PIP Mountain Bike Challenge FAQ’s
How much is it to register?
Registration is £25 per person. This goes toward covering the staging of the event.
How old do you have to be to take part in the event?
Anyone aged 18 or over can enter.
What will the money I raise go towards?
All money raised from the PIP Mountain Bike Challenge goes towards running our core services. As a small, grassroots charity, we rely on events like the PIP MTB Challenge to meet the costs of our work supporting adults with learning disabilities. To see how our work benefits the people we support visit our website, .
Do I have to fundraise in order to take part?
All entrants are asked to fundraise. This year’s target is £350 per rider. Alternatively, people can pay the fundraising target up front if they would prefer. This can be done by donating to the PIP JustGiving page, please include your registration reference number and make sure to state that is for the PIP MBC 2017.
How do I fundraise?
The simplest, and most effective way of fundraising is to talk to people about the event. Tell your friends, family and other networks about the challenge and ask them to play their part! There are many different ways to fundraise: online (emails, JustGiving, websites, blogs, etc.) and/or in person (over lunch, dinner, at the café/pub). You can do it formally and/or informally.
The PIP Mountain Bike Challenge is registered as an event on PIP's JustGiving site. Just follow the “Fundraise for us” link to set up your page:
You can also use the VirginMoneyGiving site:
If you want to set up an online fundraising page, simply register with either JustGiving or VirginMoneyGiving and link your page to the PIP Mountain Bike Challenge 2017. Personalise your page with pics, videos and ensure you describe why you are taking part in this wonderful event!
Will you give me fundraising and training advice?
It's our job to support you! Once you sign up you will receive a welcome pack full of fundraising and training advice. You can also contact us if you need any advice or support and we will do our best to help.
Do I need to do any training?
The most important thing is that you’re comfortable on a bike. We aren’t expecting anyone to arrive with Olympic level fitness! Training isn’t a necessity to take part, although some training may increase your enjoyment of the event. Anyone with a base level of fitness can take part.
If I join as an individual rider, will I be assigned to a team?
No. All riders are released in waves dependent on their experience but these are just ways of preventing undue congestion on the route rather than formal riding teams. If you would like to stick with people in your wave then that is absolutely fine.However, groups can register as teams if they wish to ride as a group.
Does being in a team mean I have to fundraise, or ride with the team?
All entrants are required to fundraise a minimum of £350, although you can set up a team page and fundraise collectively. You’re not required to ride with your fellow team members for the duration of the course although you will all leave in the same wave.
What if I need to rent a bike?
Bike rental is organised through PIP. There is a £15 charge which can be paid on the day via cash or card. All we need from you is your required bike size.
Small: 5’4 - 5’7
Medium: 5’7 – 5’10
Large: 5’10 – 6’1
XL: 6’1 – 6’4
Please contact Danielle Taylor via email with your required size.
Do I need to wear a helmet?
Due to the insurance policy all riders must wear helmets during the event. Helmets can also be rented through PIP and are included in the bike rental price.
What time is the ride due to start?
Registration opens at 9.30am on the day, with the first riders leaving at approximately 10.30-11am. Waves of will then we sent out at intervals. You will receive an email with your departure time a week before the event. There will be coffee and croissants available to riders once they’ve signed in. A pre-ride briefing, which all riders should be involved in, will take place once registration is complete.
How long is the ride?
20miles. The route is on clearly marked off-road trails, with some riding along the Thames Towpathand roads as well.
Do I have to ride the full route?
There is a station circa 12 miles into the ride where, if you choose to, you can return to the starting point. This is circa 4-5 miles from the starting point, nearly all flat. We ask that all riders are in good health and are prepared for the rigours of the course. However, unforeseen circumstances do occur and we fully accept that people may have to drop out of the event for a multitude of reasons. There will be stewards throughout the route to assist with any issues. There will also be an Emergency Responder available on the day.
Will you provide rest points on the route?
Yes. There will be several refreshment and treat stations, manned by stewards, along the route. You will be able to drink, rest, and generally recuperate.However, we urge all riders to be prepared on the day and arrive with their own water bottles and backpacks or bottle cages to carry them. We would advise carrying at least 1 litre of fluid with you from the outset with opportunity to pick up bottles from stewards later if required.
How long do I have to complete the route?
The route is designed to be finished in no more than 3.5 hours. However, the weather and rider fitness levels can effect finishing time.
When will I finish?
All riders will most likely be back at Lovibonds no later than 3pm. Once you return, there will be a BBQ, put on by Bosley Patch at Lovibonds. This is free for riders and volunteers. We hope everyone stays for the BBQ. The BBQ is not limited to those involved in the Mountain Bike Challenge so feel free to invite friends and family.
Can I run or walk the course?
You are welcome to walk or run the course. However, as the event is predominantly a Mountain Bike event there will not be stewards on the course when you start. Also due to the length of the course any runners or walkers will need to leave well in advance of the riders in an effort to finish at a similar time.
Can I leave a bag anywhere?
Unfortunately we cannot provide storage for any personal items. We do encourage all riders to bring a backpack they will be comfortable riding 22 miles with, so that they can carry provisions and any important belongings with them.
Is there parking?
There is no parking at the venue but Henley has ample parking. The cheapest parking is found at Henley Station, which is a 5 minute walk from Lovibonds Brewery.
Where’s my map?
Once we receive a registration fee, riders/teams will be sent a comprehensive event welcome pack, including map, tips on fundraising, and other relevant details.
Supporting adults with learning disabilities to achieve their potential
Registered Charity No. 1088592 Company Registered No. 04107226