Overview
This iconic ride will take you from London through beautiful English villages and into the stunning countryside of rural France before you reach Paris and end your challenge under the Eiffel Tower! You will make friends for life and go on an incredible adventure which will stay with you forever. Whether you are an experienced rider looking to put in some mileage or a complete beginner on your first ever multi-day ride, you are bound to find other cyclists at your level and form great friendships as you pedal to Paris!
Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity NHS Foundation Trust provides a comprehensive service to children, young people and their families. They are one of the leading paediatric teaching centres in the country.
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- Start:
- 5th September 2018
- Finish:
- 9th September 2018
- Location(s):
- London, UK / Paris, France
- Trip duration:
- 5 days
Itinerary - 5 days
London to Calais
Our challenge begins bright and early from Crystal Palace heading south towards the coast. Today’s route winds through the beautiful Kent countryside before we reach the famous white cliffs of Dover. From here we catch the ferry to Calais for our first overnight stop. Approx. 95 miles cycling
Calais to Abbeville
La belle France! Stunning picturesque countryside awaits us in northern France as we travel south from Calais to Desvre, a small market town known for its ceramics. We then follow river valleys before finally arriving in Abbeville, a town steeped in history from the war which despite extensive damage in just one night has retained its beautiful Gothic church. Approx. 75 miles cycling.
Abbeville to Beauvais
Our route this morning follows the river Somme out of Abbeville. Though the famous battle likely comes to mind first, the name Somme actually derives from the Celtic word for 'tranquillity' which fully encapsulates the feeling of the day as you cycle through this beautiful region. We finish the day in Beauvais whose market square is a true highlight with several of the buildings dating from the twelfth to sixteenth centuries. Approx. 70 miles cycling
Beauvais to Paris
Our final day of cycling and the big push to Paris! We are still treated to some stunning countryside all the way up to our lunch spot by the River Seine. After lunch, we follow the river down through the suburbs until we reach the Bois de Boulogne – the largest park in Paris. We then have a short ride along the famous wide boulevards of Paris before reaching our finishing point at the Eiffel Tower! Approx. 60 miles cycling
Paris to London on the Eurostar
The day is yours to soak up the Parisian way of life and explore the city and visit the landmarks only yesterday you were cycling by. We will meet you in the afternoon at the Gare du Nord to catch the Eurostar home arriving at St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike which will have been transported for you overnight. Due to the nature of the challenge, this complex itinerary is subject to change.
Dates & Prices
Registration FeeNon-refundable booking fee to secure your place on the challenge |
£99.00 |
Sponsorship LevelThe amount you pledge to raise for your chosen charity |
£1,750.00 |
FAQ's
Is the trip for me?
Definitely! These trips are all fantastic challenges for anyone wanting to do something amazing for a great cause! There will be lots of like-minded people taking part, all looking for the challenge of a lifetime and of course to meet new friends. Some people come with friends or family but most people come on their own so what are you waiting for? Sign up today for a fantastic experience and the opportunity to make lifelong friends.
Is there an age restriction?
You need to be 18 years old or older to participant in our overseas trips. If you are under 18, you may still be able to participate but you will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and we’ll need written consent. Before anyone under 18 is accepted onto a challenge we would need to have a discussion so you can make an informed decision on the suitability of the challenge. If you call us in the office we can offer this advice.
I've never done anything like this before, what should I expect?
Most people who sign up to our overseas challenges have also never done anything like this before! You’ll be well supported from the minute you sign up right through to the challenge itself, but it’s important you come with an open mind. Due to the destinations, we travel to things don’t always run as smoothly as they would at home, so a relaxed attitude is the best in these situations.
How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be a fitness fanatic to do these challenges. The majority of people who take part in these events will be just like you and will not necessarily have done anything like this before. However to get maximum enjoyment from these challenges training is vital and we will provide you with a detailed training plan tailored to the trip you are going on which we strongly recommend you stick to. We will also be on hand every step of the way to provide training advice.
Will I need vaccinations?
Yes, it’s possible depending on the destination you choose. We would advise you to visit your local travel clinic for the latest advice on what vaccinations are recommended as this changes all the time.
Do I have to have travel insurance to travel?
Yes everyone is required to have travel insurance in place before they depart for a challenge. We highly recommend you take a policy out as soon as you sign up in case of any unforeseen circumstances that require you to cancel. If you already have an annual policy or cover with your bank you should check you are happy with the level of cover, repatriation is essential. You’ll then need to send us a copy of the policy schedule or letter confirming your policy number and 24hr emergency contact telephone number. If you are taking part in a trip that requires trekking at altitude you should check that your policy covers the height in advance.
Will I be able to raise the sponsorship level?
YES! Once you have started you will find that raising the minimum sponsorship is easy and most importantly fun! We will provide you with a breakdown of examples of how to raise the sponsorship money in an enjoyable way and we will, of course, be available every day to help you with more ideas! You are doing something quite simply amazing so make sure you tell everyone you know, and before you know it you will be racing towards your fundraising target!
When do I pay my sponsorship money?
You can start raising funds for your trip as soon as you sign up and we are on hand to help throughout your fundraising journey. To pay the costs of the trip, 80% of the sponsorship needs to be banked 12 weeks before the trip departs. The remaining 20% is due up to four weeks after your return. We’ll be on hand to help you, as will your charity.
Can I just pay to come on the trip without raising sponsorship?
All our events are charity focused however if you would prefer to just pay the tour costs (50% of the minimum sponsorship) plus the flight taxes if applicable you can do, we would invoice you directly for these costs. Also, we would encourage you to fundraise for a charity of your choice but without the target to reach.
Can I extend my trip?
For the trips, we organise involving flights it is possible to apply to extend your stay and travel independently after the main group had headed home. We will advise you of when and how to apply for this once you are signed up. We can only make changes to the date you return; the route must remain the same; all changes are made at the airline’s discretion and subject to availability and a nominal admin fee. For our trips in Europe involving a Eurostar return, it is not usually possible. If you wish to stay longer, we would just ask you to make your own arrangements and let us know if you do so in advance.
What do I need to bring?
We’ll provide you with a full kit list when you sign up for your challenge. If you are cycling from the UK into Europe you will need to bring along your own bike otherwise bikes will be provided if you are going further afield. If you are trekking, a good well-worn in pair of boots are essential to get you started!
What will happen to my luggage during trekking/cycling days?
On all our challenges, your main luggage will be transported for you each day. You will just need to carry the kit you need for that day including water, sun cream, snacks, camera, waterproofs etc.
How is my trip protected?
Skyline Events are acting as agents for the tour operator, Skyline Tour Operations Ltd, ATOL license number 10069. Many of the flights and flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. But ATOL protection does not apply to all holiday and travel services listed on this website. Please ask us to confirm what protection may apply to your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate, then the booking will not be ATOL protected. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to www.atol.org.uk/ATOLCertificate
How do I book my place?
As soon as possible! Simply click BOOK NOW to book online today! Places are extremely limited and get snapped up quickly so to avoid disappointment sign up today and don’t miss out!
View our Terms & Conditions
Please view our Terms & Conditions here
Get In Touch
If you like what you’ve seen so far and want to find out more, why not drop the Team an email at overseas@skylineevents.co.uk for more information? Or give us a call on 020 7424 5511