Joining instructions for New Forest cycle challenge

 Please find below instructions for your New Forest cycle.  Do read the below information carefully as things may be slightly different depending upon which route you are completing. 

Firstly there are some common points below for your perusal;

• You are advised to bring suncream, sunglasses and a sunhat/cap
  
• You are advised to bring waterproof clothing
  
• Please ensure your bike is in good working order and that you bring with you an adequate puncture repair kit and a spare inner tube
  
• It would be useful to take a charged mobile phone although there may not always be full reception in the forest
  
• Please do not bring dogs
  
• You should bring provision to carry a MINIMUM of 2 litres of water
  

Your cycle, whichever route you are completing, is a tough but achievable challenge and Discover Adventure will be there to support you the entire way.  We will have crew members stationed at numerous points along the route as well as specific water and snack stops where you will ‘check in’ so we can make sure everyone is on the correct route.  Check point crew will be responsible for your safety and enjoyment and for ensuring that you complete the cycle in good time. 

The route will be marked the entire way with orange arrows so you should not get lost! 

All our Discover Adventure leaders are First Aid trained.

There is parking both at the start/finish point, the Balmer Lawn Hotel, and also opposite in a small public car park.  Parking will be free. The nearest train station is Brockenhurst.  Please see a map and address of Balmer Lawn Hotel further on.

Please see below for your start time information.  When reading this please be aware that the average cycle speed for average cyclists is around 12 – 13 miles per hour.  You should calculate the approximate time you will take to complete your challenge and you should aim to finish between 14.00 and 15.00, back at the Balmer Lawn.  The routes are cicular and cross each other at two points so if you choose the long route and feel you would rather do a shorter distance, there wil be the chance to ‘cut off’ a last loop and head back to the finish.  If you decide upon the shorter route and feel you are going well, you can opt to ‘take on’ the extra loop.  

68 mile route start information

Upon arrival there will be hotel refreshments available for purchase.

Please do not arrive before 07.45am.

You will need to arrive at the Balmer LawnHotel in time for registration.

You should aim to arrive at the start in time to register between 08.00 and 09.30 and you may start at will once you have signed in.  At the start you will have the opportunity to fill up with water and take snacks. 

32 mile route start information

Upon arrival there will be hotel refreshments available for purchase.

Please do not arrive before 07.45am.

You will need to arrive at the Balmer Lawn Hotel in time for registration.

You should aim to arrive at the start in time to register between 09.00 and 10.30 and you may start at will once you have signed in.  At the start you will have the opportunity to fill up with water and take snacks. 

End of trek information for all

Once you have completed your cycle at the finish point back at the Balmer Lawn Hotel, you wil be able to purchase refreshments and there will be a private hog roast buffet ‘late’ lunch for all cyclists during the presentation. 

Please note you will have water and snack stops durign the cycle, so you wil not go hungry during the event but do save some room for this delicious provision, included in your event fee. 

The hotel has kindly agreed to allow any cyclists who wish, to use the shower facility in their small leisure centre.  If you wish to take advantage of this then you will need to provide your own towel so please don’t forget this if you want a shower! 

The Buffet lunch and presetnation wil take please between 15.00 and 16.30 hours and then you are free to make your own way home. 

Friends and family

If you have friends or family members supporting you on this event, or dropping you off and collecting you, the area is a wonderful place for them to explore whilst you are cycling; take a walk, enjoy a nice lunch in a pub or at the hotel and they can leave their car either at the hotel or opposite in the public car park, subject to space.

Any friends and family are welcome to come along and join the presentation and there is a private room and bar for you all so everyone can purchase liquid refreshments.  We regret that the buffet will be for cyclists only but the hotel serves food on a Sunday to the general public and it is very good quality!

Good luck with your remaining fundraising and training and we look forward to seeing you there.

Kind regards

The Discover Adventure/Help for Heroes team.

Maps

Start and finish point is;

Lyndhurst Road
Brockenhurst, New Forest, Hampshire SO42 7ZB

GOOD LUCK LYNDON