Find your ideal cycling holiday
CTC Birthday Rides
CTC BIRTHDAY RIDES
3rd August 2020 - 9th August 2020 (7 days)
For 2020 the CTC Birthday Rides are returning to the Fire Service College, Moreton in Marsh in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty which provides countryside suitable for all ages and all cycling abilities, both on and off-road.
It is a varied landscape of rolling hills and tranquil valleys, ancient woodlands and grasslands criss-crossed with dry stone walls. Our routes include the towns and villages built of the local honey coloured limestone. Enjoy the varied attractions of churches, historic houses, renowned gardens, Roman remains, farm parks, steam railways and a palace. Slightly further afield, Shakespeare's Stratford-upon-Avon, Oxford with its colleges, Georgian Cheltenham and medieval Tewkesbury with its abbey beckon.
As a result of the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, Birthday Rides bookings have been suspended. Please refer to our COVID-19 information page for futher updates.
- Holiday Type Guided
- Tour Manager Birthday Rides Coordinator
- Grade Leisurely
- Booking Status Places Available
- Accommodation Hotel & Camping
- Board Basis Half Board
- Travel Arrangements Land Only
- Road / Off Road Road
- Holiday Style Centre-based
- Vehicle Support Carry Own Luggage
- Holiday Ref 03528
Price from
£215
Ask a question about this holiday
Enquire Now
Monday 3rd August
Arrive between 2.00 pm and 6.00 pm and register.
Evening: Welcome
Tuesday 4th August
Choice of rides
Evening: Entertainment
Wednesday 5th August
Choice of rides. Optional coach trip to Blenheim Palace
Tea and Birthday Cake
Evening: Entertainment
Thursday 6th August
Choice of rides
Thanksgiving Service
Evening: Entertainment.
Friday 7th August
Choice of rides. Optional coach trip to Gloucester
Evening: Entertainment.
Saturday 8th August
Choice of rides
Evening: Entertainment
Sunday 9th August
Depart: Vacate rooms and campsite by 11.00 am.
Some events may need to be re-arranged due to weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Some may also be over-subscribed due to space limitations.
Accommodation & Meals
The accommodation will be based on site at The Fire Service College, London Road, Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, GL56 ORH. Tel: 01608 650 831 www.fireservicecollege.ac.uk
Residential Accommodation
Rooms are all within a short walking distance of the main College building where meals will be served. Single, double and twin bedded rooms are available. Some double bedded rooms are suitable for wheelchair users. All rooms are en-suite with a shower. Bed linen, towels and toiletries are provided. Coffee/tea making facilities and free wifi are available in all rooms. Access to bedrooms will be by key. Lifts are available and there is good access for those with limited mobility. Please show any special requirements clearly on the Booking Form.
All residential accommodation will be on a half board basis. Meals will be self-service in the Connections Restaurant. Breakfast (from 7.30 to 8.30 am) will have English and continental options. The three course evening meal (from 5.30 to 8.00 pm) will consist of a starter, main course and dessert plus tea and coffee. If you have any special dietary requirements, e.g. vegetarian, diabetic or gluten/wheat free meals, please indicate these under special requests on the Booking Form. Meals will only be served to those wearing the appropriate identification.
There is ample free car parking on site and secure cycle parking under cover will be available. Smoking is not permitted in any buildings and is only permitted in certain designated areas within the site. Pets are not allowed on any part of the site.
Camping
Camping for tents will be on the grassed area in the College grounds. Only small camping stoves will be allowed in this area; no other outdoor fires are permitted. No motor vehicles will be allowed on the tented area, not even to unload. Cars must only be parked in the designated car park. Unloading will be possible within a short distance of any pitch. Motorhomes, campervans and caravans will be on a different part of the site. No electric hook-ups are provided but a chemical disposal point and a tap for drinking water will be available.
Portaloos will be provided in the camping areas and campers/caravanners will be able to use the showers in the Sports Hall. There are several toilet blocks around the main buildings. There is no lighting on the campsite and you are advised to bring a torch. Bins will be provided for refuse and will be emptied regularly. No special security arrangements will be in force at the camping areas but there will be volunteers on site during the day. Campers will have use of the secure cycle parking.
Campers have a choice of half board, dinner only and self-catering options.
Members of groups wishing to camp near to each other are advised to book at the same time and indicate clearly the name of their group. We will do our best to meet such requests, although adjacent pitches cannot be guaranteed.
Other Centre facilities
On site are a swimming pool, sauna and gym which are available at certain times between 6.30am and 9.30pm. Please see notice board for times and charges.
Travel Insurance
You are strongly advised to take out insurance to cover your loss in case of cancellation. Please refer to clause 6 of the Booking Conditions.
Price
Prices vary according to the accommodation and meal plan chosen as detailed below. The full amount is payable in advance. If we do not receive a minimum of 250 bookings by 14 April 2020, we reserve the right to cancel the Birthday Rides and return all monies to you.
|
All prices are per person: |
Price before 14 April 2020 |
Price from 14 April 2020 |
| Single room, half board | £500 | £550 |
| Double room, half board (2 people must book together) | £425 | £475 |
| Twin room, half board (2 people must book together) | £450 | £500 |
| Camping: | ||
| self catering | £215 | £255 |
| with Dinner | £325 | £365 |
| with Dinner and Breakfast | £395 | £435 |
| Registration only, for those arranging their own accommodation | £100 | £100 |
| Optional Coach Trips (subject to sufficient numbers): | ||
| To Blenheim Palace, including admission | £37 | £37 |
| To City of Gloucester | £20 | £20 |
Cancellations
Should you decide to cancel your booking, a fee will be charged in accordance with clause 3 of the Booking Conditions.
TO MAKE A BOOKING
To reserve your place(s), please download, print and complete the Booking Form and send it, together with payment, to the address shown on the form. If you have any queries, please contact us using the Enquire Now button or telephone 0845 045 1121.
Please note that online bookings and payments are not available for the Birthday Rides.
Rides & Rest Days
All rides will leave from the College Reception. There will be five routes available for each of the four categories of rides, mainly on-road, to suit all levels of ability and preference. Rides will not be formally led, rather all routes will be available to ride on all days to help minimise congestion on local roads and at refreshment venues. There will be a large OS map on display showing the routes and you will be able to select the routes you need rather than carrying a full pack of routes. The routes and approximate distances will be:
D rides: Up to 20 miles
C rides: 20 to 40 miles
B rides: 40 to 60 miles
A rides: 60 to 80 miles
We shall endeavour to have a vehicle available on riding days to meet emergency pick up requirements (in the event of an accident or a serious mechanical failure). We reserve the right to charge users of this service.
Evening Entertainment
Each evening there will be entertainment on site. The programme is not yet finalised.
The Anniversary day - 5th August
Celebrate our 142nd birthday with a drink and piece of cake.
Optional Coach Trips
Wednesday 5 August: A visit to Blenheim Palace, birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, additional cost £37 including admission and guided tour.
Friday 7 August: The City of Gloucester. Visit the cathedral, the historic docks, National Waterways Museum and more. 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, additional cost £20.
Arrival at the Fire Station College
Registration will be in the Main Reception Building from 2.00 pm – 6.00 pm on Monday 3 August 2020. PLEASE DO NOT ARRIVE BEFORE THIS TIME. Please bring your Booking Confirmation with you. Should you be delayed or unable to arrive on the Monday, please contact us using the Enquire Now button or telephone 07926 693 066 to discuss other arrangements. There will be no refund for missed meals.
Local members and helpers will be on hand to show you where to register and direct you to your accommodation, camping pitch, cycle and vehicle parking. You will be issued with appropriate identification which should be worn at all times.
Cycles & Equipment
Whether you use a road bike, touring bike or mountain bike, please ensure that it is in good working condition, especially the brakes. You should carry sufficient spares and tools during the rides to deal with punctures and minor repairs that may arise. There is a cycle shop nearby, Cotswold Cycles, at Unit 3 Cotswold Link, Moreton in Marsh, GL56 OJU. Tel: 01608 650 933. www.cotswoldcycles.co.uk. You will need a rackpack, saddlebag or panniers to carry any spare clothing (don’t forget the waterproofs!) and food. Refreshment stops may be sparse in some parts, so a water bottle and emergency rations are always useful, especially on the longer rides. Cycle helmets are not compulsory.
Maps & Guides
Ordnance Survey 1:50,000 maps 150, 151, 163, and 164 cover the area. Hard copies and .gpx files of the routes will be available.