Challenge InfoRMATION
The London to Paris Cycle Challenge is perfect for cyclists of all abilities, this challenge will take you along an iconic route through England and France. Our team will look after you every step of the way. From support with training and fundraising to keeping you safe, well and excited throughout the three-day ride, our team will make this a cycling experience you will cherish, be challenged by, and celebrate for a long time after.
There is lots of info below and on the main menu to help, but in addition, do contact our support team or check out the FAQs.
Rider Package INCLUDES
Travel Options
For all participants, the return journey from Paris will be included up to a certain amount
If you're travelling from outside of the UK, you will need to make your own arrangements to arrive in London ahead of the challenge start date. TFA will provide you with a €75 eurostar voucher if you email your name (as on passport) and the email address you want it sent to. If you want this option Email Arun to confirm. Please note that if you are travelling internationally, you may need to cover the additional cost if it exceeds the allocated amount.
Transport of your bike from London to Paris (before the challenge) or Paris to London (after the event) is included.
Bike Rental available - please click here for more details
Three nights’ accommodation (see FAQs for more details)
Food & drink - Meals and at snack stops.
24/7 support from our team.
Bicycle roadside repairs and medical assistance. Non-roadside repairs may incur additional costs.
Transport of your bike to London - There will be a collection of bikes from Ibis Hotel Cambronne, Paris from 5.30pm-6.30pm on 17 September. Email Arun to confirm. Or you may choose the easy way and rent a bike and a. helmet. All rental bikes are fully serviced, delivered and collected, and fitted to your specification by the TFA Event team. Additional costs apply.
Our vehicles will carry all your bags throughout the challenge. For details on recommended kit please check out the kit list here
Our support…
If you have not taken part in a challenge like this before it can be quite daunting. There is no need to worry about anything as we’ll be on hand to support you every step of the way. From the moment you register right up to the point of returning your bike to you after the challenge, we will be available to answer any questions you may have about your training, fundraising, preparation and the challenge days themselves.
We will also connect you with other riders via group chat, welcome events and training group rides. Full details of all of these will be posted here and emailed to you.
On the challenge itself our experienced team, volunteers, mechanics, medics and support vehicles will be with you at every stage of the journey. If you’ve got a problem with your bike, or you’re not feeling well, then the team will be on hand to support you with this.
From a quick roadside repair, refueling some lost energy or even a break from cycling, our experienced team will always be very close by.
One question that is frequently asked is… do I need to get insurance for the challenge?
In most cases it is unlikely and you will need to get additional insurance that covers you for this type of cycling activity. You can get this cover from British Cycling or other insurance companies. You will need to confirm the details of the cover in advance. and you can find out more info in our FAQs. Do contact us if you want to chat more.
Things you’ll need to arrange…
PERSONAL INSURANCE - see full kit list
You must have personal insurance that covers you for cycling activities for a trip like this. Unfortunately, if you don’t have the right cover, you will not be able to ride. Even if you’ve already got travel insurance, you must have the right insurance that covers you for a bike trip like this. There are many providers, British Cycling is one of them.
BIKE EQUIPMENT
You’ll need to make sure that you have a bike that’s in good working order and has been serviced in the last 3-4 months. You will need to wear a helmet at all times whilst cycling and your bike will need to have working front and rear lights, which must be on at all times. We would suggest you use a road bike, but a hybrid bike is also fine if you prefer, It’ll be hard going on a mountain bike, but if you are looking to purchase or rent a bike our team is happy to provide advice.
We’ll also have plenty of water and snack stops – but do bring your own water bottle (more than one if you have them) for your bike. It really is worth investing in some padded shorts and other good cycling clothing – you’ll realise why when you get to Paris!
kit list…
Your additional kit will be carried by the support vehicles for three days.
A helmet which must be worn at all times when cycling
Water bottle bring a spare if you have one
Comfortable, warm, and waterproof cycling clothes
4 x Inner tubes (available from our team, from £10+ each)
Working front and rear bike lights which must be on at all times
Working bell
We don’t carry reserve bikes, so in the unfortunate circumstance that your bike is beyond repair, we will try and arrange a rental bike for you (additional costs will apply) from the nearest bike rental shop. Road bike or hybrid serviced in the last 3-4-months
Getting ready…
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
It’s fair to say that three days of cycling between 50 and 80 miles is no walk in the park. However, with the right training and mental attitude, this can be a great introduction to multi-day cycling.
This is a great event that experienced and relatively new cyclists can enjoy together. If you have got any health issues or are concerned about the physical nature of this challenge, then do pay your doctor a visit.
They’ll be best placed to advise you on whether or not it’s a good idea for you to take part.
WHAT TRAINING DO I NEED TO DO?
Have a read of our training plan, in our event brochure, to help you build-up to the big event! The key is getting out on the bike and building up your stamina so you can cycle on consecutive days.
By building up slowly over several months, you’ll reduce the chance of injury and will be able to get the most out of the experience.
Do also join our training rides in Sept, full details of timing and locations to be announced.
fundraising…
HOW DO I GO ABOUT FUNDRAISING?
Fundraising should be fun! From cake sales and pub quizzes to dress-down days or guessing how many sweets there are in a jar – fundraising is a great way to make your friends and family feel part of your London to Paris cycle challenge. Visit our Fundraising Tips page for plenty of ideas.
ANY WORDS OF WISDOM?
This is a challenging experience and not a race. Go at your own pace, soak up the atmosphere and make friends as you go. Our challenge leaders will make sure that no one gets left behind, so all you have to do is enjoy the ride!
For a full list of Frequently Asked Questions, visit our FAQs page.