Wheels on the Western Front 2022
Ride to Arnhem

The Route

Registration will take place at RASC Lines, Shorncliffe, near Folkestone on the morning of Sunday 4th September 2022 prior to taking the ferry from Dover to Dunkirk. Cars may be parked at the camp for the duration of the ride at own risk. Riders will then cycle 331 miles through France, Belgium and the Netherlands visiting the important sites of Ypres, Waterloo and to commemorate those events of Operation Market Garden in 1944 focusing on the battle for the bridges at Eindhoven, Nijmegen and finally Arnhem 77 years on. Overnight stops will be in Ypres, Waterloo, Eindhoven and Arnhem (two nights) before returning to Folkestone by coach transfer on Friday 9th September 2022.

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The route is classed as easy although this reflects the lack of elevation rather than the daily distances. There will be planned food and water stops during each day which will include an historical briefing by the event battlefield tour guide, Brian Shaw. Accommodation is provided with five nights in three star hotels; breakfast, evening meal and picnic lunch included. Outward ferry and return via coach (including bike return) is also included. Baggage transport will be provided along the route. Medical and mechanical support is also provided.

Day 1: Sunday 4th September 2022.

Registration and departure. Folkestone to Ypres.

After registration at RASC Lines near Folkestone,  we ride to Dover to catch a midday ferry to Dunkirk. From Dunkirk we ride to Ypres, pausing to pay our respects at the poignant memorial to the Wormhoudt massacre of 1940 and arrive in Ypres in time to get ready for the nightly ceremony at the Menin Gate at 8pm.

50 miles. 403m ascent.

Day 2: Monday 5th September 2022

Ypres to Nivelles.

A long day but one with some undulations, so good progress will be made. Exiting through the Menin Gate we will briefly see some of the places famous in the 1914 – 1918 war and will give a brief overview of events in the Ypres Salient over 100 years ago, before striking off east, to the north of Lille and head towards Waterloo.

78 miles. 1050m ascent.

Day 3: Tuesday 6th September 2022

Waterloo to Eindoven.

Another long day. The battlefield of Waterloo 1815 is on our route and we will able to view the battlefield one of the most significant battles in history.

We now start to follow in the footsteps of the British Second Army which had landed in Normandy on D Day tasked with a ground penetration deep into German territory, in order to capture intact the bridges leading to, and including the Rhine crossing at Arnhem. The overall plan was to avoid German Siegfried Line defences and to then sweep south into the industrial Ruhr area. They were to be assisted by the 82nd and 101st US Airborne, and the 1st British Airborne who would between them capture the forward bridges at Eindhoven, Nijmegen, and Arnhem and await relief and reinforcement from the ground forces of 30 Corps.

96 miles. 736m ascent.

Day 4: Wednesday 7th September 2022

Eindoven to Arnhem.

Distance: 62 miles. Ascent: 321m.

Leaving Eindhoven we are soon across the bridge at Son, one of the first objectives of the campaign. From here we continue north to Nijmegen which was successfully captured by the US 101st Airborne who created a flanking manoeuvre by crossing the Waal river in small boats whilst under fire, before we finally arrive at the John Frost bridge, renamed in honour of the commanding officer of 2nd Parachute Battalion who held the position, surrounded, for three days until their ammunition ran out. Our hotel in Arnhem is centrally located.

62 miles. 321m ascent.

Day 5: Thursday 8th September 2022

Arnhem – Arnhem.

Depart after breakfast for our ride around the Arnhem battlefiled. We start by heading to the northwest to the Drop Zone ‘Y’ on Ginkel Heath, which was the first one used by 4 Parachute Brigade on 18 September 1944. From here they would take the Amsterdamweg towards Arnhem but tragically were repulsed before they got there, being forced to set up defensive positions in Wolfheze and Oosterbeek, which is where we cycle to next, paying our respects at the Airborne Cemetery at Oosterbeek where 1800 men lie. We then cross over the river passing the area of 1 Airborne Division withdrawal route when the situation became hopeless on the night of 25 September 1944. We head towards Driel, where the Polish Airborne Brigade had landed to assist in relief and securing the south bank; many did not survive the landing. We return into Arnhem and cross the famous bridge once more to bring our ride to a close.

45 miles. 200m ascent.

Day 6: Friday 9th September 2022

Return

After breakfast you will return by coach and ferry to Folkestone arriving mid-afternoon at RASC Lines.

What is included:

• Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner (dinner only on day 1).
• Cake and refreshment stops.
• Battlefield tour guide.
• Twin share in good quality hotels (single rooms available at supplement).
• Detailed route book and gpx files.
• Wreath laying at Oosterbeek British cemetery.
• Ferry travel outbound and coach travel return. Bike transport back to start.
• Baggage transport, medical cover and mechanical support.

Registration

Register now.

Registration fee: £250

Minimum sponsorship target: Riders taking part must commit to raise £1,375 in sponsorship.

Registration for the event is through our event partners, Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd.

To participate in this unique and challenging event, riders are required to pay a registration fee of £250 on entry which will be their personal contribution to cover initial transport and accommodation costs.

This amount is non- refundable (please refer to terms and conditions)

This does not go towards the sponsorship target that each rider will commit to raise.

This registration fee may be paid in two instalments, no more than 3 months apart, by prior agreement with Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd.

Riders must also commit to raise £1,375 in sponsorship for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

The easiest way to raise funds is by setting up a JustGiving site which is linked to the event.

The charity will provide help, support and fundraising tips and ideas to help you achieve this target. Early registration will allow you longer to reach your target and the highest three fundraisers will each be presented with a special commemorative jersey by The Soldiers’ Charity to record their thanks.

Fundraising

The easiest way to fundraise is to set up a JustGiving page that you can share with friends and family. Please create your page here so that the charity can easily identify how much is raised by the event.

This will ensure that money raised is correctly allocated to your fundraising efforts, so it is important to get this information correct.

You pledge to raise a minimum of £1,375 in sponsorship.  You can make up the balance yourself should you not reach this target.  There is no maximum limit.

85% of your target (£1,168.75) should be sent to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity by 11th July 2022.

If you do not pay a minimum amount equal to the price stated in clause 1.13 we reserve the right to cancel your place which will constitute a cancellation by you under section 2 of these terms and conditions. The remainder of you fundraising monies is due four weeks after your return.

You will be considered a ‘professional fundraiser’ within the meaning of the Charities Act 1992.  You are to ensure the following:

When you are obtaining sponsorship you must give the following statement “I am participating in an event promoted by Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.  I have committed to raise at least £1,375.00 for the charity, a share of which will be used to pay the costs of my travel, accommodation and other costs.”

You must maintain accurate records showing how much money you have raised and allow ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to access these at any time.

Once you have raised 85% (£1,168.75) of the minimum sponsorships (due 11th July 2022), your place will be confirmed.

Off Line donations.  All offline donations are to be sent to our West Midlands Regional Office:

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity

West Midlands Office

Venning Barracks

Donnington

Telford

TF2 8JT

Tel: 01952 674369

Email: westmidlands@soldierscharity.org

Orders are now closed.

A limited supply of event jerseys will be available to purchase at registration.

Take a look at what some of our riders have said about their experiences on Wheels on the Western Front.

“One of the best weeks of my life!”

– I don’t think I can remember a time that I have enjoyed so much, nor got so much out of, nor had such adventure, with such a fun group of people, knowing that we were looked after by you and your support team every inch of the way. I salute you for every single part of it, for your organisation, for your attention to detail, your care, support, your ability to make us feel safe at all times along the route. Sarah – participant 2016

– I simply wanted to express my heartfelt thanks for everything you and ABF The Soldiers’ Charity team did to make the last 6 days so memorable. I had the time of my life, met many delightful and likeminded people. Everything went like clockwork which is always the hallmark of months of planning and preparation behind the scenes and I know, from talking to the other riders, that everyone felt the same. Mark – participant 2016.

– Just a quick note to say thank you very much for 3 fantastic tours of the Western Front over the past 4 years. Each one has been challenging and l am very grateful for being involved since its conception in 2014. The organisation throughout has been masterful and my sincere thanks goes to you and your teams. Trevor – Participant 2018.

– My thanks to you for all your efforts with ensuring the WOWTF Normandy ride was the success it was. These events don’t just happen. Working in close partnership with Green Jersey Cycling over many months ensured that the event was tremendously well organised.I received timely updates prior to going to France and when in Normandy felt that your planning and coordination along the route was meticulous. I never felt hungry – plenty of refreshments. An added bonus was having a doctor and mechanic on hand at all times. What more could I want! Helen – Participant 2019

– Well done and many thanks for organising such a great weeks cycling around Normandy, the rides were fun, hotels all good; countryside and routes very pretty and all assisted by Graham’s (historian) excellent knowledge. Charlie – Participant 2019

– What a marvellous challenge. Thank you very much for all your help and encouragement over the past two years with planning and encouraging my participation in your event. It was quite a long process of training, disappointment and more training before doing the actual thing. Nick – Participant 2019

Terms and Conditions

Booking Procedure and Payment terms

1. Booking Procedure and Payment terms

1.1 Please send us your completed and signed copy of our Booking Form by email or post. Submission of the booking form is deemed to be acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. If booking by post please also send a cheque for the deposit with your booking form.

1.2 On receipt of your booking form Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd will issue a Booking Confirmation and (receipted) invoice for the deposit, which should be paid by bank transfer. Details will be provided on the invoice. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd’.

1.3 Deposits become due within 7 days of invoice date and after this period your registration will lapse if the deposit has not been received.

1.4 If you need several more days please telephone before expiry of the 7 day period and we will extend it further.

1.5 If we do not receive your deposit within 7 days or more time has not been negotiated as per clause 1.4 we reserve the right to allocate your space to someone else.

1.6 Payment of deposit is existence of a contract between us and agreement to these terms and conditions.

1.7 We will submit an invoice to The Soldiers’ Charity for the balance of your event cost which becomes due 8 weeks before commencement of the event.

1.8 The Soldiers’ Charity will pay the balance of the cost subject to their having received a percentage of the minimum fundraising amount as set out in 1.12 and 1.13.

1.9 If that amount is not received in a timely manner this will constitute a cancellation by you (see paragraph 2.4 below) and you will still remain personally liable for the cancellation charges.

1.10 Whilst the Soldiers’ Charity will pay the balance subject to the clauses above, ultimate responsibility and liability for the trip cost remains with you and the contract is between Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd and you.

1.11 We and/or The Soldiers’ Charity will from time to time send out fundraising tips and ideas to help you raise the minimum amount. Please feel free to contact us or The Soldiers’ Charity at any time for advice on fundraising.

1.12 You pledge to raise a minimum of £1,375.00 in sponsorship. You can make up the balance yourself should you not reach this target. There is no maximum limit. 85% of your target (£1,168.75) should be sent to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity by 11 July 2022. If you do not pay a minimum amount equal to the price stated in clause 1.13 we reserve the right to cancel your place which will constitute a cancellation by you under section 2 of these terms and conditions. The remainder of you fundraising monies is due 4 weeks after your return.

1.13 You will be considered a ‘professional fundraiser’ within the meaning of the Charities Act 1992. You are to ensure the following:

a. When you are obtaining sponsorship you must give the following statement “I am participating in an event promoted by Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd to raise funds for ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. I have committed to raise at least £1,375.00 for the charity, a share of which will be used to pay the costs of my travel, accommodation and other costs.”

b. You must maintain accurate records showing how much money you have raised and allow ABF The Soldiers’ Charity to access these at any time.

c. It is important that these rules are followed. Breaking these provisions would mean you commit a criminal offence under the terms of the Charities Act 1992.

d. Once you have raised 85% (£1,168.75) of the minimum sponsorships (due 11 July 2022), your place will be confirmed.

1.14 Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd reserve the right to increase the amount of the balance due should the currency exchange rate drop below 1.1 Euros to the Pound Sterling. This clause will be invoked only at the time of payment of accommodation, transport and other suppliers who are paid in Euros and will be limited to an amount equal in percentage terms to the difference between the exchange rate at that time and the exchange rate as set out above. The exchange rate shall be defined as the commercial rate provided by Lloyds TSB.

2. Cancellation by you
If you cancel your place cancellation charges will apply as follows. You are therefore strongly advised to ensure that you adequate travel insurance in place to cover you in the event of cancellation by you:

2.1 The deposit is non-refundable unless we are able to reallocate your place in which
case a £50 cancellation charge will be levied.

2.2 We will only reallocate your place to someone on a waiting list. A waiting list will be in operation only after all places have been allocated through the normal registration process.

2.3 After payment of deposit but before sponsorship is paid, the deposit is forfeited in full.

2.4 After payment of sponsorship but not less than one month before the start date, the greater of the deposit or 50% of the total paid will be forfeited.

2.5 Less than one month before the start date, the full costs will be forfeited.

2.6 You expressly agree that any monies recovered by you from your travel insurance which relate to sums paid on your behalf by The Soldiers’ Charity will be reimbursed to The Soldiers’ Charity.

2.7 If you cancel or are required to withdraw from the trip you will be required to send all sponsorship forms and money collected directly to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. This may well be retained by ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. If your sponsors wish to request a refund of their donations then they must apply in writing to ABF The Soldiers’ Charity.

3. Cancellation by us

3.1 If we cancel the event we will offer you an alternative departure date if possible.

3.2 You are not obliged to accept our offer of an alternative date and can instead opt for a full refund, including deposit, of all monies paid by you to Green Jersey Cycling Tours Ltd.

3.3 You should ensure that you have adequate insurance in place to cover you should we be forced to cancel your trip to cover those amounts paid to suppliers other than us (e.g. travel arrangements).

4. Variation by you

4.1 If you are delayed in joining the start or need to curtail your participation, we will not offer any refund. You will be responsible for making your own travel arrangements at your own cost from the point where you join or leave the event.

4.2 You should ensure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance in case of this eventuality leading to your curtailment of the event.

5. Variation by us

5.1 All reasonable care is taken to ensure that the arrangements are as advertised. We take great care to ensure that only the most suitable accommodation is used and that the routes offer the best cycling on offer. However we retain the right to alter these arrangements.

5.2 If there is a ‘significant variation’ to the advertised itinerary we will offer you the
same options as set out under ‘Cancellation by us’ above.

5.3 A significant variation is defined as one where any of the following conditions are met:

5.3.1 The start as advertised is altered by more than 24 hours

5.3.2 The finish as advertised is altered by more than 24 hours

5.3.3 The start or finish point is changed by more than 15 miles.

5.4 A change in the hotels as advertised or the route as advertised does not constitute a significant variation.

5.5 You should ensure that you have adequate insurance in place to cover you should we be forced to make a ‘significant variation’ to your holiday to cover those amounts paid to suppliers other than us (e.g. travel arrangements).

6. Your liability and obligations to us

By signing our registration form you agree that:

6.1 You are in a fit medical state to undertake this holiday which is of an active nature.

6.2 You recognise that there are factors outside our control which may cause injury or death for which we cannot be held liable or negligent, including but not limited to the state of road surfaces, the behaviour of other road users, mechanical or other bicycle failure or adverse weather conditions.

6.3 You are required to wear a cycling helmet at all times when on the bicycle.

6.4 To act in a responsible manner both on and off the road and to respect the local customs of areas visited.

6.5 You will not touch, disturb or remove battlefield artefacts that you may find. This is especially important in the case of ordnance and shells (even if in your own judgement they are empty cases) which even today may explode.

6.6 To comply with the wishes of our service providers.

6.7 To agree to the decisions of our tour leaders, guides, assistants or any employees, directors or staff of Green Jersey Cycling Limited, whose decision is final and binding.

6.8 That if in the opinion of our tour leaders, guides, assistants or any employees, directors or staff of Green Jersey Cycling Limited, your continued presence on the event represents a threat to or risk to the safety of other participants, or if your behaviour is of an anti-social or offensive nature, we retain the right to curtail your holiday immediately without compensation and that you will be responsible for your onward travel arrangements and costs.

7. Force majeure

7.1 In the event of force majeure we will not be able to refund or offer alternative dates. Your travel insurance should cover this event.

8. Accommodation

8.1 Accommodation as described on our website or in our literature is subject to change without notice. We are constantly striving to offer the best value for money that we can find and sometimes we decide to change suppliers in order to meet this aim.

8.2 Our accommodation providers will have their own terms of use which you agree to abide by.

8.3 Whilst we describe our accommodation in good faith, we cannot warranty that facilities provided by our accommodation suppliers and as described by us will be made available to you either (a) at all or (b) without further cost payable by you. Common examples of this include where a hotel may charge for WiFi or for use of their swimming pool. We cannot accept liability for failure to provide any service.

9. Transfers

9.1 Our itinerary includes transfers as stated in the description, including return ferry travel and coach transfer back to the start. If you miss any element of these arrangements you are responsible as per clause 4.1.

10. Travel to and from the start / end point

10.1 You are responsible for making your own arrangements at your own expense either to the start and end points or to one of the designated pick up points as described by us.

11. Passport requirements

11.1 You are responsible for ensuring that your passport is valid and that you have the required entry visa if required.

11.2 If you are denied entry to the Netherlands, Belgium or France, or back into the UK and are unable to continue, this will be treated as a cancellation by you as per paragraph 2.

11.3 If you are delayed in joining as a result, paragraph 4.1 will apply.

12. Insurance requirements

12.1 You agree to arrange suitable travel insurance for the type of activity that you are undertaking, including cover for equipment either owned by you or hired from us or our agents, to include medical cover and repatriation in the event of injury or death.

12.2 Your travel insurance should cover cancellation, variation or delay as set out in various paragraphs of these terms and conditions, including those elements not
paid to us such as travel to and from the holiday. You should ensure that your travel insurance is valid in the event that UK leaves the EU.

13. Our Public liability insurance

13.1 We have public liability insurance in place and a copy of our schedule is available on request.

14. Complaints

14.1 If you have any complaints during your event you should firstly bring these to the attention of our tour manager at the time.

14.2 If the matter is not satisfactorily resolved you should write to us within 14 days of the end of the event. We will respond within a further 14 days, or, if further investigation is needed, within 14 days telling you when you may expect a response.

15. Descriptions

All descriptions whether written or verbal are given in good faith. Descriptions are by their very nature subjective and if there is anything of particular concern you should contact us prior to booking for clarification.

16. Legal

Green Jersey Cycling Tours Limited is incorporated in England and Wales Company number 8185483 Registered address:
Bun House, Cattistock, Dorchester, Dorset DT2 0HY England.

ABF The Soldiers’ Charity is a charity registered in England and Wales (1146420) and Scotland (SC 039189). Registered office:
Mountbarrow House, 6-20 Elizabeth Street,
London, SW1W 9RB

Contact Us

If you need to get in touch with us, please contact the team at westmidlands@soldierscharity.org or call us on 01952 674369 or 07768 344051 (Richard Hackett).