Patron Her Majesty The Queen • Registered Charity No. 1059050

GREECECYCLE28 OCTOBER – 4 NOVEMBER 2018

T hessaloniki (520 km. north of Athens) is the second largest city of Greece and the most

important centre of the area. Built near the sea (at the back of the Thermaïkos Gulf), it is a modern metropolis bearing the marks of its stormy history and its cosmopolitan character, which give it a special beauty and charm.

Join Norwood Challenges in October of this year, as we cycle from this incredible city with its wealth of Jewish history and culture, along the coast and over to Thassos Island. Quiet roads, spectacular scenery, and fabulous food to fuel the great cycling – and you just won’t want to leave. We finish back in Thessaloniki for a tour that takes in the Jewish Museum, the Freedom Plaza, the Holocaust Memorial and the old railway station - a great challenge with a particularly emotive finish.

We want to give you an incredible experience, but the overriding objective is of course to raise as much money as you can for Norwood. With this is mind, you have to EARN your sponsorship money and this can only be achieved if there is truly an element of challenge involved.

Our challenges are graded moderate, challenging, tough and extreme. Many factors will influence this categorisation – terrain, distances, climate, living conditions, altitudes, climbs etc. The grade allocated however will reflect the overall level of challenge with some days being more challenging than others.

• Challenging events require you to have a reasonable level of fitness and an open mind to new situations.

• Tough events have usually longer itineraries, may take place in more remote areas and require a good level of fitness.

• Extreme events require a very good level of fitness, are hard going, may involve more basic conditions and often involve longer days, steep climbs and descents.

LEVEL OF CHALLENGE: This is a challenging but achievable cycle with some long daily distances and some challenging climbs on generally good asphalt roads. With the long days in the saddle, you should be comfortable riding up to 6-8hrs a day and make sure to incorporate hill training in to your training schedule.

HOW WE GRADE/YOUR CHALLENGE

EVENT DETAILS:

✔ 8 days • 5 days of cycling, 253km, on good asphalt roads

✔ Stunning scenery, traditional Greek villages, great food and quiet coastal roads

✔ Cycling alongside the people we support with - 3 tandem teams taking part

✔ Cycle around Thassos Island with a finish in Thessaloniki and a complimentary tour of the Jewish Quarters

✔ Registration Fee £295

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ITINERARYDAY 2

29 OCTOBERLagadas toKavala City

DAY 128 OCTOBERThessaloniki

DAY 330 OCTOBER

Kavala to Thassos Island

DAY 51 NOVEMBER

Xanthi to Alexandroupolii

DAY 62 NOVEMBER

Alexandroupoli to Sapes

DAY 431 OCTOBER

Astris toXanthi CityGreece Cycle

DAY 2: MONDAY 29 OCTOBER Lagadas to Kavala City CYCLE – 125km / 78 milesAfter an early breakfast, it’s a short 30 min transfer out of the city to our starting point, Lagadas village. It’s a gentle start to the week, with predominantly flat cycling on quiet country roads, passing Lake Volvi (the second largest lake in Greece) and the famous Lion of Amphipolis, before continuing on towards the Strymonas river. It’s winding hills after lunch as we follow the coast to Kavala where we stop for the night.

DAY 1: SUNDAY 28 OCTOBER Meet at Thessaloniki airport at 14:00 for a short transfer (1/2hr to 45mins depending on traffic) to the Lazart Hotel. It’s a relaxed start to the challenge with a traditional Greek dinner, bike fitting and full briefing on the days ahead.

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DAY 3: TUESDAY 30 OCTOBER Kavala to Thassos Island CYCLE – 80km / 50 milesWe are back on our bikes early for another long day of cycling, heading out towards Keramoti port. Here we pick up the ferry across to Thassos Island, the northernmost island of the Aegean Sea renowned for its stunning coastline, beaches and lush greenery. There’s some long climbs but we’re aiming to cycle half way round the island to Potos village located in the south - our final destination for today.

DAY 4: WEDNESDAY 31 OCTOBERAstris to Xanthi CityCYCLE – 30.9km+59km / 56 milesIt’s a mixed day with a morning of undulations and a couple of tough climbs as we take the coastal road – with its spectacular views - around the other half of the island. Aiming for the 12.20 ferry back to the mainland, the roads may feel busier but there’s only another 59km until we finish at Xanthi for a great meal in the local taverna.

Morning

Afternoon

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DAY 5: THURSDAY 1 NOVEBERXanthi to AlexandroupoliiCYCLE – 132km / 82 milesIt’s busy coming out of town this morning, but we are soon on quieter roads as we head out towards the Ramsar protected area of Lakes Vistinida and Ismarida. It’s a great morning of cycling on relatively flat terrain before we hit the rolling hills and an interesting river crossing (the clue being – you’ll need to take your shoes off!). There’s still some distance to cover after lunch, with some steep climbs before it levels out on the last stretch to Alexandroupoli, but there’s a fabulous beach hotel to enjoy at the end of a long day.

DAY 6: FRIDAY 2 NOVEMBERAlexandroupoli to Sapes CYCLE – 40km / 25 milesIt’s a tough 31km start with 15km of it being all uphill. But then it’s rolling hills, with incredible views as we pass through beautiful villages until we reach Sapes for a special celebratory finish at the local church. We derig the bikes and as it’s too busy to cycle direct into Thessaloniki city itself, there’s a 3hr transfer to our city centre hotel to get back in time for 3.30pm. It’s a busy weekend for Thessaloniki with 5 fairs and a cinema festival, but we’ll enjoy the Sabbath at the local synagogue and a celebration dinner at the Grada Nuevo restaurant.

DAY 7: SATURDAY 3 NOVEMBER Free day with optional city centre tour of the Jewish areas of Thessaloniki (10:00am start for approx. 2.5 hrs). Or book a spa pass to the https://www.mediterranean-palace.gr/en at an additional charge of £25.

DAY 8: SUNDAY 4 NOVEMBER Transfer to Thessaloniki airport.

WHATYOU NEEDTO KNOW

TRAVELDETAILS

FLIGHTS

Your flights are not included in the cost of this challenge, so you will be responsible for making your own arrangements to and from Thessaloniki. Internal transfers to/from the accommodation are however included if meeting at the scheduled time of 14:30 at Thessaloniki airport on Sunday 28 October. The bike fitting will be taking place Sunday afternoon.

There are a number of airlines travelling to Thessaloniki, but we recommend either British Airways or Easyjet. Please bear in mind that British Airways were not operating a return flight, but have now introduced an option.

Outbound: British AirwaysSaturday 27 October BA2642 London Gatwick to Thessaloniki 07:05/12:25 or Sunday 28 OctoberBA2642 London Gatwick to Thessaloniki 08:05/13:30

Inbound: British AirwaysSunday 4 November BA2643 Thessaloniki to London Gatwick 20:20/21:40

If travelling on the Saturday, you will of course arrive early into Thessaloniki. Neither the transfer or the accommodation for that night is included in your costs, but it does mean you’ll have a leisurely start to the week.

Outbound: EasyjetSaturday 27 October London Gatwick to Thessaloniki 05:55/11.10 or Sunday 28 OctoberLondon Gatwick to Thessaloniki 13:40/18:55

Inbound: Easyjet Sunday 4 November Thessaloniki to London Gatwick 19:35/21:10

If you are making your own additional plans and travelling outside of the dates of this challenge, then please do let us know well in advance. You will need to meet the group at Thessaloniki Airport on Sunday 28 October to take the group transfer to the first night accommodation. Transfers are only included if meeting the group at the scheduled times and meeting places.

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PASSPORT AND VISAS

A 10-year passport is essential which must have at least six months’ validity still remaining from the date of return to the UK. British and other European passport holders do not need a visa for this challenge. Please visit www.fco.gov.uk for the most up to date entry requirements.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance covering emergency medical treatment, air evacuation and repatriation is a compulsory condition of your booking and can be arranged by Norwood – at an additional charge of £25 - if you do not have your own insurance in place.

• If you choose not to take out the appropriate travel insurance, should you fall ill or be involved in an accident you will not be covered for those associated costs.

• We strongly recommend you are insured for the full duration of your trip and the policy is taken out prior to the date of your departure and does not cease until you have returned.

• If you have an existing policy we highly recommend you call your insurers and confirm that it meets with the requirement of the trip and that you are fully covered for the event you are undertaking - clarifying its precise nature to your insurers.

• You must also make sure you inform the insurance company of any pre-existing medical conditions before travel, failure to do so may invalidate your policy or any subsequent claim.

E1-11 CARD / EUROPEAN HEALTH INSURANCE CARD (FREE)

Please ensure you apply and bring the current European Health Insurance card. You can apply online at http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Policyandguidance/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm

Please note this does not replace Travel Insurance, the European Health Insurance card is best used in conjunction with good travel insurance.

BAGGAGE

Your allowable checked baggage is one main luggage item on the recommended flight. We suggest you check the baggage allowance online of your preferred airline. Norwood is not responsible for any excess charges incurred. We advise you carry your cycle helmet, a set of cycling clothes and any medication you require, with your hand luggage.

HEALTH AND VACCINATIONS

You must seek professional medical advice from your GP or local travel clinic. To find out more about the relevant NHS travel health advice, a good website is www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

For reference, the current recommendations are that your primary courses and boosters are up-to-date as advised for life in Britain. You should also consider tetanus. This is a guideline only.

You should bring your own regular medication with sufficient supplies for the whole trip and a small first aid kit. All participants will need to complete a detailed medical form, detailing pre-existing medical conditions and current medication. These details will be passed to our tour doctor who may wish to contact you prior to the event to clarify any conditions or specific requirements.

FOOD

All water in the accommodation and on the challenge is safe to drink.

All meals are provided on the challenge with the exception of lunch on non-cycling days. Breakfast and evening meals will be self service buffet style in the hotels and lunch will be a vegetarian packed lunch.

We can cater for all dietary requirements as long as we know in advance. Just fill in the appropriate section on your registration form.

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ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation is twin-sharing in a great mix of local hotels. Single person supplements are available on request on a first come, first served basis at an additional charge of £380 for the week or £190 for the weekend only – with limited availability. Please complete the relevant section of your online form or contact us direct.

Day 1: http://www.lazarthotel.com/el

Day 2: https://www.airotel.gr/el/Galaxy-Hotel-790.htm

Day 3: http://aeolis-thassos.gr/ (will be opening only for us, as it is usually closed in Oct)

Day 4: http://www.nestos-hotel.gr/diamoni/diamoni.htm

Day 5: http://www.astiregnatia.com/el/index.html

Day 6 & 7 : http://paphotels.gr/el/arxikh-astoria

CURRENCY

The local currency is the Euro. We recommend that you bring approximately £100-£150 (115/170 euros) spending money which will be sufficient for drinks, tips (it is customary to tip the ground crew at the end of your challenge and we suggest £25 - £35 pp or 30/40 euros) and for any souvenirs. We also advise that you bring a credit card for emergencies - both Visa and MasterCard are widely recognised – but do let your bank know in advance that you will be travelling with your card.

WEATHER

The most popular time to visit this area of Europe, when the most suitable weather occurs, is during the summer months of June through to September. The average day time temperatures in October are mild at 16º. Afternoons can still be warm with average high temperatures reaching 21º. However there is a good chance of rain during the month of October, so it is advisable to bring some light waterproofs.

CYCLING KIT

The kit required for each challenge may differ slightly, but there are certain items that are consistent in every challenge. Full kit lists will be provided after

registration with details of any specific items that may be needed, but please find detailed below a sample of the basic kit needed:

ESSENTIAL

• your own helmet

• cycling gloves

• some cycling shorts

• small rucksack or bike bag

• light waterproofs

• casual clothes for the evening

• something smart for end-of-ride celebratory dinner

OPTIONAL

• You can bring your own pedals, saddle and toe clips and any other personal cycling equipment you see fit to modify the bike supplied, but it isn’t compulsory. Although all bikes have two water bottle cages, you can always bring an hydration backpack to ensure that you stay hydrated during the ride. For health reasons, we advise water bottles with lids are used. You may be changed for the fitting of bar ends.

TYPICAL DAY

While cycling we are usually up around 6.30am! It’s an early breakfast, with cycling starting around 7.30/8am. We cycle for 4-5 hours in the morning, stop for lunch and then cycle all afternoon to our overnight hotel - aiming to have cycled over half of the days distance before stopping for lunch. Typically, we stop every 15/20kms for water and snack stops (energy snacks/ fruit) depending on the ability of the group, terrain and weather. On arrival at the night’s accommodation, there’s time for a shower and a rest before meeting for dinner in the evening and a briefing on the day ahead.

USEFUL INFORMATION

International dialling code: +30

Time difference: GMT+2hrs

What’s included: • Transfers to and from the airport if taking the

recommended group flight or meeting at the scheduled time

• Twin-sharing accommodation in local hotels

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• All meals and non-alcoholic drinks (with the exception of lunch on non-cycling days) including celebration meal at the end of the cycling challenge

• Bike hire – Specialized hybrids with two water bottle cages

• Tour of the Thessaloniki Jewish Quarter on your free day

• Full support team/back up vehicles, doctor, mechanic and local guides

• FREE Norwood cycle jersey.

What’s NOT included:• Your flights• Travel insurance, tips, fees and optional activities• Personal expenses, including any alcoholic drinks• Personal cycling equipment, helmet and clothing.

FUNDRAISING

Fundraising is largely a test of imagination, organisation and perseverance. The more you make your own personal fundraising campaign stand out against everyone else, the more successful you’ll be. While you are responsible for raising the funds yourself, that doesn’t mean we can’t offer some helpful hints to help you on your way. When you sign up to one of our challenges we’ll send you our fundraising e-kit, packed full of tips to help you achieve your fundraising target.

For more fundraising information or materials, please contact the Challenges Team on 020 8420 6811 or challenges@norwood.org.uk

If two or more members of a family sign up, contact the challenges team direct for details of any group fundraising targets that may apply. Options to pay in instalments by direct debit are also available.

FURTHER INFORMATION

On our website you can find further information on this challenge including:

• Booking forms

• Training tips

• More detailed information on fundraising

• Full kit list

FIND OUT MORE Of course if there’s anything you would like to talk through, then just ring Julie Braithwaite on 0208 420 6811or email julie.braithwaite@norwood.org.uk Register: https://cms.norwood.org.uk/challenges/thessaloniki-greece-cycle/

SIGN UP FOR TWO CHALLENGES IN 2018 AND WE WILL REDUCE THE COMBINED MINIMUM FUNDRAISING TARGET BY £500.

OPTION

RegistrationFee

£395£2,200

(pay £395 deposit)

£3,645(pay £395 deposit)

MinimumFundraising

£3,250 £1,445 –

A B C

PRICING

OPTION

RegistrationFee

£199£1,650

(pay £199 deposit)

£1,949(pay £99 deposit)

MinimumFundraising

£1,750 £299

A B

UNDER35s

C

–

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