Cycle Hull to Paris Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Hull to Paris Cycle Challenge
Bike Adventure
From Hull to Paris, 4 countries and 4 days of riding await on this fantastic ride through Northern Europe. We'll get to ride along the dutch coast, experience an evening in the incredible city of Bruges before riding across North East France from Roubaix all the way into Paris!
After a meet and greet in Hull it's straight onto the ferry for an overnight crossing over to Rotterdam where the adventure really begins, Day 1 focuses mainly on riding down the Dutch coast, you'll experience riding across vast dams/dykes and through the impressive Dutch cycle network on the way to Bruges. With an overnight in the charming Belgian city of Bruges its then on into France, we may even find a few sections of cobbles that make this area rich in cycling history! The 3rd day is a possibly the most challenging with 123kms to ride, plenty of pretty french countryside awaits! The final day is one of our all time favourites, we'll set off relatively early from Beauvais and have a gorgeous ride through to Paris, we'll head past the Arc du Triomphe and Champs Elyssee before finishing at the Trocadero! Congratulations on completing this fantastic ride!
Itinerary
Pre-Event Meet at designated location for pre-event briefing. Make our way to the ferry and board for an overnight crossing to Rotterdam.
Day 1, Rotterdam- Bruges (130km 350m ascent)
Upon departing the ferry, we'll head through Oudorp and across to Zeeland, with plenty of stunning views over the water; this is a unique experience and one to rememeber!
In the afternoon we have a short ferry crossing Breskens before turning inland and riding to the overnight stop in Bruges, Belgium; one of our favourite cities in Northern Europe with plenty to explore, good drink on tap and fantastic food!
Day 2, Bruges- Arras (130km, 657m ascent)
By Midmorning we'll depart Belgium and ride into France (Country number 4!) and home of the 1 day classics, riding near Roubaix we may find some cobbles to test your mettle on and ride in the wheel tracks of legends! With a lunch stop in Lille the afternoon is prodomintatly based on the Canal D'Aire so expect miles and miles of flat traffic free riding!
Day 3, Arras - Beauvais (125km, 826m ascent)
Today we have more beautiful French countryside and quiet roads... we'll blast across rolling fields as we head ever closer to the capital! Arriving at lunch in the nice town of Amiens, we'll have lunch next to the Amiens Cathedral an incredible structure overlooking the River Somme. The afternoon is much of the same with classic little villages and rolling countryside.
Day 4, Beauvais- Paris (87km, 758m Ascent)
A gorgeous final day as we head through ancient forest between Ablainville and Pontoise. Pontoise is our final rest stop before heading into Central Paris, we'll cycle along the Seine before a quick lap of the Arc du Triomphe and along to the trocadero for a celebratory photo with the Eiffel tower in the background! You then get the late afternoon to explore before dinner in a nearby classic french restaurant.
Day 5- Return travel
Arrangements to be confirmed
Accommodation
We will be using comfortable and clean good quality hotels along our route. 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 may 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.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader
Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic
Pre-event briefing - Ferry Crossing to Rotterdam
Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route and Paris accommodation
Excluded From Trip
Transport to start and back From end of ride
Dinners* Lunches*
*See optional extras
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!
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