London Luxembourg Roubaix Challenge Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
London Luxembourg Roubaix Challenge Cycle
Bike Adventure
This year, why not try a new ride, through the heart of 'one day classics' territory. Explore Northern France, Belgium and Luxembourg, and the pavee secteurs of the incomparable, Paris Roubaix. 3 days, of riding, 1 to reach the English Channel, crossing Kent, and then 2 big days of 200km (albeit on flattish terrain) to pass through some of the beautiful countryside that creates the border between France and Belgium.
Departing from London - get ready for an all new challenge ride spectacular - taking in Kent, France, Belgium and Luxembourg. With options to join a group to take in the cobbles of the specialist Paris Roubaix 'secteurs' you may want to add some special padding to strategic points of your bike (NOTE - the cobbles are not compulsory!). Day 1 starts early from Central London, and heads out to Rochester, then Canterbury before reaching the ferry at Dover. We still have a short ride on the French side - so have your lights ready - just in case! Day 2 is the really big one - 210km, including some special cobbles - and the famous Ahrenburg Trench, made famous by the likes of Fabian Cancellara and Johan Museeuw.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet at designated London departure location at 06:00. Register, pack support vans, and depart at 07:00. Ride via Rochester & Canterbury to Dover. (125km)
- Ferry crossing—approx 15:30—please note we shall be riding our bikes on to the ferry at Dover …. Ride to St Omer (40km) ETA Approx 20:00 - Check into hotel , dinner in hotel restaurant
Day 2 - Breakfast—06:00
- Depart—07:30
- Ride of approximately 215km— including cobbled secteurs (without cobbles = 190km)
- Arrive Overnight by 19:30
Overnight location tbc - subject to hotel availability.
Day 3 -Breakfast—07:00
- Depart — 08:30 - Ride Distance - Approx 190km (subject to confirmed overnight hotel)
- Arrive Luxembourg by 18:00
- Celebratory Dinner.
Day 4 - Participants return by air travel (not included) - Adventure Cafe return bicycles to designated location by early evening.
Accommodation
Will be in modern, simple hotel accommodation on all 3 nights. You will be sharing in twins or triples. If you require a single room then please request this at time of booking (a supplement of £145 will be payable).
What is a Level 4.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
You are now moving into the realms of serious cycling challenges. Cycling days will be up to 10 hours (stops included), or slightly less if the event stretches over several days. You should have very good cycling fitness, with good leg strength, and you should be used to putting in regular training rides most weekends - with some good long rides. Most folks will consider these rides very long, and very challenging. Expect a mixture of length and terrain (think hilly!).
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 4.0 ‘Bike Ride’?
To participate in these events you need to be in good cycling fitness. You probably are capable of riding at high speeds for 2 to 2.5 hours, around 23 - 25 km/hr. And you should be used to riding long distances and over hilly terrain. If you do not cycle regularly you must be of very high fitness level - and should think about converting as soon as possible and getting on to a bike - you will need to develop your specific strength and cycling technique. Do not come on these challenges without having spent plenty of time in the saddle. Training rides should be up to 60 or 70 miles, and you should have done a few like this. You should be getting out on your bike most weekends in the run up to your event, seeking out longer climbs to improve your climbing fitness for the event.
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.
Special Notes
The cobbled secteurs are 100% optional - and for riders who are struggling, we shall enforce strict cut off times in order to ensure we arrive at our evening hotel by nightfall. These will be set out in good time - so you know what you are aiming at. Provided you are at the correct fitness level, and you don't spend too long at feed staions, you will have plenty of time!
Note also - that on larger corporate events, we plan to offer pre-prepared feed stations - to minimise the amount of stopping required.
OPTION FOR 2 Day Ride - note, that if you do not have enough annual leave, you may join this ride in Dover on Friday afternoon, and ride with us to our overnight in St. Omer.
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
3 nights Bed and Breakfast.
3 days guided cycling.
Mechanical back up.
Support vehicle.
One way ferry crossing to France.
Experienced cycle leader(s).
Lunches and snack stops with water refills en route.
Evening Meal reservation - meal price not included in package.
Excluded From Trip
Transfers to airport at end of event.
Dinners.
Any spare parts used in maintenance.
Personal insurance cover.
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
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leaders will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as first aid kit and from time to time mobile radios. Safety equipment carried will be appropriate to trip. The leader's primary role is to ensure your safety, but it is your responsibility to listen to their guidance and instructions. Please read, and listen carefully to all safety instructions.
If the weather and the cobbles are wet - it may be advisable to avoid them in order to stay safe - and to avoid slips and tumbles.
Weather
If we prepare for all conditions then we may be pleasantly surprised! It may be hot (dependent upon the time of year) so plenty of water and suncream may be advisable. Equally rainy conditions are a possibility so do bring a lightweight waterproof. This ride is often a September ride - so prepare for warm, but potentially slightly damp riding conditions.
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