A sneak peek into Trans Africa Coast to Coast our biggest cycling challenge yet
Are you looking to add something incredible to your Bucket List? Hot on the heels of our exceptionally popular Trans Andean Coast to...
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CHOOSE TO FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND EARN UP TO A £2500 REFUND ON YOUR ENTRY FEE. FIND OUT MORE.
AN INCREDIBLE COAST TO COAST CYCLE JOURNEY ACROSS THE ENTIRE CONTINENT OF SOUTH AMERICA FROM THE PACIFIC TO THE ATLANTIC.
Our 1000-mile, fully supported, bespoke coast to coast cycle route climbs from sea level and traverses the high passes of the dramatic Andes mountain range, lifting you nearly 4km skyward before descending all the way down the other side as you speed towards Buenos Aires on this 10-day, all-inclusive adventure.
£4500
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*price per month, depending on departure day click here for more info on pricing
19 - 31 JAN / 2025 FULL
5 - 17 FEB / 2025 FULL
18 - 30 JAN / 2026
3 - 15 FEB / 2027
EVENT DATES:
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DISTANCE:
1060 MILES (1700 KM) ON BIKE
SLEEP STYLE:
HOTEL, HOSTEL, REFUGE AND B&B
LOCATION:
CHILE/ARGENTINA, SOUTH AMERICA
DURATION:
13 DAYS /
12 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY RATING: CAN I DO THIS?
You should be a confident cyclist with experience of back to back days in the saddle.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:
ROUTE CROSSES THE ANDES MOUNTAIN RANGE, ASCENDING FROM SEA LEVEL TO 3832M METRES OVER 2 DAYS. 2 DAYS OF DOWNHILL INTO ARGENTINA, WITH STUNNING VIEWS OF ACONCAGUA, THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN THE AMERICAS, PLUS THE SOUTHERN AND WESTERN HEMISPHERES.
EXPERIENCE THE EXCITING ‘OVER THE TOP’ SECTION ON DIRT & GRAVEL ROAD THAT CROSSES THE INTERNATIONAL BORDER BETWEEN CHILE AND ARGENTINA.
TRAVERSE THE WINE-GROWING REGIONS OF CHILE (CENTRAL VALLEY) AND ARGENTINA (MENDOZA REGION) WITH AMAZING FOOD AND WINE – PARTICULARLY STEAK AND MALBEC, WHICH THE REGION IS FAMOUS FOR.
EXPERIENCE THE VASTNESS OF THE ARGENTINIAN PAMPAS AND PERHAPS MEET SOME OF ITS FAMOUS GAUCHOS
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
ACCOMMODATION
12 nights accommodation (hotel, hostel, refuge, B&B)
GUIDES AND SUPPORT
Professional road support vehicles, safety staff, medical, mechanical and welfare
ALL MEALS
All meals included as standard, at hotels *see itinerary for further details
TRANSFER POLICY
Flexible transfer policy up to 12 weeks before your departure date.
SAFETY
Professional local and UK safety staff, medics, drivers, route safety staff and Rat Race experts on hand throughout. Audited and accredited to BS8848 expedition safety standard.
TRANSFERS
Group airport transfers at specified time (see itinerary)
EXTRAS
High quality medal, rat rag and premium t-shirt for all participants.
January 2024
"Well that’s a wrap on the most epic 9 days of cycling! Coast to coast across South America. Standing in the Pacific and the Atlantic within 2 weeks was properly special. We averaged 120 miles per day, 2 weeks ago that would have been a huge day! I learned a lot about myself, my capabilities and felt inspired by helping others along the way. Chile and Argentina are amazing countries with fantastic people. To see the world by bicycle is the way to do it! Abbi and her team were simply amazing! The support was fantastic and I cannot recommend this event enough. I had the easy job… shut up and ride! I have been inspired by the incredible people I have met, in awe of the beautiful scenery and animals… and floored by the Andes. This will not be the last time South America… until the next time!"
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Our coast to coast cycle route starts in the UNESCO world heritage-listed Valparaiso and crosses the Andes mountain range, ascending from sea level to a lung-busting 3832m metres over 2 days. Participants can expect incredible mountain passes and a 2 day downhill into Argentina from Chile, with stunning views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas, plus the southern and western hemispheres. Experience the vastness of the Argentinian steppe and perhaps meet some of its famous gauchos as you traverse one of the continent's main wine growing regions. This coast to coast cycle route has been crafted to provide an extraordinary adventure for anyone who has ever dreamed of crossing a continent on their bike.
DAY FOUR: OVER THE TOP
Start Point: Rio Blanco
End Point: Los Penitenties
Distance: 72.7km
Ascent: 2502m
Descent: 1319m
Gravel / Road: 14% / 86%
Steepest Gradient: 11%
Don’t be fooled by the distance, as this is a really challenging day: But it will be worth all the effort. The night before, we’ll spend some time changing tyres as this is the day that heads off the tarmac to reach the statue of Christ the Redeemer of the Andes at 3832m: A symbol of peace between Chile and Argentina for over 100 years. It’s uphill today from the first pedal stroke, with a stunning section of classic mountain pass hairpins to negotiate before we reach the border. Once we’ve passed through the border control (which could take some time) we leave the main road and join the old gravel road up to the statue.
The road is maintained but still not suitable for slick road tyres, so a touring or gravel-treaded tyre is required for puncture protection and grip on this section. It’s a 10km descent from the statue back to the tarmac before an easy 20km downhill to the hotel with views of Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas. Whilst the gravel does add the extra step of the tyre change, it adds a totally unique flavour to this coast to coast cycle adventure and will be well worth the views from the summit of an incredibly high mountain pass.
DAY FIVE: A VERY, VERY, VERY LONG DOWNHILL
Start Point: Los Penitenties
End Point: Mendoza
Distance: 171.3 km
Ascent: 940m
Descent: 2761m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
Back on to the road tyres, Day 3 of the Transandean coast to coast cycle challenge is all about the reward…! The efforts of the previous days are met with 164km of total downhill, heading eventually for the lively city of Mendoza. This vibrant city is famed for great wine and great restaurants and is the hub of the main Argentinian Malbec-producing region.
Today's style of riding ensures an early finish, giving you time to explore the city and pick a restaurant and wine bar at your convenience. In previous events, #ratracers have loved finding their own great spots for wine and steak,, so tonight's meal is on you. Choose well and enjoy!
DAY SIX-TO-ELEVEN: ACROSS THE PAMPAS
Having left the mountains behind, we now cross the vast Argentine Pampas famed for its agriculture and notably for its beef cattle – great news for the steak lovers amongst you as the steaks in these parts are sensational – and huge. An ever-changing field-scape that accompanies the (generally) downhill journey may also bring you face to face with the gauchos of the region; and plenty of hearty food and drink to re-energise in the evenings and at our well-stocked pit stops as we fuel you across the continent. The challenge of the distance remains, with some big days in the saddle. But the ‘supportive’ nature of this coast to coast cycle route profile allows you to get those kilometres done as you make your way gradually eastwards, towards the bright lights of Buenos Aires.
DAY SIX
Start Point: Mendoza
End Point: Balde
Distance: 249.6km
Ascent: 640m
Descent: 967m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY SEVEN
Start Point: Balde
End Point: Achiras
Distance: 184.9km
Ascent: 1591m
Descent: 1224m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY EIGHT
Start Point: Achiras
End Point: La Carlota
Distance: 176.5km
Ascent: 459m
Descent: 1124m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY NINE
Start Point: La Carlota
End Point: Villa Canas
Distance: 182.1km
Ascent: 525m
Descent: 568m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY TEN
Start Point: Villa Canas
End Point: Chivilcoy
Distance: 215.9km
Ascent: 717m
Descent: 761m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY ELEVEN
Start Point: Chivilcoy
End Point: San Miguel del Monte
Distance: 167.4km
Ascent: 459m
Descent: 488m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
DAY TWELVE: JOURNEY’S END, BUENOS AIRES
Start Point: San Miguel del Monte
End Point: La Balandra
Distance: 129.6km
Ascent: 355m
Descent: 353m
Gravel / Road: 100% Road
This is the final day of the Transandean Coast to Coast. The culmination of ten days' worth of riding brings us to one of South America’s most cherished cities—the finish line on the coast is one hour South of Buenos Aires at La Balandra Beach.
A bustling, multi-cultural colossus of 15 million people. Our route keeps us to the south and west of the main hubbub of the city as we aim for the obligatory dip of a wheel in the Atlantic Ocean; and a welcome beer. That’s it! You’ve crossed a continent coast to coast using the power of your legs. Chapeau indeed. Time now for a slap-up BBQ once we finish and a toast with a chilled beer, a soft drink or perhaps a hearty glass of Malbec.
We will be finishing at the beach where we will have our celebration BBQ and drinks. Later on in the evening, you will be invited to the hotel bar to celebrate further.
DAY THIRTEEN: DEPARTURE
After our final breakfast together, we will whisk you and your kit/ bike from the hotel to Buenos Aires International Airport for onward journeys. Or choose to stay around this exciting city and see more of the sights. The group airport transfer will depart the hotel at 10 a.m.
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL
The meeting point for this epic coast to coast cycle adventure is Santiago International Airport arrivals outside La Pica cafe. From here, we transfer by road to the coastal town of Con Con, around 90 mins away. You should aim to be at the airport by midday allowing you to process through passport control and collect your luggage in time for our meet time at 1300. Alternatively, you may choose to arrive earlier, in which case you are welcome to meet us at the airport for our 1300 transfer, or you can head straight to the hotel in Con Con for check in at 1500.
DAY TWO: REGISTRATION, BRIEFINGS AND DOWNTIME
After the admin of registration, kit checks, bike building and checks, plus a few briefings, you will have the rest of the day to relax or explore the fascinating UNESCO World Heritage City of Valparaiso if you wish. This is approx 30km from the hotel for those who want to grab a taxi, or to go on a practice ride to shake out those legs and ensure the bike still has 2 wheels and a saddle. Then we will come together again in the evening and enjoy a dinner together prior to tomorrow’s adventure!
DAY THREE: TRANS ANDEAN BEGINS!
Start Point: Con Con (North of Valparaiso City)
End Point: Rio Blanco
Distance: 158.8km
Ascent: 1954m
Descent: 562m
Gravel / Road: 6% / 94%
*All distances in this itinerary are approximate pending hotel confirmation as you will cycle to the hotel each day.
We take a moment as the sun rises to look over the Pacific Ocean, here we will dip our back wheels into the water, this will be the last time we will look over the sea until we have cycled coast to coast across the continent and reached the Atlantic. The ride today winds its way through small hamlets and avocado farms before the ascent profile gets steeper in the later part of the day's ride. Here we cycle to Rio Blanco, the first of two mountain villages on our route.
ACCOMMODATION
As we cycle coast to coast, our accommodation is split between a selection of HOTELS, mountain HOSTELS and REFUGES and some simple roadside HOTELS in regional towns and villages.
We will always choose daily finish locations and accommodation that allows the group to finish by cycling rather than getting vehicle transfers.
Where we use hotels, refuges, mountain hostels and similar accommodation, all accommodation is always offered on a double or twin room basis; or sometimes there can be multiple people sharing a small dorm-style room with single beds. If you are taking part on your own, you will be paired with another participant/s of the same sex in a twin room or dorm in the refuges. If you have preferences for who you share with, you are able to specify that prior to departure.
All of our accommodation is of a good standard for South America– sometimes well-appointed hotels and sometimes of a more basic specification – depending on where we are along the route and reflecting the mountain or rustic nature of some of the stages. It will always be practical for the journey-at-hand and will provide a really good place to rest-up at day’s end. The accommodation has all been tried and tested by us on our previous trips.
MEALS
BREAKFAST
Brekky will vary with our location day-to-day. When we are starting early (which comes part and parcel of such an epic journey!) Breakfast will be very simple as per South American standards. But we will also have some hearty sit-down affairs. Sometimes there will be cooked breakfast options, and there will never be a shortage of good, hot coffee! We advise you to augment your breakfast, suggestions will be included in the kit list.
DINNER
We will typically eat at the accommodation in which we are staying. Rat Race will always provide a hearty set menu with plenty of choice; you will pay for your own drinks.
PIT STOPS
During the challenge you will have access to our famously well-stocked Pit Stops multiple times throughout the journey: A minimum of 3 times per day when you are on the route. On all stages, these will typically be set-up from our mobile support team at set spots on the route.
Pit stops will typically have a minimum of the following available:
Water – Ensure you leave with water bottles and bladders filled so you have enough to get you to the next Pit Stop.
Cereal Bars – oat-type bars for maximum energy.
Salty snacks – such as chips and peanuts.
Savoury treats – We will feature some fresh local foods and other goodies at selected pit stops, around lunchtime.
A fruit option – such as oranges, bananas, melon and watermelon.
Sweets – including local speciality sweet treats.
Our Pit Stops are there to help supplement any personal sports nutrition plan you may have – if you use gels and other such products – you should plan to bring these with you. If you have any special dietary requirements, then please also plan for this and pack your kit accordingly. Rat Race aim to offer Pit Stop snacks that are tasty and functional, catering to as broad a mix of needs and diets as possible. We have options available that are suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets and availability of this will depend on demand. If peanuts are served these will be in individual portioned bags to reduce the chance of contamination but Rat Race cannot guarantee that the food does not contain contamination from allergens such as nuts or gluten in its preparation or serving
At Rat Race we are determined to get you on the start line even when life throws up its own obstacles! If you find yourself unable to join us on the start line of this event, you are able to transfer your entry into an event credit voucher once for use on a new entry into an event of your choice, whether that be the same event a year later or a completely new adventure! Transfers must be requested within the qualifying transfer window to be accepted and processed. For Trans Andean this is 1 calendar month before the date of the scheduled on the day Event Registration.Credit vouchers are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. Credit voucher are exempt from the transfer process. To find out more information and how to submit a request, view of full transfer policy HERE.
We are mindful that people will inevitably have varying distances to travel to get to South America. Our plan is to meet at Santiago International Airport at 1300 local time. This will allow folk time to fly in earlier that day, or you may choose to arrive the day before and stay locally, allowing you plenty of time in the morning to make the RV later on that day back at the airport.
This adventure is a big challenge, and the distances and training required should not be underestimated. However, in true Rat Race style, we have designed this challenge so that you can travel at your own pace. See below for our notes on route-finding and guidance. There will also be some cut-offs, but these will be generous, and we will always look to help you to achieve your goals in finishing this challenge vs having to pull out. Of course, we will give you early starts every day to allow the very best possible window for route completion, particularly on the longer days (and the hilly ones!). But, if you need us and if you need to abandon the route for whatever reason, we are there for you and can pick you up with our support vehicles. The absolute key is that you enjoy this amazing journey across South America; at your own pace and within your own limits.
We want you to concentrate on the views and the hard work of putting one wheel in front of the other. So we don’t want you to be staring at maps or navigational aids any more than you have to. There is no formal waymarking (i.e. signs) used on the Transandean Coast to Coast cycle event, and for a large part in the mountains and out in the Pampas, there are not really many junctions either! The road will be well-defined and is paved throughout, except that exciting part right at the roof of the Andes. Instead of waymarking, we will be providing and then be asking you to download a route file that you will be able to download onto your smartphone or GPS device. You will follow this ‘line’ when on the bikes and can use this as a backup at all times. You may use your own device or rent one from us. The route will show the stage start and finish locations, of course, so you know exactly how far you are from support along the course.
We will then augment this with some marshalled junctions or key turning points on some of the stages, to ensure there is no doubt on route choice in any locations that we think it could be tricky.
At all times, the GPS device can be used to back yourself up on route-finding as and where required, as it will have the full route loaded onto it. If you choose to rent a GPS device from us, we will provide high-tech Garmin Edge navaids, designed specifically for cycling and mounted to the handlebars with a special cradle, for optimum visibility when you are on the move.
Don’t worry – you won’t get lost. But if you do – support is never far away.
We will use a mixture of safety staff in vehicles and we will also concentrate support services at our pit stops. If it does get too much, if you get injured, get too cold, need sustenance, motivational support or otherwise, we will be able to assist and out team will never be far away out on the route. You are in good hands.
It is always good practice to be self-contained when out on long rides, so when you leave pit stops, we will expect you to leave with some snacks on board, a full water bottle and tools and spares on board just in case….just like any other regular ride.
You will be transferred from Santiago airport to Con Con, which is a stunning seaside town with bags of cultural heritage and is the hub from which our adventure unfolds. It’s a 90 minute drive from Santiago airport. All transfers throughout the challenge are fully inclusive within the format and we will transport you, your gear and your bike if you bring one with you. At the end of the challenge, we will return you and your gear + bike to Buenos Aires International airport, aiming to arrive back at the airport at around midday on this final day, after a hearty breakfast. You should therefore look to book onward travel in the afternoon of this day and not in the morning, if you can do so. Alternatively stay around and see more of the city.
Click ‘Buy your event voucher now’ and go through the sign-up process, you’ll then be issued with an event voucher which will automatically reserve you a place in the event you have chosen.
The short answer is no. The price for this event is for everything outlined on the website and it is very difficult for us to split this out. Our accommodation is based on group rates and is on a shared basis. All of our event logistics, support and organisation has been designed to have all the participants in the same locations to allow transfers, briefings etc to run smoothly and to let you bond with your fellow #ratracers! You are welcome to arrange your own accommodation if you wish but this will not result in a reduction in the event fee from us, you will also then be responsible for ensuring you are at our meeting points at the arranged time and we will not be able to transport you to and from your own accommodation, you will need to be able to do this independently.
January is mid summer in the Southern Hemisphere so temperatures can range from 12 degrees Celsius to 40 degrees Celsius, it can be hot hot hot! However, at 3800m over the Andes it is very likely to be much colder. So in addition to the usual bib shorts and jerseys you need to throw in some cold weather gear too – arm, knee, leg, toe warmers, a gilet, maybe a full jacket and certainly a wind and rain jacket. A full kit list will be provided below.
Rat Race require you to be over 18 on the day of Registration for this adventure. If you wish to participate as a family group or with a responsible adult and you are 16+, we will consider applications on an individual basis. Please contact us if this is the case.
Yes. You need a decent travel policy covering you for general travel to Chile & Argentina and which covers participation in outdoor sports. You will also need what is called an Evacuation Insurance Policy, which is for if we need to send you for urgent medical attention via a helicopter or similar. We also recommend you have this in place as soon as you enter this event and that if you book flights we highly recommend booking a flexible option for any last minute changes you might need to make or to ensure you have maximum flexibility if you cannot attend for any reason.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our events, so please make sure your insurance policy covers the activities you will be participating in. There are a number of specialist providers available including Mann Broadbent.
This is of course a big challenge set over multiple big days in the saddle. BUT the Rat Race ethos is to set extraordinary challenges for ordinary people. You do not need super-technical riding skills or to be a seasoned Tour de France rider. You do need a good base fitness and you should be prepared for a series of long back-to-back days on the road (10 hour per day for 10 days). But this route is definitely designed to be ‘doable', You absolutely have it in you.
We will ensure we support you the very best way we possibly can. This one is all tortoise and no hare. Unless you really are off the pace, we will not cut you off. Even if you are off pace and you feel you need a bit of a shunt along the route on some of the days, we can pick you up in a vehicle, ‘boost’ you further up the course a bit and you can re-join the trip further up the gang. It’s up to you how you tackle it and we want you to feel relaxed and comfortable, versus under major pressure just to ‘get the job done.’
There are some hills (!) and the first 2 days from sea level up to the roof of South America is going to be tough – there is no doubt about that. You will feel the effects of altitude and it will be a hard innings. But, once you have crested the Andes, it is literally all downhill from there. Read more about the route, the profile and the terrain above.
Yes. This is a fully inclusive itinerary from start to finish, with all accommodation and all meals, except the meal in Mendoza where you will relish the chance to explore this incredible city at your leisure and chose your own spot for dinner!
No problem. Where we use hotels, rooms are offered on a twin / shared basis. If you wish to share with a fellow participant, you will be asked to add this information to your event participation form which we will issue you with approximately 3 months ahead of the event.
Getting to the start line is important and we are there to help you as best we can. However, if you feel on reflection that it is just not your time yet, we do have a transfer system that you can use to transfer out, receive Rat Race credit and come back again next year or do something else. Credit is typically valid for 12 months and there is a fee to be paid for transferring out in this way. We want to be really clear that this option is there for you if you need it, but it does have a deadline. View our full terms and conditions here.
Race entry includes a brilliant finishers medal and bespoke event Rat Race tech tee. We will request your t-shirt size in the event details form 3 months ahead of the event and this will be the size you will be given at Registration.
See the 'Kit List' section for full details.
If you need to bail while on the bikes, we will collect you via the Sweeper vehicles and move you forwards on the course (subject to medical advice if it is a medical issue that has forced you to pull out). We are unable to transport you backwards (i.e. we cannot take you back to the start of that stage). You can choose to re-start further up the course if you still want to do some riding that day, or we can take you to the end of the stage.
Once you’ve signed up, you will receive a confirmation email. After that, you will be kept in the loop closer to the event when we will send out our Essential Event Information approximately three months ahead of the event, detailing the full itinerary, what you need to bring and other important information relating to the specific event you have signed up for. We will also host webinars which you will be invited to (again, closer to the event), where you will have the opportunity to ask questions and go through your kit. There will be a final email one month ahead of the event, just to check you’ve completed all the important forms and are ready for the event ahead.
If you have chosen to pay in instalments, we will also get in touch with you if any of your payments have been missed.
This is definitely a road biking event. Except for a portion of day 2, where the road is unsurfaced, all the roads are of good quality throughout the trip. In order to best cope with the unpaved road on day 2, you will need to bring a set of folding treaded tyres to switch on the evening of day 1 and then you can go back to standard road slicks at the end of day 2. These tyres will also be your spare tyres for the whole trip.
We are able to transport your bike bag/box to the finish hotel in Buenos Aires. This will be at an additional cost of $100 per person. This bike bag/box will be collected from Con Con and taken to Buenos Aires, you will not have access to the bag for the duration of the ride.
This kit list is from our 2023 event - you will be notified of any changes to this list ahead of the event you have signed up for. Subject to small changes depending on weather conditions.
MANDATORY KIT LIST
Luggage: Duffel bag (NO wheels) - maximum weight 23kg.
Additional bag cost - $50 (max 23kg - see extras)
General
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Gaffa tape
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Ear plugs
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Watch
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Snacks/treats – enough to augment the pit stops for 10 days
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Sunglasses – Cat 3 or better
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Power pack
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Water carrying capacity of 2 litres minimum
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Duffel for all luggage
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Sleeping bag liner
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Personal First aid kit (See more details below)
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Vitamins
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Sun cream
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Lip Balm with SPF
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Small amount of Milton – for disinfecting water bottles
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Washbag
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Travel towel
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Shower gel
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Alcohol gel x2
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Wet wipes
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Talcum powder
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Nail brush
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Casual clothes for the evenings and travelling
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Fleece
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Down or synthetic Jacket
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Beanie
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Thick gloves
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Thermal top and leggings
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Waterproof Jacket
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Waterproof Trousers
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Underwear
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Socks
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Trainers or boots for the evenings
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Flipflops or sandals – to air your feet
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Sunhat
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Oat sachets or something of your choosing to augment breakfast options provided
Cycling phase
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Bike
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Bike box
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Cycling helmet
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GPS device with handle bar mount
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Cycling gloves x 2 (long and short)
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Cycling bibs/shorts (1 x long or have leg warmers, plus cycling shorts)
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Cycling jerseys
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Cycling Gilet
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Cycling Jacket
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Neck buff
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Spare batteries for lights
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High visibility vest or clothing item for tunnels etc
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Chamois cream
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Hydration bladder with backpack (optional)
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Bike shoes
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Socks x 1 per day
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Bar end Lights
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Head torch and spare batteries
Bike spares - MANDATORY (our minimum spec for mandatory spare bike kit )
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4 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre (carry 2 with you at all times when riding)
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Change of tyres – for the off-road section on day 2
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Tyre levers
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1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a slime spare and repair kit)
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Peddle spanner
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Bike multitool
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Chain link remover
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Chain links x 2 – ensure they are for your specific bike chain
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Small pump
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1 x gear cable
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1 x brake cable
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Cable ties
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Rear Hanger suitable for your own bike
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Small bottle of oil
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An old rag and toothbrush for bike cleaning
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Bike lock
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Spare torch
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Front light
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Rear light
Personal Med kit - MANDATORY (Our minimum spec for mandatory medical kit (to be always carried)
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1 x crepe roll bandage
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Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
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Small set of scissors
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Pain Killers (paracetamol)
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Steri-Strips
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Antiseptic (spray or cream)
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Assorted plasters
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Rubber gloves
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Prescribed medication
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Zinc oxide tape
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Compeed – various sizes
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Lube stick (silicone-based)
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Sudacrem
GPS AND DEVICE RENTAL
Garmin Edge GPS device, plus handlebar cradle – with pre-loaded route, allowing you to push a button and follow the route all the way though the event, without any uploading of GPX files required to your own device. You can purchase this HERE.
BIKE BOX TRANSPORT
We are able to transport your bike bag/box to the finish hotel in Buenos Aires. This will be at an additional cost of $100 per person. This bike bag/box will be collected from Con Con and taken to Buenos Aires, you will not have access to the bag for the duration of the ride. You can purchase this HERE.
ADDITIONAL LUGGAGE
We will transport one duffel bag (no wheels or hard suitcases please!) of up to 23kg for you. If you require an additional bag then we can transport a second bag (up to 23kg) for $50. You can purchase this HERE.
Pricing
PAY IN INSTALMENTS
SIGN UP TODAY
/ MONTH
INTEREST FREE!
PAY IN FULL
£4500
/ TOTAL PAYMENT
All prices are in GBP A booking fee of 2.99% will be added to all payments.
PAY MONTHLY INTEREST FREE!
ENTER NOW AND SPREAD THE COST INTEREST FREE WITH OUR INSTALMENT PLAN
We’ve put together a fantastic new instalment plan that allows you to choose how many months you want to spread the cost of this brilliant adventure over. You can pay it off all in one go or spread it over as many months as you like, totally interest free*. The payments will be split equally allowing you to budget and plan for this stunning journey. All payments to be made before September, the same year as the event.
*When you sign up to the instalment plan Rat Race will then set up a reoccurring payment and your card will be debited on the same date each month. If there is an error with your payment you will receive reminders from Stripe, our payment provider, and also the Rat Race customer service team. After 3 attempts to contact you if the outstanding balance remains unpaid we will assume you wish to cancel your entry and will withdraw you from the event and you will not be eligible to enter our transfer process and no monies will be refunded.
Please see here for full terms and conditions and our cancellation policy.
PROTECT YOUR NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKING WITH REFUND PROTECT
Add Refund Protect to your booking during purchase and receive a full refund of your entry fee if you are unable to attend the event due to a qualifying unforeseen circumstance. PLEASE NOTE this protection is with our 3rd party partner Refund Protect and NOT Rat Race. In the event you make a refund application this is administered by the Refund Protect customer service team, Rat Race are not privy to the application and cannot intervene on your behalf to influence the outcome determined by their team.
To check the full list of qualifying unforeseen circumstances that are protected please click here to view Refund Protect terms and conditions.
To add Refund Protect (administered by a 3rd party) to your Rat Race booking simply select this option when presented during the entry process. Refund Protect cannot be added retrospectively. Rat Race will then send you name and booking details to Refund Protect in order to protect your transaction with them. If you opt to pay in instalments and transfer your entry before the entry cost is full paid you will be liable to ensure the cost of Refund Protect has been fully covered. This total amount will be deducted from any Rat Race credit due through the transfer process or you will be invoiced by Rat Race for the outstanding amount as Rat Race have paid this on your behalf to Refund Protect at point of entry.
Reviews
"It’s been a fabulous journey, incredible views, amazing wildlife, I’ve loved the sky, I’ve loved the tree lined avenues, I’ve loved the horses galloping next to us."
Louise Minchin
January 2022
It’s hard to sum up the 1,200-kilometre journey on my bike from the border between Chile and Argentina at 3,800 metres high in the Andes to Buenos Aires but these photos capture many of my emotions, excitement, elation, exhaustion and most importantly friendship. It’s been an amazing adventure and I think when I get back to the UK having done all those miles on my bike…I’m going to do some more! I’m going to put my bike away now and have a beer!
Mimi Anderson
January 2022
"Anyone that’s doing this next year is in for a real treat. It’s not easy…but it is fantastic."
The last couple of weeks have been an extraordinary testing adventure, on occasions taking me out of my comfort zone, but I was privileged to share the journey with some incredible likeminded fellow cyclists (they are definitely cyclists not a bicyclist like me!) who encouraged me, taught me some new skills, giving me the courage to push just that little bit further than I thought I was able to. We laughed, cried, chatted, ate huge amounts, tested out the red wine (rude not to!) and had a lot of fun. We’ve done it! What an extraordinary marvellous adventure we have had cycling across Argentina. Absolutely loved sharing my journey with a wonderful special group of people - thank you.
DIVE A LITTLE DEEPER AND READ ONE OF OUR TRIP REPORTS DETAILING FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE FROM OUR TEST PILOT
TRIP REPORT // 03.08.2022
TRANS ANDEAN COAST TO COAST: TEST PILOT '22
Gary Peart
January 2023
This is an incredibly tough cycling challenge
I would give the trip a 10. It brought together some incredible cyclists, cycling over the Andes was spectacular. To cross South America in 9 days is an astonishing achievement. Rat race crew and volunteers were amazing, cannot thank everyone enough, extreme conditions for you as well as us.
The TransAndean Test Pilot ran in January of 2022 with 8 adventurous cyclists ready to take on the challenge. All test pilots wanting to be the first Rat Race group to try and cross the South American continent by bicycle. Travelling over 1,800km up and over the Andes from the coast of Chile to the coast of Argentina from the Pacific to ...
Charity
RAISE AT LEAST £5000 (EXCLUDING GIFT AID) FOR CHILDREN WITH CANCER UK AND GET £2500 OF YOUR ENTRY FEE REFUNDED!
Our longstanding partnership with Children with Cancer UK gives #ratracers the opportunity to raise much needed funds for this great cause in exchange for a refund of their entry fee. So far our #ratracers have raised over £2million for Children with Cancer UK and we would love for you to join the team to help us chase down that £3million target!
The funds you raise will be invested into vital specialist research to improve survival rates in children and young people and help more of them ring the end of treatment bell.
All you need to do is set up a Just Giving page here and start your fundraising! You will have until 1 month after the event date to hit your target and then send us the link to your page which will allow us to process your refund. Refunds will be made 2 – 3 months after the event completion date.
Refunds are not mandatory you are welcome to opt-out of receiving a refund. Should participants opt-out their refund will instead be used by Children with Cancer UK to help fund their research.
If you choose to support Children with Cancer UK and raise £5000, you will also receive:
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A Children with Cancer UK fundraising and training pack
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Regular Children with Cancer UK updates
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A dedicated point of contact at the charity
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A technical Children with Cancer UK t-shirt to wear with pride
For more information on Children with Cancer UK please visit www.childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Alternatively please contact the Sports Team on 020 7430 7788 or email sports@childrenwithcancer.org.uk.
Children with Cancer UK is a registered national charity (no. 298405)
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