Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to some of the questions you might have now. You will receive much more information after registration, but feel free to contact us if you have any enquiries in the meantime.
Who is organising the event?
Mara Foundation have engaged professional event organisers, Action Challenge, to manage the logistics of Cycle4Uganda. Action Challenge have extensive experience of running challenge events all around the world. Find out more about Action Challenge.
Who can take part?
Anyone aged 12 or over who is fit to cycle and can commit to raising the required level of sponsorship is eligible to take part (participants aged under 18 must be accompanied by an adult). We expect to welcome participants from all around the world.
Do I have to be from the UK?
No! Our organizers, Action Challenge, are UK based, and we are also using a UK-based online fundraising system (Virgin Money Giving). But all the money we raise from the event will end up in Uganda on our school projects, so you can come from anywhere in the world and fundraise in any currency you like.
Is the route safe?
Your safety is our top priority. There will be a medical team and a police escort accompanying us where appropriate. We will also have staff on hand to ensure the security of personal belongings whilst they are being transported.
How challenging will the cycling be?
Cycle4Uganda is intended to be a challenge. Uganda is a very hilly country and there will therefore be some challenging climbs as well as downhill runs along the route. Participants will cycle between 40km and 95km each day, sometimes on smooth tarmac roads and sometimes on other unsurfaced routes.
Do I have to train beforehand?
You will need to be reasonably fit to complete Cycle4Uganda and the more you train, the more you will enjoy the event. We will send you a training pack after you register, plus regular training tips in the run-up to the event!
Where will I sleep?
Accommodation has been arranged for the duration of the event at comfortable hotels along the route.
What food will I eat?
There will be a range of food available for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, including good vegetarian options. You will also have a chance to sample local Ugandan cuisine. We will be able to cater for specific dietary requirements if you let us know when you register.
How much does it cost?
You pay a non-refundable registration fee of GBP250, and are required to raise a certain amount in sponsorship (click here for amounts). We hope that the event will be sponsored by some Ugandan companies, which will help us to raise even more money for Mara Foundation’s causes.
What is included?
Your accommodation, bike, transport within Uganda, and meals and refreshments en route are all included.
What else do I have to pay for?
Participants should pay for their own flights to and from Uganda (you’ll be pleased to hear we have negotiated a group discount), your travel insurance, your visa, and any optional excursions and leisure activities you wish to participate in.
How do I take advantage of the group flight?
Send an additional cheque for GBP585 when you register. Places are allocated on a first come first served basis. If you don’t choose the group flight when you register but later change your mind, contact us to find out if there are still places.
What if I am on the group flight but want to stay in Uganda longer?
Simply fill in this flight extension form.
I am not using the group flight. What dates and times do I need to book?
You need to book a flight to Entebbe, Uganda, arriving no later than 4pm on Thursday 30th December 2010. The event will be over by the morning of Thursday 6th January 2011 and we will arrange an airport shuttle that afternoon.
How much money do I have to raise in sponsorship?
The amount of money you will need to raise depends on how old you will be at the time of the event, and the currency you want to raise your money in. Click here for more info.
Where will my sponsorship money go?
All the money you raise will go towards the Mara Foundation’s programmes to improve the quality of education in Ugandan secondary schools. Find out more about this cause here.
Will you help me fundraise?
Once you’ve registered, we’ll send you a Fundraising Pack with loads of advice on how to fundraise for Cycle4Uganda.
How do I collect my sponsorship?
The easiest way is to use Virgin Money Giving, where you and your sponsors can use any major credit or debit card. However, you may also pay in two lump sum cheques in the UK, or by one lump sum international wire transfer. There are more details in the fundraising pack, which we will send you after you register.
When is the deadline for collecting and paying my sponsorship?
You must have collected and paid to us 80% of your sponsorship before 6th October 2010, and the remainder before 1st December 2010.
Do I have to bring my own bike?
No, bikes are provided, but you must bring your own helmet.
What else do I need to bring?
There will be a kit-list in the event manual that you will receive after you register.
Will the event be run with regard to responsible tourism?
We are aware of the risks that large organised events can pose the environment and the people whose livelihood depends on it. However, when properly managed, tourism is a very positive thing in Uganda, as it provides jobs and wealth, and promotes protection of the environment which might otherwise be destroyed.
How do I register?
You should complete the online registration form, and then send us your registration fee. Once this is paid, we will then send you your fundraising pack, training pack and event manual. |
