As we start to gain momentum on the run-up to the Care Homes Cycle Challenge and, of course, the launch of Care Home Open Week, there is no better time to get yourselves signed up to the events’ WhatsApp groups.

While this is an individual challenge, you are not alone in the support and motivation that is available, so get signed up and see what your fellow Care Homes Cyclists are all up to. Maybe arrange a group ride or find a training partner? You’ll find that the more you engage with your other cyclists, the more ideas you can share, and you’ll soon be hitting those fundraising targets. They are also a great way to share rides and photos and give you ideas for your social media posts.

Details of how to join the WhatsApp groups are below.

The relay aims to raise awareness and the profile of care in our communities, so there is no registration fee. We would love it if you could commit to raising £100 to support Championing Social Care’s work – there’s a GoFundMe page set up, and we can help you promote it.

Cyclist Information Document

We have put together a Cyclist Information Document for you to read ahead of your ride. This contains important information such as timings, locations, transfer details and much more. Please read this before you attend the ride.

Please find the Cyclist Information Document here.

Your Journey

• Each ride will depart from the host Care Home at 09:00.
• Please arrive by 08:00 to allow time for registration, the safety briefing, and to enjoy the send-off.
• You should expect to be cycling for most of the day. Your return/arrival time will depend on the distance between homes & the speed of the group.
• Water stops and energy bars will be provided during the ride.
• Refreshments will be provided by our host, Care Homes, at the start, finish, and along the route (distances between stops vary).
• You are welcome to bring a bag with personal belongings and leave it in the support vehicle while you ride – put waterproofs and maybe a set of dry kit in your bag.
• Safety: We operate a “No Helmet, No Ride” policy – helmets must be worn at all times while cycling.
  Please listen to your guide – they are there to keep you safe as well as show you the way.
• To raise the visibility of the relay, we will provide Great British Care Cycle Relay branded cycling tops for riders. A range of sizes will be available. Please wear these.
• We recommend that you are confident in completing a 100km ride to help you get the most enjoyment from the day.

For full details on the ride and what to expect, please read the cyclist information document here.

WhatsApp

This event will have a WhatsApp Community that we strongly advise all participants to join. Key information will be shared in this community during the event, such as daily start times, important messages, and key updates. You can also join a WhatsApp group via this community for your specific day to interact with other riders on your route.

To join the WhatsApp Community, click here.

Social Media

Get your circle riding with you! Showcase your involvement on social media and let people know which leg you’ll be joining using this downloadable graphic link.

Tag us on social media at Championing Social Care across all platforms and use the hashtags: #TheGreatBritishCycleRelay #CareHomeOpenWeek

Let’s ride together and celebrate the amazing work of the care sector!

If you have any questions about the ride, please get in touch with Vishal Shah, vishal.shah@banyancare.co.uk.

Kind regards,

Championing Care Homes