Find the question below that you wish to ask and click the question to get the answer. If you can't find the question in the FAQ's you can contact us using the contact form.
- Q: What time do I need to be at the start point and ready for the ride start?
Registration opens at 7.00am in the WEST CAR PARK and closes at 8.30am. Riders will be set off in small groups immediately they are registered.
- Q: What time does the ride finish?
The last rider is expected to have finished by 7.00pm.
- Q: How old do I need to be to take part?
If you are under 18, you will need to be accompanied by an adult.
- Q: How fit do I need to be?
Reasonable fitness is required and you should be able to ride 50 miles in the weeks leading up to the event without too much difficulty.
- Q: How fit do I need to be and do I need to have ridden 100mile/100km before?
We encourage riders of all abilities to join in. Reasonable fitness is required and for the longer distance you should be able to comfortably ride 50 miles in the weeks leading up to the event.
- Q: What is included?
Ride support, mechanical assistance, feed stations, lunch, medal and certificate, first aid cover.
- Q: When do I get my rider number?
When you register at the desk on the day.
- Q: Do I need to be a member of a club?
No, anyone can take part.
- Q: Do I need insurance?
We recommend that you have appropriate cover for you and your bike.
- Q: Will food be available?
There are feed stations and lunch is provided on route, including vegetarian options. Riders and supporters will be able to purchase food at the NEC which is just a few hundred yards away from the finish.
- Q: Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?
Our Insurers insist that we adopt Best Practice and as such we strongly recommend all participants to wear a recognised cycling helmet.
- Q: Is the ride signposted/marshalled?
Both.
- Q: Are the roads closed?
No.
- Q: Can I ride as part of a team?
Yes, we encourage teams to take part, but each rider will need to register individually.
- Q: What kind of bike should I use?
A road bike is advisable, but you can choose to use a bike that suits you.
- Q: What if my bike breaks down?
You will be given a contact number for the organiser who will be able to take the appropriate action.
- Q: Are spare parts available?
Yes, for most common bikes, not high spec bikes. Spares are chargeable.
- Q: What support will there be on the route?
Mechanical and first aid support.
- Q: Where can I view the route and will I get a map/route card?
You can view the route at www.action.org.uk/out100 You will receive route details as part of your FINAL INSTRUCTIONS, which you should download and bring with you. This will be sent between 5 and 10 days before the event.
- Q: How many checkpoints are there?
A minimum of 3.
- Q: Is any of the route off road?
No, it is all on good roads.
- Q: What happens if I get lost or get into any difficulties on the day?
You will get a central contact number for our ride controller who will help you through any issues. This number will be issued to you on the day.
- Q: How long do I have to complete the ride and what happens if I can’t complete the distance?
You will have until 7.00pm to complete the ride. If you opt out you will need to contact the ride controller who will coordinate assistance for you
- Q: Is the ride timed? /Are there timing chips
No to both
- Q: Are there any rules that I need to adhere to?
The Highway Code and respect other road users and riders on our event.
- Q: Is the ride affiliated to British Cycling?
No, this is not a BC event.
- Q: If I haven’t pre registered can I still turn up and enter on the day? And if so, how much will you charge?
If space permits then you may be able to register on the day. The charge will be the entry fee plus the minimum sponsorship donation required i.e. £50.
- Q: How much money do I need to raise in sponsorship/donation and when will I need to pay this?
In addition to your entry fee you will need to raise a minimum of £25. Please pay this as soon as possible but no later than 8 weeks after the ride. Be sure to make full use of your online sponsorship account and fee free to bring any additional cash/cheques with you on the day.
- Q: Where does the money go?
All your efforts will go towards supporting our medical research projects. Please visit our website at www.action.org.uk for full details of our current projects.
- Q: Is there parking at the start/finish point? And if so, how much does it cost?
There is free parking for cyclists and familes at the West Car Park at the NEC.
- Q: Is there overnight accommodation nearby and if so, have you secured any preferential rates with nearby hotels/B&B’s?
There is plenty of accommodation at the NEC and nearby but there are no preferential rates.
- Q: Where is the nearest railway station?
NEC Birmingham Central is the nearest mainline station.
- Q: Can I leave my belongings at the start?
No, we recommend you either lock your valuables in your car, or carry them with you.
- Q: Are there changing facilities/toilets at the start/finish and on route?
There will be basic changing facilities at the start and finish and most of our checkpoints will have toilet facilities.
- Q: Are there showers and changing at the finish area?
No.
- Q: Can family and friends come along to support me?
We welcome support for our riders on the day, out on the route and at the finish.