WHAT MAKES THE ICT CYCLE KENYA CHALLENGE DIFFERENT?
ICT is one of the few international organisations running fundraising challenge events in the countries where we actually work. You therefore have the unique opportunity to visit one of our projects and see for yourself how the money you raise makes a difference. Although the Game reserves in Kenya are well-trodden tourist areas, much of the route we take is much less so, and rarely do visitors to Kenya stop in towns like Kabernet and the Kerio Valley. You will therefore have the rare opportunity to see rural Kenyan life, in areas relatively untouched by tourism. After our stunning 5-day cycle and well-deserved celebrations, we will visit an ICT project, which is working to support, and protect vulnerable street children.

WHY KENYA?
ICT began work in Kenya in early 1992 and therefore wants to show support to our partner by visiting them as part of a cycle challenge event. For many years Kenya showed great promise and potential, but in the last ten years Kenya has become increasingly poor and has fallen to the bottom of the Human Development Index and has now become one of the world’s least developed countries. Many children are displaced by poverty and HIV/Aids. There is a great need for ICT’s support in Kenya.

This is no average trip to a fantastic and popular country, as this cycle ride ventures off the beaten track into the wilds of the western Kenya. Riding in this country is ideal and on this route we are able to avoid the busy roads and safely cruise through the changing landscapes of plantations, savannah plains, game ranches and the stunning views of Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. Maasai culture, game viewing and amazing views at every turn ensure a challenge you will never forget.

Our event partners, Action Challenge UK, have held several cycle rides in the country so know the country and the culture well.

IS IT SAFE?
Yes, Kenya is a very safe country to visit so long as you behave sensibly and responsibly. Most areas require the use of common sense as with anywhere in the world, such as not venturing out alone and always telling people where you are going. There is a UK embassy in Nairobi who will be able to advice us should any security issue arise.

HAS ICT DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
Yes, Cycle Sri Lanka 05 will be ICT's third cycle challenge event. The first was in Sri Lanka in 2003 and the second in India in March 2005. The trips we have run so far have been highly enjoyable and successful and ICT is now well versed in providing you with all the support you need for fundraising and training.

HAS ICT DONE THIS SORT OF THING BEFORE?
Yes, Cycle Kenya 2007 will be ICT’s fifth cycle challenge event. The first was in Sri Lanka in 2003, the second in India in March 2005, the third in Sri Lanka in October 2005, and the fourth in Cambodia in October 2006.The trips we have run so far have been highly enjoyable and successful and ICT is now well versed in providing you with all the support you need for fundraising and training.

HOW DO I RAISE ALL THAT MONEY?
Once you have registered to take part on the event, you will receive a detailed fundraising pack full of ideas to help you raise the sponsorship money. This includes information on; on-line fundraising, writing to local charitable trusts, getting money from local businesses, door-to-door collections and holding events. The ICT team will be on hand to guide you through the fundraising and give you all the support that you need. The nature of the challenge and the good cause that you are supporting will encourage a great response from your local area. Many participants often find they easily raise above and beyond the minimum sponsorship required. Find out more from the document below:

How to Get Started (Word document, CycleChallenge_Fundraising.doc)

WHERE DOES THE MONEY I RAISE GO?
Approximately £1200 of the total money raised goes towards the flight and ground costs of the trip (internal transport, hotels, meals etc). The rest of the money that is raised supports ICT’s overall work assisting displaced children and young people in Kenya, Sri Lanka, India and Cambodia.

WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING PART?
Individuals from all backgrounds, ages and walks of life will be taking part in the challenge. Previous participants have ranged from company directors to recent graduates. Cycling is something everyone can do and anyone over the age of 18 can enter the event. What people will have in common is the enthusiasm and the commitment to take part.

HOW FIT DO I HAVE TO BE?
This trip is designed to be an enjoyable challenge for the average person. However, you must train and get fit to get the most out of your challenge. We suggest that you slowly build up your fitness levels over the months leading up to the challenge.

HOW MUCH SUPPORT WILL I RECEIVE ON THE EVENT?
Cycle Kenya is being run in conjunction with Action Challenge UK Ltd. Throughout the whole trip professionals will be on hand to ensure that safety is the top priority. The challenge will also be supported by an Action challenge rep, an ICT rep, a physiotherapist, a mechanic, a police escort, a local English-speaking guide and a local support team that might even give you a push up the hills, should you require it!

WHAT ABOUT INSURANCE?
All participants must take out insurance to cover the whole challenge. This must include cover for travel, health, accident and loss. We also advise participants to make sure that the insurance companies know the full nature of the challenge to ensure that every aspect of the event is covered.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I CAN’T RAISE THE AMOUNT REQUIRED?
All sponsorship money must be raised before the event. We will ask you to have raised a percentage of the sponsorship money by certain dates. If you cannot do it, it is possible that you may forfeit your right to take part. However, if you are having difficulties please let us know. Remember, you are not on your own, with our fresh ideas and support you will succeed. We will also put you in contact with other people taking part in the event so you can support each other and exchange fundraising tips.

WHAT DO I NEED TO TAKE PART IN CYCLE KENYA?
First of all you need to fill out a registration form enclosing a non-refundable £300 registration fee. Then you need to raise a minimum of £3,000 in sponsorship money before you depart on the trip. Once you have registered with us we will send you all the additional information that you need.

For further information please contact ICT on local rate Tel: 0845 33 00 533 or, email: