CYCLE SRI LANKA

WHAT MAKES THE ICT CYCLE SRI LANKA CHALLENGE DIFFERENT?
ICT is one of the few international organisations running fundraising challenge events in the countries where we actually work. You therefore have the unique opportunity to visit one of our projects and see for yourself how the money you raise makes a difference. We will also be cycling up into the north of the county which has been virtually untouched by tourism. After our stunning 5-day, cost to coast cycle and well-deserved celebrations, we will visit the ICT project in Colombo which has played an important role in the aftermath of the Asian tsunami by providing shelter, support and care for affected children and their families.

WHY SRI LANKA?
ICT has been working in Sri Lanka for over 20 years and we have a long and close relationship with our partners and the communities in which they work. We have run this trip before so we know that the route and have already stayed in many of the same places. ICT is also keen to show support to the country and economy following the tsunami, which damaged much of the tourist infrastructure.

IS IT SAFE TO GO TO SRI LANKA SO SOON AFTER THE TSUNAMI?
Yes, Sri Lanka desperately needs tourists to return to Sri Lanka to help boost the economy. There are few better ways to do help the country than to be there, stay in local hotels, eat local food and buy local products. By the time we go in November the full infrastructure will be back in place and all services will be back to normal. There will be no additional health or safety risks.

HAS ICT DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
Yes, Cycle Sri Lanka 2011 will be ICT's ninth cycle challenge event and third in Sri Lanka. The trips we have run so far have been highly enjoyable and successful and ICT is now well versed in providing you with all the support you need for fundraising and training.

FUNDRAISING

What do I need to take part in Cycle Sri Lanka?
First of all you need to fill out a registration form enclosing a non-refundable £300 registration fee. (This can also be paid in installments so contact us for further options.) Then we ask everyone to raise a minimum of £3,000 with a target of raising £3500. £2000 of which must be with ICT ten weeks before departure and the remainder (£1,000) three weeks before departure.

How do I raise all that money?
Once you have registered to take part on the event, you will receive a detailed fundraising pack full of ideas to help you raise the sponsorship money. Please do not panic about raising this amount. Once you start planning, you’ll be amazed at how easily the money adds up; a quiz night could raise £400, match giving from your company could raise £500, and a ticketed party in a local hall with entertainment, pay bar and raffle could raise £800. The ICT team will be on hand to guide you through the fundraising and give you all the support that you need. The nature of the challenge and the good cause that you are supporting will encourage a great response from your local area. Many participants often find they easily raise above and beyond the minimum sponsorship required.

Where does the money I raise go?
The actual cost of the trip is approximately £1,700, which will be taken out of the minimum sponsorship. This goes towards the flight and ground costs of the trip (bike hire, internal transport, hotels, meals etc). If you would prefer to pay the costs yourself you can do so. The rest of the money that is raised supports ICT’s overall work assisting displaced children and young people in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India and Cambodia.

What happens if I can't raise the amount required?
All sponsorship money must be raised before the event. If you haven’t raised the required sponsorship by the deadline date, you can put in the money yourself, and if necessary pay this back from the money you go on to raise. If you are having difficulties please let us know, however if you do not raise this amount you will forfeit your right to take part. Remember, you are not on your own, with our fresh ideas and support you will succeed. We will also put you in contact with other people taking part in the event so you can support each other and exchange fundraising tips.

How do I convince sponsors that it is not a holiday?
Cycle Sri Lanka could not be considered to be a holiday. You will need to spend months training and fundraising, before undertaking a demanding physical challenge. All three of these elements of the challenge take time effort and commitment. Participating in an ICT Cycle ride starts long before you depart. It takes time, effort, dedication and commitment and is far from just a holiday.

FITNESS

How fit do I have to be?
You do not need to be superhuman to take part! This trip is designed to be an enjoyable challenge for the average person. However, you must train and get fit to get the most out of your challenge. We suggest that you slowly build up your fitness levels over the months leading up to the challenge.

What is included?
The challenge cost includes all return transport from London to Sri Lanka, all accommodation and food, and tour leaders. All you need to do is ensure you have a valid 10 year passport, and arrange your visa, insurance and appropriate vaccinations. We will send you details on how to do all of this, and will also send you a kit list. You will also need to bring spending money; a maximum of £200 is recommended.

CAN I STAY ON AFTER MY CHALLENGE?
Yes. Trip extensions can be arranged subject to flight availability. Also there is a restriction on the number of people who can extend so please book early. You will be sent the appropriate extension forms. The deadline for extensions is 3 months prior to departure.

CAN I VOLUNTEER AT THE PROJECT WE VISIT?
It is possible, but projects can only manage one volunteer at a time and you would have to have skills to offer the project. ICT does not place volunteers, but we can help to co-ordinate a placement with our local partner. ICT’s local partners are autonomous organisations, so you would be volunteering for the local organisation, not for ICT. If you wish to be considered, please send us a CV and an outline of how you would like to help the project and we will send this information on to our local partner who will then see if your skills could be used at the project.

ICT conduct a Criminal Records Bureau enhanced disclosure for all of its partner organisations for any participants who wish to volunteer with one of our partner organisations. This disclosure must be completed no later than 2 months prior to departure. The process itself can take up to two months, so it is important that you let us know if you are interested in volunteering as soon as possible. Under no circumstances will ICT extend your flight for the purpose of a project placement until our partner has reviewed your CV and has agreed to place you, and until your CRB disclosure has been returned to the ICT office.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING PART?
All kinds! There should be around 30 –40 individuals from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life taking part in the challenge. Previous participants have ranged from company directors to recent graduates. Cycling is something everyone can do and anyone over the age of 18 can enter the event. What people will have in common is the enthusiasm and the commitment to take part. Many people will not know anyone else on the trip, but couples, friends and teams are welcome. We will hold an informal meeting for all our participants, and set up an email group, so you can get to know each other and share training and fundraising tips before you go.

I AM UNDER 18, CAN I TAKE PART?
All participants must be 18 or over to take part on their own. However, you can take part if you are under 18 if a guardian comes on the event with you. For Cycle India 2008 we had 3 participants under the age of 18. This is what they had to say "Thank you guys so much for everything. It was definitely a once in a lifetime opportunity and was an amazing experience."

SUPPORT

How much support will I receive during the event?
Cycle Sri Lanka is being run in conjunction with Action Challenge UK Ltd. Throughout the whole trip professionals will be on hand to ensure that safety is the top priority. There will be a cyclist or vehicle at the front of the group and another bringing up the rear. An English speaking doctor and medical kit travel with us, we are accompanied by highly knowledgeable local ground agents, who will provide cultural information on the area and country and we remain in phone contact. A bike mechanic is on hand to carry out any repairs on route. The local support team might even give you a push up the hills, should you require it!

Do I have to fly to Sri Lanka with the group from London?
No, we have had people from all over the globe meet us at our destination. So if it is easier for you to fly direct to Sri Lanka do let us know and we can help make alternative arrangements.

Can I organise my own flight?
Yes, others have used their own air miles or those donated to them to organise their own flight. We do encourage you to try and fly on the same flight as the rest of the group due to logistics and it also means you will be with the group form the beginning but we do understand this may not always be possible. We will reduce your fundraising target by £600 if you organise your own flight.

For further information please contact ICT on: