London to Paris FAQs
Welcome to our all new London to Paris Cycling FAQ's page.
Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked when preparing for a London to Paris ride. You should also check the Bike FAQ's page - as you'll find more general cycling questions answered there.
Q. Can I really ride to Paris?
A. With a little help from Adventure Café we know you can! Over the years we have helped 1000s of people from all backgrounds succeed in this incredible adventure. You may not be a long distance cyclist now but with a little guidance and a lot of ‘will power’ we know you can do it. As well as advice on kit and equipment we can provide you with a training plan to get you into great shape to give you the best chance of success. While on the challenge your cycle leader and support crew are readily available to motivate and do everything humanly possible they can to support and encourage you to complete the challenge – please take a few moments to read through some of our feedback and see what people have said on previous trips regarding our challenge preparation and support. If you still have any doubts we will be more than happy to talk to you further on the telephone about your participation on this epic bike ride – contact us anytime on 01460 249191 to chat with one of our cycle staff…they will be more than happy to help.
Q. When and where do we meet in London?
A. The normal scheduled time & location we all first come together is at the pre-event briefing on the evening before departure. This is held at a pre-designated hotel location in Greenwich – Greenwich Royal Observatory being our start location. It is important for all participants to attend this meeting. The name of the hotel will be confirmed in the final Joining Instructions document issued 2-4 weeks before start date but, historically, the majority of event briefings have been held at the Ibis Hotel, Stockwell St, Greenwich and the normal meeting time is 7pm.
Q. Do I need to stay in London before the event?
A. We do advise people to travel and stay in London (Greenwich) overnight before departure day – even if you live close to London. Firstly, the event briefing is held on this evening and it is important for all participants to attend. Secondly, day 1 of the challenge is already a long day – departing from Greenwich at 08:30 and arriving at our overnight hotel in Calais 9:15pm (10:15 UK time) - and you will ideally want to eliminate any further time spent travelling in the morning to the start.
Q. How do I get my bike back from Paris?
A. While you take your Eurostar train back to London, your bike will be transported for you from Paris by the Adventure Café team in the support vehicles and will arrive in time for you as you step off the train at St.Pancras Intl. No bike box or bike bag is required and your bike will be carefully looked after during its transfer from Paris.
Q. Can I stay in Paris for another night and come back the following day?
A. It is possible for you to do this and we can help with your arrangements on request. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Q. Can my family or friends come and stay with me at the hotel in Paris?
A. Certainly it is possible for any members of your family or friends to come and join you Paris for the celebrations and we will be more than happy to help with your arrangements. If you think this is a likelihood that you would like people to come out to Paris to join you and you would like us to help it is important we are informed no later than six weeks prior to departure date and we will do everything we can to help.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please call us on 01823 444246 or email us at info@adventure-cafe.com