London to Paris Cycle

June 3rd - 7th 2009

 

Connect two of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities as you embark on the ride of your life. This five day cycle challenge takes you through beautiful English villages, through striking rural France where you will cycle past areas associated with World War I and follow the Seine to reach your final destination, the iconic Eiffel Tower. Upon reaching chic Paris you will feel an immense sense of achievement and pride as you take part in the celebration meal.

 

You don’t have to be an expert cyclist to do this event and you don’t even need to have your own bike! In fact this challenge is one of the best introductions to overseas events as it’s only a short ride away. If you think you are up to the challenge you will only need to raise £1,250 in sponsorship money plus a registration fee of £99. This includes travel by ferry to France and return travel to London on Eurostar, accommodation, all meals (excluding dinner on the ferry on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5), mechanics, guides and medical support.

 

The following gives you a breakdown of this five day adventure:

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1: London to 

           Calais - 125km

Starting from Greenwich allows us to avoid the early morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. Soon we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. Reaching the ancient city walls of Canterbury we glimpse the famous cathedral before taking the North Downs Way along country roads to Dover and the Coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board before reaching our overnight hotel.

 

Day 2: Calais to Abbeville – 120km

We head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes to the old market town of Guines, cycling inland from the coast and east through Desvres. Following quiet windy roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the historical battlefields of Agincourt. Continuing south to our final 30km brings us to the river Somme and the town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly in a German raid in World War II but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory. Overnight in hotel.

 

Day 3: Abbeville to Beauvais – 110km

We follow the river Somme east out of town and in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of men who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow typically French shady tree lined avenues into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat. Our day ends in Beauvais, a town known for its gothic cathedral. Overnight in hotel.

 

Day 4: Beauvais to Paris – 95km

Our final days cycling takes us over the river Theram and south towards Paris. We head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacre Coeur standing in the skyline. Reaching the suburbs of St Denis we come to the River Seine and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois de Boulogne until we reach the Pont D’Iena and finish by the Eiffel Tower. Our celebration meal will then commence!

 

Day 5: Paris to London

After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city. We meet back at the Gare Du Nord for the Eurostar back to the UK.

 

Is the trip for me? 

Definitely! This trip is a fantastic challenge for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make life long friends.

 

 

How fit do I have to be?

You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do this challenge. The majority of people on the trip will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from the challenge training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice.

 

 

How much do I have to raise?

£1, 250

 

 

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?

YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will of course be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!

 

What deposit do I have to pay?

£99

 

Can I extend my trip?

Unfortunately we are unable to change your Eurostar ticket home however many people do chose to extend their stay in the French capital by making their own arrangements to travel home at a later date of their choice.

 

Will you help me?

YES! Someone will be available to offer advice and assistance, if required. You will be sent a full confirmation pack shortly after you register on the event which will give you all the information you need but we are always here to make the event as enjoyable and hassle free as possible!  

 

What is the food like?

Lots of familiar European dishes will be on the menu! Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided throughout the trip except for 3 meals (dinner on the ferry on the way out to France and lunch and dinner in Paris on our last night). We can of course cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements – as long as you let us know in advance!

 

What do I need to bring?

No specialist kit is required although we strongly recommend that you use your own bike for both your training and the event itself. However in the unlikely event that you do not have a bicycle these can be hired for the trip for £40. You will also need to bring your own cycle helmet. We will send you a full packing list for the trip you are going on once you have registered.

 

What will happen to my luggage during cycling days?

There will be support vehicles with the group at all times which means your luggage will be transported in one of these vehicles for you. You will just need to carry a bum bag for any essentials like a camera and sun tan lotion.

 

How many people can take part?

The average group size is about 70 people although this does vary considerably from trip to trip.

 

What type of accommodation will I be staying in?

We will be staying in minimum three star hotels throughout the trip.

 

What’s included in the cost?

Travel by ferry to France and return travel to London on Eurostar, accommodation, all meals (excluding dinner on the ferry on day 1 and lunch and dinner on day 5), mechanics, guides and medical support.

 

 

Is there an age restriction?

You will need to be over 18 but there is no upper age limit. If you are over 65 you will just need to get a medical form signed by your doctor.

 

What about insurance?

You must have travel insurance cover in order to participate in this challenge. You can either arrange this yourself (as long as your insurance company is aware of the nature of what you are doing and that it is a charity event) or contact us for details.

 

How do I book my place?

As soon as possible! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!


Location: England and France
Registration Fee: £99
Sponsorship Level: £1250

 

So don’t delay!

 

For further information call 01244 335622   or visit http://www.doitforcharity.com/