You asked, we answered…
Where can I buy my ticket?
Tickets can be purchased online prior to the event with the latest information published on our ticket page. There are a limited number of tickets for sale on the day, which are on a first come, first served basis. Please note for 2021 we will not be offering on the day tickets
Do I need to be sponsored?
No we don’t require you to be sponsored to enter, but if you’d like to raise some extra money for this charity event that would be amazing. 100% of our profits are split between Redmile C of E Primary School and our chosen charity for the year.
Download a sponsorship form:
Who is the route suitable for?
Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness but please bear in mind that this is a mainly off-road event. There are no ‘usual’ conditions but it is not uncommon for the route to be extremely wet, muddy and slippery. We have a practice route that might be useful for you to train on.
How long is the route?
You have 3 options to choose from:
- The Mega Viking (65KM)
- The Big Viking (55KM)
- The Original Viking (30KM)
You can change your mind at the point where the route splits and as long as you tell the person recording times at the end we’ll change your results to the correct route.
Can children take part?
Children may ride but under 16s MUST be accompanied by an adult. All under 18’s must have a parental consent form complete at registration. Age restrictions per route are as follows:
- 30km: Aged 8 years and over
- 55km: Aged 14 years and over
- 65km: Aged 16 and over
Please note trailer bikes / tag along bikes are not allowed
What are the start and finish times for the event?
When you buy your ticket, you will also be asked to sign up to a start time wave. On the day registration begins at 8:00am with the first wave leavings at 8.30am and the latest wave at 10.00am. What time you finish depends on your fitness level but the average time for the routes are as follows:
- 30km: 3 hours
- 55km: 4 hours
- 65km: 5.5 hours
We send a sweeping up team around the route to make sure that no one is left on the route.
Can I ride an e-bike?
Yes, we welcome e-bikes to the Viking Challenge.
Are refreshments available?
Absolutely, we love our food and always feed our riders well! Around the route there are refreshment stops offering bananas, chocolate, pork pies and soft drinks. Then when you get back to site, there is a food tent with tea and coffee, hot food and plenty of cakes to choose from. All of this is free of charge for entrants.
For supporters there is a coffee van onsite provided by Cafe Allez. Riders can also use this too if they want a frothy cappuccino!
Is the Viking Challenge a race?
We are a nont a competitive race, but like to make sure our riders have a challenge – hence the name. We publish a list of completion times on our website and you can collect a certificate on the event day to mark your completion of the event.
Do I have to raise sponsorship?
No, but we’d really love you to. We do after all run this event to make money for some fantastic causes and your help would be hugely appreciated. Please download our sponsor form and start raising money for these great causes.
Click here to download the sponsorship form.
What happens If I can’t complete the route?
If you have broken down or have to retire we can arrange recovery from the nearest marshalling point. We have over 90 marshals on the route and so one will never be far away. If you’re injured we have first aid cover with St John’s Ambulance both on the route and at the finish line.
Do I have the wear a cycle helmet?
Yes. Our insurers insist that all riders must wear helmets, no exceptions.
What is the route and can I download a GPX file?
We don’t publish the route ahead of the event as some of it uses private land, only available for you to cycle over on the day of the event. The route is always well sign posted. The ride starts and finishes at Redmile Primary School and takes in a mix of canal tow paths, woodland, farm tracks etc.
Can I bring supporters along?
Supporters are welcome and we have Cafe Allez on site for any supporter refreshments
Is car parking available?
Yes, when you get near Redmile you will pick up signs for the Viking Challenge car park where you will be greeted by a car park marshal. We respectfully ask that you do not park your car on the village roads. Redmile is a village of around 300 people and once a year the village is taken over by over 1,000 cyclists. Please help us to be a good neighbour and keep the village roads clear.
Do I need any special equipment?
No, but you must wear a cycle helmet and we strongly suggest a puncture repair kit. Be prepared for wet weather, and the route has been known to have puddles nearly as deep as a bike before