4-day London to Paris Bike Ride
Various dates available - click here for options
Fast Facts:
Min Age: 18
Max Age: N/A
Registration fee: £100pp
Remaining cost to Challenge Company (which can be paid for by participant or raised in sponsorship): £449
Mininum additional sponsorship to be raised for Autistica: £200
Max Altitude: 200m
Total Ascent (approx.):
500m
Total Distance:450 km
Fitness Level:
We are sure this unique event will inspire and enthuse experienced cyclists out there, as well as those who are new to the sport, but want an unforgettable challenge. This grand 280 mile route from London (Greenwich) to Central Paris is a classic, from one exciting European capital to another—in just four days!
Upon leaving the familiar sights of London, with fantastic views from Greenwich Park we pass through England's delightful Kent countryside, alongside the North Downs and to the White Cliffs of Dover. We'll make a stop at the historic crossing point of the River Medway at Rochester for refreshments along the way. Dinner is taken on board our Ferry crossing before our first night's rest in Calais. Our ride through France takes us through the attractive Pas de Calais area, on fast open country roads. We'll glimpse poppy fields through the Somme valley and stay en route in charming French villages. We cycle on through the picturesque Picardy countryside and on our approach to Paris, we really get going! It's downhill into Central Paris and we'll eventually pass right beside the impressive Arc de Triomphe and swoop along the grand Champs Elysees to our finish point bang in the middle of the excitement of Paris. From one capital to the other. The evening is then yours to enjoy; celebrate in this beautiful and culturally vibrant capital. You are accommodated in Paris and the following day (aching legs permitted!) you are free to sample the delights of city before catching the Eurostar train / flight directly back to London. Your bike will have a head start on this journey and you will be reunited back in London. All in a day's work for you and Adventure Café—well done!!
Available Dates
May |
June |
July |
September |
10-14 May 2012 |
7-11 June 2012 |
12-16 July 2012 |
6-10 September 2012 |
Itinerary
Pre-Event Meet at designated team hotel in Greenwich for pre- event briefing and dinner—18:00
Day 1 London—Calais, apx 80 miles.
Early departure from Greenwich Park (Approx 08:00). Chosen route takes us through the historic town of Rochester then it's onto Canterbury, Dover and then on board the ferry for dinner- time crossing to Calais. On disembarking the ferry there will be a short cycle to our Calais hotel.
Day 2 Calais—Abbeville, apx 75 miles
Morning departure from Calais, bound for Boulogne via the pretty coastal road and then Abbeville (halfway point of our adventure). Our route is undulating for the first section and then shortly after Boulogne flattens out considerably. We make regular contact with the coast during the day - eventually passing the Baie de Somme before heading inland to Abbeville. Hotel accommodation in Abbeville.
Day 3 Abbeville—Beauvais, apx 65 miles
Morning departure through Picardy's attractive countryside and villages on to the lively town of Beauvais for the evening's entertainment! We're now nearing Paris - get ready for a great day tomorrow!
Day 4 Beauvais—Paris, apx 56 miles
Morning departure for final leg to Paris. Although this is a shorter distance to travel, excitement builds as we cycle through the Oise region. We shall ride in via the pretty town of Pontoise, and then along the river Seine. We will finally enter via the business district of La Defense, over the River Seine one more time and on to the Arc de Triomphe before riding carefully down the Champs Elysees, and a quick visit to the Eiffel Tower with our bikes. Celebration evening in Paris, hotel accommodation. Leave bikes with support vehicle/at hotel.
Day 5
Subject to return travel arrangements, you are bike free and able to make the most of your day in Paris. You will then catch the Eurostar or a flight directly back to London and finally retrieve your bike.
Accommodation
Will be in a simple hotel for 4 x nights (including buffet breakfasts) You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
What is a Level 3 Cycling Challenge Like?
These challenges are either longer, higher, or span several days. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 10 hours cycling. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect lower daily durations - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You need to be keen on physical exercise for these events, and to enjoy taking exercise, and to do it regularly. Longer duration long haul rides are likely to be easier in terms of the physical riding, however, you will need to be more resilient - due to simple living conditions - ie using same clothes for several days, lack of washing facilities, simple food, and maybe camping - these factors form an integral part of the challenge.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3 bike ride?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long rides in the countryside - 8 hours + . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training. Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 20-22 km/hr, and you should be able to cycle at high speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km. You may also be concentrating on other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
You need to have a good level of stamina and endurance, and a good level of training behind you. Each day of cycling is quite long, but we will be travelling steadily to pace ourselves. If you are in any doubt about your ability to participate from a medical perspective, please consult with your doctor first.
Insurance Details
Travel insurance is required for all overseas adventures and can be purchased through Ventureguard. Travel insurance is not compulsory for UK adventures but it is advised. For further information, please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Special Notes
Please note your leader and support driver will do their very best to keep you safe and well on this trip. But you should listen carefully to their briefings. It is their role to identify to you the safest way to get through this ride, and to keep an eye on you and your wellbeing. Please take seriously any suggestions or comments they may make to you - it is for your wellbeing!
Adventure Cafe Cycle Hire
Adventure Cafe is pleased to offer good quality reliable sports hybrid bikes for hire. These bikes are available in a range of sizes, and are fitted with Shimano running gears and nice slim wheels - ideal for high speed mile munching! You should provide your own cycling helmet, and small multi tool. They offer these bikes at a rate of £15 per day - with discounted rates for multiple days. Please call them to discuss - 01460 249191.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Pre-event briefing Ferry Crossing to Calais, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Paris accommodation, Return journey to London on Eurostar or flight Easy transfer of bikes back to London, Full buffet breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
Transport to/from London start/finish points, Lunches and dinners. Pre Event Accommodation in London.
Equipment Required
For a list of essential equipment you will need to take on this challenge, please download here
Transport / Transfer
You will have return travel arranged for you. All baggage is transported in the support vehicle. Your bikes will be returned for you to a pre-arranged central point in London.
Safety Information
By nature all activities contain an element of risk. Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions.
Weather
Expect it to be potentially chilly at times—and maybe even a little rain. If we prepare for all conditions then we may be pleasantly surprised! Hat and gloves are essential for this trip! Warm tracksuit trousers are recommended.
IMPORTANT
This challenge has been organised by Adventure Cafe Ltd on behalf of Autistica. To participate in this event you will need to make a registration fee payment to Adventure Cafe Ltd. of £100 (further details will be supplied once you have registered your interest in taking part). This will secure your place on the challenge. For this challenge you need to raise a further minimum of £850 either from total sponsorship monies or, if you prefer, by funding the cost of the trip yourself (£449) and £401 in sponsorship. All fundraising monies should be made payable directly to Autistica and will assist in providing further research into autism spectrum disorders. Adventure Café will be operating this Adventure Challenge but is not responsible for collection of payments from participants. Please read the terms and conditions of entry.
If you have any questions about this system of payment and participation please email Lynn Hart.
More details of the event can be downloaded here.
