After all the preparation, the time has finally come to get pedalling! The journey kicks off in Greenwich Park, South London, where you’ll meet the rest of the group, the challenge leader and support team. An introductory briefing will include vital safety advice, and then you’re off! After a short cycle through the outskirts of London, the route passes along country roads then through Rochester before reaching Canterbury, your stop for the night.
Accommodation: Hotel
After an early breakfast you’ll continue on to Dover where you take the ferry to Calais. From here the route heads inland on undulating quiet roads and cycle paths. Today’s ride is slightly longer than yesterday, but with less ascent. Take the time to enjoy the rolling, picturesque French countryside, passing tiny hamlets, bubbling brooks and “ville fleurie” farmhouses. Having arrived in Montreuil Sur Mer during the late afternoon, the group will dine at a local restaurant then retire for an early night at your hotel.
Accommodation: Hotel
Rise and shine early for the penultimate day of cycling. It’s a challenging start before lunch as you negotiate several climbs over the first 35 miles of the day. Along the way expect to pass fields of sunflowers, corn and other crops, while stopping for several pitstops. It’s full on and you should arrive at Beauvais in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel
Refreshed after your night’s sleep, it’s time to push on for the final ride to Paris. The team will regroup and refuel on the outskirts of Paris, ahead of the last section which will take approximately 90 minutes. Soon you’ll catch your first glimpse of the iconic Tour Eiffel and the adrenaline will be pumping as you glide your way past the Arc de Triomphe and down the Champs Elysees, before reaching your ultimate destination. There’s time for a quick celebratory drink and the obligatory victory snaps in the shadow of the tower, before heading off to your hotel for the final celebratory dinner together.
Accommodation: Hotel
Now the hard work is over, take the morning to explore Paris at your leisure or simply lie in and relax after last night’s celebrations. Later it’s time to make your own way to the Gare du Nord station, from where you’ll catch the Eurostar back to St Pancras International. (Please see Q&As for information on bike transportation back to the UK.)
BELIEVE >> ACHIEVE >> INSPIRE