Cycle Picardie Weekend Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Cycle Picardie Weekend
Bike Adventure
This promises to be a great weekends biking on the continent and a real chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the UK. The route takes us through some very pleasant French countryside and charming French villages and towns (with the odd coffee stop!) as we simply enjoy life on our bikes! We shall spend some time beside the coast, and some time inland.
We depart from Boulogne, before a weekend of good food, plenty of laughs, and around 170km of cycling—two good days on our trusty steeds—but still with enough time for a good meal on Saturday night and a few glasses of ‘Vin-Rouge’. Our first day's ride will be down the coastal side - meeting the sea at several points, en route to Abbeville. On our return, we shall head inland, both days are around 85km. For this challenge ride, cars will come over to Boulogne with us - but will stay there. The ride will be accompanied by a leader - who will bring full tools and spares in his panniers - but will not use a support vehicle. You will need to bring a VERY minimal set of gear with you for the weekend - which you may either carry in a small rucsac or in a pannier on a rack. This weekend is a good chance to check your fitness for a longer trip on 2 wheels. Also a chance to get together with previous trip participants, or to speak with more experienced bike adventurers!
Itinerary
Day 1 - Meet Dover 15:30 latest.
Ferry crossing—approx 17:00—Please note we shall be driving on to the ferry (you will be asked whether you wish to bring your car with you) - cars will then remain in Boulogne for the weekend.
Approx 19:00 - check into hotel , dinner in old town of Boulogne.
Day 2 -Breakfast—08:00
Depart—09:00
Ride of approximately 85km - following the coast south to Abbeville via Etaples and Berck.
Arrive Abbeville approx 16:30
Night out in Abbeville
Day 3 -Breakfast—08:00
Depart by 09:30
Our ride will turn inland today - returning via forest parks and countryside - and a nice restaurant stop for (quick!) lunch. Arrive Boulogne by 16:00
Ferry Crossing 17:30
Arrive Dover —by 18:30
Accommodation
Will be in a simple hotel on both nights. 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).
What is a Level 2.0 Cycling Challenge Like?
Level 2 rides are designed to be suitable for riders progressing past their earliest cycling experiences, now gaining confidence, and looking for slightly longer rides. In your own time, you will be used to going on training rides of up to 3 hours, and covering distances of up to 40 miles, with a few small hills thrown in for good measure! Level 2 rides will get you out and exploring places you didn't expect to be able to get to on 2 wheels!
How Fit Do I need to be to join a Level 2.0 ‘Bike Ride’ ?
You must be active and with a moderate level of fitness. You should be taking regular exercise, consisting of bike rides and a mixture of other activities (swimming / football / running etc.) You should be comfortable in undertaking long country rides of up to 4 hours or 60 km in the lowland English countryside. Your training rides will encounter a few reasonable length hills.
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
2 Nights B&B Accommodation, 2 days guided cycling, mechanical back up, ferry crossing to France
Excluded From Trip
Transport to Dover, Lunches & 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
By nature all activities contain an element of risk.Your leader will be first aid qualified and will carry the appropriate safety kit for the activity, such as mountain safety shelters, walking rope 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. If we encounter an emergency situation it may under extreme circumstances be possible to use the Adventure Café van at the end of the weekend - but this will be a matter of very last resort.
Weather
Expect it to be chilly— (maybe a little rain) - but usually at this time of year we expect crisp clear sunny days. If we prepare for all conditions then we may be pleasantly surprised!
Hat and gloves are essential for this trip!
Warm tracksuit trousers are recommended.
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