Big Battlefield Bike Ride

The Big Battlefield Bike Ride isn’t a race. You’ll ride around 50 to 70 miles a day over four days (approx. 110 to 120km each day).

There will be regular breaks, along with historical stops and visits to war cemeteries. Some days in the saddle will be longer than others, so you should be comfortable cycling for several hours.

You’ll need to make your own way to Portsmouth, where the group will meet before travelling to France by ferry.

Your outbound ferry, luggage and bike transfers are included in your trip costs. All rooms on the ferry are shared.

We set off from Portsmouth all together on the coaches. We send out more details ahead of the start date of the exact time and location to meet.

You can pay for parking on site.

At the end of the challenge, return travel to the UK is via Eurotunnel, with transport back to Portsmouth included.

You’ll then need to arrange your own onward journey home from Portsmouth.

Your trip includes:

• Transport and transfers throughout the challenge, from the outbound ferry to the inbound Eurotunnel
• Five nights’ accommodation: one night on the ferry and four nights in hotels
• Meals and catered pit-stops during the ride, including an end-of-ride celebration dinner
• Ride captains, medical and mechanical support, plus historical and ceremonial experiences
• Help for Heroes cycling jersey, commemorative T-shirt and finisher’s medal
• Commemorative video and images of the ride
• Fundraising resources and support from our Events Team

You’ll need to cover:

• Personal travel insurance
• Travel to Portsmouth at the start and home at the end of the ride, including parking where needed
• Any overnight accommodation required before or after the event
• Personal clothing and kit, including your bike, helmet and high-vis vest
• Personal spending money

Yes. We know the target can feel daunting, but our Events Team is here to support you.

You’ll have access to fundraising ideas, tools and resources to help you reach your target. You might be surprised by how quickly donations add up.

The minimum fundraising target for this cycling challenge is £3,000, of which £1,549 covers registration and the cost of your trip.

The remainder of your fundraising will support veterans and their families. You’ll still have three months after your challenge to boost your fundraising too.

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 £1,549.”

Yes. Trip costs are paid directly to Discover Adventure after you’ve completed your registration.

Simply register, select this option and you’ll receive further information.

Yes. If you’re part of a team, email our Events Team at events@helpforheroes.org.uk once you’ve registered and we’ll link your registrations. We’ll do our best to put your group in the same hotels during the overnight stays.

You’ll be emailed a link to join the private Big Battlefield Bike Ride Facebook Group, where you can meet your fellow riders and find all sorts of cycling tips and fundraising advice.

We recommend using a road or gravel bike for this challenge. Whichever bike you choose, make sure you train on it beforehand and feel comfortable riding it.

Clipless pedals can make your pedal stroke more efficient, but they take some getting used to. If you choose to use them, practise well before the event.

Your bike must have reflectors at the front and rear, and you’ll need to carry a high-vis vest.

Please follow the French Highway Code while riding. If your bike has a high-quality frame without reflector fittings, we recommend carrying a reflector that can be attached securely to your saddle bag or clothing.

Please make sure your bike is in good mechanical condition before the ride. If you’re unsure, most bike shops can service it for you.

Support vehicles will carry a range of spares and puncture repair kits, but we can’t carry every size or type of component.

If your bike has unusual fittings, please bring suitable spares and tools. You’ll also need to carry basic puncture repair equipment.

After your evening meal, the rest of the evening is yours.

Some riders use the time to rest and recover, while others spend time together before getting ready for the next day.

Most meals are included, apart from those stated above. Lunches are prepared using fresh local ingredients and are designed to provide plenty of energy for the day’s cycling.

Evening meals are provided at hotels or local restaurants.

All dietary requirements and allergies are catered for. Please let us know in advance when you register.

We recommend bringing snacks if you like to eat between stops or during longer days.

Help for Heroes works closely with Discover Adventure, our tour operator, to manage the logistics of the ride.

We have worked with Discover Adventure for many years and learn from each event to help improve the experience for riders.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive a fundraising guide full of ideas and tips to get you started.

You can also create an online fundraising page, join our participant Facebook Group and access downloadable fundraising resources on our website.

If you’re ready to get started now, visit our Fundraising Tools.

Our Events Team are happy to help with any questions about the ride, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, at events@helpforheroes.org.uk.