What is the Big Ride route for 2022?

For the Spring Challenge, it's whatever route or routes you choose.  We're asking individual riders and local ride leaders to plan their own local routes for their rides.  The Spring Challenge will run from Saturday 19th February to Sunday 27th March. 

We are also planning a three day summer ride from Friday 29th July - Sunday 31st  August, with provisional bookings from April. Route - Derby-Stoke-Manchester. This will be our main fundraising event for the year.

How do I plan a route for the Spring Challenge?

You can check out existing routes in and around your area, or even create your own, using online route creating tools such as STRAVA, BIKEMAP, GOOGLE MAPS, RIDE WITH GPS, KOMOOT and ROUTES.CC OSMAPS  for inspiration and advice (there are others!). Routes.cc is particularly good for mapped rides in and around London.

You can also ask cycling friends or clubs if they have routes they can share with you. Local tourist information centres and local authority websites sometimes have maps of local cycling routes. And if you’re a paper map addict, don’t forget Ordnance Survey maps for planning.

What if I’m leading a ride?

If you’re going to lead a ride it’s important to ride the whole route beforehand, if you don’t know it already. That will give you an idea about traffic conditions, any hazards, obstacles, or road closures you might come across on the day itself – people riding with you may be less regular and less confident cyclists than you. Also look out for the weather forecast a few days in advance!

I’m only an occasional cyclist. Will I be able to ride 22 miles in a day?

Many people taking part in The Big Ride are regular cyclists, but some riders are occasional cyclists who are determined to get involved in an act of solidarity for Palestine. Nearly all of them have managed 40 to 50 miles each day in previous Big Rides.

It's not a race. You may need most of the day to complete the distance, but as long as you're healthy you can probably do it - if you're in doubt, we have some training suggestions to test your cycling fitness.

Do I have to complete the 22 mile ride in one day?

No. It would be great if you can, but otherwise you can do it over several days. Be sure to record your mileage each time or sign up to The Big Ride for Palestine Spring Challenge 2022 Strava Club and your miles will be tracked for you. The Challenge will run from Saturday 19th February to Sunday 27th March. And of course you can do as many multiples of 22 miles as you like!

The 331/160 mile Challenge sounds like too much for me

The idea is to challenge yourself, so if you try but can't get all the miles in before the 27th March deadline, don't worry. 

Alternatively  you could form a small team and cycle 331/160miles between you. 

Fitness

We strongly recommend that you get out on your bike a good few times before you take on the ride and get used to cycling more than a few miles at a time - try 10 miles, then 15, then 20, etc. You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic, but you will get so much more out of The Big Ride if you have put some training in beforehand. Email us with any questions you have on training.

Is there a deadline for signing up?

You can join the Spring Challenge any time up until 27th March, the final day of the challenge.

How do I sign up?

Visit the Big Ride Spring Challenge page here. This is a summary of the sign-up process:

•    Complete the Big Ride sign-up form. Signing up is free. 

•    Join Strava if you’re not a member already (joining is optional). There's no joining fee.

•    If you've joined Strava, join The Big Ride for Palestine Spring Challenge 2022 club. You will receive a link to this club in the confirmation email when you sign up to the Spring Challenge

What is Strava?

It's an exercise and fitness tracking "platform" (mobile app and website) with social networking features. Read Wikipedia's description here. The Strava home page is here. It's free to join Strava. A paid subscription is available - it gives you more features.

Why is The Big Ride using Strava?

Strava was a very useful tool which many of us used on last years Spring Challenge. We're using Strava so that we, and riders, can keep track of the distance everyone cycles on their individual or small group rides (we're interested in your mileage, not your fitness statistics!). It's also a useful way to see what other riders on the same challenge are up to and helps us to feel more connected.

How do I join Strava?

Visit the Strava home page here for details. Joining Strava is optional, but it makes it easier to keep track of your own mileage and see how other riders are doing.

How do I join the Spring Challenge Strava club?

You will receive an invitation to join the Spring Challenge Strava club in the confirmation email when you sign up to the Spring Challenge. Sign up for the Spring Challenge here

I've joined Strava but why are you asking me to join a club as well?

If riders don't join the Strava club for the Spring Challenge, we (and you) can't see riders mileage on Strava and we can't calculate your total mileage.

What can I do once I join a club?

You will be able to see who else has joined the club, where you are on the leaderboard, create or view posts (messages) and upload pictures. More details here.

How do I use Strava?

You join Strava, then either:

- install the Strava app on your mobile phone and use the app to record your rides, or:

- record your rides on your GPS device and upload them to Strava or synchronise ("sync") with Strava. You can find instructions for uploading activity data from a Garmin device to Strava here.

How do I upload my Big Ride photos to Strava?

See the Strava guide here.

What about privacy?

Strava has a range of privacy levels. You may want a higher privacy level than the Strava default setting and we encourage you to check your settings, whether or not you are already a member. More details here.

Where can I get further information and help with Strava?

Visit the Strava support page here.

How can I keep a record of the distance I've ridden for The Big Ride?

You can use the Strava app (see our Strava FAQ section), your GPS device (GPS-equipped fitness watch, bike computer), or use a basic bike computer or map:

Strava app

Download and use the Strava app on your smartphone (see our Strava FAQ section). This uploads your ride data automatically to the Strava platform and to the Big Ride Strava clubs, if you've joined them

GPS device

Use your GPS device (for instance GPS-equipped fitness watches, smartphones without Strava, and cycle computers) and upload your ride data to Strava. You can find instructions for uploading from a Garmin device here.

Bike computer without GPS

Note the ride distance shown on your bike computer, and EITHER

Upload it manually to Strava (details here - Strava sign-up required), OR

Keep a note of your routes and mileage and send  the total to us by email or via social media 

Map

Plan or download a route using a map or on a cycle routing website or app (see our "Routes" FAQ), which will calculate the route mileage for you, ride the route, and EITHER

Upload it manually to Strava (details here - Strava sign-up required), OR

Keep a note of your routes and mileage and send the total to us by email or via social media 

I'm registered on Strava but I forgot to press the record button at the start of my ride

If your ride was with one or more other riders who did log it on Strava, you can ask them to invite you to their Strava ride. The ride will then also show as yours on Strava. Details here. 

If you cycled on your own, or if no-one else in your group logged the ride on Strava, you can upload the mileage manually to Strava. Details here.

Can I do the 2021 Big Ride Spring Challenge indoors?

Yes, you can do all or part of the distance indoors, if you can record the (virtual) distance you ride on a smart turbo trainer (one that sends out data including virtual speed and distance travelled). Use your smart turbo trainer and upload your virtual ride data to Strava.

What support is The Big Ride providing during the rides this year?

The 2022 Spring Challenge will be a series of local rides by individuals and possibly small groups. Each individual and group will be self-supporting and must organise their own contingency plans.

This also means that The Big Ride won't support you with food and drinks on your rides - make sure you take enough food and drink for your ride with you, if you want to avoid contact with other people in shops or cafes.

What happens if my bike develops a mechanical problem during the ride? 

We recommend that your bike is fully serviced prior to  The Big Ride, and that you carry two inner tubes in case of punctures, and a tool kit. 

How should I prepare my bike for a major ride?

Get it professionally serviced beforehand if you can, so that brakes and other essential parts have been checked out and adjusted. On the day, do a quick ABC BIKE CHECK, including checking that your tyres are pumped up firmly to the correct pressure (usually written on the wall of your tyre). It’s a good idea to use a track pump (floor-standing pump) to do this. Make sure your chain and other moving parts is well lubed.

What should I wear?

We’re a mixed bunch of riders, ranging from full-on lycra wearers to jeans and jumpers. It’s important to wear clothing that’s comfortable for you, while being practical for cycling. Layered clothing is very good, including, of course, your beautiful new BIG RIDE FOR PALESTINE JERSEY, worn over your other layers if possible! Padded pants are particularly recommended to all riders for comfort over anything but short distances.

What do I need to take with me on the ride?

We suggest:

- A small rucksack or pannier - to carry all your stuff!

- Two sturdy locks (gold secure preferably) if you are going to stop and leave your bike anywhere for any time - bike thieves operate in all areas!

- Two spare inner tubes, the right size for your tyres

- Two or three tyre levers

- Two spanners of the right size for your wheel nuts, unless you have quick-release (QR) wheels 

- Hand pump that fits your inner tube valves - Schrader or presta valve (view descriptions)

- Water bottle – or two in very hot weather

- Food for refuelling - bananas, muesli bars, peanut butter sandwiches or other favourite energy booster

- A rainproof jacket, just in case!

- Hand sanitiser or soapy flannel to use if/when you stop to eat

- Mobile phone, GPS or other route recording device, GoPro camera, any other devices linked to your social media feeds

- Big Ride flag and bike adapter if available

-      Helmet and face covering or mask

What if I get a puncture?

If you’re cycling in a group, hope that one of you will know how to repair a puncture… but if you aren’t that person, why not learn now from a friend, or from YouTube? It’s a good skill to learn - watch HERE and HERE and HERE. 

(These show wheels with quick release fittings. If your wheels are secured by nuts, you’ll need to use a spanner to get the wheels off). 

What about social distancing?

If any Covid rules are in force in your country or area when you cycle for The Big Ride, we ask you to follow them. Check Cycling UK for any Covid specific restrictions.

If I sign up, am I covered by The Big Ride's insurance for bike theft or injury to myself or to others?

No, you're not insured by The Big Ride. We're asking individual riders and local ride leaders to plan their own local routes.. Each individual and group will be self-supporting and must organise their own contingency plans. This includes arranging your own insurance, if you wish and if you're not already insured.

We ask you to follow the rules in the Highway Code and traffic regulations when you're cycling - we want you to be safe and we want The Big Ride to be respected by the general public. We encourage you to wear a helmet and a face covering off the bike. If your ride leader requires you to wear them, please comply.

The Spring Challenge 2022 is not a fundraising event. 

Our fundraiser will be in the summer when we will be organising a multi day collective ride. Of course you are welcome to fundraise during the Spring Challenge if you would like.

Which charity does the Big Ride raise money for?

The Big Ride for Palestine raises money for the Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA). MECA does vital work tackling the physical and psychological trauma suffered by children in Gaza. 

What MECA project is The Big Ride for Palestine supporting in 2022?

To be decided - last year we raised over £100,00 for a children's playground in Rafah, Gaza.

How can I donate to MECA?

Use the DONATE button on this site to donate to this MECA project via the Big Ride for Palestine Just Giving page. 

Post photos and video clips of your Big Ride on Strava or social media.

By sending us image or video files of you and any other people, you agree that The Big Ride can use them in social media posts, web pages and emails as part of records of The Big Ride 2022, and to promote The Big Ride generally.

I’m worried about being called anti-semitic. How can I counter this - I want to support Palestine but no way am I racist?

The Big Ride for Palestine is opposed to all forms of racism, which includes islamophobia and anti-semitism. Active opposition to the oppressive acts of the state of Israel is a responsibility, just as opposition to apartheid in South Africa was a moral and political imperative for many. 

The pro-Israel lobby has tried to silence criticism of Israel by equating criticism of the state of Israel with anti-semitism. We oppose the actions of the Israeli state, not Jewish people. Many Jewish people have joined The Big Ride for Palestine each year as they too disagree with the actions of the state of Israel.

How can a cycle ride help the Palestinian people?

The Big Ride is more than just a cycle ride.

It's an act of solidarity that is well known in Palestine.

It raises funds for important sports facilities for Palestinian children in Gaza traumatised by their experience of miltary attacks and oppression by Israel's military.

I don't see much about Palestine in the news. Where can I find out more about the situation in Palestine?

There are alternative news outlets. Two of them are:

Middle East Monitor (MEMO)

The Electronic Intifada

The Big Ride is not connected with either of these news sources. By linking to their web pages The Big Ride is providing information and is not endorsing those organisations, or any of the views expressed by them.

Or you could join a campaigning organisation like Palestine Solidarity Campaign, Friends of Al Aqsa, or Jews for Justice for Palestinians, that provide regular updates on the situation in Palestine/Israel, and actions you can take to show your solidarity.