NORWOOD – RAJASTHAN BIKE RIDE

October / November 2009

Rajasthan Bike Ride – The Highlights

Rajasthan; the Land of the Kings, India at its most exotic and colourful.

The Taj Mahal.

Palaces, forts and finely carved temples.

Cycling through rural India.

The Pink City of Jaipur.

BashawarBhandarej

Tahela

Doela

Lal Mahal

THE WEATHER

There are two main seasons:- Dry season from November to April- Monsoon season from May to October

When we travel to Rajasthan, humidity levels are high and there is a slight chance of rain.

Day time temperatures are likely to be around 30°C.

At night the temperature can drop to 5-10°C.

THE TERRAIN The terrain is mainly flat.

Most of our cycling is through rural areas and most is on roads.

Some roads are in poor condition, dusty and / or pot holed.

Some roads are sandy and rocky.

TYPICAL DAY Breakfast at 6.00am.

Warm up & ready to leave at 7.30am.

Stop every 15-20km for water & snacks.

Lunch break will be 1-1½hrs

Evening briefing for the next day of cycling.

Sunrise 6am / sunset 5.30pm.

ITINERARY - DAYS 1 - 3ITINERARY - DAYS 1 - 3DAY 1: London to Delhi Depart London on overnight flight to Delhi.

DAY 2: Delhi to Agra Midday arrival. Transfer to Agra (5hrs). Hotel accommodation.

DAY 3: Agra Visit the Taj Mahal today (walking tour). The rest of the day is free to relax before

the challenge starts tomorrow. Bike fitting. Hotel accommodation.

ITINERARY - DAY 4ITINERARY - DAY 4DAY 4: Agra – Bharatpur 82kms Set off from the hotel to Fatehpur Sikri. Once through the busy market areas in Agra we’re out in

colourful countryside passing villages & temples. Laxmi Villas Palace / Uda Villas Hotel.

DAY 5: Bharatpur – Bashawar 85kms Cycle on minor roads past fields and through small

villages. Luxury camping.

ITINERARY - DAY 5ITINERARY - DAY 5

ITINERARY – DAY 6ITINERARY – DAY 6DAY 6: Bashawar – Bhandarej 92kms Cycle on minor roads with little traffic through scenic

countryside.

Overnight at an Indian Palace! Some luxury camping.

DAY 7: Bhandarej - Tahela 87kms Tough day with short off road

sections.

The terrain & scenery varies today from green valleys to arid hillsides.

Luxury camping near the Sariska Tiger Reserve.

ITINERARY – DAY 7ITINERARY – DAY 7

ITINERARY - DAY 8ITINERARY - DAY 8DAY 8: Tahela - Doela 61kms Cycle along the edge of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, visiting

the ruins of an ancient city & the stepwell at Chandbaori. Spectacular campsite, luxury camping.

ITINERARY - DAY 9ITINERARY - DAY 9

DAY 9: Doela - Lal Mahal – 82kms

Transfer Lal Mahal - Jaipur 1-1.5hrs Last day of cycling, through arid,

desert like scenery.

Passing authentic villages.

Arrive Jaipur, hotel accommodation.

ITINERARY – DAYS 10 & 11ITINERARY – DAYS 10 & 11

DAY 10: Jaipur Free day to explore Jaipur, the “pink city”. Hotel accommodation in Jaipur.

DAY 11: Delhi 04:30 departure to Delhi for flight home. Arrive same day.

THE BIKES

The bikes are 18-gear mountain bikes. We will arrange an appropriate sized bike, the standard size is 18”. Toe clips and bar ends can be hired. Each bike has 1 water bottle holder - you need to bring your own

water bottle(s) with covered mouth piece. You can bring your own saddle or gel seat cover. Everyone must wear a cycling helmet whilst cycling.

TRAINING

To enjoy this event it is imperative that all participants have trained.

We recommend you cycle regularly and on consecutive days to build up your stamina.

The challenge is designed for people of average fitness

who have trained for several months prior to the challenge.

FOOD & WATER Food Vegetarian food forms a large

part of the Indian menu. Breakfast: cereal, bread, egg &

local dishes. Lunch / dinner: vegetarian curry,

lentil dahls, pasta salad, rice etc.

Water Don’t drink the tap water,

bottled water will be supplied during the bike ride.

SUPPORT

You will be accompanied by;

Tour Managers UK Doctors Charity Representatives Tandem Teams Local Guides Bike Guides Mechanics Support Drivers & Vehicles