The Truants Africa Bike Ride

The BA flights we have are : £1,445 for economy per person for the group fare which is a fixed guaranteed price. We are booking 10 group fare seats- If you choose to join the group fare and change your mind, you will lose the entire cost.

Currently prices for economy booking individually are: £1,245 but the price will go up as we gets closer to the date. If you are booking your own flights and wish to be on the same as us, we highly recommend you book now!

Flights in Business class are currently @ £3369.00 + current tax/fuel £960.89. There are only a few seats left in this class on the flights we’ve booked. If you wihs us to hold more business class seats, please advise ASAP. 

British Airways routing
OUTBOUND

22 MAR :  Depart LHR 18:25 –Arrive  JNB- #07: 25
Then claim baggage and recheck in for next flight.
23 MAR : Depart JNB 11:00 – Arrive LVI– 12:45

RETURN

28 MAR : Depart VFA 14.00 – Arrive JNB 15.45
Then recheck baggage again for
Depart JNB 19.45 – Arrive LHR #05:00 (ARRIVE 29TH)

We are also looking at booking another group fare returning a week later for people interested in extending their stay. Please email helen@thetruants.co.uk asap if this is something you’re considering.

There is a cheaper alternative option with Kenyan Airways via Nairobi that is a connected flight (ie no reclaiming baggage) HOWEVER on the return there is a long delay in between flights which may require a Crowne Plaza stayover.
These flights would cost £820 per person + you’d need to add overnight stay at hotel, BUT would still be less expensive than the BA flight.

Kenya Airways Routing
OUTBOUND

22MAR Depart LHR 1725 Arrive NBO  #0500
23MAR Depart NBO 0730 Arrive LVI  0945

RETURN

28MAR Depart VFA 18.05 – Arrive NBO   2220  (OVERNIGHT STAY)
29MAR Depart NBO 0935  – Arrive  LHR  1530

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR PLANS ASAP!!!! 

Booking flights is becoming increasingly difficult so we really need to know if you do want to join the group fare with BA. Or whether you will be arranging your own transport to Livingstone.

Namibia

Namibia, a large and sparsely populated country on Africa’s south-west coast, has enjoyed stability since gaining independence in 1990 after a long struggle against rule by South Africa.

• Capital: Windhoek
• Area: 825,615 sq km
• Population: 2.5 million
• Languages: English, Afrikaans, German, Otjiherero, Khoekhoegowab, Oshiwambo, RuKwangali, Setswana, siLozi, !Kung, Gciriku, Thimbukushu
• Life expectancy: 59 years (men) 67 years (women)

FACTS

• Houses the Oldest Desert: Only desert in the world where you can find large mammals like elephants, rhinos, lions and giraffes.
• Highest Sand Dunes: Sossusvlei Sand Dunes are some of the highest in the world.
• Second largest Canyon: Home to the Fish River Canyon. A vast mountain range eroded down by the ocean.

Botswana

Botswana, one of Africa’s most stable countries, is the continent’s longest continuous multi-party democracy. It is relatively free of corruption and has a good human rights record.

Sparsely populated, Botswana protects some of Africa’s largest areas of wilderness. Safari-based tourism – tightly-controlled and often upmarket – is an important source of income.

Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds and the trade has transformed it into a middle-income nation.

• Capital: Gaborone
• Area: 581,730 sq km
• Population: 2.3 million
• Languages: English, Setswana
• Life expectancy: 66 years (men) 72 years (women)

FACTS

• Botswana is home to the densest elephant population in the world. The best place to spot them is at Chobe National Park, where they come to the Chobe River Frontto play, drink and swim.
• Botswana’s surface is approximately 582,000 km2 big; 41% of that is pure nature!
• English is the official language of Botswana; Setswana is the local language and the most spoken language throughout the country. There are 18 main tribal languages though.

Zambia

Zambia, unlike most of its neighbours, has managed to avoid the war and upheaval that has marked much of Africa’s post-colonial history, earning itself a reputation for political stability.

The landlocked country has experienced rapid economic growth over the last decade as Africa’s second largest copper producer after the DR Congo.   Zambia also has one of the world’s fastest growing populations with the UN projecting that its population will triple by 2050.

• Capital: Lusaka
• Area: 752,617 sq km
• Population: 19.6 million
• Languages: English, Nyanja, Bemba
• Life expectancy: 60 years (men) 65 years (women)

FACTS

• The termite hills are the size of a house: Termite hills in Zambia can grow as big as a small house. With room for a pony.
• Zambia is a completely landlocked country: Zambia is surrounded by seven countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
• The traditional name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya: Mosi-oa-tunya means the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ and, as you can imagine, Victoria Falls truly lives up to its name.

Zimbabwe

The struggle for independence, land and power runs throughout Zimbabwe’s modern history. Veteran President Robert Mugabe dominated the country’s political scene for almost four decades after independence from Britain in 1980.

Once the bread basket of the region, since 2000 Zimbabwe has struggled to feed its own people due to severe droughts and the effects of a land reform programme that saw white-owned farms redistributed to landless Zimbabweans, with sharp falls in production.

The fall of Robert Mugabe in 2017 freed up politics and the media, but the country remains cash-strapped and impoverished.

• Capital: Harare
• Area: 390757 sq km
• Population: 15.17 million
• Languages: Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Chewa
• Life expectancy: 59 years (men) 62 years (women)

FACTS:

• Zimbabwe has the most official languages in the world. Zimbabwe has 16 official languages. In fact, it holds the Guinness World Record for the country with the most official languages. The official languages of Zimbabwe are Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa..
• Zimbabwe has five UNESCO World heritage sites. Zimbabwe has five UNESCO World heritage sites. There are three cultural sites: the Khami Ruins, Great Zimbabwe National Monument, and Matobo Hills and two natural sites: Victoria Falls and Mana Pools.

 

Zambia

Daytime temperatures usually reach 28°C in March with low heat and humidity, falling to 16°C at night.

Zimbabwe

The end of the rainy season with daily high temperatures around 25°C, rarely falling below 22°C or exceeding 29°C.

Namibia

March is a transitional period in Namibia, when Namibia gradually transitions from the hot and humid summer season to a cooler and drier winter. March is characterized by warm temperatures ranging from 15°C to 30°C with the possibility of higher temperatures in desert areas.

Botswana

Expect 31°C daytime maximum temperatures in the shade with on average 8 hours of sunshine per day in Botswana in March.  often dry and sunny days, but thunderstorms possible

Classic Challenge need to know in advance of any special dietary requirements to make arrangements with the airlines and ground handlers.  Vegetarians can be catered for, although they may wish to bring extra snacks and be prepared for repetitive meals.  If any participant has an unusual dietary request we will try to help but it would be the responsibility of the individual to organise additional snacks as required.

Dehydration is a risk on all charity challenge events due to the physical exertion. Remember to drink plenty of water, replace salts (lost through sweat) using rehydration formula and eating the salty snacks provided. Thirst is a sign that you are already dehydrated, so riders will be reminded to drink small quantities of water regularly together with rehydration salts. Camelbaks can result in drinking too much plain water without taking on enough salts, so if you plan to bring one we recommend you train and get used to assessing how much water you are drinking. We recommend participants bring water bottles, as it is easier to measure water intake.

On most days we will get up early, bags will be packed onto the support vehicle each morning before breakfast.

• Breakfast will be at around 6.30am
• Before we start riding each day we will do a warm up and receive a final brief on the day ahead from our guides.
• There will be water / snack stops every 15 – 20km, depending on temperature and the ability of group.
• Lunch will last approximately 1-1 ½ hours.
• Each evening everyone will eat together followed by a group briefing on the next day’s riding.

These timings are approximate and may change depending on group cycling ability, weather and other factors

The route we have designed is mostly flat terrain with a few undulating areas. There will be a mix of good tarmac roads, bad / pot-holed tarmac roads and unfinished roads. Training Guidelines are provided separately.

ASCENT DAILY

DAY 1: 380m
DAY 2: 249m
DAY 3: 206m

Participants will be briefed on road safety every day and at every briefing.  Part of the challenge is keeping focused.

Good quality padded cycling shorts, a decent sized bum bag to wear when cycling for sun-cream, tissues and waterproof jacket, fingerless, summer-weight cycle gloves with gel pads will all make the experience more comfortable. Remember to bring your cycle helmet as this is not included.  This must be worn at all times when cycling. You will not be allowed to cycle without one. It is advisable to take your helmet in your hand luggage at least, so if any baggage is lost/delayed on the way over you can still do the ride. You may also wish to do the same with your gel saddle and cycle shorts. The bikes will have a water bottle holder, so please bring your own water bottle.

To make sitting in the saddle for 3 days as comfortable as possible you may prefer to bring your own bicycle saddle or a gel seat saddle cover.  The local mechanic will fit this for you (no need to bring the pole as it may not fit the frame). You may also want to bring your own pedals and toe-clips if this is what you prefer to use.  These are entirely optional as bicycles will have saddles and pedals.

The mechanics will also help you get the saddle and handle bars at the right height so you are comfortable cycling. The mechanics will be with us for the whole event and so will able to adjust your bike if you need to and carry out repairs along the way so you can carry on cycling.

SUPPORT ON THE RIDE

Classic Challenge will provide the services of a Tour Manager throughout the event. A volunteer medic will cycle with you for the duration of the challenge, and you are welcome to contact the medic in advance for advice should you need to. A representative of Classic Challenge will meet the group at London Heathrow Airport to distribute flight tickets and ensure that the check in procedure runs smoothly.

Our local African team will comprise one or two mechanics (depending on the size of the group), to be on hand to carry out any repairs. Support vehicles will carry water, refreshments, bicycles and spares, luggage and people who may be tired or injured.  There will always be a vehicle at the front of the group and one at the back. All vehicles have mobile communication. Contact cards will be given to each participant with staff and hotel contact details as a precaution.

Mobile phones will be used to communicate between staff whilst on the road on cycling days. However, there could be areas en route where mobile phones will not work.

The route will be marked by the signing vehicle and an overall route map will be available at the snack and lunch stops so that you can track your progress.

• A UK Paramedic will accompany the ride. All participants are required to complete a medical form online at the point of registration. Participants should keep Classic Challenge up to date with any changes to their health. Participants aged 65 + will be asked to obtain a doctor’s signature on their medical form.  All medical details will be passed on to the group doctor.
• Participants should bring their own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip (including a few spares in case of any unexpected delay back to the UK) and a small first aid kit (see Suggested Packing List).
• All allergies can be declared on your medical form. Anyone with a nut allergy should bring their own adrenaline treatments as part of their personal first aid kit. This should be carried as hand luggage on the flights, a medical letter is recommended to avoid problems at customs.
• The more training participants do, the more they will enjoy the bike ride. Cycling for 5 days in a row is a challenge and training should be little and often so that muscles get used to consecutive days of cycling. However, don’t strain anything too close to departure. To prevent saddle soreness, bring Vaseline, practise riding out of the saddle and use bar-ends to alter cycle position. Taking your own saddle also helps.
• If anyone’s health has changed since they filled out our medical form when they registered, please ask them to complete another form and they need to advise their insurance company. If anyone fails to advise their insurer of pre-existing medical conditions, their insurance will not be valid.

Common ailments on a charity challenge :

• Traveller’s Diarrhoea can be avoided by following basic hygiene rules: avoiding ice, only drinking bottled water, if you drink from a can clean it first. Hand gels and wetwipes are essential before touching any food. Each cyclist should bring their own waterbottle (with protected mouthpiece). Drinking water will be provided during the cycle days, participants need to budget for buying their own bottled water in the evenings.
• Stomach upsets – this is a difficult one as it can be caused simply by jet lag or a change of routine. Bring Dioraylte to replenish loss of minerals and nutrients.
• Dehydration – fluids lost in sweat must be replaced. Bring a suitable water carrier and rehydration salts (they come in packets in different flavours).
• Further details regarding emergency procedures will feature in our risk assessment document, which will be issued to the charity prior to the event.  An additional document, the Emergency Guidelines, will also be drawn up detailing emergency contacts and procedures here in the UK for both Classic Challenge and the charity, in case of a serious incident.

Accommodation is selected for location and the ability to accommodate groups and is subject to change. Rooms are twin share, throughout the event. If you wish to share with someone in particular, make a note on your registration form and we will try to accommodate.

Part of the fun of the challenge is the room-sharing if this is your first time. If you would like to book a single room, the cost is £xxx for the 3 nights, subject to availability. This will be invoiced separately via Classic Challenge. Please click on the single supplement box when registering online and Lucy will be in touch with the invoice.

Sunday 23rd March
David Livingstone , Zambia

Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th March
Chobe Safari Lodge , Botswana

Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th March
Vic Falls Hotel , Zimbabwe

EXTENDING YOUR STAY AFTER RIDE

There will be the opportunity to extend your stay in Africa after the ride. Places are limited and will be confirmed on a first come first served basis. The Deadline for applications is approx. 4 months prior to departure. The cost of extending the flight is approximately £XX per person plus any surcharge imposed by the airline provided that the same routing as the group is taken.

• All participants must have adequate travel insurance cover to participate in the challenge.
• Classic Challenge has organised insurance cover with specialist brokers Campbell Irvine
• To purchase insurance through Campbell Irvine, please click here:
• There is no obligation to take our insurance however you must be adequately covered to go on the event.
• You should check it covers you for repatriation back to the UK and medical expenses.
• If you are organising your own insurance you should advise your insurance company that you are cycling for charity in Argentina. Details of your insurance must be sent to Classic Challenge at least 8 weeks before departure.
• If you have a pre-existing medical condition you need to advise your insurance company so that you are adequately covered and update them of any changes prior to departure.

CLOTHING

• Cycle helmet – essential
• Cycling shorts (padded) – 2-3 pairs and suitable shoes for cycling that dry quickly
• Fingerless cycling gloves – one pair with gel pads (essential)
• T-shirts – one for cycling and one for evening per day
• Socks – one pair per day plus spares and extra for evenings
• Scarf – to cover back of neck and cap to cover head when not wearing helmet & sunglasses
• Spare trainers  for general walking
• Waterproof jacket / bicycle poncho
• Casual wear for most of week i.e. sweatshirt, tracksuit, fleeces
• Loose fitting trousers to wear over cycle shorts in case of extra sensitivity to the sun
• Something slightly smarter for the celebration dinner
• Swimming outfit – dependant on final accommodation used, recheck before final mailing

EQUIPMENT

• 1 water bottle for bike – ideally with a cover on top to prevent dust/mud from getting into the drinking nozzle. A more hygienic alternative is a “camel pack” which is worn on the back.
• Saddle – your own saddle or a gel seat cover (optional) – do not bring the seat pole
• Bum bag – for carrying small items while cycling e.g. camera, sun cream, tissues etc.
• Small ‘day’ bag which can be used for extra items and transported on support vehicle
• Towels – 1
• Torch and spare batteries
• Ear plugs (sharing with noisy room mates can prevent sleep!)
• Carrier bags/bin bags – useful for dirty washing or wet clothing
• Camera and memory card/s
• Insurance policy / passport / visa (and photocopies, kept separate from originals)

 

SMALL PERSONAL MEDICAL KIT

• Antiseptic ointment, plasters, knee support, bandage, pain killers, sting relief, Diareze, Dioralyte, isotonic powders (if used during pre-departure training), insect repellent containing DEET, sting relief, Vaseline or sudacrem, energy bars
• Lip salve,  tissues, Wet wipes and Toilet paper and Anti bacterial hand gel
• Contact lens wearers should bring spare glasses and prescription sunglasses
• Ladies are advised to take tampons regardless of timing

Pack as lightly as possible. Preferably use in a soft, robust bag as all luggage is transported together each day in a truck and needs to be durable.  We strongly recommend against hard suitcases.  Take a lock for added security.