Atlantic Coast Virtual Adventure
A Premium Mapped Challenge
This amazing virtual bike ride starts at the Westerpark in the cycling city of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and finishes in Porto, in northern Portugal on the banks of the river Douro. Inspired by Europe’s Eurovelo routes, the Atlantic Coast Adventure passes through 5 European countries, and thanks to the nature of the route, you’ll pass through many coastal towns and resorts, as well as taking in lots of history. Take advantage of Google Street View as we zip through Europe and discover new places that will make you want to visit for real.
Think you can average 94 miles a week for 17 weeks? Then this is the challenge for you. And you won’t be alone – you’ll be able to check out the progress of other solo riders and teams who are all part of our virtual sight seeing peloton! You can also get to know other riders as we have a super friendly & private Facebook community, where you can share your adventures as well.
The challenge has been designed around cycling but you can add additional distance by recording walking and running activity. Get your friends and family involved even if cycling isn’t their main activity. Importantly, all our virtual adventures have been carefully designed so that everyone can take part virtually, in a safe environment – outside or indoors, whatever the weather.
What’s in it for me?
This virtual challenge is perfect to help you remained focussed on being active regularly throughout the winter months. Whether you choose to cycle the whole event, or add in your runs and walks as well is up to you. Some may choose to use an indoor turbo trainer for some of their miles, but however you tackle it, you’ll benefit from the physical and mental health rewards that come from regular exercise, and it’s perfectly timed to make the most of spring and summer weather.
In addition, everyone who completes the challenge by 29th July will receive a fabulous finishers medal, made by our friends at Cut By Beam who make our unique wooden medals using sustainably sourced materials. This year however, the medal might look a little different
And finally, you get to join our Facebook community set up exclusively for this event, where you can share your adventures – both on the road and virtually – with other riders, and support each other along the way. Our community is super friendly, and a very safe space for everyone.
Tracking Your Activity
Tracking your activity is key to moving along the virtual map. Whenever you go for a ride, walk or run, make a note of the miles you’ve travelled and enter it onto your mission page. This can be done manually, or via a fitness app if you already track things that way. Strava, Runkeeper or Garmin can all be set up to automatically sync to the event mapping technology. A set up guide will be provided after registration.
The beauty of doing the challenge virtually is that you exercise at your own pace – and in your own space – in a way that fits in around your other commitments. We also have a Pacer Icon that’ll keep you on target. To finish the Atlantic Coast Adventure as a Solo Rider you’ll need to average 94 miles a week.
Take Part as a Team
If going solo sounds like heavy work why not share the load with friends? For example, for a team of 2 the average distance per person drops to 7 miles/day. And for a team of 3 the distance per team falls to just 4.5 miles/day. If you commute by bike, or even have a dog that likes long walks, this could soon add up.
So, just find a friend or two, register with a funky team name, send us a photo and we’ll set your team icon up ready for the launch.
SUPPORTING BOWEL DISEASE RESEARCH & SUPPORT
For more information on our chosen charity…..
Description
Join the Atlantic Coast Adventure – a virtual mapped cycling mission from Amsterdam to Porto through 5 European Coastal countries. Enjoy Google Street View en route, and take in the scenery
Total Distance: 1,586 Miles (2,535 kilometres)
Activity: Cycle, Run or Walk
Open to: Solo entries OR Teams of 2 & 3 (Tandems and Triplets)
Start Date: 3rd April 2023
End Date: 29th July 2023
Entry Fee: £40 per person. (all entries include a £5 donation to Crohns & Colitis UK)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I combine walking, running and cycling in my challenge activities
A: Yes – cycling, walking and running all count towards your overall distance covered
Q: Can I take part anywhere in the world?
A: Yes – our events have international appeal and we warmly welcome participants from around the globe. Please note that all entry fees are payable in £GB
Q: How long do I have to complete the Atlantic Coast?
A: We launch at 06:00 on 3rd April 2023 and finish at 24:00 on 29th July 2023
Q: Is this a race and could people cheat?
A: Although we have leader boards there are no prizes for fast times – just the glory of completing a truly epic fitness challenge. That said if we notice someone averaging 50kph we may ask a few questions! 😉
Q: Can I take part to fundraise for my favourite charity/cause?
A: Yes, if you have a favourite charity you are welcome to fundraise for it. Your entry will also be supporting Crohns & Colitis UK.
Q: Do I need to use a special fitness app or smart watch?
A: If you use a fitness app such as Strava, Runkeeper, Garmin or Apple Health you can sync it to My Virtual Mission to auto-record your activity. If you don’t use a fitness app you can easily upload your activity manually. Full instructions for both options will be sent after registration.
Q: How often can I record my distance?
A: As often as you like – all activity you post will advance you/your team. NOTE: You must sign-up with our tech partner, My Virtual Mission, and click the JOIN button to post activity (link provided after registration).
Q: What happens after I sign up?
A: There will be a slight delay between registration, and the next stage (up to 48 hours). You must sign-up with our tech partner, My Virtual Mission, and click the JOIN button to post activity (link provided after registration). You will also be invited to our wonderful and supportive Facebook community.
Q: How can I take part in the Atlantic Coast with my friends?
A: You can take part solo or as part of a team where joint efforts count towards your goal. And by inviting others to participate you can add to the friendly rivalry! Teams can include 2 or 3 people. Each team member will need their own entry, and we’ll link your mission together via your team name so you can share your mileage.
Q: How safe is your payment process?
A: All transactions go through Stripe, our secure payment partner. We have no access to your card details