London to Bristol Bike Ride
Cycle from the capital to the Channel with GWAAC
Join us for the very first GWAAC London to Bristol Challenge—a brand-new, two-day cycling adventure taking riders from the iconic Windsor Castle, London, all the way to the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) airbase, just north of Bristol.
This unforgettable ride combines stunning scenery, a truly challenging but achievable ride, an incredible sense of achievement, and the chance to make a lifesaving difference for people across the region.
All participants will receive:
- Welcome pack
- GWAAC Cycling Jersey
- Fundraising advice and support to help you reach your target
- Online fundraising resources
- Invitation to a tour of our airbase
Key Details
Where
Windsor Castle to Bristol
With overnight accommodation in MarlboroughHow much / Fundraising target
Registration fee: £99
Fundraising pledge £1,200
When
Friday 18 - Saturday 19 September 2026
The Route
Day one - London to Marlborough
61.5 miles | 732m elevation
Expand to read the route description
We’ll set off from West London at 9:30 after the morning rush hour.
There are frequent stops and the pace is gentle to allow us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way out of London and enter the peace and quiet of the Berkshire countryside.
The morning ride is undulating, not too intensely, though. After regular stops at Winnersh, Mortimer, and Brimpton to recharge, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch near Newbury.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Marlborough, but you’ll be pleased to hear, it will be less than 25 miles!
We’ll head north of Newbury through the village of Ramsey and then over a short, sharp hill, before free-wheeling into Marlborough. 61 miles done, day 1 complete!
Upon arrival in Marlborough, you will get a well-earned break and be able to check in to the hotel for our overnight accommodation.
After you’ve had the chance to freshen up, we will all meet for our evening meal and a chance to reflect on the first day of cycling and get to know one another.
There are frequent stops and the pace is gentle to allow us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way out of London and enter the peace and quiet of the Berkshire countryside.
The morning ride is undulating, not too intensely, though. After regular stops at Winnersh, Mortimer, and Brimpton to recharge, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch near Newbury.
After lunch, we will continue our journey to Marlborough, but you’ll be pleased to hear, it will be less than 25 miles!
We’ll head north of Newbury through the village of Ramsey and then over a short, sharp hill, before free-wheeling into Marlborough. 61 miles done, day 1 complete!
Upon arrival in Marlborough, you will get a well-earned break and be able to check in to the hotel for our overnight accommodation.
After you’ve had the chance to freshen up, we will all meet for our evening meal and a chance to reflect on the first day of cycling and get to know one another.
Day two - Marlborough to Bristol
82.1 miles | 1,228m elevation
Expand to read the route description
Day 2 is our biggest day when it comes to cycling.
We will start earlier, and the roads around Marlborough quickly become country lanes with a limited amount of traffic. We’ll need to maintain our pace on the day to complete the 82 miles, but our guides will support you throughout the day.
Cycling starts around 8:00, with a short hill, then a steep descent, and a flat road to Westbury and Frome.
The route is gently undulating for the first 40 miles, before our lunch stop in the village of Witham Friary. After lunch, we have a bit of a climb just before Castle Cary. Following this, you’ll be glad to hear the remainder of the day cycling (30m) is downhill, flat with minor undulations!
Upon arrival in Bath we’ll pick up the cycle route to Bristol and be on the final stretch.
Soon we will see the GWAAC headquarters and cycle in to enjoy some celebratory food and drinks and then have a team photo to make the success of this amazing challenge.
We will start earlier, and the roads around Marlborough quickly become country lanes with a limited amount of traffic. We’ll need to maintain our pace on the day to complete the 82 miles, but our guides will support you throughout the day.
Cycling starts around 8:00, with a short hill, then a steep descent, and a flat road to Westbury and Frome.
The route is gently undulating for the first 40 miles, before our lunch stop in the village of Witham Friary. After lunch, we have a bit of a climb just before Castle Cary. Following this, you’ll be glad to hear the remainder of the day cycling (30m) is downhill, flat with minor undulations!
Upon arrival in Bath we’ll pick up the cycle route to Bristol and be on the final stretch.
Soon we will see the GWAAC headquarters and cycle in to enjoy some celebratory food and drinks and then have a team photo to make the success of this amazing challenge.
FAQs
Which route will the cycle challenge take, and how far is it?
The total cycling distance for the London to Bristol cycle ride is 143 miles.
Find out more about the route details here.
Find out more about the route details here.
Where do the cycle challenges start and finish, and at what time?
This cycle ride starts in Alexandra Park, Windsor at 8:30 on 18 September 2026 and finishes at our Almondsbury airbase, at approximately 16:00 on 19 September 2026.
Participants can meet from 8:00 at the start location.
Participants can meet from 8:00 at the start location.
What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
This is not an easy cycle ride, but don’t let that put you off. You will be in the saddle for two consecutive days, cycling between 60-85 miles for 6-8 hours each day.
If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike, it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone.
Get in touch with TFA Events Event Director, Laura Roberts, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - info@tfaevents.co.uk or 0333 4441189.
If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike, it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone.
Get in touch with TFA Events Event Director, Laura Roberts, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - info@tfaevents.co.uk or 0333 4441189.
What training do I need to do?
As you will be cycling for a long time for two consecutive days, getting comfortable with your bike, shoes, helmet, and clothing is essential.
We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can, practice riding in groups.
We will be setting up a cycling WhatsApp Group if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before your challenge.
Do check out our training tips, and remember, your training should be fun! If you are a member of a local gym, sign up for a spinning class, as they are great ways to prepare. We encourage you to build up to the challenge, and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.
We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can, practice riding in groups.
We will be setting up a cycling WhatsApp Group if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before your challenge.
Do check out our training tips, and remember, your training should be fun! If you are a member of a local gym, sign up for a spinning class, as they are great ways to prepare. We encourage you to build up to the challenge, and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.
I have a medical condition. What should I do?
We strongly recommend that anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for a challenge.
When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. The Health and Safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us.
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undertake the activity.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details.
When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. The Health and Safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us.
Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undertake the activity.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for further details.
What will the challenge cost?
You will need to pay a non-refundable registration fee of £99.00 and fundraise an additional £1,200.
How will each day of cycling work?
Each day’s cycling will be broken down into 4-5 shorter cycling sections, usually between 15-20 miles long.
After each section, there will be ‘Stop Points’ where you can take on snacks and drinks, rest your legs, and catch up with your fellow challengers.
We have several support vehicles travelling with the group, so if you need to stop or want to ride in one of the support vehicles for part of a section, that’s absolutely fine.
After each section, there will be ‘Stop Points’ where you can take on snacks and drinks, rest your legs, and catch up with your fellow challengers.
We have several support vehicles travelling with the group, so if you need to stop or want to ride in one of the support vehicles for part of a section, that’s absolutely fine.
Will food and accommodation be provided?
Yes, all your meals and hotel accommodation will be provided. We do not provide breakfast on Day 1.
Accommodation will be in the Marlborough Premier Inn, but if you wish to upgrade, TFA Events can arrange for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want. All the additional bookings are subject to availability.
Accommodation will be in the Marlborough Premier Inn, but if you wish to upgrade, TFA Events can arrange for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want. All the additional bookings are subject to availability.
What type of bike do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable riding for two consecutive days.
We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for two consecutive days, that’s fine.
Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy or want to rent a bike.
We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for two consecutive days, that’s fine.
Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy or want to rent a bike.
What happens if I experience problems with my bike?
Don’t worry, we have a bike mechanic with us on the support team, who will be able to provide any quick roadside repairs to get you going again.
If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible.
We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles.
Any additional repairs needed for your bike will need to be covered by you.
If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible.
We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles.
Any additional repairs needed for your bike will need to be covered by you.
What happens if I get injured?
We have carefully planned out this challenge to try and make sure that no one gets injured.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of group cycling over two days on public roads, there may be injuries.
To support you, we have a qualified medic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention.
It is, though, your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance and cycling insurance (see below) to do this challenge.
Additional costs for medical support may be incurred, which will need to be covered entirely by yourself.
Unfortunately, due to the nature of group cycling over two days on public roads, there may be injuries.
To support you, we have a qualified medic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention.
It is, though, your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance and cycling insurance (see below) to do this challenge.
Additional costs for medical support may be incurred, which will need to be covered entirely by yourself.
Do I need insurance?
YES! You must have your own insurance, and it will need to cover you for cycling activities (see liability insurance via British Cycling or Yellow Jersey websites), your personal possessions, and medical support if needed in the UK.
If you are a UK resident and have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further policy or additional cover.
There are plenty of other companies that also provide this cover and support, and the above two organisations are only suggestions.
If you are a UK resident and have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further policy or additional cover.
There are plenty of other companies that also provide this cover and support, and the above two organisations are only suggestions.
What other documents do I need?
You need to have the following documents to take part:
A form of identity (Passport/Driving Licence, etc).
Cycling Insurance - You must bring a copy of your cycling insurance policy with you.
Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card. If you are a non-UK national, you will need to have relevant health cover insurance.
Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike.
A form of identity (Passport/Driving Licence, etc).
Cycling Insurance - You must bring a copy of your cycling insurance policy with you.
Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card. If you are a non-UK national, you will need to have relevant health cover insurance.
Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike.
How will I get back home?
You will have to arrange your return from Bristol yourself. TFA Events can arrange this for you (including your bike), but there may be additional charges.
Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Just let us know when we speak to you after booking, and we will help you with your hotel booking where we can. Additional charges may apply.
What will happen to my bike after the challenge?
You will need to arrange transport for your bike home. TFA Events can arrange this for you, but there may be additional charges.
If I cancel my place, what happens?
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for full details
What forms do I need to complete?
You will need to complete the Registration form and then the Rider Info Form once you are registered.
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More Information
Challenge dates and costs
Dates
18 - 19 September 2026
Costs
To take part, you will need to pay a registration fee of £99.00 plus fundraise a total of £1,200.00 for GWAAC.
The registration fee is due at sign-up and is non-refundable. If you find you are unable to make the event, you can transfer your place up to 24 hours before the event.
Places are only confirmed when the deposit is paid, and you have received confirmation from TFA Events.
Registration fee
Your registration fee for this challenge is £99.00 and is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Fundraising commitment
50% of your fundraising must be completed by 18th July 2026, two months before the challenge, either via a fundraising page or by handing it directly into the charity.
Those who don’t reach the 50% target by July 18th will be asked to discuss options, including upcoming fundraising activities or postponing.
Cancellation If you cancel for any reason, the following will apply.
Deposit - non-refundable, but it is transferable.
Cancel before 18 May 2026 - no charge
Cancel 18 May - 31 July - 50% refund
Cancel 31 July onwards- no refund
Please do speak with TFA Events (info@tfaevents.co.uk) if any changes to your plans should occur.
18 - 19 September 2026
Costs
To take part, you will need to pay a registration fee of £99.00 plus fundraise a total of £1,200.00 for GWAAC.
The registration fee is due at sign-up and is non-refundable. If you find you are unable to make the event, you can transfer your place up to 24 hours before the event.
Places are only confirmed when the deposit is paid, and you have received confirmation from TFA Events.
Registration fee
Your registration fee for this challenge is £99.00 and is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Fundraising commitment
50% of your fundraising must be completed by 18th July 2026, two months before the challenge, either via a fundraising page or by handing it directly into the charity.
Those who don’t reach the 50% target by July 18th will be asked to discuss options, including upcoming fundraising activities or postponing.
Cancellation If you cancel for any reason, the following will apply.
Deposit - non-refundable, but it is transferable.
Cancel before 18 May 2026 - no charge
Cancel 18 May - 31 July - 50% refund
Cancel 31 July onwards- no refund
Please do speak with TFA Events (info@tfaevents.co.uk) if any changes to your plans should occur.
What's included and not included
On the challenge itself our experienced team, will be with you at every stage of the journey.
If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to support you.
Our experienced team will always be very close by.
What's included
Accommodation - One night’s accommodation during the challenge.
Food and drink - breakfast and lunch on both days, and an evening meal on day 1.
Support - 24/7 support from our event team, professional medical team, bike mechanics, and partners from sign-up to return. Any bike parts are at an additional cost.
Bike transport - Transport of your bike to London before the event. Collection will be from GWACC at 11.00 am on Thursday, 17 September.
Train ticket to London - from Bristol to London St Pancras on 17 September.
What's not included
Return travel - on a different day unless approved by TFA.
Hotel night before - Not included, but you can request to be booked for you when completing the rider information form.
Hotel upgrades - If you wish to upgrade your hotel for your stay in Marlborough, we can arrange this, but additional costs apply.
Certain food and drinks - Alcohol or specialist food you may require. Please discuss with TFA Events if you require anything.
Bike rental – This is available for all at an additional cost.
Insurance - You must have bicycle liability insurance, medical insurance, and travel insurance, which you will need to arrange yourself.
If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to support you.
Our experienced team will always be very close by.
What's included
Accommodation - One night’s accommodation during the challenge.
Food and drink - breakfast and lunch on both days, and an evening meal on day 1.
Support - 24/7 support from our event team, professional medical team, bike mechanics, and partners from sign-up to return. Any bike parts are at an additional cost.
Bike transport - Transport of your bike to London before the event. Collection will be from GWACC at 11.00 am on Thursday, 17 September.
Train ticket to London - from Bristol to London St Pancras on 17 September.
What's not included
Return travel - on a different day unless approved by TFA.
Hotel night before - Not included, but you can request to be booked for you when completing the rider information form.
Hotel upgrades - If you wish to upgrade your hotel for your stay in Marlborough, we can arrange this, but additional costs apply.
Certain food and drinks - Alcohol or specialist food you may require. Please discuss with TFA Events if you require anything.
Bike rental – This is available for all at an additional cost.
Insurance - You must have bicycle liability insurance, medical insurance, and travel insurance, which you will need to arrange yourself.
Bike rental
TFA Events has a range of bikes available for rent or purchase.
To find out more, email TFA Events, and they’ll be back in touch soon - info@tfaevents.co.uk
To find out more, email TFA Events, and they’ll be back in touch soon - info@tfaevents.co.uk
Fundraising ideas
The only limit to fundraising is your imagination!
Jump into our online fundraising resources for loads of ready-to-go ideas, templates, and guidance.
From the moment you sign up, Charlie and the GWAAC team will keep the inspiration coming with a mix of tried-and-tested favourites and some fun, slightly daring ideas.
Some are simple, some are silly, some need a bit of planning—but every one is designed to help you hit your target!
Jump into our online fundraising resources for loads of ready-to-go ideas, templates, and guidance.
From the moment you sign up, Charlie and the GWAAC team will keep the inspiration coming with a mix of tried-and-tested favourites and some fun, slightly daring ideas.
Some are simple, some are silly, some need a bit of planning—but every one is designed to help you hit your target!
Set up your fundraising page
Once you have registered for the challenge, Charlie from GWAAC will be in touch with the details you need to set up your fundraising page.
Check out our team page by clicking HERE.
Check out our team page by clicking HERE.
Accommodation
Night 1 - Premier Inn Marlborough
Refreshments
Food and drink - breakfast, lunch, and evening meal.
Certain food and drink , like Alcohol or specialist food, you may require are not included, but please do come and discuss with us in advance.
Certain food and drink , like Alcohol or specialist food, you may require are not included, but please do come and discuss with us in advance.
Training guide
Click here for the full training guide as recommended by TFA Events.
Do get in touch with TFA Events if you have any questions on training - info@tfaevents.co.uk
Clothing and equipment required
A bike that has been serviced in the last six months
Helmet
Bell
Working front and rear lights
Front and rear reflectors
Water bottle and bottle cage fitted to the bike
Four spare inner-tubes or we can provide - from £10 per inner-tube
Bike bag or saddle pack (not essential)
Comfortable cycling shoes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Comfortable cycling tops/t-shirts (one per day)
Waterproof & warm cycling clothing (start of day 2 can be cold)
Change of clothing for three days away (when not cycling)
Shoes/Trainers/Flip Flops
Small Hand Towel
Main bag for all your luggage
Day pack for essentials
Prescribed medicine (please let us know in advance)
Phone or laptop charger
Earphones/headphones
Camera
Toiletries
Sun protection
Ear plugs
Helmet
Bell
Working front and rear lights
Front and rear reflectors
Water bottle and bottle cage fitted to the bike
Four spare inner-tubes or we can provide - from £10 per inner-tube
Bike bag or saddle pack (not essential)
Comfortable cycling shoes
Padded cycling shorts
Cycling gloves
Comfortable cycling tops/t-shirts (one per day)
Waterproof & warm cycling clothing (start of day 2 can be cold)
Change of clothing for three days away (when not cycling)
Shoes/Trainers/Flip Flops
Small Hand Towel
Main bag for all your luggage
Day pack for essentials
Prescribed medicine (please let us know in advance)
Phone or laptop charger
Earphones/headphones
Camera
Toiletries
Sun protection
Ear plugs
Documentation required
Travel Insurance, which includes your bike, is compulsory on our challenges.
Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back home.
Cycling Insurance - this is a requirement for this trip. See above.
Credit or Debit card
Other photo identification - Driving Licence/ID Card
Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back home.
Cycling Insurance - this is a requirement for this trip. See above.
Credit or Debit card
Other photo identification - Driving Licence/ID Card
Insurance you must have
You must have your own travel, medical, and cycling insurance to cover you for this type of cycling activity.
Travel Insurance - covers you for the damage, loss, or theft of your possessions, your bike, and any other items you bring with you.
Cycling insurance - covers you for taking part in this type of cycling activity. Please ensure you have third-party cover as well as additional medical costs. Visit the British Cycling or Yellow Jersey (use MYCYCLE10 to get a 10% discount) website for more information. There are plenty of other providers as well.
Medical insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back to the UK or your home country.
If you have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge.
Do get in touch with TFA Events (info@TFAevents.co.uk) if you have any questions and our full terms and conditions are available here.
Travel Insurance - covers you for the damage, loss, or theft of your possessions, your bike, and any other items you bring with you.
Cycling insurance - covers you for taking part in this type of cycling activity. Please ensure you have third-party cover as well as additional medical costs. Visit the British Cycling or Yellow Jersey (use MYCYCLE10 to get a 10% discount) website for more information. There are plenty of other providers as well.
Medical insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back to the UK or your home country.
If you have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge.
Do get in touch with TFA Events (info@TFAevents.co.uk) if you have any questions and our full terms and conditions are available here.
Sign up and more info: