Royal British Legion Pedal to Ypres

Experience the poignant history of both World Wars on this 310-mile bike ride. Visit battlefields, cemeteries & memorials on this scenic ride of Remembrance.

CHALLENGE SUMMARY

This ride remembers the incredible sacrifices made by all those who fought in both World Wars.

Four days in the saddle will take you from London through the historic Somme region of France, then towards Passchendaele and finishing at the Menin Gate in Ypres.

You'll visit battlefields, cemeteries and memorials along the way which brings a strong feeling of Remembrance to this picturesque bike ride.

Ride of Remembrance Highlights

• 310 miles over 4 days through 3 countries
• Experience the poignant history of this region
• Historian en route
• Pay tribute to those who fought in this historic area
• Show your support for those who have served or are currently serving in the British Armed Forces

Five days of Remembrance

Day 1: London to Calais (84 miles)
Cycle from London, experiencing the beautiful Kent countryside, onto Dover before crossing the channel to Calais.

Day 2: Calais to Abbeville (82 miles)
Cycle through northern France and visit Etaples Military Cemetery – the largest Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery in France - on the way.     

Day 3: Abbeville to Arras (73 miles)
Cycle through the Somme region visiting the Lochnagar Crater and Thiepval Memorial.

Day 4: Arras to Ypres (71 miles)
Cycle north and visit sites like Vimy Ridge, Pheasant Wood and Tyne Cott before cycling into Ypres and finishing at the Menin Gate.
In the evening you will attend the special 20.00 service in Ypres at the Menin Gate.

Day 5: Ypres to London
We will arrange your transport back to London from Ypres.

What's included

• A dedicated historian on the ride: Dan Hill will be your personal tour guide at all the sites we visit. He has worked on the national Somme commemorations and is a battlefield guide on the Western Front.
• Transport - including ferry crossing and a Eurostar ticket
• Four nights’ accommodation from the ride start (if you do not wish to share a room, single rooms are available for an additional supplement of £225)
• All meals - except breakfast on first day and lunch on the last day
• Celebration dinner on the final night
• Catered pit stops
• Support vehicles carrying luggage to each overnight stop
• Medical support from paramedics and physio team
• Mechanical support (all labour costs are covered but you will be billed for any spare parts used in repairing your bike)
• Full support prior to the ride including training advice, equipment checklist and information
• An official Royal British Legion cycle jersey
• A medal for completing the ride
• A Royal British Legion digital fundraising pack
• A dedicated supporter care team to manage any questions you might have

How to take part

Pay £150 deposit now to secure your place and the balance of £500 is due on the 1st April.
Participants are asked raise £900 of sponsorship for The Royal British Legion which is due 8 weeks after the event.
If you wish to self-fund, you will still be required to raise sponsorship for The Royal British Legion.