THE 13th ARC CUBAN CYCLE CHALLENGE

Friday 26th March – Saturday 2nd April 2011.
SPONSORSHIP €4,000.00

ARC CANCER SUPPORT CENTRE

ARC Cancer Support Centre is a registered charity and supports men and women living with cancer, their family and friends no matter where they live or what hospital they attend. ALL THE SERVICES ARE FREE.

Following on from the continued success of 12 years of our sponsored cycle in Cuba, we will again take to the countryside of Cuba for yet another successful fundraiser for ARC House. We would like you/pals to join us on this fantastic cycle where the scenery is amazing, the cycles spectacular and the craic mighty. All levels of fitness are very welcome so read on as we answer some of the questions that you might have.

FAQ:

What are the dates and what is the total sponsorship?

March 26th Friday– Saturday 2nd April 2011. Sponsorship is €4,000.00 from which you return a completed Registration Form with your non-refundable €300 deposit. Call ARC House (01) 8307333 /email grainnebarnett@arccancersupport.ie for any further information.

What is travel/cycle itinerary?

Dublin-Paris then on to Havana, Cuba. Stay in some basic but splendid hotels starting in Havana then over to the western province of Pinar del Rio for 5 very different but spectacular cycles. Total distance of 334kms and approx 66kms a day.

What are the cycles like and do I bring my own bike?

Some of the roads are tarmac and usually free of heavy traffic. Many roads are in good condition. The cycles vary from easy to steep hills but if you feel you cannot cycle these, we take you and your bike up the hills in our back-up vehicles. We hire bikes locally to minimise hassle.

Do ARC have back-up/guides?

Yes, as safety first is top of ARC’s list of priorities, all our challenges come with guides and in this case also a full back-up team on the ground. This includes Mechanics, Doctor, Bus Drivers (Mini bus and large bus) etc.

For whom are these cycles suitable and what do I need?

Anybody in good health with some cycle experience an advantage but not necessary as we will also be doing some training schedules before we depart to Cuba. You will need a suitable helmet, rucksack, cycle shoes, shorts, tops (unless sponsored) etc. Bikes will be hired locally. But we will be getting together before we depart for final chats on this trip to Cuba.

When should I start fundraising and do you supply tips?

ASAP! Start your fundraising ASAP by way of getting sponsorship, collecting with ARC buckets, bag packing etc. Also please see our fundraising tips attached. ARC supply vests for collecting along with buckets and sponsorship cards. We are there to help you so just call us.

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THE 13th ARC CUBAN TRIP PROFILE

26th March –2nd April 2011.

A  fully supported point-to-point road tour in the western province of Pinar del Río. The total cycling distance is 334km over 5-cycling days. The average distance per cycling day is 66km and the longest day is 78km. The route is classified as challenging. The terrain ranges from undulating to hilly with several steep and demanding climbs and downhill descents. Each day is on-road and although many roads are in fair condition you should expect lots of potholes and poor surface conditions on some sections. The roads are tarmac and generally free of heavy traffic. . Cuba has a hot semi-tropical climate. March falls during the dry season with average temperatures in Havana of 23ºC and average national temperatures of 27ºC.

• 7-nights hotel accommodation, all with swimming pools. All ARC challenges are based on twin sharing; single rooms will incur an additional personal charge.
• Full board (except lunch/dinner on day of departure) including pack lunch on cycling days.
• 334km cycling route. 5 cycling days. Each day is on-road.
• Local bike hire
• Dramatic landscapes, quiet rural roads and a beautiful, unspoilt sandy turquoise blue beach stop.
• A dedicated support team including a Cycle Challenge Tour Manager, a fully qualified Cuban doctor and mechanic and an English speaking Havanatour guide.
• Full back-up services throughout the tour. 100% vehicle support. This includes front and rear support vehicles and a separate support vehicle to go up and down the route.
• Detailed route descriptions and sketch maps provided to each participant on arrival in Havana, enabling participants to cycle at their own pace.
• Initial Briefing Meeting and daily Briefing Meetings, to discuss the following day’s route.
• 5 litres of bottled water per cyclist per cycling day.
• Private transfers in air-conditioned transportation as per itinerary.
• Guided cultural and historical visits
• A celebratory evening meal in Havana.