We’ve again partnered with Red Fox Cycling, to offer guided bike rides from different cities to Shambala. Cycle from Bristol, London or Birmingham to the festival!
Exact start locations and stop off points below may be subject to change.
HOW IT WORKS
The first thing to note is that although, regardless of ticket type, anyone can join the rides by buying a Red Fox guided ride ticket, but if you buy a Cyclist adult entry ticket with a £30 discount you must also buy a guided cycle ride.
If you book a discounted Cyclist Adult festival ticket at any tier, but don’t arrive at the festival on a Red Fox guided ride – your ticket is not valid for entry.
All routes have been tried and tested – they are scenic, safe and frequently off road. Riders will be accompanied by a support van which will carry everything that you don’t want to!
Although all tickets are to be bought on the Shambala ticket page please note that these tours are provided by an independent third party Red Fox. Please see their website for more information and full terms & conditions, and direct any questions to richard@redfoxcycling.co.uk.
More info on all Red Fox’s packages can be found here.
OVERNIGHT STOPS
The folks at Red Fox Cycling have handpicked campsites for our riders to lay their weary heads, en route (with the exception of Birmingham, which has no overnight stops). The cost of your tent pitch is included in your package. You can either bring your own tent along in the support van, put it up and take it down yourself, or for an extra fee, Red Fox team can sort you a ‘comfy upgrade’ where they will pre-pitch one of their tents for you with an air-mat and travel pillow.
ARRIVAL ON SITE
All rides are set to arrive at Shambala on Thursday, early evening. You’ll get a free programme when you arrive and secure bike storage.
THE LONDON RIDE
I cycled for the first time two years ago, and what a brilliant decision I made. A wonderful way to leave London behind, free the mind, get the body moving, and meet some absolutely beautiful people. Such camaraderie and kindred spirit got us through those 100kms and I arrived at the festival feeling like I was part of a fabulous tribe. This is the only way to reach Shambala!
Naomi C
In 2023, 80 cyclists took on the 100 mile journey from London.. Leaving London via the Grand Union Canal, this route takes you through the quiet country lanes of the Chiltern Hills and rural Northamptonshire.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
GETTING HOME
Don’t worry, nobody expects you to cycle back from the festival too! You’ve already proved that you are absolute warriors, so for gods sake put your feet up! If you’ve got pals at the festival with room in their vehicle for your bike, feel free to jump in with them, but Red Fox will also be offering a return journey in a coach, back to Highbury & Islington – your trusty bikes will be transferred back in the support van at the same time.
MEALS
The Red Fox team have your breakfast and lunch covered – you’ll either be booked in for pub lunches/meals on the way, or the team will rustle you up some tasty grub from the support van – complete with tables and chairs for an alfresco meal. They’ll also sort out snack breaks along the way. Dinner is up to you, but the Red Fox team will make a booking for our group in the local pubs and restaurants.
HOW HARD IS IT?!
If you’ve still got your stabilisers on, this probably ain’t for you – however, it’s hardly the Tour De France, either. You are looking at covering about 45 miles a day (with snack stops and rest breaks, naturally) so please take this into account when deciding if this is for you – if you’ve never cycled very far before, have a good old think about whether you’d manage – and perhaps do a bit of training.
CAN I BRING MY KIDS?
The rides cover a fair old distance, so this is adults only really, though an exception could be made if you’d like to bring a particularly cycling-mad teen with you (aged 16+) who has previously covered distances like this happily. Drop us an email on richard@redfoxcycling.co.uk if you think your teen fits the bill and you’re keen to get them booked on with you.
For more details of the London – Shambala ride, head to Red Fox Cycling Tour’s itinerary of the ride.
THE ROUTE
