or once the day's ride is over. 

The Events Team is on hand Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm to answer any questions you may have. Email events@helpforheroes.org.uk and we’ll respond as soon as we can or give you a call back if you prefer.

Whether your question relates to fundraising or cycling, we’ve probably been asked it before so get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.