THE BIG RIDE

The dates of the ride are  22nd-23rd June 2022 (arrival available from 3pm June 21st depart by 10am June 24th)

The Big Ride is taking place:  Aargauischer Rennverein, Schwimmbadstrasse 18, 5000 Aarau, Switzerland

All accommodation for the 2022 event will be at the event base camp at Aargauischer Rennverein, Schwimmbadstrasse 18, 5000 Aarau

The base camp will be open from 15:00 on Tuesday 21st June, until 10:00 on Friday 24th June 2022.   

All accommodation, food and drink are included once you have been confirmed for the event.  

Accommodation will be housed in a premium bespoke build campsite with all facilities located on site. You will be allocated a two-man tent that will be for your sole use during the event.   

Should you decide not to join us at base camp alternative accommodation and all logistics of getting to and from base camp will be your responsibility and all costs will be your own.  

• Up to 3 nights’ accommodation on the ride.

• All your meals (breakfasts, snacks, lunches and dinners) from dinner on 21st June up to and including breakfast the morning of 24th June . 

• A fabulous Big Ride Party on the 23rd June  

• Support vehicles and support staff, including a first aider, marshals, bike mechanics and chaperones, all on hand to give you all the practical help and moral support you need  

• Shuttle bus service from Zurich Airport - for those who opt-in to this service. 

• Route files – a online route map per day with the option to download to a navigation device  

• A high quality, breathable jersey and/or tech t-shirt for each day you take part  

• All sleeping essentials – inflatable mattress, sleeping bag, pillow – please feel free to bring your own sleeping bag if you prefer  

• Towels  

• Flights and transfers (unless opting-in to one of the event shuttle services)  

• A bike  

• Personal travel / cycle touring insurance  

• Cycling/ running clothes/ kit and shoes/ clips   

By car: Aarau Racing Club, Aargauischer Rennverein, Schwimmbadstrasse 18, 5000 Aarau

Aarau Racing Club, is approximately 45 minutes from Zurich Airport.  

By shuttle service: A frequent shuttle service will be provided. When registering for the event online, please indicate if you will be driving or if you will require the shuttle service. A travel survey and subsequently a shuttle timetable will then be issued closer to the event. Please note shuttle services will only run to coincide with basecamp opening times. Early arrivals will not be able to gain access to basecamp due to health and safety.  

All participants must depart Aarau Racing Club by 10:00 on Friday 24th June.  

There is free parking available. 

21/06/2022 - 2:30pm - 9 pm 

22/06/2022 - 6 - 11 am and 4 - 9 pm 

23/06/2022 - 6 - 11 am and 4 - 10.00 pm

24/06/2022 - 7 - 10 am

Yes, The city/village of Aarau is around 15 by walk and 5 minutes by bike away from the Racecourse. https://www.aarauinfo.ch/welcome-to-aarau

Hotels close to the Racecourse: 

Hotel Kettenbrücke**** https://www.hotelkettenbruecke.ch/

Hotel Aarauerhof***  https://www.aarauerhof.net/

The Big Ride  2022 will be building on the hugely successful format of previous years.  

This year will again see all riders start together to complete their individual challenges and finish together to celebrate their achievements. There are one and two-day cycling options, the option to run or walk a half or full marathon on day two, or combine two sports to create a Duathlon.  

This year the routes are categorised by colours, ranging from an easier blue route to a challenging black route. Distances range from 60km per day to 150km, varying in elevation.  You can find all the information here.

Cycling -  

Blue - Easy to Moderate - 60km 

Red - Moderate to Challenging - approx 100km 

Black - Challenging to Tough - approx 140km to 150km

Running - 

Yellow - Half Marathon distance walk/run  

Orange - Full Marathon walk/run  

The routes may include some hill climbs and so it is recommended that adequate training is undertaken before the event. You will be asked to sign up for your preferred routes at registration but should you wish to change once you get on site this is possible by speaking to one of the onsite reception staff. 

Options include –  

2 day challenge: Cycling 

• Cycle Blue + Blue 

• Cycle Blue + Red 

• Cycle Blue + Black 

• Cycle Red + Red 

• Cycle Red + Blue 

• Cycle Red + Black 

• Cycle Black + Blue 

• Cycle Black + Red 

• Cycle Black + Black 

1 day challenge: Duathlon 

• Duathlon Blue cycle + Yellow run / walk 

• Duathlon Blue cycle + Orange run / walk 

• Duathlon Red cycle + Yellow run / walk 

• Duathlon Red cycle + Orange run / walk 

• Duathlon Black cycle + Yellow run / walk 

• Duathlon Black cycle + Orange run / walk 

1 day challenge 

• Cycle day 2 - Blue 

• Cycle day 2 - Red 

• Cycle day 2 – Black 

• Run / walk day 2 – Yellow 

• Run / walk day 2 – Orange  

We have compiled a training plan which you can download and use to support your training.

Download cycling training pack here.

Download the running training pack here.

You may start at your leisure anytime within the relevant start window shown below. Please be at the start line, ready to go, at least 15 minute prior to your desired start time to collect your bike and listen to the route briefing. Please allow more time if you need to drop valuables, adjust your bike, fill up water bottles and so on. 

  
Wednesday 22nd June 
08:30 – 09:00 Black route cyclists start window 
09:00 – 09:30 Red route cyclists start window 
10:00 – 10:30 Blue route cyclists start window 

Thursday 23rd June 
08:30 – 09:00 Black route cyclists start window 
09:00 – 09:30 Red route cyclists start window 
10:00 – 10:30 Blue route cyclists start window 
10:45 Runners & Walkers group warm up 
11:00 Runners & Walkers start 

If you are arriving on site on the morning of your event, please arrive at least one hour prior to your allocated start time in order to: 

• Register (if not done previously) 

• Collect your jersey(s)/t-shirt (if not done previously) 

• Drop off any valuables for secure storage 

• Make a final check of your kit 

• Have breakfast 

• Fill your water bottles 

• Go to the toilet 

• Make your way to the start area 

• Join the start pens for the start line briefing 

For safety reasons, participants are briefed and then released onto the route in groups of 15-20 so please be patient during this process. Additionally, there will be some speeches prior to groups setting off. 

There will be toilets at each designated pit stop as well as full facilities in all areas of the base camp. 

There will be mechanical support available at the start of the route and out on the road.

The mechanical teams will have a wide range of supplies to ensure everyone has the best chance of finishing the route. If you have a problem with your bike they will aim to fix it for free, but any components needed to fix the bike will be at a charge.  

Please bring cash and a bank card with you to cover this should you need parts replaced on your bike during the event. 

We ask all riders to bring the following and also to be able to fix a puncture: 

• Pump 

• x2 new inner tubes (check they fit your bike) 

• A puncture repair kit including tyre levers 

If you have a problem out on the road then you can call event control on the back of your bike number and the mechanical support team will come and find you as soon as possible. 

Please note you must be able to fix your own punctures and will be expected to do so during the event. 

Downloadable route files are available here.

Furthermore, all routes will be marked with highly visible signposts.

Because we are in the most densely populated region of Switzerland and the number of roads is correspondingly high, we highly recommend the use of a navigation device. In combination with the signposting, this guarantees safe navigation.

Please note; the route is subject to change up until the day due to road works and diversions and so please follow the route. 

While on the route 

• Follow the highway code when crossing roads 

• Please stop at Pit Stops and don’t get waylaid in local cafes or pubs 

• Inform EVENT CONTROL if you leave the event for any reason 

There will be a broom wagon vehicle that will follow the route at the back of the rider field. The broom wagon will leave the start after the last cyclist. It will pick people up if they fall behind the required pace to complete the challenge by the route closing time at dusk. 

The broom wagon will leave the start after the last cyclist. It will pick people up if they fall behind the required pace to complete the challenge by the route closing time at dusk. 

In addition, a so-called motomarshal is deployed on each route, who can intervene or provide support in emergencies.

If you believe you are lost please follow this procedure: 

• Stop and try to work out where you are by reference points 

• Try to make your way back to your last known point 

• If you are still lost call EVENT CONTROL on the emergency contact numbers 

The event is an adventure ride rather than a race. There will be no timing and no ranking. Enjoy an inspiring ride and the Swiss Jura landscape.  

The road surfaces for the whole trip are suitable for all bike types including road bikes. We have planned the routes to be a balance between quiet roads, beautiful scenery and good road surfaces. However the nature of long distance cycling means that there are short periods when you may need to cycle on a busier road. In addition, there is some gravel around the venue so for your own safety please start and finish slowly. 

If you have trained the Big Ride is achievable for people of all fitness and experience levels. We have different routes to challenge people of all abilities – please choose the right one for you.  Should day 1 be tough then you are free to choose a different route for day 2. 

If you are struggling the support vehicles can help you out. We suggest you check out our training pages for lots of tips and advice on how to get Big Ride fit. 

We advise that you bring your own bike so that it is optimised to you and your body shape although it is up to you if you would prefer to hire a bike. Please note that the hiring and returning of bikes must be arranged by you. 

The ideal bike needs to: 

• Be lightweight and stiff enough for efficient power transfer. 

• Have a comfortable saddle for a long day perched on it. 

• Have a wide range of gearing to ensure that you can take on significant climbs. 

• You can use a road bike or a hybrid bike on this route but we would not recommend a mountain bike unless you put on thinner road tyres. 

• Front and rear lights that are switched on during the ride.

  
  

Yes- here are a few suggestions:

• https://schaller-radrennsport.ch/mietvelos/ (City: Bern)

• https://www.velofabrik.ch (City: Zürich)

• https://www.gundelivelos.ch/mieten (City: Basel)

• https://www.rentabike.ch/gruppen (minimum rent of 10 bikes)

Please ensure you do the following: 

1. Go to a decent bike shop and get it set up so that it is optimised for your own body shape and size. Minor changes can make a big difference. 

2. Get the bike serviced before you go. 

3. Make sure your tyres and inner tubes are good quality and in good condition. 

4. Thicker tyres help prevent punctures. You can also buy slime that you put into your tyres and it repairs small punctures automatically. 

5. Learn to change an inner tube and carry everything with you to enable you to do so. This is important. 

There will be plenty of support crew on hand in support vehicles, including a first aider, marshals, and bike mechanics.

Contact details to withdraw from The Big Ride: corporatepartnerships@street-child.org  

If you pull out of the event after midnight on June 1st 2022, you will be charged a cancellation charge of £850. We cannot refund your sponsors if you pull out or are forced to cancel. We cannot refund your sponsors if the event is cancelled or shortened for unforeseen circumstances.  

Contact details to withdraw from Big Ride Email: corporatepartnerships@street-child.org  

We encourage people from all backgrounds and of all shapes, ages, sizes and fitness levels to sign up to The Big Ride. What we do ask is that you follow a training plan before you embark on the event so that you are able to actually enjoy the experience rather than huffing and puffing your way through it!  

Training plans will be available soon.

There are different types and lengths of routes on both days, so pick a route that will challenge not defeat you!  

Any participant unsure of their physical ability to take part in the ride must seek medical advice from their GP prior to booking and/or taking part in the challenge. It is not advisable for pregnant women to participate in the ride and doing so is at your own risk and you should follow your GP’s recommendation. 

It is compulsory for all cyclists to be covered by their own travel insurance. It is important that you check the cover of your travel insurance as some standard policies don’t cover cycling holidays and you may need to get specific cycle travel insurance. We also recommend that you take out insurance for your belongings, including your bicycle and any equipment that you bring with you. Companies such as Cyclosure offer policies aimed at cyclists travelling abroad but there are plenty of other companies out there, so please shop around for the policy that suits you the best. 

During the registration process, we require you to disclose any health issues you may have and/or medication you may be taking. This information will be kept confidential and only shared with the appropriate members of support staff. Please make sure you make any dietary requirements clear on the registration form and we will ensure we inform the caterers of your requests. 

We require any participant who has an existing medical condition to seek medical advice from their GP prior to booking and/or taking part in the challenge. Similarly, any riders who are unsure of their physical ability to take part in the challenge must consult their GP before booking and taking part in the ride. 

We are obviously hoping that the weather will be warm and sunny for the event however all contingencies will be in place to ensure you get warm and dry as soon as you finish your days challenge. Staff will be on hand to assist with bike racking, umbrellas, space blankets and hot food and drink. Also available onsite will be drying rooms for shoes and clothes. 

All communal areas will be heated and weather proof. Tents are of the highest quality and therefore 100% waterproof. 

Out on the road, routes will be constantly checked for safety and alternate routes will be used if necessary. Warning signs will be placed if required stating wet surfaces, reduces speed etc. It is always sensible to pack in anticipation for wet weather to ensure you have dry clothes for each day and in the evening. 

By joining The Big Ride for two days, you commit to raising at least GBP 3,000 for 2-day challenges and GBP 2,000 for one-day challenges. We are also offering this year a 1 day non-camping option for GBP 1,500. If you are struggling to reach the required sponsorship amount before the ride, we’d love to talk to you about how we can help – please get in touch with us at corporatepartnerships@street-child.org or check out our fundraising guide here. 

If your company has a partnership agreement with Street Child then these prices may vary depending on your employer. Your company may also have special fundraising requirements for you that will be communicated to you directly.  If you have any questions about these, please contact: 

corporatepartnerships@street-child.org 

We recommend layering up so that you can add or remove items of clothing to keep you at a comfortable temperature. Always make sure you carry waterproof layers with you and buy clothes made from a fabric that is designed specifically for exercise that will absorb sweat and dry out quickly. 

Travel / Evening Wear 

It is very important that you keep baggage to a minimum as there is limited space within your personal tents. Pack warm and comfortable, casual evening-wear for when we kick back and relax in the evenings. Please note that although the event takes place in the summer, evenings can become cool. 

• Passport (or National Identity Card if appropriate) 

• EHIC Card (formerly E111) - these are free 

• Flip flops / trainers 

• Casual trousers 

• T-Shirts / shirts 

• Sweater / hoody 

• Warm jacket 

• Warm hat 

• Toiletries 

• Money for bar / bike parts 

• Plastic bag for wet / dirty kit 

• Torch 

• Sunscreen 

• Travel adapter and phone charger to charge your phone overnight 

Recommended Personal First Aid Kit 

• Your normal choice of painkillers 

• Fabric plasters 

• Blister fabric, e.g. RockTape/ Compeed 

• Any personal medication (prescription or non-prescription) 

Cycling specific list 

Kit 

We will provide you with a Big Ride breathable, high quality cycling shirt for each day of your ride. We will also provide a portable charger to keep your phone juiced up on the ride. 

• Cycling shorts 

• Socks 

• Cycling shoes with clip in pedals  / firm-soled shoes or trainers 

• Bike helmet: Compulsory. No helmet no ride! 

• LED bike lights with spare batteries (for bad weather / dusk finishes) Compulsory 

• Waterproof lightweight jacket 

• Cycling gloves 

• Cycling overshoes (a good idea if the weather looks bad, but not essential) 

• Arm and leg warmers (if it looks like the weather will be bad) 

• Sunglasses 

• Sun cream 

• 2 x water bottles 

• 2 x bottle cages attached to your bike 

• Mobile phone (fully charged with your emergency contact saved under Next of Kin) 

• Medical / First aid kit (see above 

• Warm and comfortable, casual evening-wear for when we kick back and relax in the evenings. Please note that although the event takes place in the summer, evenings can become cool. 

Cycle Repair Kit 

As the route is circular you shouldn’t need a day sack but please ensure you carry the following with you: 

• Mini bike pump 

• 2 new inner tubes (check they fit your bike) 

• A puncture repair kit including tyre levers 

• Multi tool (with correct allen keys for your bike) 

• Chain repair links (contact your local bike shop if you’re unsure about chain repair). 

• Bike/chain lubricant 

Run / walk specific 

Kit 

We will provide you with a Big Ride breathable, high quality running shirt for your run. We will also provide a portable charger to keep your phone juiced up. 

• T-shirt   

• Shorts 

• Trainers / walking boots (comfortable and worn in) 

• Pair of socks 

• Sunglasses 

• Waterproof jacket (recommend lightweight) 

• Mobile phone (fully charged with your emergency contact saved under next of kin) 

• Race belt 

• Sun cream 

Here are a couple of suggestions & Uber is also available:

Aargauertaxi

https://www.aargauertaxi.ch/

City Taxi Aarau

https://www.citytaxi-aarau.ch/

7 x 7 Taxi

www.7x7.ch