1. How can I enter?
2. Can I enter on the day?
3. What is the last date to enter the Bikeathon?
4. What type of bike do I have to have?
5. When will I receive my rider pack and t-shirt?
6. Will I be cycling on the roads?
7. Are the routes suitable for children?
8. What lengths are the routes?
9. Do I need to memorise the route or take a map?
10. Are there marshals along the route?
11. What happens if my bike breaks or I get a puncture during the bikeathon?
12. Are there any hills on the routes?
13. How fit do I need to be to do the Bikeathon?
14. How do I get sponsored?
15. Where will my sponsor money go?
16. How do I pay in my sponsor money?
17. Where can I get hold of more sponsor forms?
18. How do I get to the start venue?
19. Where can I park?
20. How long will it take to complete the Bikeathon?
21. Will there be refreshments available on the day?
22. Can people come to watch me take part in the bikeathon?
23. I can’t cycle but would like to participate is there anything else I can do?
24. I’m cycling on my own how can I contact other people taking part in the bikeathon?
25. What happens at the Finish?

1. How can I enter?
You can enter online or you can download a copy of our application form and send us a cheque. Further details can be found on the register page. Once you have signed up we will send you your starter pack, including an individual rider number, detailed route guide, sponsorship form, paying in slip and an exclusive “Ches B” T-shirt.

2. Can I enter on the day?
Yes, providing we have not reached capacity, entry on the day will cost £15 per rider. Please be at the start at 11.00 a.m.

3. What is the last date to enter the Bikeathon?
You can enter on the day at a cost of £15 per person, if we have spaces available. But why not join in now and start collecting sponsorship for Marie Curie Cancer Care – remember every penny you raise will benefit the charity.

4. What type of bike do I have to have?
Your bike must be roadworthy, we can’t let people with stabilisers ride and require that bikes are suitable for the course (if unsure contact Bob). We welcome all sorts of bikes, e bikes, tandems, unicycles, recumbents, three wheelers – the more the merrier! Check out Highway Code relating to cyclists www.highwaycode.gov.uk/cyclists.htm for more information.

5. When will I receive my rider pack and t-shirt?
You should receive your rider pack within three weeks of registering for the event.

6. Will I be cycling on the roads?
Only briefly at the finish and this section will be well marshalled. The route goes out to Hawarden Station following Cycle Route 5, returning along the side of the River Dee and is fairly flat all the way round.

7. Are the routes suitable for children?
Yes, however children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult on the course. Those under 16 must have a parent/guardian sign the parental permission section of the entry form to take part.

8. What lengths are the routes?
There is just one route for the Chester Bikeathon of 15 miles.

9. Do I need to memorise the route or take a map?
No, the route will be signposted and heavily marshalled throughout, you won't get lost!

10. Are there marshals along the route?
Yes there will be static and cycling marshals throughout the route with St. John's Ambulance Service supported by Raynet communications. Our priority is that you have a fantastic day, and remain safe throughout the ride. When planning the Bikeathon we consult all the relevant authorities including the police and ambulance services.

11. What happens if my bike breaks or I get a puncture during the bikeathon?
We have a bike repair man available who can give you hand. Either Raynet communication will spot you and tell us or just contact one of the marshals who will get in touch with him. You will have to pay for parts but labour is free!

12. Are there any hills on the routes
No, the route is fairly flat.

13. How fit do I need to be to do the Bikeathon?
The Bikeathon is a fun cycle ride - it is not a race! So it doesn't matter what speed you cycle at. It is worth trying to do a bit of cycling before the event, especially if you have not been on a bike for a while!

14. How do I get sponsored?
Contact everyone you know and get them to pledge to sponsor you - if possible get the money straight away as it saves you going round a second time! Don't forget to email people you may only see occasionally! For more help you can download a copy of our Sponsorship Factsheet.

15. Where will my sponsor money go?
Every penny you raise will go towards helping Marie Curie Cancer Care provide the much needed service they offer.

16. How do I pay in my sponsor money?
You will receive a paying in slip with your rider pack. This is unique to you, if you need another one let us know and we will arrange to send one out to you. You can pay your sponsorship money in at any branch of the Royal Bank of Scotland or send a cheque made out to Chester Bikeathon with your paying in slip to:

Chester Bikeathon
51 Sunderland Street
Macclesfield
Cheshire
SK11 6HN

17. Where can I get hold of more sponsor forms?
All sponsor forms have a unique reference number on them, please email us and we will send the sponsor forms straight to you.

18. How do I get to the start venue?
Take a look at the map on our website.

19. Where can I park?
Parking will not be allowed in the University but Northgate Arena Car Park is close by or in the roads surrounding the University of Chester.

20. How long will it take to complete the Bikeathon?
The Bikeathon is 15 miles and should take around an hour, depending on how fast you cycle - it is not a race though and should be a fun day out so don't worry if it takes you longer than that!

21. Will there be refreshments available on the day
Yes, there will be snacks and refreshments available at the checkpoints and the Finish.

22. Can people come to watch me take part in the bikeathon?
Yes, absolutely - the more the merrier: this event is about having fun. The atmosphere at the Bikeathon is great and there is entertainment available from about 12:00pm.

23. I can't cycle but would like to participate is there anything else I can do?
Yes! Come along and cheer or volunteer on the day. We are always looking for people who can help. If you are interested please email your contact details to me: bob@chesterbikeathon.co.uk

24. I’m cycling on my own how can I contact other people taking part in the bikeathon?
There are lots of people who cycle on their own and the day is all about fun. You may arrive thinking you'll be cycling on your own, but by the end of the event you will have made new friends and be eager to sign up for next year.

25. What happens at the Finish?
We present you with a Chester Bikeathon Medal to prove to your sponsors that you have completed the course. After parking your bike safely in the designated area, you can refuel with the snacks and refreshments available, and then relax and bask in your triumph whilst watching live entertainment in the beautiful grounds of the University of Chester.