YOUR RIDE GUIDEWELCOME TO THE PALACE TO PALACE TEAM
Thank you so much for signing up and being part of #TeamKingsTrust by taking on our flagship active event, Palace to Palace.
Welcome to your digital ride guide. Please do read through all the information here to get a good understanding of what to expect on the day, key timings, safety info and equipment.
GETTING TO AND FROM PALACE TO PALACE
By train
The closest mainline stations to the start line are Charing Cross, Waterloo and Victoria. For all train times please visit nationalrail.co.uk. Each route provider has different rules about bikes onboard, so it’s worth checking before you set off. It is likely you will need a reservation for your bike.
Headline sponsor Sky are kindly donating the use of their Sky Zero electric buses on event day (afternoon only). They will be offering free shuttle runs between Windsor and Eton Riverside train station and the finish festival at Windsor Racecourse. They can be used by friends and family coming to support you. Please note the buses do not allow bikes. The Sky shuttle buses will be running from midday until 6pm. Please look out for signage at the finish festival or ask a marshal
By underground
There are restrictions with taking bikes on the London Underground. See the bicycles on the London Underground map for details on which tube lines bicycles are permitted on. Please plan your journey ahead by visiting tfl.gov.uk.
By car
Please note that if you are being dropped off at the start you will not be able to access Horse Guard Road. Instead we recommend using Waterloo Place, Carlton House Terrace or Carlton Gardens.
There will be car parking facilities at Royal Windsor Racecourse so that your friends and family will be able to park close by and cheer you across the finish line. The parking facilities will be open on Saturday 4 October from 13:00 - 18:00 and on Sunday 5 October from 05:15. Cars are left at owner's risk.
Parking is free, but we do ask that you make a donation of £5 to The King’s Trust with one of our trusty volunteers on your way into the festival finish.
By coach
To help with the planning of your day, we are offering a coach service for riders to the start line from Windsor Racecourse. Coach tickets are priced at £20 each and can be bought through your participant dashboard. You can log back into your dashboard by visiting the event homepage and selecting log in.
Bikes will be transported in a lorry behind the coach and will be stacked in a way to prevent damage and will not be bubble wrapped. Please be aware that coach places are for riders only and bikes are transported at owners risk. Coach tickets will not be sent out. Your name will be checked on the list as you board the coach.
If you are taking part in the 90 Ultra mile ride, we recommend taking the earliest coaches at 5:45 to allow plenty of time to get to the start line. If you are signed up for the 45-mile Classic you can sign onto any of the coaches from 6am onwards.
On the day, please meet at the Coach Point at Royal Windsor Racecourse 20 mins before your departure time to allow time for bikes to be packed into the lorry.
ABOUT THE START
It’s time to ride!
Here are the key things you need to know. We recommend you prepare as much as possible the night before the event to allow a stress free morning and travel to the start line.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your allocated start time.
- Please allow an additional 30 minutes if you are collecting a bike from Bike Hire UK, as queues are likely.
- There’s no registration process on the day, so head straight to the start funnel on The Mall
- Make sure you attach your rider number to the back of your top (don’t forget your safety pins)
- Attach your bike number to your handlebars with the cable ties provided, ensuring the timing chip is forward facing.
- If you need to collect a replacement rider number and bike number on the day, please go to the information point.
- Emergency numbers for the day will be printed on your rider number.
- Toilets are available in St James’s Park and our marshals will be able to direct you.
- Please bring a full water bottle to the start of the event. You will be able to refill this at the first waterstop (approx. 10 miles in).
Emergency contact details
Please write your emergency contact details on the reverse of your rider number before arriving.
If this is not completed before arrival it could delay your start time. It is mandatory to complete these details.
Event timings
06:45 First Ultra cyclists set off from The Mall
If you are an ultra cyclist, you must start in either the 06.45 or 07.00 wave. If you arrive later than this, you will be moved onto the classic route.
07:15 First Classic cyclists set off from The Mall
08:30 Festival Finish begins
09:00 First cyclists complete the route and cross the finish line at Windsor
09:00 Last cyclists set off from The Mall
No cyclists will be permitted to start after 09:00 due to restrictions on how long we can use The Mall. If you arrive late you will not be able to participate.
09.20 Ultra riders must pass through second checkpoint (approx.20 miles)
12.45 Ultra riders must pass through third checkpoint (approx.54 miles)
14.45 Ultra riders must pass through fourth checkpoint (approx.74 miles)
17:00 Festival Finish closes
Chip timing
Palace to Palace is not a race, however all cyclists will have a timing chip in their bike number and everyone will be given a finish time. This allows us to track your progress and ensure everyone is accounted for and safe. Your timing chip is within your bike number, please arrive at the start with this attached to your handle bars using the cable ties provided and with the number facing forward.
Route signage
The Palace to Palace route is fully signed and marshalled. You’ll be briefed on the start line, but just follow the signs.
BE PREPARED
The essential items
Palace to Palace isn’t a race, but it is a challenge.
After all you don’t cycle 45 or 90 miles every day so we’re sure you’ll reach the end feeling a little tired but incredibly proud of yourself.
Remember, don’t forget to bring these essential items with you on the day:
- Roadworthy bike
- Cycle helmet – compulsory –must be worn at all times
- Rider number (attached to the back of your shirt) and bike number (fitted to your handlebars). Your timing chip is in your bike number.
- Official Palace to Palace t-shirt or golden cycling jersey
- Full water bottle or Camelback.
Packs containing your rider number, bike number and Palace to Palace top will be posted to the address you registered with. If you do not receive your pack by Monday 29 September, please email palace@kingstrust.org.uk.
We also recommend bringing the following items:
- Snacks such as flapjack, energy bars or gels
- Money – cash and card
- Charged mobile phone
- Spare inner tube, small bike pump, and basic puncture repair kit
- Padded cycling shorts
- Cycling mitts/gloves
- Lightweight waterproof jacket (just in case)
- Sunscreen (just in case)
- Tyre levers
- Cycle bell
- Small first aid kit
- Bike lock
- Any medication you need
Ride support
An emergency number will be on your rider number for you to call on the day if you experience any difficulty.
Our Santander Bike mechanics will be at the start and at the water stops along the course to make basic repairs, but do remember to bring a spare inner tube and a puncture repair kit. If your bike does break down, the Santander Bike mechanic team will pick you up and take you to the nearest stop (there may be a charge for spares). This can take a while, so please be patient. Try to repair punctures yourself or ask a fellow cyclist as this will be quicker. If you require help please identify yourself to the nearest marshal or call the emergency route number on your rider number.
In the event of a medical emergency, please call 999 first and then notify us once the emergency services are on their way. Please stay with any casualties until the emergency services arrive.
THE ROUTE
Here are the route maps for the Classic 45-mile route and the Ultra 90-mile route. The route will be fully signed on the day.
Please note that the routes are subject to last minute change.
BE SAFE
Look after yourself:
- You must wear your official rider number on the day and it must be visible at all times.
- Always wear a cycle helmet that fits and is securely fastened.
- Wear conspicuous clothing that is appropriate for cycling, i.e. nothing which may get caught on your chain or wheels.
- BE SEEN - most accidents happen at junctions; wear high visibility belts, fit lights and use them in poor visibility.
- The ride will be on open roads so please ensure you are comfortable riding alongside other road users.
- All riders must be aged 16+ on the date of the ride and anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Any rider with a medical condition, or who is unsure of their physical ability to take part are advised to seek medical advice from a general practitioner prior to the event
- Keep your bike roadworthy; check your brakes work, your chain is oiled, and your tyres are in good condition and pumped up
- Whatever the weather conditions, your body needs fluids whilst cycling. Loss of fluid, especially from sweating will reduce your blood volume and mean that your heart will have to work harder. Therefore, replacing this fluid loss is essential to you completing the course. Stay hydrated by arriving with a full bottle/Camelback and topping up at the water stops on route
- Cycling will increase your energy needs, so aim to eat little and often. Bring snacks with you so you have something to keep your energy levels up along the route
- Alcohol and cycling are not a good mix and we strongly recommend you do not indulge along the route
- Please don’t use headphones, you need to be able to listen to what is going on around you
- You must adhere to The Highway Code at all times (gov.uk/highway-code)
Look after other road users:
- Remember it’s not a race. Be a good advert for cycling and show consideration to others, whether cyclists, pedestrians, horse riders or motorist and acknowledge those who give way to you
- Ride in single file on narrow or busy roads. Never ride more than two abreast on open roads
- Don’t cycle on pavements except where designated. Pavements are for pedestrians
- You must obey all traffic light signals and road signs; keep to your side of any dividing line on roads or cycle paths
- Do not attempt any dangerous passing of other cyclists
- Only overtake if it is safe to do so and use your bell to let people know you are coming
- Be careful at junctions, bends and entrances
- Keep your distance from other cyclists at all times, as some may be inexperienced. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary
- Take care at all times. Don’t expect to cycle at high speeds. Please signal any intention to turn left or right and don’t stop suddenly, there may be cars or other cyclists directly behind you
- Keep both hands on the handlebars (unless signalling) and both feet on the pedals
- Never hold on to a moving vehicle or trailer
- Please do not ask friends or family to drive along the course
The course has been carefully chosen by Massive, our event delivery partner, to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience. However, you are advised to adhere to our road safety guidelines and obtain personal accident insurance. You also need adequate cover for your bike and personal property to cover you for loss or damage, and loss or injury you may cause to a third party. By signing up to Palace to Palace you have agreed to our terms and conditions, which were available to view when you signed up. If you would like to see our terms and conditions, please email palace@kingstrust.org.uk
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL FINISH
Well done - you’ve done it!
You’ll be cheered across the finish line at the Royal Windsor Racecourse and receive your well deserved medal. Our festival finish is the perfect location to celebrate with friends and family who have come to congratulate you. Please drop off your bike at our secure bike park as you enter the finish festival site. Please keep hold of your rider number (on your top) as this is used when collecting your bike. If you are taking part in a large team and have access to our partner village or own company marquee, please head to the large marquees on your left as you enter from the bike park.
What else is at the festival finish?
The Palace-to-Palace festival finish is buzzing with activity and we welcome your family and friends to come along and cheer you across the finish line.
There’s fun for the whole family with facepainting, a bouncy castle, live entertainment and lots more to get involved with. As a rider, enjoy a complimentary massage, provided by Elemis London, visit the bar for a well deserved ice cold drink and visit one of the different food stands available.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
MEET OUR SPONSORS
Thank you to our headline sponsor Sky for supporting this year's event.
Sky and The King’s Trust launched a new three year partnership this year, working together to build a society where every young person has the connectivity, skills and opportunities needed to fulfil their potential. Together we’re aiming to empower and inspire over 3,000 underprivileged young people into life changing careers and unlock possibilities so they can create a better future. As part of this, Sky is proud to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Palace to Palace.
We’re really excited to have over 300 of our people and customers taking part in the event to help us raise as much money and awareness for The King’s Trust as possible. We’ve also been busy behind the scenes, helping make this year’s Palace to Palace more sustainable, with additions such as fully electric Sky buses to help people get to and from the event.
To learn more about our partnership, take a look at our first Get Started in News and Sport cohort here. This programme is helping young people gain access and experience in these popular, but competitive industries. It’s a brilliant opportunity for young people to gain insights from experts and see behind the scenes at Sky, develop their soft skills and have access to either work experience or a mentor at Sky.
Santander
Santander is proud to partner with The King’s Trust to help young people build skills, grow in confidence, and unlock their potential. With shared values and a commitment to social mobility, this collaboration extends our outreach and impact.
As sponsor of the official bike mechanics for the Palace to Palace bike ride, we’re also celebrating our long-standing ten-year partnership with Transport for London through Santander Cycles – London’s public bike hire scheme. This initiative not only supports fundraising for The King’s Trust but also promotes cycling, sustainability, and colleague wellbeing.
Download the Santander Cycles app from the app store or google play or visit https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles
The Watches of Switzerland Group
At the Watches of Switzerland Group, we are proud to be the leading Global Education Partner for The King’s Trust. Over the last ten years, we have supported the Trust through our Group Foundation, making an impact on over 10,000 young lives.
We are delighted to be sponsoring Palace to Palace again this year with colleagues throughout the group coming together to take part and fundraise. Supporting those in need in our communities is one of our core values, and this event allows us to continue to support young people across the UK.
Thank you to Elemis who are providing our participants massages at this year’s Festival Finish.
