Three Counties, Seven Piers Cycling Challenge - 9th June 2024
For the first time in the East of England, three local Mind charities are uniting in their mission to support mental health awareness and services across the three counties of Norfolk, Essex and Suffolk.
On June 9th 2024, we will come together to introduce our first annual ‘Three Counties, Seven Piers’ cycle ride, when up to 50 cyclists will travel by road from Great Yarmouth to Clacton-on-Sea.
The fundraiser will cover 94 miles of East Anglian coastline. Winding its way along the beautiful Suffolk coast, the route gives riders the chance to complete an epic and picturesque journey. At the same time, their pedal power will help to power our vital mental health services, raising tens of thousands of pounds for the charities’ work in the east of England.
Participants taking on the challenge in aid of Norfolk and Waveney Mind will help to support our vital work within Norfolk and Waveney.
Rest assured participants will be in the hands of professional event organisers Onventure and British Cycling ride leaders throughout the challenge.
About the challenge:
As part of this self-guided but fully supported ride, you will cover 94 miles, 772m elevation and visit 7 piers in our three counties.
This challenge is ranked as Medium-Medium/High difficulty. With a little training, any enthusiastic cyclist (18+) can rise to this challenge. You will be travelling on roads with one included ferry crossing, with an estimated ride time of 6-6.5 hours.
As you ride you will visit the following iconic piers:
1) Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth = Start point
2) Claremont Pier, Lowestoft = 12.5 miles in
3) Southwold Pier, Southwold = 25 miles in
4) Felixstowe Pier, Felixstowe = 67 miles in
5) Ha’Penny Pier, Harwich = 72 miles in
6) Walton Pier, Walton-on-the-Naze = 88 miles in
7) Clacton Pier, Clacton-on-Sea = 94 miles, finish point
Sign up today for just £37!
(Please note: your registration fee is subsidised by the charities you are supporting – the full cost is £65. Please also read the full Terms & Conditions before purchasing.)
What support is there and what else is included:
This is a fully inclusive and VIP package.
Your £37 subsidised registration fee includes:
- Mapped and tested route designed by professional experience company Onventure
- Full support throughout, including medical and mechanical support. Our dedicated support vehicle will travel with our group.
- River ferry crossing from Felixstowe to Harwich
- Navigation supported with our OnVenture bike GPS systems and GPX files provided.
- Lunch, snacks and drinks (defined re-fuel station in Southwold; defined lunch station in Felixstowe)
- Training advice available from British Cycling approved ride leaders and competitive cyclists
- A selection of memento photos throughout the challenge
- Finisher Medal
- A bespoke and high-quality commemorative cycling shirt to wear during your event and to take home as a keep-sake.
FAQs:
We have some useful FAQs below, if you still have some questions please email our friendly events team at events@norfolkandwaveneymind.org.uk
Is this a race?
We like to think of this as ‘complete not compete’, although we acknowledge some riders will challenge themselves to cross the finish tape first. Regardless, a medal will be awarded to everyone who takes part in this challenge, to express our sincere thanks and celebrate their success.
Rest assured, the route has been meticulously planned to allow for ample places for rest stops, scenic views and picturesque landmarks.
How do I sign up and do I have to fundraise?
You can sign up and pay your registration fee of £37 here.
This is a vital fundraiser in our calendar. We ask therefore that all riders set up a JustGiving page here and endeavour to raise a minimum of £370 (although we hope you will aim for more).
Remember your pedal power will fund vital mental health services in our region.
What if I change my mind
It is natural to have some nerves when taking on a challenge such as this. Please feel free to get in touch and we can support you with any questions you have and provide reassurance. You will note your package includes training advice from British Cycling-approved ride leaders and competitive cyclists.
If you feel you need to withdraw from the event, however, we would draw your attention to the following.
Your registration fee is subsidised by the charities you are supporting. Full fees are paid to the event provided by the charities six weeks prior to the event. Therefore, if you have to withdraw less than six weeks before June 9th, we would ask politely that you reimburse the full £65 cost of your place.
Do you include travel to and from start and finish points?
Travel is not included in this package. Please contact our fundraising team for information which might make your journey easier, i.e. local hotels, car parks, railway stations etc.
Can my family and friends watch?
We will announce cheer points at various piers along the route in due course.
Our challenge will also culminate at our ‘Charity Village’ at Clacton Pier where we invite family and friends to welcome you over the finish line and celebrate your success. Again, our fundraising team can provide information on where to park, hotels, stations etc and we will publish more details regarding the finish line area on site soon.