Ensuring no young person faces the reality of cancer alone
7th – 17th November 2019
MahalTaj
cyclingchallenge
Explore Indian culture, Royal Rajasthan, the Taj Mahal, hidden villages and wildlife by bike
TA J M A H A L C Y C L I N G C H A L L E N G E2
Welcome to the Taj Mahal cycling team; you’re about to embark upon the challenge of a lifetime and I can’t wait to share the experience with you.
From world-famous monuments like the Taj Mahal to its beautiful beaches and unique wildlife, India offers tourists an unforgettable experience.
For the past seven years, Teens Unite has been organising bespoke, annual overseas cycles around the world. Each year is an exciting adventure, exploring a new country. Working alongside professionals, we deliver a truly memorable experience for the team;
complete with cycling, sightseeing and the opportunity to embrace the culture that surrounds you.
At the heart of the challenge is Teens Unite and the young people the charity supports who have been diagnosed with cancer. By completing the Taj Mahal Cycling Challenge, you will be making a life changing difference with every pedal you make.
Debbie PezzaniCEO and Co-Founder Teens Unite
a message from Teens Unite's CEO and Co-Founder
Jaw dropping,breath taking, eyepopping and every
other cliché todescribe the scenery
you travel through every day
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supporting Teens Unite
Seven teenagers hear the words ‘you have cancer’ every day in the UK. Teens Unite ensures that no young person faces cancer alone.
Our work helps young people to live with the reality of their diagnosis along with the lasting, and often life changing, side effects that cancer brings.
There are currently 16,110 teenagers and young adults living with cancer and the long-term effects in the UK. At a time of fear, loneliness and isolation, young people are brought
together through the workshops, activities and residential stays organised by Teens
Unite. They are able to meet others in similar situations, build friendships, learn new skills, regain their confi dence and self-esteem and progress with a life outside of cancer.
Over the past 12 months alone, we provided over 800 spaces to attend our activities and
workshops and these were all oversubscribed.
Teens Unite has now launched a fundraising appeal to open the fi rst retreat in the UK for young
people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It will be known as The House of Teens Unite and
will provide short-term accommodation, leisure facilities and space to hold more workshops and activities. By 2027, The House of Teens Unite will enable us to offer in excess of 3,000 opportunities to young people; signifi cantly increasing the level of support we can provide.
This year’s Taj Mahal Cycling Challenge, will help to raise the vital funds needed to build The House of Teens Unite.
The viewsare inspiring,look up fromyour pedals!
The Taj Mahal takes on diff erent colouring at
diff erent times of the day, from a pinkish hue in the morning, milky white in the evening and golden
at night when lit by the moon
The name ‘India’ is
derived from the river
Indus
India has the world’s largest
Hindu population. Nearly 81% of its population identifi es itself
as Hindu
TA J M A H A L C Y C L I N G C H A L L E N G E4
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Friday 8th November
Arrive at New Delhi airport in the morning, where you will meet your Expedition Leader and driver for the trip, followed by an afternoon of sightseeing. Explore the India Gate and the Mahatma Gandhi Museum, before heading to the hotel.
Transfer time: 2 hoursHotel: Oberoi Maidens Inn
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Saturday9th November
Start the day with sightseeing in Delhi, where you will visit the Raj Ghat; a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, followed by an afternoon tour of New Delhi; taking you past the presidential palace and the national parliament.
Dinner will be at the hotel.
Transfer time: 2-3 hours Hotel: Oberoi Maidens Inn
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Sunday 10th November
After breakfast, you will head to Delhi airport for a domestic flight to Jaipur; a city of history and tradition dating back to the 17th Century. (12:00 departure, 12:55 arrival). It’s known for its stunning pink architecture, and forms part of the famed Golden Triangle with Delhi and Agra.
After your bike fitting in the afternoon, you will explore the outskirts of the city on two wheels, before returning back to the hotel by coach.
Cycling distance: 20 km Transfer time: 30 minutesDomestic flight: 55 minutesHotel: Shahapura house
Departure: Thursday 7th November London Heathrow to New Delhi: Depart in the evening. Flight: 18:50 - British Airways (BA)
the itinerary
New Delhi
SariskaPalace
AbhaneriJaipur
TalabgaonCastle
Agra
Bharatpur
TAJ MAHAL
INDIA’SGATE
the routeThe route is generally a gentle, uphill cycle. The overall distance cycled is between 350km – 400km.
The trip will also include a visit to a local school, where we are able to donate items such as colouring pencils and notepads to the pupils.
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Monday 11th November
Start the day cycling for around two hours in the Pink City, heading towards the outskirts of Jaipur, fi nishing near to Amber Fort, before enjoying a picnic breakfast. Pass through the Old Town of Jaipur, Hawa Mahal, Jal Mahal and Amber Fort.
After heading back to Jaipur, a sightseeing tour will take you to the City Palace and Jantar Mantar observatory.
Cycling distance: 40 kmTransfer time: 2-3 hoursHotel: Shahapura House
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Tuesday 12th November
An early morning transfer will take you to the outskirts of Jaipur, where you will start cycling towards Talabgaon Castle.
Cycling distance: 80 kmTransfer time: 10 minutesHotel: Talabgaon Castle
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Wednesday 13th November
You will be cycling towards Sariska; a tiger reserve, passing through rural villages and travelling along countryside roads. Cycle through the Aravalli hills and past Bhangarh Fort; the most haunted place in India, until you reach Sariska national park; famous for its Bengal Tigers.
Cycling distance: 108 kmTransfer time: Always availableHotel: Utsav Camps Luxury
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Thursday 14th November
The day will begin with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, before setting off for a day of cycling through picturesque countryside, mustard fi elds and millet farms to the city of Bharatpur, until reaching the village of Abhaneri in Rajasthan.
Cycling distance: 50 kmTransfer time: Always availableHotel: Abhaneri Niwas
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Friday 15th November
Following a morning cycle, you will visit Bharatpur and experience the culture of Rajasthan. In the
evening, you will explore the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary by bike.
Cycling distance: 101 kmTransfer time: Always availableHotel: Birders Inn
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Saturday 16th November
The day will begin with a drive towards Agra, visiting the ghost city of Fatehpur
Sikri, built by the Emperor Akbar in 1569, on the way. You can take part in an optional cycle
ride before continuing the journey onwards to Agra.
On arrival, you will visit Agra Fort, before heading to the Taj Mahal in time for sunset; which will take your breath away. Recognised as one of the new seven wonders of the world, your visit to the Taj Mahal will be truly unforgettable and the perfect way to end the challenge of a lifetime.
Cycling distance: 58 kmTransfer time: 1.5 hoursHotel: Agra Radisson Blu
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Sunday 17th NovemberDeparture
The day begins at 5am with a drive to New Delhi Airport. You will arrive around 8.30am ready to catch your fl ight back to Heathrow at 11.05am.
Transfer time: 3.5 hours
New Delhi
SariskaPalace
AbhaneriJaipur
TalabgaonCastle
Agra
Bharatpur
TAJ MAHAL
INDIA’SGATE
It is estimated to have taken more
than 22,000 people to build the Taj Mahal
TA J M A H A L C Y C L I N G C H A L L E N G E6
additional informationVaccines RequiredIt is important to make sure that you stay healthy during your trip and you will require some vaccinations in advance of travelling, so please seek advice from a medical professional.
According to www.fi tfortravel.nhs.uk, the vaccines usually advised are:
• Diphtheria• Hepatitis A• Tetanus• Typhoid
Other vaccines to consider are: • Hepatitis B • Rabies
• You may also require Malaria tablets and you should practice strict mosquito bite avoidance at all times.
It is essential that you see your travel practitioner at least 6 - 8 weeks in advance of travelling.
VisaYou will require an E-Visa to travel to India and you will be sent details via email of how to apply 120 days before you travel.
Challenge SupportThe challenge will be a fully escorted tour
with private drivers and guides, who will accompany you throughout the bespoke
trip.
A support coach will always follow the team of cyclists.
A professional doctor will form part of the cycling team.
TrainingDepending on your fi tness ability; a moderate
level of training will need to be completed ahead of the challenge and you will be provided with a training plan to help you prepare for the route.
India is the 7th largest country in the world
India is the second largest
English speaking country in the world
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cost
What’s included1. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks will be provided. In addition, there will be water breaks at every hour
with soft drinks and fruit.
2. A safety vehicle/ support van carrying basic medical kit, refreshments, mineral water, spares, tool kit, extra tyres and a mechanic for minor repairs, along with bikes when not in use
3. A cycling guide, who will lead the trip through the entire itinerary. The support vehicle with mechanic will be riding ahead of the group, while the coach will be travelling behind the cyclists
4. A medical professional who will form part of the cycling team
5. Accommodation
6. Giant Starkenn or Trek MTB bikes with disc brakes as per size requested
7. All road transfers by air-conditioned coach
8. Local guide for sightseeing in Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
9. Entrance fees to Qutab Minar (Delhi), City Palace and Observatory (Jaipur), Fatehpur Sikri, and Taj Mahal
10. All applicable taxes
11. Kit
• 1 x cycling shorts• 1 x cycling jersey• 2 x vests • 2 x Teens Unite tops• 1 x holdall• 1 x handlebar bag• 1 x Teens Unite water bottle • 1 x microfi bre sports towel
You will receive a full kit list, with recommendations of other items to take with you, which are not provided by Teens Unite.
cost does not include:1. Any expense of a personal nature such as gratuities, phone calls, beverages etc2. VISA or insurance fees3. Any additional items not listed in the section above
Deposit: £250 per person
Minimum sponsorship: £3,250 per person (including a donation to Teens Unite).
As per your fundraising agreement, 70% of the minimum sponsorship amount is due by 1st August 2019. The full amount is due by 18th October 2019; two weeks before the trip takes place.
We look forward to supporting you over the coming months as you prepare to take on the Taj Mahal Cycling Challenge
Should you need any help or advice; please feel free to contact us at any time by phoning 01992 440091 or emailing [email protected]
Built in memory of the Emperors third
and most favourite wife Mumtāz Mahal,
the Taj Mahal took 17 years to be
completed
TA J M A H A L C Y C L I N G C H A L L E N G E
www.teensunite.org Teens Unite, 99 High Road, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, EN10 7BN
Registered Charity Number: 1118361
