for those that wanted to know, this is thge route/itinerary
Day 1 – London to Calais
Cycling distance – approx. 67 miles
Our ride from Bexley in southeast London kicks off
early to avoid the traffic. Within five miles we’re
cycling on quieter roads and hitting the rolling Kent
countryside. Today we get off to a great start as we
find our rhythm cycling in a large group. We cover
nearly 70 miles to reach the white cliffs of Dover, and
cycle through historic Rochester. We tackle some
tough climbs, but there’s plenty of coasting terrain
to rest our legs. We board an early evening ferry to
France and arrive in Calais at our hotel charged for
the next day’s ride.
Day 2 – Calais to Arras
Cycling distance – approx. 78 miles
Following a hearty breakfast, we start cycling
‘French style’, remembering to stay on the right.
Today is the toughest day, both mentally and
physically, but we can do it! We’ll whizz through
beautiful French countryside, with views of green
meadows as far as the eye can see. The roads are
quiet and we travel through attractive small towns.
Day 3 – Arras to Compiègne
Cycling distance – approx. 73 miles
Today’s ride is a step back into history as we head
south towards Bapaume, scene of the Battle of
the Somme. After a delicious Fairtrade lunch next
to a beautiful lake, we continue south and enjoy a
well-earned downhill stretch to our overnight stop in
Compiègne.
Day 4 – Compiègne to Paris
Cycling distance – approx. 66 miles
The final day of our European cycling adventure
sees us cycle south through stunning forests, and
it’s not long before we reach the eastern outskirts
of Paris. We cycle around to the north and proceed
through small villages and towns. It’s normal to see
locals waving us on – after all, the famous Tour de
France ends tomorrow and the atmosphere is sure
to be electric. The sight of the Eiffel Tower will spur
us on as we get closer. We stop for the group to
reassemble and then ride together up the Champs-
Elysées, round the Arc de Triomphe and down to the
finish, overlooking the Eiffel Tower. This evening we
celebrate our achievements with a special dinner.
Day 5 – Paris to London
Cycling distance – 0 miles
After breakfast at our hotel, we are free to enjoy the
sights and sounds of Paris. Maybe you want to get a
good space from which to watch the Tour de France
or simply soak up the atmosphere in one of the
many cafés – the choice is yours. There will be an
early evening Eurostar departure from Gare du Nord
back to St Pancras. Bicycles will be transported back
to London and participants will then have the choice
of either collecting their bike from St Pancras or the
starting point in Bexley.
really looking forward to it now even after a shitty 18mph headwind with gust of 30+ commute this morning, good job the rain held off, guess that’ll be tonights pleasure 🙂