Pedal to Paris

Fitness level

You should have a basic level of fitness with the commitment to prepare properly in training for the challenge - cycling a few miles to and from work is not going to be enough preparation for this ride.

Speed groups

This ride is aimed at keen amateurs and is designed for a broad range of experience, speeds and stamina. It is not competitive and you do not need to have done anything like this before. However, a sensible training programme is recommended leading up to the ride - as you will enjoy the event so much more if you are properly prepared.

Cyclists are divided into different speed groups from 12mph to 18+mph. First-timers who can average 12mph are as welcome as the experienced cyclists. Whatever your speed, age or experience, you will receive the same level of support.

Training

You'll receive a full 16-week training plan and expert advice to help you train like a pro and get ready to ride 460km and conquer Pedal to Paris!

Team support

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 Arc de Triomphe. This ride is about camaraderie and creating a personal community of riders who have a remarkable experience together.

Bike type

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. Participants must contact the Event organisers to confirm permission to bring an e-bike. Participants with e-bikes are responsible for their own parts and for bringing their own adapters and charging points. Participants are also responsible for ensuring their bike is fully charged each evening.

Kit list

• Helmet
• Cycle lock (optional)
• Water bottles - two are recommended
• Puncture repair kit - mechanics are along the route, but it is recommended that you bring one
• Small rucksack or cycling panniers - great for carrying personal items you may need during the day such as medications, cameras, puncture repair kit, etc
• Clothing including lycra cycling tops, padded shorts, footwear, sunglasses, cycling gloves and a waterproof jacket
• First aid kit - medics will be present but bringing a basic first aid kit is recommended and could include sun cream, insect spray, muscle rub, vaseline, lip balm, sanitary products and prescribed medication
• Currency (Euros) all meals and refreshments are included - but not bar bills
• Baggage - space is limited so one bag per person which will be transported each day for you
• Documents - passport, travel insurance for yourself and your bike, and your European Health Insurance Card

Event HQ

London
South East London
London
London
Greater London
UK

Setting off from London, this four-day event will take you through beautiful English and French countryside covering a total of 460km.

Once in France, rolling road closures are coordinated so you can cycle from Calais to the very heart of Paris without having to think about traffic, junctions or red lights. It's well paced with breaks throughout each day.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | London to Dover (136km/85 miles)

  Leave the capital bright and early, starting at Eltham Palace and heading south out of London through some of Kent’s finest scenery, arriving in the historic town of Dover in time to board the ferry to Calais.

• Day 2 | Calais to Abbeville (135km/84 miles)

  Take in beautiful rural landscapes as you ride through the French countryside, from Samer onto Abbeville.

• Day 3 | Abbeville to Beauvais (104km/65 miles)

  Travel through meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets on the way out of Abbeville, heading into the Somme and Oise regions of Picardy before arriving in Beauvais.

• Day 4 | Beauvais to Paris (100.8km/63 miles)

  Tackle the home straight and ride through Menucourt to finish on closed roads through the Champs-Élysées and a triumphant finish at the Arc de Triomphe.

• Day 5 | Paris to London

  Travel home having completing the ride of a lifetime!

Included

• Four nights in at least 3* accommodation
• Motorbike outriders, mechanics, medics, sports massage therapists, and ride captains all on hand throughout the ride
• Official RBL cycling jersey 
• Full pre-ride support including a dedicated cycling team, training plans and fundraising advice
• Training tips from pro cyclist Andy Tennant
• GPX files
• Route signs in England
• Motorbike support with rolling road closures in France
• Ferry crossing
• Travel from Paris to London
• Meals, snacks and drinks
• Celebratory dinner on the final evening
• Extra package options to bring friends and family along to see you finish
• Luggage transfers
• Secure bike storage every night
• Transport to your hotel

Not Included

• Travel to/from London at the start/finish
• Spending money including bar bills
• Travel insurance
• Bike insurance
• Bike and cycling clothing/equipment

Support the Armed Forces Community

For over 100 years 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.

Royal British Legion

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.

Option 1: Fundraise

• Register for £279.
• Raise £1790 sponsorship.

Please note that at least half of the sponsorship needs to be raised before the event date. 

Option 2: Self-fund

• Register for £279.
• Pay balance of £800 by 1 June 2024.
• Raise £990 sponsorship.

Entry fees

Simply the best cycling event for London to Paris, with a feel you are on a grand tour event. Jon Pain

The organisation by RBL was second to none. I was so impressed with all aspects of organisation. Jill Hickman