What is the average age of cycling participants?

370km seems a long way. Am I fit enough?

What will the roads be like?

What will the weather be like?

Where will we stay?

Will I have to carry my kit?

Do I need specialist kit?

What kind of support will there be on the ride?

Do I need insurance?

What does the Malawi Bike Ride fee include?

What do I need to provide?

What will a typical day be like?

Can I stay on in Malawi after the bike ride?

£2950 is a lot of sponsorship money. Will I be able to raise that amount?

What happens if I can't raise the sponsorship money?



What is the average age of cycling participants?

It is impossible to give an average age for participants of the bike ride.  The minimum age to take part is 18, but there will be people of all ages. If you are over 65 years you will need to provide us with a medical certificate from your doctor.

370km seems a long way. Am I fit enough?

You do not have to be super fit to take part, the pace will be suited to those of average fitness.  However, we strongly recommend that you undertake training that includes cycling/trekking regularly on different terrain on consecutive days with some long distances in the weeks leading up to departure. Please consult your doctor to give you advice as to what immunisations are required.  If you are over 65 years of age or suffer from a medical condition that is affected by exercise you must obtain a medical certificate.

What will the roads be like?

The terrain will be a mix of good tarmac roads & dirt roads. Minor roads will be followed as far as possible to avoid traffic.

What will the weather be like?

The days in Malawi are hot and humid, particularly at altitudes of 1000m, and the night time temperatures are generally cooler and more refreshing. During July, the climate is more moderate to dry with temperatures in the range 11 - 25°C.

Where will we stay?

The accommodation will be in traditional lodges & hotels. Accommodation will be single sex. Married couples/partners must be aware that it will not be automatically possible to share. It is likely to be twin or triple share.

Will I have to carry my kit?

No, all luggage will be carried in support vehicles. Small bum bags are useful for carrying small items with you: for carrying water, layers, sometimes lunch, sun cream, cameras and so on.

Do I need specialist kit?

We will supply you with a list of what you will need to take, recommending the type of kit that you will require.  One of the essential items that you must provide is a cycling helmet and wear it at all times when cycling.

What kind of support will there be on the ride?

There will be full medical and mechanical support and English speaking guides. There will also be support vehicles for participants to ride in if for any reason they are unable to continue. A representative from LCD will also be cycling alongside you.

Do I need insurance?

A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is MANDATORY. You can either arrange your insurance yourself, and provide evidence to LCD that you have it, or take out a policy with Classic Tours. You will be asked which option you prefer.

Check that your insurance covers activities like bike riding as part of a sponsored group and check that it covers ambulances and an emergency flight home.

You must bring and wear a cycle helmet at all times when cycling to fulfil our insurance requirements.

What does the Malawi Bike Ride fee include?

Scheduled return flights exclusive of airport taxes, all accommodation, food, non-alcoholic drinks and refreshments on the cycling days.  All ground and luggage transfers (multi-geared mountain bikes) and all necessary back-up including support vehicles, English speaking medic and guides.

What do I need to provide?

When you register to take part in the Malawi Bike Ride we request a fee of £250. A travel insurance policy to cover theft, loss and medical problems is MANDATORY (see insurance section on previous page for details) as well as a valid passport.

What will a typical day be like?

·    Wake up 6am.

·     Buffet breakfast from 6.30am.

·     Warm up & ready to leave at 8am.

·     Stop every 15 –20km for water / snacks & to re-group.

·     Lunch break will be about 1 hour.

·     Arrive at overnight stop between 4pm –5pm.

·     Dinner eaten together.

·     Evening briefing for the next day's cycling

Can I stay on in Malawi after the bike ride?

Yes. contact LCD on 0131 243 2685 for more details. If you choose to stay beyond 30 days you will have to arrange a visa.

£2950 is a lot of sponsorship money. Will I be able to raise that amount?


Please read tips on raising sponsorship.  There are many different ways of raising money, through your friends and family, organising a fundraising event or asking companies and businesses to support you, and don’t forget that we are here to help. If you are unsure about anything or thinking about organising an event please telephone 0131 243 2685 and we will help you any way we possibly can.

What happens if I can't raise the sponsorship money?

We do request that the set amount of sponsorship money is raised and that 80% of the money must be paid to the charity 10 weeks before departure (1^st May 2012).  If you do not raise this amount you are liable to forfeit your place on the ride/trek. However, if you do experience unexpected difficulties, please telephone.