Following the success of this years trip to Paris we’re looking for participants for 2018. The format is broadly similar, but we depart on the overnight ferry on Wednesday 23rd May 2018 meaning that you get a full day of riding on the Thursday (see below for the proposed itinerary). 

It’s a chance to experience cycling through the French countryside as we get closer to the capital. Clearly it’s a physical challenge, and you’ll need to make sure that you are properly prepared – but there’s a lot of support along the way. A typical day would be - breakfast at the hotel, 45 km ride to a coffee stop, 50 km ride to lunch (picnic style) and then 20-30 km to the next hotel.

So, if this sounds like the sort of thing you’d like to do-then the first step is to register your interest by email to matthew.e.hurst@btinternet.com as we need to get an indication of numbers (spaces are limited so please respond promptly). Entries close on 31st October

You’ll then be asked for a non-refundable deposit to secure the place. If you want to discuss please call me on 07732 368947.

I’ve set out a brief Q&A below-but please let me know if I've missed anything.

Q & A

• How much does it cost? It’s likely to be c.£450 but that covers all your travel, food and accommodation.

• Any other costs? You’ll be responsible for your own insurance and we’ll collect c.€90 beforehand to cover coffee stops, fuel etc..

• I’ve completed the ride before, can I do it again? Absolutely

• What level of fitness is required? Clearly you need to be able to comfortably ride 120 km in a day, but we’ll look to run a series of training rides to help support your training and make sure you’re on track

• I have dietary requirements, can these be supported? We’ll do our best to make sure that hotels are aware of any special needs and we manage the lunch ourselves so will look to accommodate you!

Draft Itinerary

Wednesday 23rd May	Load bike and bags on the van and then meet at Portsmouth & Southsea station before boarding the overnight ferry to St Malo (cabin accommodation included) Depart 20.15 arrive 08.15
Thursday 24th	Arrive at St Malo and then ride to Saint Lo - 127 km
Friday 25th	Saint Lo to Lisieux – 120 km
Saturday 26th	Lisieux to Rouen – 102 km
Sunday 27th	Rouen to Paris – 140 km
Monday 28th	Return to St Pancras on Eurostar Collect bike and bag Monday evening