London to Paris 2016 | Cool route FAQ’s
How much do I have to raise?
In order to take part on this challenge you’ll need to pay a one off registration fee and commit to raising a minimum of £1500. This amount does include your trip cost.
What is my route?
London, (Blackheath) -Dover-Calais-Abbeville-Beauvais-Paris
What is the minimum age to take part on this event?
You must be at least 15 on the day of departure. Please note that any participant between 15 and 17 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
What bike is best?
You need to provide your own bike for this challenge and would recommend a road bike or a hybrid. Your bike must be well maintained and in good working order. You should carry spare inner tubes and a small pump. There will be a bike mechanic on hand to deal with any serious repairs.
Where is my start point for the ride?
Blackheath SE3 ORW
What time do we need to register and start each day?
Registration will be open from 05.30hrs on Wednesday 20 July 2016. We will be looking to start between 07:00 and 07.30hrs
What is the typical speed of a rider on this trip?
Traditionally this challenge attracts a mixed group of cyclists, from those starting out to every day riders. On average there will be riders cycling at around 10mph through to 17/18mph on average over the four days.
Does the event supply food, and cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes. Snacks are provided both in the morning and afternoon each day. Lunch is provided just over the half way mark typically each day. External caterers are used for the lunch stops. Breakfast and dinner is typically arranged through the hotel. With all meals we can cater for any special dietary requirements.
What happens to my main luggage whilst on the bike ride?
Your main luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel throughout the duration of the trip. You will be given a luggage tag for your main bag so that it arrives at the correct hotel. We do ask you to carry a small back pack for all those essentials, like a waterproof jacket, a jumper, extra snacks and your passport when riding.
Where will we be staying?
Accommodation en route is in 2/3 star hotels, picked for their proximity to the route. The accommodation will be twin share with washing facilities.
Can you tell me the name of the hotel I will be staying at in Paris?
At this stage we are unable to confirm your hotel in Paris. In March you will receive an Event Manual that will detail your hotel in Paris including the address and contact number just in case you need it if you're planning on booking family and friends in.
Can you book additional accommodation for my friend and family?
Unfortunately not. If you have family and friends looking to join you at the finish in Paris you will need to book separate accommodation for them.
I’m worried that I might get lost
You will get a briefing every day to let you know what to expect and to give you a rough idea of where you are going to be heading that day. In addition you will receive a map of the entire route to help you navigate your way. The route will also be marked with arrows and several support vehicles and staff from Discover Adventure and Action Medical Research will monitor the ride. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any additional support vehicles that you may wish to bring along. You will be provided with an emergency telephone number to call if you think you have managed to sneak your way off route!
What happens on the Saturday night when in Paris?
We will celebrate your achievements with a glass of something special when you arrive in at your hotel in Paris. The evening is free for you to sample the delights of Paris and grab a bite to eat with new found friends.
What happens to our main luggage after the event?
You will need to hang on to your main luggage. In the past, participants have left their bags at the hotel for the day or in a secure locker at the train station. Either way you will need to bring your entire luggage with you on the Eurostar back to London.
Do we get to see the Tour come through?
Yes there will be an opportunity to see the grand finale of the Tour de France before making your way home to London that evening.
Can you take my bike back to the UK if I decide to stay on in Paris for another day or so?
We are more than happy to take your bike back to the UK for you but we will need to hand your bike to a family member or friend once back in London at St Pancras. Alternatively you can request to have your bike couriered back to your home address for around £85. This option is limited and will work on a first come first serve basis.
How does my bike get back to the UK?
The bikes will be transported in trucks back to the UK on Sunday 24 July 2016. These trucks will be leaving early so as to arrive back at St Pancras International Station by the time you get back to London.
Will my bike get damaged?
Our tour operator Discover Adventure take good care when transporting the bikes back to the UK. The bikes are rugged and are packed in well to limit movement whilst in transit. If you want to bring additional foam tubing for the main frame and forks or a bike bag then that’s fine with us. However PLEASE DO NOT BRING A BIKE BOX as these take up quite a bit of room on the trucks. Bike bags are acceptable.
Can you tell me my Eurostar train I will be on for the return trip to London?
We will inform you what Eurostar train you are on in the Event Manual that you will receive in March. Please note that we are only able to book for participants taking part on the trip. Any additional bookings must be booked by yourself and under a separate name.
When will I receive my Eurostar ticket?
We will hand you your Eurostar ticket on Saturday 23 July 2016 at your hotel in Paris.
Can I change what time I come back on the Eurostar?
Unfortunately not unless you are happy to pay for a new ticket. The tickets we have bought have been paid for in advance and are non-transferable or refundable. Please let us know if you are planning on changing your ticket.
Can we purchase additional Eurostar tickets through you?
No. Any additional Eurostar tickets will need to be booked separately and done independently. We will be able to tell you the train that you will be on a little closer to the time.
Where do I pick up my bike when I arrive back into London?
When you arrive in London we will guide you to where your bike will be to pick up. Generally this will be just outside the station itself.
Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?
Yes, you must wear a cycling helmet to take part in an Action Medical Research bike ride.
How much do I have to raise in total?
We ask you to raise a minimum of £1500 in order to take part on this challenge. Please note that Gift Aid cannot be counted towards this amount.
Why do I have to have banked a minimum of £799 out of my £1500 target by 22 April 2016?
We need you to have raised and banked a minimum of £799 by this date so that we can pay for your place on the challenge. This amount pays for your transport, accommodation and food throughout your trip. Unfortunately if this amount has not been banked by this date you will not be able to take part in this event. If you would like to pay this cost personally then that’s no problem. We are happy to take a credit/debit card payment over the phone or alternatively you can sponsor yourself via your online sponsorship account.
When do I need to raise the remainder of my sponsorship?
You will need to raise and bank the remainder of your sponsorship, (£701) by the 26 August 2016.