We have tried to answer all of your commonly asked questions below. However, if you can’t find the information you are looking for please email events@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
and we will be more than happy to help.
Is there a registration fee?
Registration fees:
£120 for the Manchester to London live bike ride led by Rapha Founder Simon Mottram.
£20 for the Virtual event Ambitious 220 Your Way.
Discounted registartion is available for students. For more information please contact the events team via events@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk.
Do I have to do all the distance in one go?
The Manchester to London bike ride requires the 220 miles to be covered in one day on the 23 June 2024
Ambitious 220 your way you can complete your distances be it running , cycling or walking or any other challenge over the course of the weekend of the 22/23 June
What speed do I need to be cycling at to complete this event?
A safe average is 15MPH. This allows for enough time to stop at each of the food stations and arrive at Rapha HQ in the early evening.
The absolute minimum is about 13MPH, which gives 15 hours. This then provides about 2 and a half hours for breaks, meaning if you start at 6am you finish at 11.30pm.
Can I take part with family and friends?
For our virtual 220 Your Way event, yes, the more the merrier!
Please ask each team member to register on the Ambitious 220 page and you can then set up a team fundraising page for all members to sign up.
When is registration for the Manchester to London ride and when will I need to arrive?
Registration for the event will take place at the Rapha Manchester Clubhouse. Registration will be open from 16.00 until 20.00 on Saturday 22 June . There will be a briefing and pasta party at the clubhouse that evening as well. We strongly recommend that you register on the Saturday, however there will be an opportunity to register at the start line (outside the clubhouse) on Sunday as well, from 05.00.
How fit do I need to be to take part in the Manchester to London ride?
Riding the 220 miles from Manchester to London in a day is a proper challenge for any cyclist. You will need to train for the event and be a relatively experienced rider. Building up endurance in the months before the ride and getting used to spending many hours in the saddle will be necessary.
Try to complete a few rides over 100 miles to get used to the feeling in your body after 5 hours of riding. But don't be put off! You only have to do 220 miles on the ride itself and you will be amazed at what the body can do and the food stops keep you properly fuelled.
What is the expected ride time for Manchester to London?
The ride will take between 12 and 18 hours, depending on your average speed. Most people take 14-15 hours.
What is the steepest incline in the Manchester to London Ride?
Most of the ride is through rolling countryside, but the first 3 hours takes the riders up and over the Pennines and there are a handful of steep ramps to get over. The steepest of these is over 12% at Combs Valley.
What food is available for the Manchester to London Ride? What if I have a dietary requirment?
This year's M2L is supported by Veloforte and we will have a wide range of Veloforte products at all 4 feed stops.
In addition we will have coffee at Carsington Water, pies and pasties at Bosworth Battlefield, and fish and chips at Sywell Village Hall.
There will be vegetarian, vegan and GF food options at all feed stops. If you have a dietary requirement please let us know in advance so we can ensure there is plenty of fuel for everyone .
What time are the scheduled food breaks for the Manchester to London ride?
There are 4 scheduled food stops, exact locations to be confirmed:
- Carsington Water at mile [40], 2-3 hours into the ride
- Bosworth Battlefiled at mile [100], after 6 hours
- Sywell Village at mile [150], after 10-11 hours
- Spokes Cyles at mile [200], after 13-15 hours
Water and toilet facilities are at each stop.
What kit will I need to ride Manchester to London?
The ride is in the summer and we expect warm weather. But this is England, so you should prepare for the worst. We start early in the morning and finish after nightfall, so you will need:
- Arm warmers
- Gilet
- Rain Jacket (as lightweight as you can find)
- Cap (in case it rains and for food stops)
- Mitts (you will be holding the bars for many hours)
You will also need to be self sufficient on the road so bring with you:
- 2 x inner tubes (don't forget to use your Vittoria discount) Vittoria | Official Site
- tyre levers, patches and a tyre boot (to repair large holes in the tyre)
- Pump (and CO2 canisters if you use them)
- Multi tool with a chain splitter
- Lights (for the end of the ride)
- Phone charger
- On bike nutrition to supplement the feed stops (bars and gels that you usually use, plus something savoury).We recommend our nutrition partner Veloforte Veloforte | Feed your wellness & performance, naturally
- You might want to carry some ibuprofen as well, to assist with the potential aches and pains later in the ride.
How do I set up an online fundraising page?
When you register for your event, you will be automatically directed to setting up an online fundraising page. You can then share your fundraising link with your friends and family! If you have any queries please email events@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
Can you help with fundraising advice?
Tips:
- Use a photo of yourself and tell your story as to why you are taking on this challenge on your Funraisin page
- Share your page on your social media
- Join the Strava group so supporters can see your progress
- Check to see if your employer offers match funding
- Encourage your supporters to use gift aid to maxmise their donation
If you have any questions or would like a chat to us about fundraising, please don't hesitate to contact the team by emailing events@ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk
How is my data used?
Please refer to our data policy
Can I get a refund?
We will do our best to defer your place to the 2026 event but will be under no obligation to do so. If your place gets rolled over to the following year, you must commit to the 2026 entry and sponsorship requirements, which may have changed from 2025.
There will be an administrative fee of £30 to defer your place by one year.
Alternatively, if you cannot take part in the ride, you can transfer your place to another rider. This can be done free of charge.
Can you recommend a hotel in Manchester?
Can you recommend a hotel near the finish line in Archway?
Can you recommend a hotel near the finish line in Archway?
What happens to my overnight bag?
On the ride day your bag will be tagged and drvien down to the finish line at Rapha HQ Archway ready for you to collect
What happens at the finish line at Rapha HQ Archway?
At the finish line you will be greeted by a squad of volunteers cheering you over the line!
Family and friends are welcome to join us and we will capture the event with our offical photographer.
We have the following on offer:
- Hot food
- Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Hot showers
How do I get to Manchester?
The best way to get there is by train. You will need to pre book your ticket and space for your bike
What support is on the route?
There will be medics, sweeper van enroute and mechanical assiatnce at each of the food stops.
You will also be given a tracker so we know how to locate you. It is crucial that you hand in your tracker to event staff at the finish line.
How will the riders be managed?
Riders will be grouped in groups of 10-15 riders and will set off according to their speed/anticipated finish time
Will I be given a GPS tracker for the ride?
You will be asked to pay a deposit of £50 this will automatically be re-credited to your card when you return the tracker at the end of the ride. Failure to return the tracker will mean a loss of the £50 deposit.
