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.
Depart by ferry from Dover leaving the white cliffs behind and cross the La Manche. On arrival the cycle to Dunkirk begins.
The first stop on this day is at Wormhoudt, on the outskirts of Esquelbecq. Take a break at a modest barn that harbours a dark past and listen to the historian as he tells the story of the Wormhoudt Massacre.
Next stop will be in the picturesque village of Cassel. To reach Cassel you will take on the biggest 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.
The penultimate stop of the day is Notre Dame de Lorrette – the summit of the final climb of the day. This is home to the 328m ring of remembrance that is located on the site that saw some of the most ardent fighting during the first world war. While you are on the ridgeway, look out for the 50m high lantern tower that sits adjacent to the ring, in the middle of Notre Dame de Lorette. With over 40,000 Soldiers buried here, it is the largest French War Memorial in the world.
The last stop takes the group to the Arras, a town that had huge strategic interest during the first world war. Visit the Arras Tunnels 20m deep below the ground and learn about the crucial role they played in the defence and attack strategies of the Allied forces.
Today you'll cycle up the spine of the Western Front and cover lots of stops along the way. The first stop is a visit to the Neuville Saint Vasst German war cemetery, then head on to the trenches at Vimy Ridge and the iconic memorial there. This is a packed day where the group will also visit:
Loos Family Memorial
Neuve Chapelle
Fromelles, Ploegsteert Memorial
Peace Park
The Caterpillar Crater
Hill 60
Tyne Cott
Finally the group will pass through the spectacular Menin Gate in Ypres. In the evening you'll join the Menin Gate Ceremony to lay a wreath and pay respects.
On the final day of cycling the group will first head to Poperinge, the final Belgian town on the trip, affectionately known as ‘Pop’ during WWI. Famous for its hops, the town was one of the few Belgian towns in WWI that wasn’t occupied by the Germans.
The final stop of the day, and of the trip, is at Bergues. The town hosts a local market which you’ll hopefully visit to try some French delicacies before heading back to Dunkirk.
This day is a time to celebrate your epic journey. Enjoy the smooth, flat roads that wind their way through Belgium and France back to where it all started, Dunkirk. Just the ferry journey remains on your Pedal to Ypres Trip.
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
