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MS Trust – London to Paris Cycle Ride (June 2014)

June 18, 2014 - June 22, 2014

Join our team and connect two of the world’s most chic capital cities as you embark on the cycle challenge of a lifetime for charity. Cycling through beautiful English villages and into the stunning countryside of rural France you’ll pass historical landmarks and famous battlefields from World War I until you reach Paris, undoubtedly one of the most magical places on earth.

Take part in this fantastic charity bike ride from London to Paris and raise much-needed funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. Book now to give yourself lots of time to fundraise, and we’ll support you all the way!

Alternative dates are available each month from April to September 2014.

Costs and sponsorship

  • Non refundable registration fee: £99 
  • Minimum fundraising target £1,450

Itinerary

Day 1 – Wednesday

London to Calais – approx 150 km

Our challenge begins bright and early from South London heading south en route to the coast. Our long journey today takes us through rural Kent – the garden of England. Our path winds through traditional British countryside, along the North Downs way before we reach the white cliffs of Dover. The ferry takes us across to Calais and our first night’s resting place.

Day 2 – Thursday

Calais to Abbeville – approx 120 km

La belle France! Stunning picturesque countryside awaits us in northern France as we travel south through some beautiful quaint villages – do not be surprised to be greeted with a Bonjour Monsieur/Madame as you cycle through! Cycle through Desvres, a market town known for its ceramics and continue with the windy roads along the valley of the Canche River. The Artois region is amazing with the Spanish influenced town of Hesdin and its tremendous architecture and close proximity to the battle of Agincourt. We spend the night in Abbeville – steeped in history from the war and despite being destroyed in just one night it has managed to retain its beautiful gothic church.

Day 3 – Friday

Abbeville to Beauvais – approx 110 km

Our route this morning follows the river Somme out of Abbeville. The Somme is perhaps most famous for its battles and you cannot fail to be reminded of the thousands who lost their lives in the war. But Somme is also a Celtic word meaning tranquility … so summing up the feeling of the day as you cycle through this superb region. After lunch you can enjoy the countryside with a little less ‘undulations’ than the previous days. We finish the day in Beauvais where the market square, Place de l’Hotel de Ville, is a true highlight. Several of the houses close to the Cathedral date back from the twelfth to the sixteenth centuries.

Day 4 – Saturday

Beauvais to Paris – approx 95 km

Our final day of cycling and the big push to Paris, our final destination. We are still treated to some stunning countryside including a lovely lunchtime in a wooded area next to the River Oise. After lunch we near the outskirts of Paris and you will start to spot the familiar sights of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. We rendezvous in a park just north of Paris before joining together to cycle the last miles along some of the famous boulevards. Our finish point can be seen for miles above the Paris skyline and on arrival the celebration can begin!

Day 5 – Sunday

Paris to London

The day is yours to soak up the Parisian way of life, explore the city and visit the landmarks that only yesterday you were cycling by. We will meet in the afternoon in the Gare du Nord to catch our Eurostar home, arriving in St Pancras where you will be reunited with your bike and commence your onward journey.

For further details on this London to Paris Cycle Ride please visit the MS Trust.

London to Paris Cycle Ride – Q&A

How much will it cost?

£99 registration fee + £1,450 minimum sponsorship. The actual costs of the trip are £725 so the MS Trust receives £725, plus every penny raised over the minimum sponsorship. The sponsorship raised will enable the MS Trust to take positive steps to improve the lives of people living with MS today.

What’s included?

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 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 on the trip 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 need to be?

People from all walks of like will take part in this challenge and most people will be exactly like you. However it is vital that you train so that you get the most of the cycle ride. We will send you a suggested training plan and will be on hand to help you with any training advice.

Can I take part if I have MS?

Many people with MS take part in our overseas treks and cycle rides without any problems, but this is a challenge event so you do need to be generally fit and have a good level of mobility. We always suggest that you check with your doctor before signing up to the trip if you have MS or any other pre-existing medical condition. If this trip isn’t for you, we have lots of other events which are more accessible such as skydiving, Santa Run, Super Hero Run, My Garden for MS, Be Bold in Blue.

Will I be able to raise the sponsorship money?

YES! You can achieve this and we fully recommend you start fundraising as soon as possible so hopefully you will raise above the minimum sponsorship. Once you’ve started you’ll be surprised how generous people are and how fun raising the sponsorship can actually be! Again remember we are here to help throughout and can always suggest new hints and tips to help you reach your fundraising target. See our A-Z of fundraising ideas to get you started.

Will you help me?

YES! The tour operators will provide one main contact who will be on hand to help you in the lead up to the event. You will be sent access to a full confirmation site shortly after you register on the event which will give you all the information you need, but both the tour operators and the MS Trust are just a phone call away, aiming to make the trip as enjoyable and hassle free as possible from start to finish. The tour operators also give you the opportunity to meet the other cyclists on the trip at a gathering before the event.

What about food and drink?

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 however a cycle helmet is compulsory and we strongly recommend that you use your own bike for both your training and the cycle itself.

Will you carry my luggage whilst I’m cycling?

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.

When should I book my place on the trip?

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!


Details correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. If you are the event organiser and would like to update the details for this event please contact us

Details

Start:
June 18, 2014
End:
June 22, 2014
Event Categories:
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Organiser

MS Trust
Phone
01462 476707
Email
fundraising@mstrust.org.uk
View Organiser Website

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