Frequently Asked Questions

Event related

Q. What level of fitness is required?

You do not have to be an athlete to undertake a Challenge; the events are designed to be tough but also inclusive so that people of all ages and abilities can take part. All of the events are quite physically demanding and you need to be realistic about which one would suit you best. Each challenge is graded on a scale of 1 -5 and some are more demanding than others but all of them require a good level of general fitness. It is important to choose a challenge that is suited to your level of ability as only you can judge how fit you are and what you are capable of achieving. There will be people of widely ranging fitness levels taking part and the aim is for the whole group to meet the challenge, it is certainly not a race! Most people who take part in these events are new to this type of trip. The cycling is carefully managed at a suitable average pace with regular rest and refreshment stops. It is worth considering that a change in climate, particularly hot weather or altitude, may affect your performance.

It will be hard to complete some of the challenges without a few months of training and conditioning beforehand. See the intrepid challenges website for good advice on how to go about a fitness programme and training tips for preparing for cycling. If you are over 60 or suffer from a medical condition that is affected by exercise you must obtain a letter from your doctor. It is essential that OCF or Intrepid challenges are made aware of any medical conditions on the medical questionnaire which may affect your well being whilst on the trip. But above all a sense of adventure and the determination to achieve a reasonable level of fitness are the most important pre-requisites!

Q. What sort of people take part in the Challenges?

People on our challenges come from a tremendous variety of backgrounds with a range of ages from 18 to 68. They are drawn together by a shared sense of adventure and openness to new experiences. It's the people involved that really make these trips special, you'll be surprised at how many friendships you make and the great atmosphere during the event. It's the shared sense of excitement and team spirit that helps motivate you through the challenge. By the end of the challenge you will have made some great lifetime friendships.

Q. What will I need to take with me? Do I need any special kit?

Intrepid provide a recommended kit list under ‘what to take' in the trip notes on their website for each challenge. Comfortable and waterproof clothing is essential for these trips but nothing that should require any great expenditure. Just type in the trip code for your challenge in our website trip finder to bring up detailed trip notes Yunnan - Download Trip Dossier Tibet - Download Trip Dossier

Q. What is the food like? Are special dietary requirements catered for?

We always try to serve local dishes to give you a real culinary adventure, after all trying new and delicious food is one of the best parts of your travel experience. In many places there will be a mixture of western and local dishes so you will always find something familiar to eat. For example, breakfasts and lunches tend to be a mixture of western and local food whilst dinner is generally all local dishes. We will make an effort to cater to any special dietary needs, allergies and vegetarian diets but please make sure to notify us of your requirements on your registration form.

Q. How many people take part?

Group sizes vary according to the destination and demand. We are aiming to take between 15 and 28 participants on the average challenge event. We have found that this is the best group size for these types of trips so that there is a supportive and lively atmosphere yet the group is still small enough to get to know everyone.

Q. How are places allocated?

Places for the challenges are available on a first come first-served basis.

Q. Who leads the Challenges?

The Challenge will be accompanied by an experienced Intrepid leader together with a team of local guides including a bike mechanic on cycling trips. The leader is responsible for the group's safety and will ensure to the best of their ability that the planned itinerary runs smoothly. From time to time inclement weather, transport problems or forces of nature may cause last minute changes. In such circumstances, the leader may vary the itinerary, and their decision will be final.

Q. How safe are the activities? What about first aid?

The safety of the group is our first priority and all of the challenge events have been assessed for risk prior to their being operated. You will be given a full safety briefing during the event and cautioned about any activity which could pose a hazard to your own or the groups' welfare. It is recommended that you take the time to review the government travel advice regarding the country you're visiting at www.dfat.gov.au . This will give you the latest information on any issues arising that may affect your safety during your trip. All of our groups are accompanied by leaders with first aid qualifications who can attend to any injuries that take place on the event and if necessary evacuate you to the nearest clinic/ hospital for treatment.

Q. What about health & hygiene?

We recommend that you visit your local Travel clinic before departure who can advise you of what vaccinations are recommended for the country you'll be visiting. High standards of hygiene will be encouraged and maintained throughout the trip. Search on www.travelvax.com.au for health profiles on the country you are visiting or consult your family doctor.

Q. Will I have to carry my luggage?

No, all luggage will be transported in support vehicles or by porters unless otherwise stated. A day pack / handle bar bag is necessary to carry camera, sunscreen, snacks & small items with you. For cycling trips there is a water bottle cage fitted on the bikes.

Q. What is the accommodation like?

We use different types of accommodation (hotels, teahouses or camping) depending on what is available in the area. Obviously the more off the beaten track we get the more limited the accommodation options, but it is always clean and adequate for our needs. The traditional guesthouses we visit are the best way to experience these countries. As these are charity events and not holidays the standard is generally quite basic during the challenge itself with a better quality (normally a 3 star hotel or equivalent) at the end. Rooming is twin share and allocated on a single sex basis.

Q. Do I need travel insurance?

You must have adequate travel insurance cover in order to participate in any challenge and we recommend that you take this out as soon as you have a confirmed place on the trip. There is an insurance link on the Intrepid Challenges website under trip dossier or go to www.intrepidtravel.com/insurance.php If you already have an existing insurance policy, please ensure that it will cover you for the activities undertaken.

Q. What about passports and visas?

You must hold a full passport, which is valid for at least six months from the departure date. If you need to obtain or renew your passport please allow at least six weeks to do so. Details of any visas required will be given under the relevant trip notes on the Intrepid website.

Q. Can I extend my stay?

There are limited options offered by Intrepid Challenges to extend your flights and stay on at the end of the event. Please read the terms and conditions on the Intrepid Challenges website and download the relevant extension form. There is an administration fee of AUD $100 as well as any difference in airfare.

Q. How many hours a day will we be cycling for?

That all depends on the particular day and your individual cycling speed but generally between 4- 7 hours, over a mixture of flat and hilly terrain.

Fundraising Related Questions

Q. How is the trip funded?

a) Fundraising option: The challenges are discounted trips which are made possible by the number of people taking part in a common itinerary (15 - 28 people). Intrepid travel gives the charity a package price per person and the donation level is set accordingly. Upon registering a $500 deposit must be paid to secure your position. The remaining funds to make up the rest of the trip costs and donation is then covered by the funds and sponsorships you raise. You need to explain to sponsors that you are making a personal contribution towards the trip costs and that a percentage of the money you raise will pay the balance of your costs.

b) Paying your own trip costs: If you are paying your own trip costs, a straight $1500 minimum donation to the charity is required on top of the cost of the trip and this amount only is tax deductible.

Q. Will people think that they are sponsoring me to take a subsidized holiday?

Definitely not! None of our challenges could be considered a holiday. You will be training for the months prior to your event to get fit, raising thousands of dollars for charity, and then undertaking a real physical challenge - all of these elements take time, effort and commitment. None of our challenges are easy options and will test the average person in the ways they've never experienced before. They are designed to be very rewarding experiences that will challenge you in more ways than one. For example you will be biking for days on end, with very basic facilities en route, in remote areas and with high temperatures. That would not correspond to most people's definition of a holiday.

Q. How will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?

Raising funds is often the toughest part of the challenge. However, it is possible to reach and even exceed the sponsorship target as many participants of all ages and from all walks of life have proved. The OCF will provide you with a list of fundraising ideas to get you started. but really you are only limited by your imagination.

Q. Do I have to fundraise or can I simply choose to donate the required target?

Fundraising to reach the target is considered to be part of the "Challenge" but if you would prefer to personally pay all or part of the amount there is also an option to do this which includes a minimum $1500 donation to the Foundation included in the price. But please note that if you choose to pay all or part of the trip costs yourself, this payment is not tax deductible.

Q. What happens if I can't raise the sponsorship money?

Challenge costs are paid up front, so it is essential that at least 80% of all monies raised or obtained are paid to the Foundation at least 60 days prior to departure. If you do not fundraise the full amount, you are also welcome to make up the shortfall yourself. The Charity will make every effort to help you reach that target, however, if you do not raise this amount you will forfeit your eligibility to participate. Any additional sponsorship money must be paid within 4 weeks after you return from the Challenge. If for any reason you are unable to take up your place your any money collected in the name of the Charity must be forwarded to us by law. We will then contact your sponsors individually and return sponsorship money and pledges where requested. (Please refer to Terms & Conditions on the Registration Form).

Q. Are donations tax deductible?

This can depend on how you raised the money but generally the entire amount of the donation over $2 is tax deductible to the donor. For an amount to be a donation it is assumed at all times that the donor is not the same person as the participant, or an associate of either. The conditions for a donation are that the donation must be made voluntarily and does not provide benefits to the donor. If you are paying the entire trip cost and donation yourself, then only the $1500 donation to the charity, is tax deductible.

Q. What is included in the price?

Once you have registered and paid your deposit, you are entitled to a place on the challenge and included in your itinerary are:

• International Flights
• Domestic flights where applicable
• The services of an experienced Intrepid leader(s)
• All accommodation during the Challenge, on a twin share basis only
• All ground transport *Multi speed Mountain bikes on cycling trips (not applicable in certain locations )
• Services of a support vehicle on cycling trips
• Three meals a day during your activity (unless specifically stated otherwise)
• Plenty of safe drinking water and snacks (fruit and biscuits)
• All ground staff including English speaking guides, local drivers, and bike mechanic
• On exclusive challenges (one charity only) a representative from the charity

Q. What is not included?

• You will need to pay for your own transfers to and from the departure airport
• Departure taxes and any fuel surcharges (unless specifically stated otherwise)
• Visas where applicable
• Any Vaccinations required
• Gratuities for local support team
• Personal spending money
• Any additional activities or meals not included in your itinerary

Intrepid's website provides comprehensive information on your challenge event and host country. Please visit there to find detailed trip notes and other information covering all aspects of your event. Intrepid can also provide you with good advice as to the specific requirements for your Challenge at an information evening organized prior to departure. OCF will inform you of dates and locations.