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This has to be the best fundraising cycle event in the current market! Starting from the city of London, our 300 mile, 4 day bike ride takes us through Kent countryside to then cross the Channel to Calais. We then push on cycling along quiet French country lanes, through traditional market towns, with views of the luscious green fields of Northern France. We’ll pass monuments and war memorials and the days will be long, but upon reaching Paris, we’ll know our efforts will be much rewarded. The pièce de résistance of this cycle challenge will be a spectacular view of the 324-metre high Eiffel Tower, which marks the finish line in the centre of this majestic city. We then celebrate our fundraising achievements Parisian style!
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 Day 1 – London to Calais
After registration at the start point in Bexley, we start early at approx. 7am to avoid the hustle and bustle of the London traffic. It’s not too long before we’re cycling to the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent.
We push on cycling to Rochester, where we join some of the Tour De France route – here’s when we’ll feel like cycling champions as we tackle some rolling hills, following the track marks of the giants! It’s a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and witnessing its famous white cliffs, we’ll experience a great sense of achievement. We then 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 much deserved rest and get our heads down for the night.
Cycling distance – approx. 128km / 80 miles
 Day 2 – Calais to Arras
Following breakfast at our Hotel, we start cycling ‘French style’, remembering to stay on the right! We cycle through traditional French countryside, with views of green meadows as far as the eye can see as Calais is left behind us. The roads are much straighter and quieter and after approx. 43 km, we reach St Omer - a quiet, unassuming and attractive little town. It displays flights of Flemish magnificence and is home to the Gothic Basilique Notre-Dame.
After a stop for some refreshment, we continue through Aire-sur-la-Lys, Lillers, and then cycle up-hill for a km or two towards Bruay-la-Buissiere. We then join a long straight road all the way to Arras where we check into our Hotel.
Cycling distance – approx. 125 km / 78 miles
Day 3 – Arras to Compiègne
After our hearty French breakfast at our Hotel, we continue with our cycling for approx. 23 km as we head south towards Bapaume, where troops battled in WWI, in the famous “Battle of the Somme”. After a refreshment stop, we continue cycling south to Peronne, through rolling green meadows passing the many war memorials. Built on an island formed on the meandering course of the Somme, in a blurred world where land and water are indistinguishable and filled with picturesque pools.
We continue cycling as we follow tree-lined avenues which are so traditionally French as we approach our next overnight stop in Compiègne. Compiègne is located along the Oise River and was a favourite spot for the rulers of France – with its great castle and large stunning forest, we can see why! It was here that Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians and handed over to the English.
Cycling distance – approx 121 km / 73 miles
 Day 4 – Compiègne to Paris
The final day of our European cycling adventure! Our final day in the saddle sees us leave the beauty and history of Compiègne, as we cycle south through the stunning forest and the lush parks that surrounds this majestic city. It’s not long until we reach we the east outskirts of Paris. We then cycle around to the north and then proceed through the small villages and towns. Not surprisingly, cycling is the National sport of France and it’s normal to see locals cheering and waving us on. The sight of the Eifel Tower will push and spur us on with encouragement as we bike closer. We stop for the group to re-assemble before we reach the Tower then we ride through as a group finishing our Challenge beneath this landmark of Paris! This evening we celebrate our achievements at our Celebratory Dinner
Cycling distance – approx 100 km / 66 miles
Day 5
After breakfast at our Hotel, we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Paris. Why not take a trip up the Tower, or visit the renowned Arc de Triomphe or famous Notre Dame Cathedral. Or you can simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the many cafés – the choices are endless!
In the afternoon, each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Gare du Nord in order to catch the Eurostar at approx. 8pm back to Kings Cross. Bicycles will be transported back to London this morning in the support vehicle and upon our arrival at Kings Cross; we’ll catch our short transfer back to the starting point in Bexley, for farewell and goodbyes.
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*Please note that whilst we make every effort to adhere to this schedule and the accommodation stated, this is subject to alteration.
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