Transylvanian Cycle Challenge

OCTOBER 2025
Transylvanian Cycle Challenge
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What is it?

A 6 day sponsored cycling challenge on quiet roads and tracks through the heart of Transylvania. A chance to experience stunning scenery, un spoilt rural villages, Saxon UNESCO towns and historic fortified churches. We will be cycling for 335km/210km in a circular loop through the heart of Transylvanian.  There are 15 places and the challenge will take place between 3rd – 10th October  2025

We are taking part in this amazing challenge to raise funds for Link to Hopes education and social care projects.  Alongside this we are also raising funds for a wonderful project that supports marginalised adults and children with disabilities based in Brasov.  At the end of the cycle challenge there will be a chance to meet the Hope Without Limits team let by Pastor Otto and hear about their vision and how your sponsored funds are going to be spent.

Price £795 per person (excluding luggage and drinks)

Includes flights, accommodation, all meals, guides, transfers, bike hire, repairs and maintenance, entrance fees, luggage transfer and medical support. NB Does not include luggage, drinks or additional personal purchases.

Bikes: Merida big 9 gravel bikes with small handlebar bag

All accommodation is based on 2 people sharing in small guesthouses and hotels (Supplement for a single room is £140)

Flights: Wizz air from Luton to Ghimbav Brasov Airport

We have set the sponsorship total that needs to be raised at £1,000 (minimum) but most people raise more than this when they get going. Full support will be given on the run up to the cycle challenge and we will be with you every step of the way.  We will help set up individual Giving pages for each person as well as a team one.  We have done many of these challenges and rarely has someone not raised the sponsorship total.

Details of the Transylvanian Sponsored Cycle Challenge

The Transylvania Cycle Challenge is circular cycle ride leaving and ending in the town of Brasov.  The area is stunning and it feels like going back in time to a place that time forgot.  The views and people are unique and you will enjoy views of meadows rich with flowers and plants, where nature has been left to run wild as well as hills and peaks . In a stark comparison to Western Europe, here the grass in not cut, and the land is left alone for nature to follow its course.

While on the cycle challenge we will have a support vehicle with us at all times.  Sometimes we may need to travel a short distance in order to find the best place to start cycling each day.  We also have a medic with us and a full maintenance set up.  There will be frequent stops, water breaks and support along the way.  We will combine this with visiting different places of interest so you do get to see more than just the road in front of you.  You also have some time at the end to visit the project where some of your sponsorship will be going to and time to look around the ancient town of Brasov.

The Transylvanian Cycle Challenge ranges from 30km to 77km each day. Please check the kilometers and the altitude change to self-evaluate the challenges difficulty. We would recommend that a person should be moderately fit/ fit to take part in this cycle challenge however  as everyone is different it will be up to you to look at the mileage involved and make your own decision.

Itinerary

Meet at Luton airport for a very early morning flight.  Arrive at Ghimbav airport in BRasov and transfer for lunch.  Introduction to the guides and an outline of the day.

Get fitted out with bikes and cycle from Harman to Feldioara.  A pleasant warm up cycle on field paths alongside the river Olt before heading onto quiet roads where you can enjoy views of rustic village life and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains.

Visit Feldiora Fortress and then transfer t our accomodation

30km – Level with a short climb to Feldioara

Cycle from Feldiora to Talisoara on a quiet road over the hills. Enjoy the tranquility of this beautiful countryside with a picnic lunch along the way.

Overnight stay in Talisoara

Distance – 52km. Ascent 1,021m. Descent 1,041m

Mostly level section along a valley with 2 hills. Finish cycle in Viscri where King Charles has a house and a chance to visit the UNESCO fortified church and wander through the traditional Saxon village.

Transfer to the unique UNESCO citadel of Sighisoara where we will spend the night.

Distance – 72.7km.  Ascent – 788m. Descent 810m

A lovely cycle ride today avoiding the main roads passing through quiet villages and beautiful countryside before reaching historic Biertan where we will stay the night. Here we will have the chance to visit the stunning fortified church and wander through the quiet village followed by a traditional Romanian meal in a historic building.

Distance – 55.3km  Ascent 1,200m. Descent:1,185m

Today we travel south through undulating countryside passing the large NATO base before reaching Sambata de Sus where we can visit a large Orthodox monastery.  It is then a short cycle along the river to a traditional woollen mill in the village of Lisa where our cycle ends.

Distance – 77.5km Ascent 1,343m Descent 1,041m

We leave our accommodation and visit the fascinating monastery of Sinca Veche. We start our cycle from here. Todays ride will have a few hills through lovely countryside ending with a long downhill to reach our destination in Wolkendorf.  After lunch and cold beer we will drive to Brasov.  The rest of the day will be free for you to explore this historic town.  We will then go to our accommodation in Brasov where will stay for 2 nights.

Distance: 47km, Ascent 1061m  Descent 928m

You can spend a relaxed morning in Brasov with an optional guided tour. The afternoon offers a visit to Sacele where you will meet Otto and the Hope Without Limits team.  There you will be able to see the wonderful work they are doing.

After a leisurely breakfast you will be taken to Ghimbav airport, Brasov for a midday flight back to Luton.

Trip information

  • Flights NB No luggage is included in the price.  Any luggage has to be paid for separately by the participant
    Accommodation
  • Food (all core meals provided except the last nights meal and any additional snacks)
  • All transfers
  • Entrance fees
  • Guides
  • Bikes – Merida Big 9 gravel bikes with small handlebar bag
  • Luggage Transfer
  • Bike Repairs and maintenance.

  • Any beverages during the trip (except water on the challenge event)
  • All food is included except the last nights meal which will be around £10/£15 a head.
  • Travel insurance (essential and must include repatriation)
  • Luggage costs ie your flight is included along with carry on hand luggage (weight and size dependent on the airline). Any other luggage e.g your rucksack, is at your own cost.
  • Transport to and from UK Airports.

Transfers during the tour will be private for the group. The private transfer is done by jeeps or 4×4, depending on the road conditions.

The food in this part of the world will be something you will eagerly anticipate at the end of each day. Food is fresh cooked in a traditional manner.  At the guesthouses the breakfasts are simple, homemade bread with locally grown vegetables, dairy products and eggs. Dinners include traditional soups, meat dishes, vegetables, pies. Guesthouses also will provide you with a packed lunch – often including a sandwich with cheese and vegetables.

Vegetarianism and diets will not be a problem however, the choices are basic and limited.

Consider bringing your water bottle to refill along the way. Water is provided from mountain streams or in guesthouses tap water is drinkable. However, if you are concerned about drinking untreated water, we recommend you take water treatment tablets with you.

The accommodation is in guesthouses/B & B/Hotels in twin rooms so you will be sharing. Basic toiletries and towels will be provided.

Private rooms at additional cost of £140 per person (if available)

The bike will be provided along with the cycling helmets.  Any additional equipment that you may use at home will need to be brought with you from the UK eg GPS, cycling shoes, clip on pedals if you want to use special cycling shoes.

It is recommended that clothes are made for cycling and are from  breathable materials.  You may also want to bring items with you such as padded shorts, padded seats etc.  Please do not try to ride in ordinary day clothes such as jeans.  Remember to bring a shower jacket in case it rains.

For the evening take a light jacket as in October the evenings are drawing in.

As a general rule, you should try and pack as lightly as possible. You will not be expected to carry your own bag ( luggage transfer is included). You will probably want to carry a day rucksack however while you are cycling.

Please budget for additional expenses like beverages, any additional meals/snacks you might want.

Please be aware that the cost of the trip DOES NOT include luggage other than a cabin bag to put under your seat during the flight.

Time zone: GMT +1

Language: Romanian and in big cities many people speak English, but in remote areas this might not be the case. A lot of people may speak also German,

Electric supply and plugs: 220V, 50 Hz, two pin round

Currency: Lei (Romanian Currency) They do however accept Euro (EUR) in the towns and cities however bear in mind if you in the countryside they will want Lei.  We recommend having a small amount of Lei with you – around £50.

Cost of living: in the region is much cheaper than in the UK.