Q1. What routes are suitable for children?
This will depend upon the age and ability of your child. Your child should be stable and confident on a bike as even with the 10 mile route, the road from the start for about a mile is fairly busy and traffic can be fast. Children under 16 should manage the 22 and 35 mile routes providing they are used to riding a similar length route. Some older children may also manage longer routes if used to the longer distances. Do contact us before you enter if you have concerns. All under 16's must be accompanied by a paying adult rider who will be responsible for them at all times..
Q2. Can I my change chosen route?
Yes you can. If changing to one of the route between 22-35 miles, you can do this on the day by updating your check in slip. If upgrading from one of the shorter routes (22 & 35 miles) to one of the longer routes (i.e 55, 70 & 80 miles), you can do this on the day but you will need to pay any extra fees due. Please ensure you start your ride according to the set start times. See joining instructions on our web site.
Q3. Are the routes well signed posted.
All the route are well signed posted and a route map can be downloaded from the website. We will also have marshals along the route to cheer you on and provide help if needed.
Q4. What happens if my bike breaks down or I have an accident?
It is important you carry a mobile with you and our emergency number is on the back of the laminated bike number. We can provide pick up back to the start if necessary.
Q5. Can I collect or buy my jersey on the day?
If you are buying a Rotary Dorset Bike Ride jersey you will need to order by 1st September to ensure supplier delivery so you can collect on the day of the event so - order early to avoid disappointment and you will be able to collect your jersey on the day of the event but we unable to reserve jerseys for collection on the day unless payment received and size is available from our supplier.
Q6. Can I ride and raise sponsorship for my own chosen charity rather than Cancer Research UK.
The event is primarily for Cancer Research UK, but it is not compulsory to raise sponsorship, although we do hope most riders will at least try. However, if you are raising sponsorship for other charities, we ask that you let us know so we can track how much the event has raised overall for charity.
Q7. I have not received my sponsor form and details?
Sponsorship forms can be downloaded and printed from our web site - click here.
Q8. What time does the ride start and where from?
The ride starts and finishes at Longthorns Campsite, next to Monkey World near Wareham. All the details for the start are contained in the joining instructions which can be viewed from the web site.
The planned start times for the routes are:
8.30am - 80 mile
9.00am - 70 mile
9.30am - 55 mile
10.00am - 35 mile
10.30am - 22 mile
Q9. Is it possible to enter a team?
You can enter a team of up to 10 riders at one time and you can enter a team name, but this is only available for online registrations and will not be available on the day of the event. The Lead rider is responsible to make the payment for the whole team and to ensure their team is aware of all terms and conditions and agree to adhere to them. Team leader is also responsible to collect their teams rider numbers at check in on the day of the event.
Q10. Is the course suitable for road bikes?
All the routes are on tarmac road and suitable for road bikes.
Q11. Is there a reduced entry fee for children?
Children under 16 are free of charge for on-line registrations at this event. However ALL under 16 year olds must be accompanied by paying adult rider throughout their ride who remains responsible for their safety at all times.
Q12. Is it possible to enter on the day?
We have a limit of 1000 riders and providing we do not sell out you can enter on the day but there is additional £5 charge per rider. Registration will also take longer. We recommend you enter before the day and before online registrations close to avoid disappointment.
Q13. How much of my entry fee goes to the charity?
Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers - only about 5% of the entry fee goes towards the cost of running the event and therefore a minimum of 95% of entry fees go to Cancer Research UK. All sponsorship money and any donations received via the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride is paid to Cancer Research UK.
Q14. Can I transfer my event fee over to another event or another person?
All purchased places in the Rotary Dorset Bike ride are non-transferable, unless the event is postponed due to weather.
Q15. Can I use a mountain bike?
You can use any type of bike although Road bikes are best suited for the longer distance routes. You are welcome to take part on a mountain bike but be aware this will make your ride more challenging. You may want to consider changing your tyres to road tyres. This will make the ride smoother and quicker.
Q16. Do I need to stretch before starting?
Stretching allows you to maintain a full range of movement in the muscles and helps to prevent injury. It’s key to do this after your bike ride. We hope to provide massages after the ride. If the session has been intense or if it’s been very cold, it’s better to stretch after you’ve warmed up. It's also important to warm up before you start cycling, not doing this can lead to pulled muscles.
Q17. Do I have to wear a crash helmet.
It is now compulsory for all riders in the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride to wear helmets for their own safety.
Q18. Should I take food and water with me on my ride?
We suggest you have two full water bottles, as well as an easy to eat snack. While rest stops will provide food and water, they will not have extra water bottles at them, and it can never hurt to have an extra snack to keep you fuelled in between feed stations.
Q19. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the ride?
This is a rain or shine event. Cyclists assume their own risk if they chose to ride in bad weather. We ask that all cyclists please use best judgment when deciding whether or not to ride. If the weather forecast is so bad that riding could be dangerous such as with very high winds, an email will be sent out on the night before. We will then try and rearrange the event. There will be no refunds granted.
Q20. Where can I park during the event?
There is plenty of parking available at Longthorns Campsite - where the ride starts and finishes.
Q21. Will there be food available?
Yes, food and beverages will be available at Longthorns to purchase at the start and finish as well as several designated free feed stops for riders only on routes. In 2024 - refreshment stops will be located at junction near Bere Regis and Moreton Village Hall.
If your query is not answered in the FAQ section - please send us a message by email - [email protected] - and we will do what we can to respond as soon as possible.
This will depend upon the age and ability of your child. Your child should be stable and confident on a bike as even with the 10 mile route, the road from the start for about a mile is fairly busy and traffic can be fast. Children under 16 should manage the 22 and 35 mile routes providing they are used to riding a similar length route. Some older children may also manage longer routes if used to the longer distances. Do contact us before you enter if you have concerns. All under 16's must be accompanied by a paying adult rider who will be responsible for them at all times..
Q2. Can I my change chosen route?
Yes you can. If changing to one of the route between 22-35 miles, you can do this on the day by updating your check in slip. If upgrading from one of the shorter routes (22 & 35 miles) to one of the longer routes (i.e 55, 70 & 80 miles), you can do this on the day but you will need to pay any extra fees due. Please ensure you start your ride according to the set start times. See joining instructions on our web site.
Q3. Are the routes well signed posted.
All the route are well signed posted and a route map can be downloaded from the website. We will also have marshals along the route to cheer you on and provide help if needed.
Q4. What happens if my bike breaks down or I have an accident?
It is important you carry a mobile with you and our emergency number is on the back of the laminated bike number. We can provide pick up back to the start if necessary.
Q5. Can I collect or buy my jersey on the day?
If you are buying a Rotary Dorset Bike Ride jersey you will need to order by 1st September to ensure supplier delivery so you can collect on the day of the event so - order early to avoid disappointment and you will be able to collect your jersey on the day of the event but we unable to reserve jerseys for collection on the day unless payment received and size is available from our supplier.
Q6. Can I ride and raise sponsorship for my own chosen charity rather than Cancer Research UK.
The event is primarily for Cancer Research UK, but it is not compulsory to raise sponsorship, although we do hope most riders will at least try. However, if you are raising sponsorship for other charities, we ask that you let us know so we can track how much the event has raised overall for charity.
Q7. I have not received my sponsor form and details?
Sponsorship forms can be downloaded and printed from our web site - click here.
Q8. What time does the ride start and where from?
The ride starts and finishes at Longthorns Campsite, next to Monkey World near Wareham. All the details for the start are contained in the joining instructions which can be viewed from the web site.
The planned start times for the routes are:
8.30am - 80 mile
9.00am - 70 mile
9.30am - 55 mile
10.00am - 35 mile
10.30am - 22 mile
Q9. Is it possible to enter a team?
You can enter a team of up to 10 riders at one time and you can enter a team name, but this is only available for online registrations and will not be available on the day of the event. The Lead rider is responsible to make the payment for the whole team and to ensure their team is aware of all terms and conditions and agree to adhere to them. Team leader is also responsible to collect their teams rider numbers at check in on the day of the event.
Q10. Is the course suitable for road bikes?
All the routes are on tarmac road and suitable for road bikes.
Q11. Is there a reduced entry fee for children?
Children under 16 are free of charge for on-line registrations at this event. However ALL under 16 year olds must be accompanied by paying adult rider throughout their ride who remains responsible for their safety at all times.
Q12. Is it possible to enter on the day?
We have a limit of 1000 riders and providing we do not sell out you can enter on the day but there is additional £5 charge per rider. Registration will also take longer. We recommend you enter before the day and before online registrations close to avoid disappointment.
Q13. How much of my entry fee goes to the charity?
Thanks to our sponsors and volunteers - only about 5% of the entry fee goes towards the cost of running the event and therefore a minimum of 95% of entry fees go to Cancer Research UK. All sponsorship money and any donations received via the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride is paid to Cancer Research UK.
Q14. Can I transfer my event fee over to another event or another person?
All purchased places in the Rotary Dorset Bike ride are non-transferable, unless the event is postponed due to weather.
Q15. Can I use a mountain bike?
You can use any type of bike although Road bikes are best suited for the longer distance routes. You are welcome to take part on a mountain bike but be aware this will make your ride more challenging. You may want to consider changing your tyres to road tyres. This will make the ride smoother and quicker.
Q16. Do I need to stretch before starting?
Stretching allows you to maintain a full range of movement in the muscles and helps to prevent injury. It’s key to do this after your bike ride. We hope to provide massages after the ride. If the session has been intense or if it’s been very cold, it’s better to stretch after you’ve warmed up. It's also important to warm up before you start cycling, not doing this can lead to pulled muscles.
Q17. Do I have to wear a crash helmet.
It is now compulsory for all riders in the Rotary Dorset Bike Ride to wear helmets for their own safety.
Q18. Should I take food and water with me on my ride?
We suggest you have two full water bottles, as well as an easy to eat snack. While rest stops will provide food and water, they will not have extra water bottles at them, and it can never hurt to have an extra snack to keep you fuelled in between feed stations.
Q19. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of the ride?
This is a rain or shine event. Cyclists assume their own risk if they chose to ride in bad weather. We ask that all cyclists please use best judgment when deciding whether or not to ride. If the weather forecast is so bad that riding could be dangerous such as with very high winds, an email will be sent out on the night before. We will then try and rearrange the event. There will be no refunds granted.
Q20. Where can I park during the event?
There is plenty of parking available at Longthorns Campsite - where the ride starts and finishes.
Q21. Will there be food available?
Yes, food and beverages will be available at Longthorns to purchase at the start and finish as well as several designated free feed stops for riders only on routes. In 2024 - refreshment stops will be located at junction near Bere Regis and Moreton Village Hall.
If your query is not answered in the FAQ section - please send us a message by email - [email protected] - and we will do what we can to respond as soon as possible.