WELCOME TO THE PALACE TO PALACE TEAM

Thank you so much for signing up and being part of #TeamPrincesTrust by taking on our flagship active event, Palace to Palace.

Welcome to your digital ride guide. Please do read through all the information here to get a good understanding of what to expect on the day, key timings, safety info and equipment.

By train

The closest mainline stations to the start line are Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria. For all train times please visit nationalrail.co.uk. Each route provider has different rules about bikes onboard, so it’s worth checking before you set off. It is likely you will need a reservation for your bike.

By underground

There are restrictions with taking bikes on the London Underground. See the bicycles on the London Underground map for details on which tube lines bicycles are permitted on. There are some Underground engineering works scheduled for the event day, so please plan your journey ahead by visiting tfl.gov.uk.

It’s time to ride!

Here are the key things you need to know:

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your allocated start time.
• Please allow an additional 30 minutes if you are collecting a bike from Bike Hire UK, as queues are likely.
• There’s no registration process on the day, so head straight to the start funnel on The Mall
• Make sure you attach your rider number to the back of your top (don’t forget your safety pins)
• Attach your bike number to your handlebars with the cable ties provided, ensuring the timing chip is forward facing.
• If you need to collect a replacement rider number and bike number on the day, please go to the information point.
• You will receive a key info card in your rider pack including feed station information and an emergency number. Bring this along and keep in a pocket. Please also add the emergency number to your mobile phone before you set off.
• Toilets are available in St James’s Park for 30p, and our marshals will be able to direct you.

Emergency contact details

Please write your emergency contact details on the reverse of your rider number before arriving.
If this is not completed before arrival it could delay your start time. It is mandatory to complete these details.

Event timings

06:45 First Ultra cyclists set off from The Mall

If you are an ultra cyclist, you must start in either the 06.45 or 07.00 wave. If you arrive later than this, you will be moved into the classic route.

07:15 First Classic cyclists set off from The Mall

08:30 Festival Finish begins

09:00 First cyclists complete the route and cross the finish line at Windsor

09:30 Last cyclists set off from The Mall

No cyclists will be permitted to start after 09:30 due to restrictions on how long we can use The Mall. If you arrive late you will not be able to participate.

09.30 All ultra riders must pass the route split (approx 20 miles in)

10.30 All ultra rider must pass the second route split (approx. 31 mile in)

17:00 Festival Finish closes

Chip timing

Palace to Palace is not a race, however all Ultra and Classic riders will be chipped and everyone will be given a finish time. This allows us to track your progress and ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Your timing chip is within your bike number, please arrive at the start with this attached to your handle bars using the cable ties provided and with the number facing forward.

Route signage

The Palace to Palace route is fully signed and marshalled. You’ll be briefed on the start line, but just follow the signs.

The essential items

Palace to Palace isn’t a race, but it’s still a challenge.After all you don’t cycle 45 or 90 miles every day so we’re sure you’ll reach the end feeling a little tired but incredibly proud of yourself.

Remember, don’t forget to bring these essential items with you on the day:

• Road worthy bike
• Cycle helmet – compulsory –must be worn at all times
• Rider number (attached to the back of your shirt) and bike number (fitted to your handlebars). Your timing chip is in your bike number.
• Official Palace to Palace t-shirt or cycling jersey
• Full water bottle or Camelback.

Packs containing your rider number, bike number and Palace to Palace top will be posted to you. If you do not receive your pack by Wednesday 2 October, please email palace@princes-trust.org.uk.

We also recommend bringing the following items:

• Snacks such as flapjack, energy bars or gels
• Money – cash and card
• Charged mobile phone
• Spare inner tube, small bike pump, and basic puncture repair kit
• Padded cycling shorts
• Cycling mitts/gloves
• Lightweight waterproof jacket (just in case)
• Sunscreen (just in case)
• Tyre levers
• Cycle bell
• Small first aid kit
• Bike lock
• Any medication you need

Ride support

An emergency number will be in the key information card included in your rider pack, for you to call on the day if you experience any difficulty. Bike mechanics will be at the start and at the water stops along the course to make basic repairs, and do remember to bring a spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit. If your bike does break down we will pick you up and take you to the nearest stop. This can take a while so please be patient. Try to repair punctures yourself or ask a fellow cyclist as this will be quicker. Relief vehicles will be available to pick up any retirees. If you require help please identify yourself to the nearest marshal or call the emergency number on your key information card.

In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999 first and then notify us once the emergency services are on their way. Please stay with any casualties until the emergency services arrive.

There are route maps for the Classic 45-mile route and the Ultra 90-mile route. These can be viewed online and we will send you a copy of the route in your race pack.

Please note that the routes are subject to last minute change.

Look after yourself:

• You must wear your official rider number on the day and it must be visible at all times.
• Always wear a cycle helmet that fits and is securely fastened.
• Wear conspicuous clothing that is appropriate for cycling, i.e. nothing which may get caught on your chain or wheels.
• BE SEEN - most accidents happen at junctions; wear high visibility belts, fit lights and use them in poor visibility.
• All riders must be aged 16+ on the date of the ride and any rider with a medical condition, or who is unsure of their physical ability to take part are advised to seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event
• Keep your bike roadworthy; check your brakes work, your chain is oiled, and your tyres are in good condition and pumped up
• Whatever the weather conditions, your body needs fluids whilst cycling. Loss of fluid, especially from sweating will reduce your blood volume and mean that your heart will have to work harder. Therefore, replacing this fluid loss is essential to you completing the course. Stay hydrated by arriving with a full bottle/Camelback and topping up at the water stops on route
• Cycling will increase your energy needs, so aim to eat little and often. Bring snacks with you so you have something to keep your energy levels up along the route
• Alcohol and cycling are not a good mix and we strongly recommend you do not indulge along the route
• Please don’t use headphones, you need to be able to listen to what is going on around you
• You must adhere to The Highway Code at all times (gov.uk/highway-code)

Look after other road users:

• Remember it’s not a race. Be a good advert for cycling and show consideration to others, whether cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders or motorist and acknowledge those who give way to you
• Ride in single file on narrow or busy roads. Never ride more than two abreast on open roads
• Don’t cycle on pavements except where designated. Pavements are for pedestrians
• You must obey all traffic light signals and road signs; keep to your side of any dividing line on roads or cycle paths
• Do not attempt any dangerous passing of other cyclists
• Only overtake if it is safe to do so and use your bell to let people know you are coming
• Be careful at junctions, bends and entrances
• Keep your distance from other cyclists at all times, as some may be inexperienced. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
• Take care at all times. Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds. Please signal any intention to turn left or right and don’t stop suddenly, there may be cars or other cyclists directly behind you
• Keep both hands on the handlebars (unless signalling) and both feet on the pedals
• Never hold on to a moving vehicle or trailer
• Please do not ask friends or family to drive along the course

The course has been carefully chosen by WMP Creative, our event delivery partner, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, you are advised to adhere to our road safety guidelines and obtain personal accident insurance. You also need adequate cover for your bike and personal property to cover you for loss or damage, and loss or injury you may cause to a third party. By signing up to Palace to Palace you have agreed to our terms and conditions, which were available to view when you signed up. If you would like to see our terms and conditions, please email palace@princes-trust.org.uk.

Well done - you’ve done it!

You’ll be cheered across the finish line at the Royal Windsor Racecourse and you’ll receive your medal. Our festival finish is the perfect location to meet up with friends and family who have come to congratulate you. Please make use of the bike park to drop off your bike and then make your way into the festival finish where you can have fun and relax. If you are taking part in a large team and have your own area in our marquees, please head to our partner village once you have dropped off your bike.

What else is at the festival finish?

The Palace-to-Palace festival finish is buzzing with activity and we welcome your family and friends to come along and cheer you across the finish line. There’s fun for the whole family with arts and crafts activities, a bouncy castle and lots more to get involved with. As a rider, enjoy a complimentary massage, visit the bar for a well deserved ice cold drink and visit one of the different food stands available.

HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

You may find the answer on our FAQs page, or you can email us at palace@princes-trust.org.uk.