Paris to Amsterdam Cycle Challenge Picture 1
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Best Time of Year: April - October
Ride Paris to Amsterdam Challenge
Bike Adventure
Challenge yourself with our Paris to Amsterdam cycling adventure.
You'll be in the saddle for four days, travelling through the beautiful countryside of France, Belgium and Holland as well as these two vibrant capital cities.
The trip lasts for six days in total, with a day either side of the ride for travel to Paris and back from Amsterdam.
A real challenge totalling 325 miles of country lanes, classic dutch cycle paths and some city riding, you'll be fully guided by our experienced team.
This is a great itinerary for those looking to experience cycling in a variety of European countries and cultures within a compact time frame.
Setting off from just outside of the hustle and bustle of Paris out in the beautiful vilage of Chantilly, we will depart early on the morning of the second day after travelling out most likely via Charles de Gaulle Airport and spending the first night there. The first day of cycling leads us through the stunning Oise-Pays de France regional nature park and past Compiègne, home of the famous Paris-Roubaix. Just a little further to the pretty French town of Arras and the first day of riding is complete.
After a restful night in Arras, the route continues North through Lens and past Lille and Roubaix, and over the border into Belgium via Ypres and for the third night's stay in the beautiful Belgian city of Brugge; Venice of the North.
With the small hills that there are under our belts, the penultimate day of riding now crosses Belgium, up the coast, following the spectacular coastal defences, and riding beside the beautiful North Sea sad dunes and wide open beaches. Our overnight will be somewhere in the Brielle / Ouddorp area - this willbe confirmed in conjunction with the group prior to departure.
The Grand Finale takes us across Holland on their impressive cycle path network, approximately 110km in length and passing through the National Park De Biesbosch. It's not long before we join the river Amstel, arriving into Amsterdam in good time for a couple of celebratory drinks in the evening, and a hearty Dutch Meal. The following morning you will have time to relax before heading for home and reflect upon an amazing bike journey you’ve completed between two of Europe’s great cities.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Early collection of bikes from Bristol for transport to Paris (Chantilly) via Adventure Café support vehicle. Participant travel from the UK to Paris Charles de Gaulle. Adventure Cafe will organise transfer from airport to hotel . An evening briefing over dinner and bike checks will prepare us to start riding the following morning.
Day 2 - Departure Point; Chantilly town - photo call! Heading North away from Paris we then pass through the stunning Oise-Pays de France regional nature park and past Compiègne, home of the famous Paris-Roubaix. Our first day's ride is a big one - but it brings us to the historic French town of Arras and the first day of riding is complete. Time for a good meal and some refreshment !
Day 3 - After a restful night in Arras, the route continues North through the remains of Northern France, and over the border into Belguim for the third night's stay in the stunning UNESCO Belgian city of Brugge.
Day 4 – With any hills behind us, the penultimate day of riding now crosses Belgium, following this amazing coastline of dunes and coastal defence barrages. Riding over another border into Holland, we shall stay the night near to the beautiful village of Ouddorp.
Day 5 – The Grand Finale takes us across Holland on their impressive cycle path network, taking ferries, bridges, and through pretty waterline villages and passing through the National Park De Biesbosch. The scenic route through quaint cobbled villages soon meets the river Amstel and it's not long before we arrive into Amsterdam in good time for a couple of celebratory drinks in the evening, and a hearty Dutch Meal.
Day 6 – On the last morning you will be heading home reflecting upon an amazing bike journey you’ve completed between two of Europe’s great cities. Adventure Café can offer participants who are returning on this day to have their bikes transported via our support vehicle from Amsterdam back to Bristol (or London as required) - please call 01823 444 246 before booking your flights to discuss further.
Accommodation
We'll be using simple but clean hotels en-route sharing twin rooms - good enough to give you somewhere to get clean, and get a good nights sleep with planned eating stops along the way. Nothing palatial - but not too bad either!
Single supplements are available - please inform us at the time of booking if you would like a single room. approx £150.
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.
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 us.
Included In Trip
Experienced Cycle Leader.
Full Vehicle Support and Driver/Mechanic.
Qualified First Aider.
Packed Lunches on Cycling Days
Pre-event briefing.
Bed and Breakfast accommodation en route.
Amsterdam Accommodation. (5 nights in total)
Breakfasts every day.
Excluded From Trip
Your evening meals.
Eurostar tickets to start.
Return flight.
Travel to and from start and finish. (Transfers from Charles de Gaulle)
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, please ensure it has been recently serviced.
Weather
Weather conditions very similar to the South East of England - dependent upon time of year could be cold, hot or rainy. Prepare for all conditions. The support vehicle will be close at all times and will be able to carry your waterproofs / extra layers should the weather be changeable on the day.
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