Cycle London Paris 3 Day (Portsmouth) Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
London To Paris Portsmouth Version 3 day
Bike Adventure
This grand 214 mile route from London (Kingston Upon Thames) to Central Paris is a classic, with our special Adventure Café flavour. Ride from one exciting European capital to another—in just three days! This ride takes you via some pleasant undulating countryside down to Portsmouth where we take the night ferry to Le Havre and continue on therough Northern France to Paris. The ride broadly speaking folllows the Seine all the way - and dips in and out of the river valley, criss crossing the Seine as we go. The final ride into Paris is a memory to never forget, as we spin around the Arc de Triomphe, pose in front of the Eiffel Tower, and sweep down the Champs Elysees. This is a true bucket list adventure!
Upon leaving the familiar sights of London, we ride down past Guildford, and over the North Downs and South Downs, before a glorious descent into the port of Portsmouth to get on our overnight ferry.
In the morning, our ride through France takes us through the attractive French countryside. We’ll glimpse poppy fields, charming French villages, and a scenic journey through the Seine Valley. We cycle on through the town of Pontoise and then on to our final approach to Paris - the final victory lap along the banks of the Seine and into the hustle and bustle!
It’s one final push into Central Paris and we’ll eventually pass right around the impressive Arc de Triomphe and swoop along the grand Champs Elysees to our finish point bang in the middle of the excitement of Paris. From one capital to the other…. The evening is then yours to enjoy; celebrate in this beautiful and culturally vibrant capital. You are accommodated in Paris and the following day (aching legs permitting!) you are free to sample the delights of city before catching the Eurostar train directly back to London. Your bike will have a head start on this journey and you will be reunited back in London. All in a day’s work for you, your selected charity and Adventure Café —well done!!
Itinerary
Pre-Event Meet at designated team hotel in Kingston (optional) for pre-event briefing and dinner - 18:00. Stay overnight at hotel - optional, not included.
Day 1, London - Portsmouth, apx 111 kms (71 miles).
Our journey begins with a morning departure from London. We will travel south through Wimbledon to Epson for our first morning drinks stop. We continue into the countryside on an undulating ride into the Surrey Hills and a steep descent into Cranleigh, where we will stop for lunch. After our break we head on into the South Downs National Park through Chiddingford and Haslemere, before we descend into Portsmouth where we can rest our legs as we get ready for our overnight ferry crossing.
Day 2, Ouistreham - Evreux, apx 108km (69miles)
Our ferry arrives into Ouistreham first thing and once we have disembarked, our journey begins along the Canal de Caen a la Mer for 6kms before we exit and start our challenge deeper into Normandy. We head through the pretty French countryside on quiet undulating roads until we reach one of France’s ancient beautiful towns - Evreux.
Day 3, Evreux - Paris, apx 117km (74miles)
Our final day starts with a slight ascent of 77m out of Evreux and then we will be gliding along quiet roads through the beautiful Normandy countryside passing through towns of Ivry-la-Bataille and Mantes-la-Ville before we meet up with the River Siene, indicating Paris is in our sights. From here we start to meet the city as we cycle through the bustling suburbs. As we near the city centre you will be greeted by all of Paris’ famous sights such as the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower. Congratulations, you have reached your destination!
Day 4
You will have some time in Paris before catching the Eurostar from Gare du Nord or a flight directly back to London and finally retrieve your bike.
Accommodation
Will be in a hotel for 2 x nights (including buffet breakfasts), and one night on board the ferry. You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a small supplement will be payable). Upgrades are also available for an extra charge if required.
What is a Level 3.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
These rides are typically multi day rides, with medium distances and undulating terrain. Level 3 rides suit riders who ride regularly, and are looking for something challenging but manageable. In the case of single day events, you can expect up to 8 hours of cycling with breaks. In the case of a multi day ride, you can expect a slightly lower daily duration - but of course - the effort is sustained over a longer period. You should be a competent rider, with regular training outings - both at the weekend and ideally with another session during the week. A 10 week training programme is available for our 3 star rides.
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 3.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
You need to have good endurance for these events. You must be used to doing long bike rides in the countryside of 5 hours + and distances of between 45 - 55 miles . You should be doing regular exercise - with some serious cycle training (at least twice per week in the run up to the event). Your typical comfortable cycling speed will be around 21-23 km/hr on flat and gently undulating terrain, and you should be able to cycle at higher speed for up to 1 hour or 25 km (on a road bike). You may also blend in other types of exercise - but for longer periods of time (ie sessions in excess of 1.5 hrs.) - however cycling is the best preparation (obviously!)
Medical Issues
Please note, it is extremely important for this physical challenge that you are in good health. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, please consider carefully whether you should be joining the challenge. Please ensure you fill in the booking form accurately and honestly, this is important. In the case of serious conditions (epilepsy, diabetes, heart conditions, recent illness or operations), please discuss the challenge with your GP. Please also ensure you notify us of any allergies or similar.
It requires stamina and good aerobic fitness - but good willpower will also come in handy! Failure to disclose medical conditions is a serious omission - that could have serious repercussions on any of our challenges.
Visas / Redtape
When travelling abroad you may require a Visa. Please check the Travcour website (www.travcour.com) for up to date Visa information. Here they can advise you on the best action to take. If you require further information please don't hesitate to contact the Café.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader, Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic, Pre-event briefing, Ferry Crossing to Dieppe, Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route, Paris accommodation, Full buffet breakfasts every day, Picnic Style Lunches, Return journey to London on Eurostar or flight, Easy transfer of bikes back to London for collection.
Excluded From Trip
Transport to/from London start/finish points, Dinners
Equipment Required
Kit lists specific to your trip dates and location will be issued upon enquiry...below is our guide advice to give an idea of what you should bring on a multi--day ride in Europe
Bike Items
Road Bike / Hybrid Bike (with puncture resistant tyres) - please call us for guidance on type of bike on a trip by trip basis
2 X Water Bottles (bladder system/cycle water bottles)
Cycling Gloves, Bike Lock, Neck Scarf, Inner Tubes*, Multi-Tool (with allen keys)*
Day Bag for support vehicle, Small Holdall (for overnight gear)
Bike Lights (front and rear, head torch can be worn)
Saddle Bag (recommended - can be used to carry asterisk* items)
Puncture Repair Kit*, Spare parts for your bike (specialist parts and spokes), Pump (suitable for your valve type)
Helmet (compulsory)
Personal Medikit Suncream, Plasters, Vaseline, Painkillers, Sunbloc, Insect Repellant
Washkit
Warm Clothing Medium Weight Softshell, Long sleeve Jersey / insulating layer Lightweight Gloves.
Cycle Clothing
Padded Lycra Cycling Shorts, Cotton Shorts, or Long Cycling Trousers (Tights/Tracksuit Bottoms)
Short Sleeve Cycling T-Shirts (wicking type material) or Cycle Top with rear pockets
Cycling Shoes (approach shoes or sturdy traners suitable),
Spare Shoes/Sandals for after ride
Casual Evening Wear - tracksuits, jeans, T shirts, fleece ...
Waterproof Clothing
1 Outer Fully Waterproof Jacket (gore-tex, e-vent) - comfortable to cycle in
Other
Travel Documents, EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) Credit Cards, Cash, Local Currency, Mobile Phone, chargers, EU plug adaptor, Sunglasses
Snacks for Cycling Days (dried fruits, nuts, flapjacks, cereal bars etc)
Travel insurance (not included), Passport
Important
Make sure you do not ‘over pack’ - bring only what is essential for the trip. It is advisable to check that your travel insurance covers the value of any expensive items of kit that you chose to bring along with you.
A final kit list will be provided in your ‘Final Joining Instructions’ pre-departure
Safety Information
You must stay in contact with your leader at each stage of the ride. Briefings will be made each morning. You must always wear your helmet. Your leader is First Aid Qualified - and will carry a full expedition first aid kit. There will also be a support vehicle available in case of emergency - but this is only useful if you are in contact with the vehicle / leader. You should make sure you have programmed your leader's phone number in your own phone. If you are stuck at the roadside - please make yourself safe. Also it is essential that you check your bicycle is in good working order before joining this event.
Weather
Although it will be summer, expect possible showers. It is wise to prepare for all weather types, you never know we may be pleasantly surprised!
Hat and gloves are essential for this trip! Warm tracksuit trousers are recommended. It is advisable to bring suncream.
Notes on Cycling Events
This is our standard range of Cycling Challenges in the UK, Europe and further afield. However, we offer completely tailormade itineraries to your specification. Call us to discuss!
Please note that for overseas point to point cycling challenges we can transport soft cases for bike transport - but not hard cases, due to space limitations on board our support vehicles.
On all our cycling events, please pack sensibly and bring a reasonably sized soft holdall type bag.
To participate in an overseas Adventure Cafe challenge - you must carry Travel Insurance (to be for the activity you are participating in, and to include repatriation to the UK).
Please also note that you should have a good level of cycling experience and be competent to handle your bike. We ride on roads shared with other vehicles - and you need to be able to deal with this safely.
Adventure Cafe Booking Terms and Conditions
By booking an event with Adventure Cafe, you agree to these standard terms of booking. Please ensure that you read the appropriate document for your type of event carefully.
Adventure Cafe Terms & Conditions - For all types of event
To Reserve Your Space on this Challenge
You should fill in the Google Form - linked here below, and then please call us on 01823 444 246 to advise of your payment method. We can accept card payments over the phone, or Bank Transfer.
Please note that your space is not confirmed until you have received your booking receipt.
CLICK HERE:
Adventure Cafe Challenge Booking Form - For Challenge Events