It’s not a race, it’s a journey. Three days, 180 miles, one ferry.
The Itinerary - 21st to 23rd June 2024
Day One (Friday)
We leave at 9AM from Christ Church School. We will make our way out of London, following cycle paths and low traffic roads, crossing the North and South Downs. The ride is circa 65 miles. We have a ferry booked at 5PM from Newhaven to Dieppe (DFDS). We will stay the night at IBIS Dieppe Centre Port which is very close to the ferry port.
Day Two (Saturday)
With no hard deadline (unlike Day 1) we will not have a time constraint. We will have a full day ride from Dieppe to the outskirts of Paris. We will follow a well-trodden cycle route through northern France, on quiet roads and cycle paths, with undulating hills and good quality tarmac. We’ll be staying at the ibis Cergy-Pontoise Le Port hotel and going out for a good dinner.
Day Three (Sunday)
It will be around a 20KM ride from our hotel to the Arc De Triomphe in the centre of Paris. The intention is to set off quite early to avoid traffic and make the best opportunity for photos at the finish. After the photos we will have a short ride of circa 5KM to meet the support vehicle. We will leave our bikes with the support vehicle who will bring them back to ChristChurch for collection on Monday.
Preparation
Your Bike
We recommend taking a road bike but you’re welcome to bring whatever type of bike you prefer, including dutch, tandems or other style. Whilst we have a support vehicle it would be good to have a service prior to the ride to ensure everything is in the best shape. If you have old tyres then please consider replacing to reduce the likelihood of punctures. You should have a couple of water bottles for your bike and please bring a couple of spare inner tubes in case of a puncture.
What To Bring
A small overnight bag with change of clothes, toiletries etc. Sun screen, sun glasses, possibly a waterproof jacket. This will be carried in the support vehicle until needed. Padded shorts are recommended, as are cycling gloves.
Whilst we will be stopping for lunch and other breaks, having a ready supply of snacks and energy drinks to replenish your levels is a good idea. Bananas and other fruit/nuts, caffeine gels, chocolate etc.
You will need to bring water bottles for your bike, ideally two.
And Don’t Forget
Please don’t forget to bring a valid passport (in your name!), a power adaptor and/or battery.
Please also take out specific personal (covering you and your bike) travel insurance for the trip to the level you feel most comfortable with. Please also organise for a GHIC Card for access to French healthcare in the unfortunate eventuality that it’s needed.
Most importantly, please bring your good humour, teamwork and commitment.
Training Rides
Tim has kindly put together the below schedule of training rides so that we can best prepared for the event. Please feel free to join us for the rides even if you are unable to attend the Paris run as the more people who take part the more fun it is. It is also a great way to meet other parents and build friendships. Unless otherwise stated all rides start at 8AM at the Sun Gate in Battersea Park.
Saturday - May 11 Richmond Park Freestyle (31 Miles)
Sunday - May 12 Walton Loop (36 Miles)
Saturday - May 18 Sandown Loop (38 Miles)
Sunday - May 19 Windsor Loop (64 Miles)
Saturday - May 25 Regents Park Freestyle (12 Miles)
Sunday - May 26 Crocknorth and Box Hill loop (63 miles)
Monday - May 27(BH) - Kent (incl. Toys) Loop (55 Miles)
Saturday - June 1 Richmond Park loop (31 miles)
Sunday - June 2 Battersea to Box loop
Saturday - June 8 Walton loop (36 miles)
Sunday - June 9 Windsor loop (64 miles)
Saturday - June 15 Sandown loop (38 miles)
Sunday - June 16 Crocknorth and Box Hill loop (63 miles)
The Route
A Small Legal Note
Please note that whilst the cycle ride is being undertaken to raise funds for the Christ Church and Holy Trinity Schools that they are not legally responsible for the activity which is being undertaken at our own risk. Please ensure you have sufficient insurance cover for any loss, theft or injury for the entirety of the trip.