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The Stroke Association – London to Paris Bike Ride (September 2012)

September 6, 2012 - September 9, 2012

Join us as we set off from London and cycle 234 miles finishing in Paris, one of the world’s most enchanting and exciting cities.

Our experienced guides will lead you on a breathtaking journey through beautiful English Countryside before embarking on your ferry crossing.

Once across the water you will witness the stunning vineyards, picturesque villages and open countryside that France has to offer before entering the final stage of the ride. You’ll arrive to a celebratory finish at the Arc de Triomphe in the heart of this exciting city.

Cycling in small groups at a pace that suits you, this three day cycle challenge will leave you breathless, especially after the 100 mile cycle on the last day!

After all the hard work…

Celebrate with the rest of the team as we all head off for a fantastic group meal at a private restaurant to celebrate the success of everyone’s achievements.

Spend the evening laughing away with your new best friends and tour guides and relive those wonderful moments over the past few days.

The bike ride is challenging but definitely achievable and something that anyone can do. You will be part of a fantastic team, all cycling for one great cause. We can guarantee that you will have the time of your life.

Itinerary

Day one – London to Portsmouth

136 kilometres/71 miles – 1200 metre ascent

We meet early on Thursday morning at ­Kingston Upon Thames. Following a light breakfast, briefing and safety talk, we will divide up into our different guided groups.

Each of these groups are made up of around 10 participants of a similar fitness and speed. Making our way out of London we bike through areas rich in history with fabulous scenery and the Thames is never far away.

We continue on from here along small country roads to our lunch spot in the heart of rural Surrey. As the roads get smaller, we pass through the prettiest of villages, heading up and down the hills, over the North Downs, to our tea break before we head off to the South Downs and into Portsmouth. Dinner and accommodation will be in a local hotel.

Day two – To Bernay

94kms/63 miles – 630m ascent

We have a very early start to make the ferry departure at 7:00am from Portsmouth. On board we can relax, have breakfast, catch up on our sleep and before midday we will arrive in the village of Ouistreham, just north of Caen, in France.

We have a short briefing before we head off on the cycle path and into the French countryside with a fabulous picnic lunch just a couple of hours away. As we pass tiny hamlets, babbling brooks, “ville fleurie”, farmhouses and fields of horses we approach the end of our day’s cycling in the town of Bernay.

The town has a long and prominent history as heralded by the Benedictine Abbey, the medieval buildings and the vestiges of mills all around. We will spend the night in a wonderful local hotel and eat in a nearby restaurant.

Day three – Bernay to Arc de Triomphe, Paris

163kms/100 miles – 1035m ascent

Our third and last early morning but this time it is for our 100 mile day! We pass fields of sunflowers, corn and other crops, and stop for refreshments in tranquil little villages along the way.

The route gives us a taste of civilisation as it takes us past the large town of Evreux, before it once again takes us up and down hills to get to the Palace of Versailles, home of the French Monarchy. Here we have a rest before embarking on the last leg of our journey that will take us all the way into Paris, to the Arc de Triomphe and our finish celebrations.

That night we will celebrate our 375kms/234 mile ride with a Finish Dinner in a restaurant in Paris. The final night’s accommodation is in central Paris.

Day four – Free Day

On the final day you can make the most of what Paris has to offer. Shop until you drop in the capital of chic. Visit some of the famous museums, galleries and sights or just relax in a traditional French café before heading back to St. Pancras via Eurostar.

Your commitment

To take part in this fantastic challenge we ask each participant to pledge to raise a minimum of £1,300 in sponsorship and pay a £150 deposit (which counts towards your final sponsorship total). Your target may seem high now, but you will be surprised at just how easy and enjoyable it is to reach. We have hundreds of great fundraising ideas, and will be with you every step of the way providing support and advice to help you smash your target and make the most of your cycling experience.

What’s included

The ferry from Portsmouth to Caen and the Eurostar from Paris to London is included. To travel back to the UK on Eurostar on a different day, an admin fee may be incurred.

Tour costs include all food from lunch on Day one through to breakfast on Day four inclusive. Snacks are also provided on the riding days. Three nights shared room accommodation is provided.

What isn’t included

Travel and bike insurance. Travel to the start of the ride, Day one breakfast, Day four lunch and evening meal, drinks with meals and personal spending money are not included.

Cycling Information

Participants will need to bring their own bikes on the trip. If it is a mountain bike or hybrid we recommend slick tyres are put on it. We will arrange for all bikes to be transported back to St Pancras (for collection on arrival on Eurostar).

Locks and panniers are not necessary as the bikes will be securely stored over night and the luggage vehicle will take your bags.

The route will predominately cover small country roads in England and France. The exceptions, which are minimal, are where there are no alternatives.

For further details on this London to Paris Cycle Ride please visit the The Stroke Association.

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:
September 6, 2012
End:
September 9, 2012
Event Categories:
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Organiser

The Stroke Association
Phone
020 7566 0311
Email
events@stroke.org.uk
View Organiser Website

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