Taking Part FAQs

Who takes part in these challenges?

There is no such thing as an average participant! We have a huge variety of people on all of our trips. The ages have ranged over the years from 16 to 75 and everything in between. Predominately the trekking tends to attract more women and the cycling more men. The mountain biking tends to attract a younger group than the on road biking. Our triathlons and road races are often more frequented by men than women but basically it is all shapes and sizes!

What’s normally included on the challenge?

The specifics will vary with each challenge but generally - accommodation each night in shared accommodation, all food from the time you arrive at your destination until you depart as well as snacks and refreshment breaks, guides, support vehicle, medic (not on ski trips), Tall Stories on the ground organisors.

If you are going further a field your flight may be included, if there is one, as well as transfers from the airport.

What won’t be included on the challenge?

Your personal insurance covering all your personal effects including your bike if on a bike event, drinks with your meals, personal expenses for gifts and gratuities and any expenses incurred due to extending the trip.

How do you deal with different fitness levels?

On our small group guided events we always work with a ratio of 10 participants to 1 guide so we can offer various different paces to suit most standards. You are more than likely to be able to find a pace to suit you. We believe more people achieve the objectives of the trip on our guided events as they have the support of the guides to pull them along. Most of our events have a support vehicle so if it really gets too tough for you, we may be able to give you a ride in the van.

On our larger group events there is also always a Tall Stories person at the very back of the group “sweeping” to make sure you don’t get left behind.

How fit do I need to be?

This depends on the event. All of our events are graded from Easy to Very Challenging. The harder they are the more you will need to train. And the more you train the more you will enjoy the event. However, we can offer you tips and training advice for all of our events to make sure you are fully prepared for them. If you suffer from a medical condition you should seek advice from your GP before you sign up for an event. The registration form will include a medical statement which you will need to get your doctor to sign to say you are fit enough to participate. Some medical conditions may not be suitable for some events.

What happens if I get tired?

On our small group guided events we always work with a ratio of 10 participants to 1 guide so we can offer various different paces to suit different needs. You are more than likely to be able to find a pace to suit you. On all of our events we have suitable regular rest and refreshment stops so you won’t run out of energy. Most of our events have a support vehicle (just not on ski events) so if it really gets too tough for you, we may be able to give you a ride in the van.

What kind of back-up will there be?

This varies according to the event but all of our events are very well supported. As well as the guides and an experienced Tall Stories events organiser, there is often a charity representative to look after you and a medic (not on the ski trips) dedicated to the event. We also have a support vehicle (not on all ski events) so in the event of injury or just as a precaution, you can hop in the van the next time you meet it. All members of the organisational team are linked by radios and mobile phones.

What type of accommodation will we use?

This depends on the event. Generally we are able to offer small 1-2 star hotels where the rooms are same sex, twin share with an en suite bathroom. On some of our remote mountain trips we will be in multi-bedded dorms in a refuge with shared facilities.

Do I need any specialist kit?

If you are on a trekking event, you will need to bring your own boots (which are well worn in). We also recommend you bring a day pack, waterproofs, etc. If you do not own these you may want to hire them through Trek Hire UK.com.

If you are cycling, we recommend you bring your own bike helmet, padded shorts/gel saddle and gloves as well a suitable and fully serviced bike.

For ski events, you can rent boots and skis in resort or in the UK before you travel but you will need your own ski wear. We will provide you with a full kit list before you travel.

For all of our events, guided and non guided, we will provide you with a full kit list before you travel to make sure you are comfortable on the trip.

See our links page for other suggested suppliers.

Will I have to carry my own kit?

Some of our events require you to carry your own gear. However for the vast majority you will only need a day pack with your personal effects for the day’s activities. Sometimes you will need to carry your lunch and other times it will be brought to you in the support van.

Do I need travel insurance?

You will not be allowed to participate on an event without adequate travel insurance. At present, due to recent changes in legislation, Tall Stories does not offer insurance and we are unable to recommend one. If you get your own insurance please make sure it covers you for the event you are going to participate in. We will need to know the details of this insurance before you travel.

What if people think my challenge is holiday?

The events we run are designed to be sponsorship worthy. You will therefore be expected to commit to undertake training and preparation to complete the challenge. Before the event you will need to spend a great deal of time putting together a fundraising plan so you can raise at least the minimum sponsorship required.

Another option you have is to pay the cost of the event yourself so everything you raise in sponsorship over and above the cost of the event will go directly to helping the charity. Events like this raise many £100,000s for charities because there are people like you who commit to raising the money for the charity, giving up their time to fundraise and often paying their own way. Without events such as these, charities are unlikely to get such people involved or motivated to raise such huge sums.

Can I extend my trip after the event?

On an overseas event we can drop people off and pick up at the airport if you want to leave late or arrive early. It is rarely suitable to meet us anywhere else as we need to keep our plans flexible. However, please think of the costs incurred by the charity as flight costs will have been paid to the airlines by the charity on your behalf well in advance and they will not be able to recoup your costs if you cancel/amend your flight plans. If you want to extend, please make your plans early.

How much of my sponsorship will go to the charity?

There are costs involved in running events such as for accommodation, guides, flights, etc. The charity recoups these costs through the sponsorship you raise. Each charity is different in what percentage of the sponsorship goes to cover costs and what percentage goes to the charity. Most charities hope the minimum sponsorship will give them 50%-60% of the total received. The more you raise in sponsorship, the more goes to the charity.