Jump into the saddle and cycle from capital to capital for Helen Rollason Cancer Charity!
Take part in this challenging but rewarding bike ride, cycling 300 miles from London to Paris over 5 days. Starting in London, the route will take you through the beautiful Kent countryside, past the famous white cliffs of Dover, and across the channel to Calais. You’ll follow the river Somme out of the historic town of Abbeville, towards the iconic city of Paris, where you’ll finish beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Day 1
London to Calais; After registration we set off early to avoid the main hustle and bustle of the London traffic. It’s not too long before we’re past the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent. It’s a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and seeing the famous white cliffs, there’ll be a great sense of achievement. Wethen board the ferry to Calais and have dinner whilst on board. Upon reaching Calais, it’s just a very short push onto our hotel where we have a well-deserved rest and get our heads down for the night. Cycling distance –approx. 86 miles.
Day 2
Calais to Arras; Following breakfast at our hotel we leave Calais behind us, remembering to stay on the right! We begin cycling on smooth, flat roads for approximately 10 miles, before we start to pull up towards our first water stop. The route then becomes more undulating as we cycle through the French countryside up to our lunch stop. Some small climbs after lunch bring us to a gentle descent into the beautiful medieval town of Arras, one of the prettiest towns in northern France, where we check into our hotel. Cycling distance –approx. 82 miles.
Day 3
Arras to Compiègne; After breakfast, we continue with our cycle and head south through the Region of the Somme and its WWI battlefields – rolling, green meadows studded with the many war memorials and cemeteries of the First World War.Following traditionally French, tree-lined avenues, we approach our next overnight stop in Compiègne. Since 1968, Compiègne has been the starting place of the“Paris-Roubaix”, the most famous French cycling race after the Tour de France. Cycling distance –approx. 76 miles.
Day 4
Compiègne to Paris; The final day of our European cycling adventure! Our last day in the saddle sees us leaving Compiègne riding through the beautiful forest surrounding the town – it was in this forest that the 1918 Armistice was signed.Our route then continues through pretty towns and villages towards the outskirts of Paris. Cycling is the national sport of France and it’s not uncommon to see locals cheering and waving us on. We cycle through the hustle and bustle of the Parisian streets until we reach the Louvre where we stop tore-assemble. We then ride as a group up the majestic Champs Elysées to our finish line at the Champ de Mars, looking back at the Eiffel Tower! This evening we toast our achievements at a celebratory dinner. Cycling distance –approx. 67 miles.
Day 5
Paris to UK; After breakfast at our hotel, we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. Take a trip up the Tower, visit the renowned Arc de Triomphe or famous Notre Dame Cathedral, or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafés – the choices are endless! In the early afternoon, each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Gare du Nord in order to catch the Eurostar back to England. Bicycles will be transported back to London by our crew in the support vehicles and will be waiting for you on arrival at the starting point, ready for you to continue your homeward journey. (Please note, this is a complex itinerary and subject to change)
For more information or to register your place click here or call 01245 380719.
