• 14-16 May 2027

• 16-18 July 2027

• 10-12 September 2027

• The event cost £150.00 registration fee plus £1,199.00 event cost.

• If you are self-funding the trip, this will need to be paid in full 3-months in advance of the trip.

• Registration fees are non-refundable.

• If you are fundraising for a charity, please ensure this is agreed with the charity or your company in advance.

REGISTRATION FEE
Your registration fee is £150 for this challenge and is non-refundable.

CHALLENGE COSTS
If you are self-funding the trip this will need to be paid in full 3-months in advance of the trip. The event costs is £1,350.00

CANCELLATION
If you cancel for any reason the following will apply.

•  Cancel +3 months prior to the event - 100% refund

• Cancel 8-12 weeks prior to the event - 50% refund

• Cancel 0-8 weeks prior to the event - 0% refund

Full Event Terms & Conditions available below.

We have a wide range of adult and child bikes available in all sizes and can be modified to suit your requirements.

Each bike is in fantastic condition, comes fully serviced, and can be delivered to your door.

In the event of any issues with the bike during your hire, we will repair it free of charge and provide a courtesy bike for the duration of the repair*.

Not sure of your size or what to rent?‍ ‍

Please get in touch with your enquiry, and we’ll get straight back to you with a quote and availability.

INSURANCE

You must have your travel, medical, and cycling insurance to cover you for this type of cycling activity.

Travel Insurance - covers you for the damage, loss, or theft of your possessions, your bike, and any other items you bring with you.

Cycling insurance - covers you for taking part in this type of cycling activity. Please ensure you have third-party liability cover as well as additional medical costs. Visit the British Cycling or Yellow Jersey website for more information. There are plenty of other providers as well.

Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back to the UK or your home country. If you have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge.

CYCLING AND PERSONAL CLOTHING

• Change clothing for three days away (when not cycling)

• Shoes/Trainers/Flip Flops

• Small Hand Towel

• Main bag for all your luggage

• Day pack for essentials

• Prescribed medicine (please let us know in advance)

• Mobile phone, tablet, laptop.

• Phone or laptop charger

• Earphones/headphones

• Camera (though we do have a photographer)

• European plug adapter

• Toiletries

• Sun Protection

• Ear plugs

• A good book!

CYCLING EQUIPMENT

• A bike that has been serviced in the last six months

• Helmet

• Bell (Legal requirement in France)

• Working front and rear lights

• Front and rear reflectors

• Water bottle and bottle cage fitted to the bike

• Four spare inner tubes or we can provide - from £10 per inner-tube.

• Bike bag or saddle pack (not essential)

• Comfortable cycling shoes

• Padded Cycling shorts

• Cycling gloves

• Comfortable cycling tops/t-shirts (one per day)

• Waterproof & warm cycling clothing (start of day 2 can be cold)

DOCUMENTATION

• Passport (must be valid for at least six months after your return home date)

• Travel Insurance which includes your bike - compulsory on our challenges.

• Medical Insurance - You should also ensure that you have cover for all medical treatment and emergencies you may need, evacuation, and repatriation back to the UK or your home country.

• Cycling Insurance - this is a requirement for this trip. See above.

• European or Global Health Insurance Card if applicable - read more…

• Travel VISA (if needed); you can check by clicking here

• Credit or Debit card

• Other photo identification - Driving License/ID Card

On the challenge itself our experienced team, 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.

Our experienced team will always be very close by.

What’s included…

• Three nights accommodation

• Food & drink - breakfast, lunch, and evening meals

• Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland.

• 24/7 support from our team.

• Bicycle roadside repairs not including parts. Available at additional cost.

• Transport of your bike back to the UK to a designated collection point in London. If you’d like it sent to a specific location or stored by our team beyond the trip, this can be arranged, but additional costs may apply.

• Return travel from Amsterdam.

• Alcoholic drinks

• Bicycle hire – each participant must bring their own recently serviced bicycle

• Bicycle insurance

• Travel Insurance

PERSONAL & LIABILITY INSURANCE
It’s important to have personal insurance for a trip like this. Even if you’ve already got travel insurance, check with your provider that the insurance you have covers you and your bike for a trip of this nature. You should also have a Health Insurance Card. If you have an existing GHIC, it will remain valid until the expiry date on the card. Once your current card expires, you'll need to apply for a new card. You can apply for a new card up to 6 months before your current card expires and can get one by clicking here.

BIKE EQUIPMENT
You’ll need to make sure that you have a bike that’s in good working order, a helmet, and the relevant cycling clothing. We suggest you use a road bike or a hybrid. We’ll also have plenty of water and energy stops – but do bring your own bottle (or two) for your bike too. It might also be worth investing in some padded shorts; they make a real difference!

Your additional kit will be carried by the support vehicles throughout the three days. Do contact us if you have any questions about your bike or kit list. We do not carry reserve bikes, so in the unfortunate circumstance that your bike is beyond repair, we can arrange a rental bike for you (additional costs apply) from the nearest bike rental shop. Though in our experience, most repairs can be done at the roadside.

PERSONAL ITEMS
You’ll also need all the usual things that you’d pack for a weekend away – toiletries, money, and, of course, your passport. Check you’ve got six months left on your passport, to be on the safe side. Entry requirements for travel to France can be found here.

Checklist - see full kit list

Where we will stay…

All your accommodation and bike storage area will be provided throughout the three days of the challenge.

Your bags will also be available at the hotel when you arrive. Rooms are twin rooms, but single occupancy rooms are available (additional charges apply).

These must be paid in advance and late requests (within 2 months of the trip) are subject to availability.

DAY 1 - DFDS OVERNIGHT FERRY (4-Berth Cabins)

The DFDS ferry crossing will be at 11.00 pm on the Newhaven to Dieppe service.

There will be en-suite cabins available for everyone to sleep in.

These are 4-berth cabins, so please do let us know if you would like to share them with anyone.

Single cabins are not available, but when you board you may be able to get one if there have been any cancellations.

The ferry arrives at 5 am, wake-up call at 4.30 am! We will cycle off the ferry and meet at the Terminal building.

DAY 2 - CITY HOTEL, BEAUVAIS

After an early start, you will have the opportunity to rest in the comfort at the Hotel in Beauvais.

The hotel has great facilities and is within walking distance of the fantastic Beauvais Cathedral.

Rooms are en-suite twin rooms, so if there is someone you wish to share with please do let us know.

If you want to book a single occupancy room, please let us know asap (additional charges will apply).

The evening meal restaurant for the evening meal is a 2-minute walk from the hotel.

DAY 3 - IBIS CAMBRONNE, PARIS

After our celebration under the Eiffel Tower, we will take a short cycle (10 mins) to our Hotel.

As in Beauvais, all rooms will be en-suite twin rooms, so if there is someone you wish to share with please let us know.

If you would like to book a single occupancy room, please let us know asap (additional charges will apply).

The evening meal restaurant is very close to the hotel, located in the Cambronne area of central Paris.

Following the celebratory meal, there are plenty of bars to keep celebrating in!

Hotels are subject to availability and may change if group size changes.

This is a serious cycling event and our team is on hand to provide you with the best training advice and support.‍ ‍

The information below will support you throughout your training and prepare you for the challenge.

Do contact us if you want to discuss your training.

What type of equipment do I need?
Above all, one that you feel very comfortable riding for consecutive days. We would recommend the following:

• A road bike or hybrid bike, with front and rear lights and a comfortable saddle.

• Comfortable cycling shirts, padded shorts and an undamaged helmet.

• Cycling shoes. If these are your first pair, you may need 2- 3 months to get used to using them, especially when stopping.

Do feel free to talk to us first if you plan to buy a new bike or rent one, as we have a wide selection suitable for everyone.

Spin more - You may have heard of terms such as “cadence”. If you don’t worry, cadence is the pace at which you push your pedals around. If you are a relative newcomer to cycling, you should simply try to increase the speed at which you turn your pedals. To do this, drop a gear so that you ride in a more comfortable zone but while spinning your legs more.

Less can be more - Faster and shorter intervals can help to build strength for riding longer distances. Interval sessions are also useful if you are short of time mid-week. You can reserve your longer rides for the weekends. There is a great deal of info online for structuring good intervals or shorter, harder sessions.

How do I prepare for this challenge?This is not an easy cycle ride, but don’t let that put you off. We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week.

You will be in the saddle for consecutive days cycling for more than 70 miles on certain days. If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike, this is a challenge that everyone can overcome.

Steady build-up - Your training progression will depend on where you are starting from, but wherever you are, you’ll need to progress steadily.

If you try to build up too quickly, you will end up sore and less likely to want to go out for a ride again, or, worse still, injured.

Download our training guide (above) for tips on every aspect of training.

Warm-up and cool down - You should ensure that your muscles are ready for a bike ride and that you stretch out post-exercise muscles.

Try a warm-up that includes at least 10 to 15 minutes of easy riding at high cadence (spin the pedals faster) before starting on your training ride.

Do the same at the end of the ride; this method calms the muscles down gently.

Many cyclists now also swear by a foam roller for keeping leg muscles tuned up in good shape.

Eat and hydrate well - When training, you need to ensure your body and mind are properly fuelled. Many cyclists find that they forget to eat and hydrate regularly. You should take a snack on board every hour when riding, even if at first you do not feel hungry.

A banana, fruit smoothie, a small bit of flapjack, or even some jelly babies in the back pocket will really help.

Test the type of food you plan to eat during the event while training. The last thing you want is to end up feeling ill because the snack or energy hasn’t agreed with you on the day. Always have lots of fluids to drink in your water bottles; you will tire rapidly and become dehydrated.

Recovery & Rest - With this challenge, it’s vital that your body, especially your legs, are ready for the challenge and get rest between cycling.

Give yourself the chance to properly recover time between training. Build in rest days after longer cycle rides and gradually reduce your training as we get closer to the challenge.

Yoga is great to do between training rides. There are plenty of simple 15-30minute sessions available on YouTube.

Training Rides - We will try to set up training rides before the challenge, and will put details on the event WhatsApp Group.

DAY 1 - London to Newhaven & Dieppe | 60.5 miles | Elevation gain 935m | MAP

We’ll set off from London shortly after 09:30am after the morning rush hour. As it is day 1 there are frequent stops and the pace is gentle to allow us to get into the challenge. It won’t take too long for us to wind our way out of London and enter the peace and quiet of the Kent & Sussex countryside.

The morning ride is sometimes described as hilly, we’ll be honest, it is, but this is the toughest section of the whole ride. After regular stops to recharge, we’ll stop at a lovely country pub for a really well-earned lunch.

After lunch, we will continue our journey to Newhaven, but you’ll be pleased to hear that the route is predominantly downhill. Our snack stops by Haywards Heath & Plumpton Green will keep you going, and upon arrival in Newhaven, there will be facilities available for you to use to freshen up for your night on the ferry.

As we wait for the overnight ferry, we will have an evening meal, and you will get a well-earned break and be able to reflect on completing the hardest cycling day during your evening meal on the ferry.

We will board the ferry at 11pm and you will be in 4-berth cabins.

Get to sleep as quickly as it’s an early start on Day 2!

DAY 2 - Dieppe to Beauvais, 68.5 miles | Elevation gain 518m | MAP

After an early wake-up call, we will make our way off the ferry and have a light breakfast to get us ready for day 2 of cycling.

You’ll be pleased to hear that the route on Day 2 is considerably flatter and largely traffic-free. Cycling starts around 6:30 a.m., with a short section to the Avenue Verte, a flat and paved traffic-free cycle route.

After several short stops, and having covered 35 miles, we will break for snacks in the delightful French village of Forges-Les-Eaux.

After this short stop, we will be back on the road for a 16-mile stretch to Gournay-en-Bray, where we will stop for a short break. After this break, we will be back on the Avenue Verte for the final 18m stretch to Beauvais. Again, there are plenty of snack stations along the beautiful tree-lined route.

Upon arrival in Beauvais, you will have time to relax, freshen up, and reflect on Day 2. Do explore the town; it is a hidden gem of a town, and the Cathedral is breathtaking. Later that day, we will meet for an evening in one of the local restaurants, where you’ll also have the chance to enjoy some local food and wine before you sink into bed ahead of our final day, the ride to Paris!

DAY 3 - Beauvais to Paris, 61.5 miles | Elevation gain 635m | MAP

By now, your legs may be aching, and fatigue may be setting in, so we won’t get you out of bed too early. We’ll gather after a full breakfast and aim to set off by 8.00am. There are a few hills to conquer on this leg, but by now you’ll be ready for them.

After a well-earned lunch stop, Paris will soon be in our sights. Savor that triumphant feeling as you cycle towards the Eiffel Tower, where the fizz will be flowing. You’re welcome to invite friends and family to join the team cheering you safely into Paris.

Do tell them to contact us to get further details and where to meet us. After the initial celebration under the Eiffel Tower, we’ll check into our hotel and head to a local restaurant for a celebratory meal.

On the following day, we will return home, where you will be reunited with your bike. If you are staying on longer, do let us know as soon as possible so we can make necessary arrangements for your travel home and bike storage (charges may apply).

Please contact us to discuss what would be best for you as soon as you can so we can plan the best way to support you.

All your meals will be provided throughout the three days of the challenge.

This includes energy snacks, fresh fruit and plenty of liquids.

In addition, breakfast (not Day 1), lunch and dinner will also be provided, but it does not include drinks.

All dietary needs are requested when you register.

Which route will the cycle challenge take and how far is it?
The total cycling distance is for the London to Paris cycle ride is 196 miles (route details)

Where do the cycle challenges start and finish and at what time?
The London to Paris cycle ride starts from London (Crystal Palace) at 9.30am on day 1 and finishes in Paris (Eiffel Tower), at approximately 4.00pm on day 3

What level of fitness do I need to have for this challenge?
This is not an easy cycle ride, but don’t let that put you off. You will be in the saddle for three consecutive days, cycling between 55-75 miles for 6-8 hours each day. If you give yourself enough time to train and get used to your bike it is a challenge that can be overcome by everyone. Get in touch with our Event Manager, who’d be happy to chat with you more about the challenge - events@tfaltd.co.uk or 0333 4441189.

What training do I need to do?
As you will be cycling for a long time for three consecutive days getting comfortable with your bike, shoes, helmet, and clothing is essential. We all have busy lives, but try and get out on your bike at least 2-3 times a week, and if you can practice riding in groups. We will be setting up a cycling forum if you want to chat, meet, or even ride with others before your challenge. Do check out our training tips and remember your training should be fun! If you are a member of a local gym sign up for a spinning class, as they are great ways to prepare. We encourage you to build up to the challenge and our team is on hand to help you with any advice you may need.

I have a medical condition, what should I do?
We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up for a challenge. When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part. The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undergo the activity. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (below) for further details.

How will each day of cycling work?
Each day’s cycling will be broken down into 4-5 shorter cycling sections, usually between 15-20miles long. After each section, there will be ‘Stop Points’ where you can take on snacks and drinks, rest your legs and catch up with your fellow challengers. We have several support vehicles traveling with the group, so if you need to stop or want to ride in one of the support vehicles for part of a section, that’s absolutely fine.

Will food and accommodation be provided?
Whichever package you sign up for, charity place or self-funded place, all your meals and accommodation will be provided. We do not provide breakfast on Day 1. Accommodation will be in 2* hotels, which are more than comfortable, but if you wish to upgrade on Day 3, we can arrange for you, but there will be an additional charge, depending on the level of upgrade you want. All the additional bookings are subject to availability.

What type of bike do I need?
Above all, one that you feel comfortable riding for three consecutive days. We would recommend a road bike or hybrid, but if you have another type of bike and you are comfortable riding it for three consecutive days, that’s fine. Do feel free to talk to us in advance, especially if you plan to buy or want to rent a bike.

What happens if I experience problems with my bike?
Don’t worry, we have a bike mechanic with us on the support team, who will be able to provide any quick roadside repairs to get you going again. If the repairs cannot be completed at the roadside, we will get your bike to a bike shop as quickly as possible. We do have a reserve bike, which you can use at your own discretion. If not available or you choose not to, you will need to travel in one of the support vehicles. Any additional repairs needed to your bike will need to be covered by yourself.

How long is the ferry crossing for the European cycle challenges?
We cross the Channel at Newhaven and sail to Dieppe. This is an overnight ferry, and we depart at 11.00pm and arrive at 5.00am local time.

What happens if I get injured?
We have carefully planned out this challenge to try and make sure that no one gets injured. Unfortunately, due to the nature of group cycling over 3-days on public roads, there may be injuries. To support you, we have a qualified medic in the group and support vehicles if you need to be taken for additional medical attention. It is, though, your responsibility to make sure you have adequate medical insurance, a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), and cycling insurance to do this challenge. Additional costs for medical support may be incurred, which will need to be covered entirely by yourself.

Do I need insurance?
YES! You must have your own insurance, and it will need to cover you for cycling activities, your personal possessions and medical support if needed outside the UK.

If you are a UK resident and have travel insurance already, please ensure you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require a further policy or additional cover. You can visit the British Cycling website or Yellow Jersey insurance for extra support and information on this topic. Do call them to get the advice that will ensure you have the right cover. You do need liability cover, and they would be happy to chat more to advise you.

There are plenty of other companies that also provide this cover and support, and the above two organisations are only suggestions.

What other documents do I need?
You need to have the following documents to take part:

• A valid passport (European cycle challenges only), which is valid for at least six months after your return home date. If non-UK passport, it is your responsibility to get the relevant visa if needed. Unfortunately, we can’t help if you are refused entry at passport control.

• Cycling Insurance - You must bring a copy of your cycling insurance policy with you

• Health Insurance - You must bring a copy of your health insurance with you or a health insurance card

• Travel Insurance - Please ensure you have travel insurance for your personal items and your bike

How will I get back home?
You will need to book your own Eurostar back from Paris. You can do that via the Eurostar website.

Can I extend my stay?
Yes absolutely. Just let us know when we speak to you after booking, and we will help you with your accommodation booking where we can. Additional charges may apply.

What will happen to my bike after the challenge?
We will bring your bike back to London after the end of the challenge. You will need to collect it from the agreed locations during the agreed time. If you wish to collect it at another time/date or have it delivered to another address, we can do that, but there may be additional charges.

If I cancel my place, what happens?
If you cancel within six weeks of the challenge, you could be liable for the full costs of the challenge. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions (below in the footer of this page) for full details.

If there are not enough people signed up for an Open challenge, what happens?
All events must have at least 12-15 riders signed up four months before the event is due to take place. In the event of there not being enough riders for the event, you will be offered another place on a subsequent cycle challenge or a full refund of your registration fee. For any funds raised for your charity, you will need to speak directly with them as to how they will be used going forward; TFA will not be able to liaise on your behalf.