Thu 18 Jun 2026 • Sinead
Participant Expectations for our International Trips
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Our international rides are cycling journeys through destinations that matter to the African and Caribbean diaspora — designed to connect riders with culture, community and history in a way that no other travel experience does.
To date, our international rides have raised close to £60,000 for grassroots initiatives that use cycling as a force for good. Every trip is built around that same commitment.
Our international rides are:
- A charitable social impact project that uses cycling to raise funds for grassroots community initiatives.
- An experience curated by a small team, giving members of the diaspora an authentic and culturally rich way to connect with these destinations.
- A challenging, collaborative experience where team ethic is everything — every rider on the trip should feel supported and empowered.
Our international rides are not:
- A speed cycling training camp.
- A high-end luxury tourism experience.
- A colonial expedition.
Community Conduct
BUBR rides attract people from all walks of life, united by a love of cycling and a connection to these destinations. We expect every rider to show up for the group — on the bike and off it. That means being patient with slower riders, encouraging those who are struggling, and leaving no one behind. How you treat the people around you is as much a part of this experience as the riding itself.
Cultural Awareness
These are not tourist trips. The destinations we ride through carry deep historical and cultural significance, and we ask every participant to engage with that seriously. Take time to listen, learn and observe. Be respectful in the communities you pass through. Ask before you photograph. Spend locally where you can. You are a guest — and how you conduct yourself reflects on BUBR and on the wider diaspora community.
Fundraising
Every participant is expected to fundraise as part of the trip. A group target is set, and each rider is responsible for reaching a minimum individual target of £200–£300 depending on group size. We ask that the group target is met before we depart.
Why training matters
Our international rides cover significant distances across varied terrain. We are committed to making every trip inclusive and well-supported — but the physical demands are real, and every rider needs to arrive prepared.
Training matters because it:
- Keeps you safe and reduces the risk of injury
- Supports group logistics, particularly around daily timings
- Maintains morale and camaraderie across the group
- Contributes to our collective charitable impact
Pace groups
To support a range of abilities while keeping the group safe and cohesive, riders are split into pace groups. We encourage honest self-assessment and will help you identify the right group for your ability.
Group A - 15.5mph / 25kmh + average
Group B - 12.5mph / 20kmh + average
We ask all riders to complete at least one day riding with Group B — it's part of what makes a BUBR ride a team effort rather than an individual one.
Strava and training submissions
Every participant is expected to:
- Have a Strava account and share it at registration
- Submit evidence of their fitness and riding experience
- Share monthly Strava activity for the four months leading up to the ride
Monthly training rides
After signing up, we aim to host one group training ride per month in London to support your preparation and help the group build ahead of departure.
