08:00
£250
Age 18 & over
Remember the incredible sacrifices made by all those who fought in both World Wars.
On route through stunning countryside, the dedicated trip historian helps riders appreciate the sacrifices that were made by so many, with visits to battlefields, cemeteries and memorials along the route.
Combine your love of cycling and history by joining this ride and you’ll be helping to provide support and services to veterans in need of help today.
Anyone with a basic level of fitness who commits to training can take part. There are regular stops and each day has one climb. This ride is targeted at beginner to intermediate cyclists and is a perfect event for anyone taking on their first multi-day cycling event.
There are two speed groups that will travel at the average speed of the riders we have on the event. Groups will stop regularly and meet up together at historical sites. Even if you have never cycled in a group you will be fully supported by ride captains and other support crew.
You'll receive a full 16-week training plan and expert advice to help you train like a pro and get ready to ride 290km and conquer Pedal to Ypres.
You'll be encouraged all the way, ensuring you enjoy the experience of possibly your first multi-day ride all the way to the finish when you pass through the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres.
This ride is about camaraderie and creating a personal community of riders who have a remarkable experience together exploring history.
A standard hybrid or road bike will be sufficient for your needs.
E-bikes are permitted but there is a limited number that can be taken on the ride due to charging facilities. Riders must contact the event organisers to confirm permission to bring an e-bike.
Riders with e-bikes are responsible for their own parts and for bringing their own adapters and charging points. Riders are also responsible for ensuring their bike is fully charged each evening.
Port of Dover
Dover
Kent
UK
Setting off from Dover, the three-day journey will cover a total distance of 290km.
Pass through the historic Somme region of France before finishing at the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres. Historian Dan Hill will share historical information at each site visited.
This year there will be even more historical sites to explore such as Notre-Dame de Lorette, the world's largest French military cemetery, and touring the Wellington Tunnels in Arras.
You'll be welcomed by the team at either London or Dover, depending on which package you choose. Dinner is included in the Dover package.
The first stop is Dunkirk beach, where there'll be a quick pit stop on the beach and then set off for the lunch stop at around the 50km point. Visit the moving memorial to the Wormhoudt Massacre after lunch and then a World War Two bunker a bit further down the road just out of Hardifort.
Next stop will be in the picturesque village of Cassel, to reach Cassel you will take on the climb of the day. This cobbled climb was made famous by the Tour of Normandy and the views at the end will be well worth it. A quick stop at the submit and set the scene of some historical events that have happened in the area.
In the afternoon the group will visit Notre Dame de Lorette, the world’s largest French military cemetery and then focus on making some distance, passing through the beautiful French countryside to the final stop in Arras. Here, there'll be a tour of the Wellington Tunnels, where you’ll descend 20 metres below the pavements to understand how the Allies liberated Arras through the complex tunnels dug under the city. You'll rest in a comfortable hotel for the night, with your bike safely stored in a lock-up.
Breakfast will be at the hotel then it's on to the first stop to visit the Neuville-Saint-Vaast German war cemetery. The group will visit the trenches at Vimy Ridge followed by the scenic memorial. This is an action-packed day where the group will visit Loos Memorial, Neuve Chapelle, Ploegsteert Memorial to the Missing, the Australian Memorial in Fromelles, Mesen, the Caterpillar Crater, Hill 60, Tyne Cott and finally pass through the spectacular Menin Gate in Ypres.
After freshening up at the hotel, the group will attend the spectacular Menin Gate ceremony at 8pm to lay a wreath. This will be followed by dinner in the historic Cloth Hall a short walk away from the Menin Gate.
On the final day it’s all about the cycling, 60km of beautiful Belgium and French countryside with the road as smooth as a pancake. Make your way back home with fond memories of your time spend pedalling to Ypres.
For over 100 years the Royal British Legion has provided much-needed welfare and comradeship to millions, and are working tirelessly to ensure that those who have served and made sacrifices for us are being looked after no matter what challenges they and the country faces. With your help, they receive the help that they need and deserve.
The UK's leading Service charity providing care and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and their families.
The custodian of remembrance and appreciation through the annual poppy appeal and also providing members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families with rehabilitation, advice and guidance all year round.
Of money you raise £25 can pay for an online training course for a veteran to help them secure a job or £100 could help someone's rehabilitation by attending an arts programme.
Don't miss this memorable and poignant ride.
Registration fee
£250.00
Minimum sponsorship
£750.00
What an emotional event both in terms of cycling and visiting memorials. Jason Dakin
The organisation by choice of route and visits to historical sites made this a unique event. Annmarie
