Quick answers

Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attackers have systematically targeted civilian infrastructure in the country, such as energy supplies. Medical facilities, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and blood banks, are also under attack. Medical care is therefore precarious, particularly in southern and eastern Ukraine. Near the front lines, aggressors specifically target ambulances and evacuation transports. Meanwhile, the number of injured is especially high in these areas due to daily missile attacks. Wounded individuals must be transported to hospitals as quickly as possible after initial treatment and often need to be transferred later for further care. If just one life is saved by an ambulance from the Chainreaction Bikeconvoy, the initiative’s efforts will have been worth it.

The deployment of the vehicles depends on their equipment. Ambulances with four-wheel drive save lives in close proximity to the front lines and the surrounding areas. Other ambulances are better suited for transporting injured individuals to the initial Medic Hubs, where first aid is administered, and then on to larger cities. In general, the ambulances will be deployed wherever they are most needed and can provide the most effective assistance.

No. In the vehicles of the Chainreaction Bikeconvoy, every life that is in danger is saved. It is important to know that especially in areas near the front lines, there is no medical infrastructure and no civilian medical personnel available due to the constant Russian attacks. The medics in uniform are responsible for helping everyone injured in these regions. For example, if a missile or glide bomb strikes a civilian building in eastern Ukraine, it is these uniformed medics who rescue, treat, and evacuate people trapped under burning debris. As in Germany, the principle in war-torn Ukraine is: Every injured person receives help. The Chainreaction Bikeconvoy ambulances simply provide assistance and transport to injured people in need.

The ambulances are used vehicles that were previously in service in Germany and Austria. For the Chainreaction Bikeconvoy, only fully equipped rescue vehicles are acquired so that they are ready for immediate use in Ukraine after delivery. The standard equipment of the vehicles usually includes a defibrillator, a VAC pump, an infusion pump, as well as connections for ventilators and oxygen tanks.

No. The vehicles are purchased by the association Bamberg:UA. The purpose of the Chainreaction Bikeconvoy is to raise money for Bamberg:UA to buy the ambulances. Once the available budget is clear, the association begins searching for suitable vehicles. Since 2014, the team has relied on help from dealers specializing in used medical vehicles. A fully equipped ambulance costs between 12,000 and 21,000 euros, depending on engine type and year of manufacture. All Chainreaction Bikeconvoy ambulances are TÜV-certified, as is the medical equipment in the vehicles.

On July 5, 2025, we will set off from Munich with bicycles and ambulances. The route will take us through Passau, Linz, Vienna, past Bratislava, Krakow, Tarnow, and on to Przemysl at the Polish-Ukrainian border. The route covers approximately 1,270 kilometers with just over 7,000 meters of elevation gain. We are offering this route as an official brevet under the rules of the Audax Club Parisien, meaning it will be a long-distance ride with a time limit. The brevet will be organized by Ara Muc. Additionally, we will offer a convoy version divided into six daily stages, each around 200 kilometers long. Registration for both options will also be managed by Ara Muc. Whether and how many cyclists can ultimately cross the border and reach Lviv will depend on the situation next summer and cannot be planned at this time.

We would like the ambulances to accompany us on the tour into Ukraine. Ideally, they will serve as support and supply vehicles during the ride. Since we do not yet know how many ambulances will be available, we cannot finalize these plans. The ambulances will travel with the convoy version of the tour or wait at predefined points along the route.

The number of participants for both the official brevet and the convoy version is limited. Registration will be handled by Ara Muc, who have been organizing and offering brevets in Munich for many years. Registration is expected to open in early January. Both tours – the brevet and the convoy version – will follow the randonneur or bikepacking mode. This means that each cyclist is responsible for themselves and must organize their own accommodations, food, and return journey. No one is required to complete the entire route. We are also happy if you join us for a few hours, a day, or several stages. The goal is to be visible and to make a statement.

We appreciate all kinds of support. You can donate, make your reach available, talk about the project, and help raise awareness. You can approach potential supporters, participate in the crowdfunding campaign, and help raise funds within your networks. You can: be there!