DofE Silver Cycling Expedition

Complete Silver DofE Cycling Expedition (Training and Qualifying)

Would your students prefer to explore the outdoors on 2 wheels instead of 2 feet? Our Silver DofE Cycling Expeditions might be just what you’re looking for.  Held over 9 days, we can provide Practice / Training and Qualifying programmes – or choose just 1 element.

Why choose The Adventure Element Silver DofE Cycling Expedition?  

We deliver fully supported and safe cycling DofE Expeditions for schools and groups.  Our programmes focus on building confidence, resilience, teamwork and independence, and of course, enjoying the cycling adventure!  Challenging climbs, rewarded with exhilarating down hills on both trails and roads.  

  • Over 30 years of outdoor and DofE Expedition experience 
  • Highly qualified, supportive and experienced instructors and assessors 
  • Proven DofE Expedition delivery track record with schools nationwide 
  • Management, organisation, logistics and administration handled by us
9 days
8 nights
£650pp + VAT (Min. Team Size 7)
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Silver DofE Cycling Training and Practice

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Days 1 - 2: Pre-Expedition training

Teams will take part in practical training sessions, covering core skills they will need during the Expedition. Planning of their Silver DofE Cycling Expedition will also take place, including marking the routes to be cycled each day.   

Training will cover:

  • Bike handling skills
  • Bike specific navigation
  • Bike maintenance 
  • Expedition skills
  • Food and cooking
  • Route planning

Days 3 - 5: Practice Expedition

The Practice Expedition is an important opportunity for students to try out their training.  Whilst out on the Practice Expedition, our instructors may offer additional training, with the benefit of learning in a real, outdoor situation.  

This could include: 

  • Emergency scenarios - what to do and how to manage
  • Navigation skills and techniques - putting them into practice
  • Expedition skills in the outdoors
  • Bike handling and road safety

Throughout the Practice Expedition, teams will be remotely supervised.  Once they arrive at camp, or their accommodation (camping or wild camps will be included, depending on location) there will be a warm welcome and a cheer, then it’s time to set up and start cooking. 

Reflection and feedback are important at the end of the Practice Expedition, as is celebrating achievements and learning, so time will be given for this and any questions.  

Our DofE instructors will also produce a full report for each student which can be used as evidence of completion and uploaded to their eDofEaccount.  


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Silver DofE Cycling Qualifying

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The Qualifying Expedition is the final assessed section of the Silver DofE Cycling Expedition programme, and for students, probably the best bit! 

Participants complete a 4-day / 3-night cycling journey while being remotely supervised and assessed by accredited DofE assessors. 

Day 1: Refresher training

  • Full kit checks on Expedition morning before leaving  
  • Distribution of group kit and emergency contact cards 
  • Route plan and map check for Expedition route 
  • Navigation refresher 
  • Bike handling techniques refresher 
  • Refresh of emergency procedures 
  • Meet-up points and supervision reminder  

Days 2/3/4: Qualifying Expedition 

  • Remote supervision by our qualified DofE assessors 
  • Ongoing assessment  
  • End of Expedition debrief and reporting 

Teams will be remotely supervised throughout their expedition as well as meeting up in person with our DofE accredited assessors.  As an additional safety measure and means of location, GSM trackers are also given to each group. 

As well as a big 'congratulations' from the assessing instructor, there will be a full debrief upon completion of the Expedition.  This provides an opportunity for participants to ask questions, highlight any learnings and proud moments and reflect on the Expedition and their achievements. 

A full report is produced for each student, which is to be uploaded to their eDofE account as evidence of the Silver Expedition Award completion. 

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What's included?

Our Silver Cycling Expedition programmes are designed to be cost-effective and reduce the workload for schools, while delivering an exceptional participant experience meeting all Duke of Edinburgh Award requirements. 

  • Bunkhouse or YHA accommodation
    Shared dormitory accommodation is provided for the first nights of your training. This provides a relaxed training venue and allows you to get the most out of the first couple of training days.  You also don't have to worry about carrying all your kit and you can easily dry your clothes - if the great British weather lets us down.
  • Food
    Ingredients and instructions for the preparation of breakfast and evening meals will be provided for each team during the first days of their programme.  This is a great way to build and learn team-working skills. 
  • Camping fees
    Camping will either be on a campsite or wild camping, depending on your Expedition.
  • Use of group equipment available
    All terrain bike + panniers or trailer
    Helmets + repair kits
    Tents (2 & 3 person)
    Trangia stoves + pans & fuel
    Group first aid kits
    Maps and map cases
    Group shelters 
  • Comprehensive training
    Covering all aspects of the DofE syllabus and delivered by our highly experienced and qualified staff. 
  • Supervision by highly qualified staff (1:2 teams ratio)
    Our experienced instructor team will be supervising the teams throughout the expedition. All of our staff are a minimum of Summer Mountain Leader + British Cycling Level 2 Leadership Award.
  • DofE Accredited Assessors
    For the Qualifying Expedition only - they will help you feel relaxed and encourage you towards completing your Duke of Edinburgh Expedition.
  • GPRS tracking devices
    In addition to our usual comprehensive supervision and safety management systems we also track each team with GPS trackers.
  • 24 hour emergency back-up.
  • 1 free staff place for every 10 participants.


What do you need to arrange?

Our Silver DofE Cycling Expedition packages cover almost everything, however, we do require some input, planning and organising from the school / group.

  • Recruit as many participants as possible. We can assist with information and advice on how to do this.
  • Complete any in-house administration within your organisation to authorise the Expedition. 
  • Keep in touch with participants, distribute information and ensure they are registered with DofE for the Silver Award.
  • Plan transportation to and from the Expedition venue. This may be a coach or minibus. Some groups arrive by train to keep costs low.
  • We provide 1 free staff place for every 10 participants. They must attend the Expedition. Their role will be to ensure the pastoral care of the participants.

Resources

DofE Expeditions for all DofE Expeditions guidance for participants

Notes

  • It is a DofE requirement that Training and Practice Expeditions take place at a different time and location than the Qualifying Expedition. For example - both can take place in the Lake District but one in Keswick, Lake District and the other in Ullswater, Lake District.
  • It is possible for us to only deliver 1 section of the expedition. i.e just the Training and Practice Expedition. Please contact us to discuss.
  • Participants wanting to take part in a Qualifying Expedition must complete a Practice Expedition in the appropriate environment and at the correct level. This may have been with a different provider. The Expedition must be signed off on their eDofE record or log book and they must provide us with evidence.
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