18:00
£199
Age 18 & over
Cyclists on this award-winning ride will learn about the history of Operation Dynamo from a dedicated historian by cycling the Normandy beaches starting from Sainte-Mere-Eglise in Northern France to D-Day beaches Omaha, Gold and Juno.
The route follows the path of British expeditionary forces by exploring Bayeux, Lisieux and Bernay after which the group will celebrate a successful cycling challenge in Paris. The finish line is the Eiffel Tower itself providing an ideal backdrop for receiving medals and the all-important photos.
The experienced cycling events team organises all logistics and ensures seamless support so that all you have to do is focus on pedaling and raising money to change the lives of veterans and their families.
The ride is suitable for a mix of abilities and there are always first-time riders taking part. You are advised to do regular training rides on a mix of hills and flats before the event, so you're prepared for multi-day cycling.
You'll be sent a training guide and the team will help with any training preparation so you can have a truly enjoyable ride.
You'll get access to the cycling event participant Facebook Group upon registering, so you can join forces with fellow riders on training sessions and get motivated.
I’d never really cycled up until I started to train for my first event. I really enjoyed the cycling, and now cycle three or four times a week. All of my training was done alone, so being able to ride with a group was amazing!
The Big Battlefield Bike Ride charity bike ride is not designed to be a race; however, you should be comfortable maintaining around 10 - 12mph.
An average day will be around 60-70 miles and in true Help for Heroes style, you can expect some sneaky hills along the way. The days in the saddle will be broken up with water and food breaks, along with historian-led stops and visits to war cemeteries.
A road/racing or e-bike is recommended for this ride. Whatever bike you choose to use, you should complete plenty of training on it, so you are comfortable.
Clipless pedals (with cleated shoes) give you greater power from the effort you put into each pedal revolution – they take some getting used to though and most people will fall off a few times. Please ensure you get used to them in good time before the ride.
This challenge ride is ideal for teams! Simply let the team know and your group will be put in the same hotels.
Portsmouth Ferry Terminal (France)
George Byng Way
Portsmouth
Hampshire
PO2 8SP
UK
You’ll meet the team and your fellow riders at Portsmouth on Monday evening where you'll board the ferry and return by coach to Portsmouth on Saturday.
Take only photos, leave only footprints
This challenge believes in the familiar phrase of 'take only photos, leave only footprints', cares for the planet and wants to make sure that actions benefit future generations of all species for years to come - human, animal, plant or otherwise!
The day is broken up with fascinating historical talks on route is inspiring and helps me to keep going and wanting to learn more, I look forward to each guided stop. Dean Williams
Helping wounded veterans and their families to recover and get on with their lives.
Every day, men and women have to leave their career in the Armed Forces as a result of physical or psychological wounds. Your fundraising helps them recover and get on with their lives. So far Help for Heroes has supported more than 25,000 people and won’t stop until every veteran gets the support they deserve.
This will be the third BBBR for me.. The talks, challenges, stories and shared experiences of veterans, the scenery and not forgetting the undulations. Being part of a group who are raising funds and supporting a worthwhile charity. Giving something back whilst recharging on a mindful level. Kevin Davey
The Events Team is always on hand to guide you through your fundraising. Once you register you'll receive a comprehensive fundraising guide, planner and sponsorship form via email to help you get started.
Keep an eye on your inbox because you'll be sent tools and fundraising ideas to support you throughout your challenge. There's also a participant Facebook Group brimming with advice. From top tips to newsletters, advice to wristbands; the team will do their best to help you become a fundraising champion!
Please note if you choose the option to fundraise, £1524 of your fundraising needs to be raised before the 8th March 2024.
Registration fee
£199.00
Minimum sponsorship
£2801.00
Camaraderie, history and cycling in the amazing countryside. It ticked all the boxes. It’s a brilliant experience.
For me, my first BBBR was incredibly therapeutic and has proved a godsend in that I’ve gotten fitter, met some great people, made lifelong friends and signed up for my 3rd ride next year…. It’s quite simply the best week ever. Simon Cairns
This will be the third BBBR for me. So there must be something in it. It’s a week away with like-minded people. The talks, challenges, stories and shared experiences of veterans the scenery and not forgetting the undulations. Being part of a group who are raising funds and supporting a worthwhile charity. Giving something back whilst recharging on a mindful level. Kevin Davey
I personally love the challenge, pushing myself to new achievements which I wouldn't normally do on my own. The day is broken up with fascinating historical talks on route is inspiring and helps me to keep going and wanting to learn more, I look forward to each guided stop. I also love being with like-minded cyclist of all abilities and listening to everyone's life experiences. Dean Williams
