P2P 2011 itinerary
Here's a day by day description of our Pedal to Paris ride. It's
well paced with breaks throughout each day.
The first day! Set off from London's historic Greenwich Park
accompanied by a police escort as you leave the Capital and head
for the coast through some of Kent's finest scenery.
Refuel at The Royal British Legion
Village in Aylesford en-route before sweeping down to Dover harbour
in time to catch your ferry to Calais. Relax in your hotel and
enjoy a well-earned drink.
A moving ceremony at the Calais war
memorial begins our first day in France. After laying a wreath of
Remembrance, set off south-west through the beautiful undulating
fields and open countryside of Pas de Calais and the Somme.
Rolling road-closures and our fleet of
outriders, mechanics and supply vehicles make sure you need stop
for no-one as you head to Abbeville for a hearty meal and maybe a
few drinks to soothe aching muscles.
Following an emotional send-off from
the beautiful town of Abbeville, saddle up and enjoy your ride
through picturesque Picardie, including a special stop at the small
village of Auchy La Montagne, where each year villagers gives a
special French welcome to the Legion and its cyclists.
The day ends with a ceremony at the
war memorial in Beauvais followed by a drinks reception at the Fire
Station, before coaches take you to your hotels.
The final day! Enjoy the palpable buzz as you depart Beauvais and
grab some lunch. Then come together in one massive peloton for the
final afternoon and your triumphant entry into Paris.
From the outskirts of the city, Paris
police accompany you, sirens blaring, as you wind through city
streets past cheering crowds to your final destination.
Tired limbs are forgotten as you turn
the corner and see the Arc de Triomphe and gather your strength for
the final chase to the finish - the end of your exhilarating,
unforgettable adventure.
But it's not quite over yet. Before
celebrations begin, parade up the centre of the famous Champs
Elysée and cross Europe's most famous roundabout, where traffic
stops in respect, as you head for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
resting beneath the famous Arc.
During a poignant ceremony, cycling
takes second place for a moment as we reflect on our brave troops
and the conflicts they find themselves engaged in. But the evening
is all about celebration! As your bike heads back to London, you
travel by air-conditioned coach to your hotel and a final evening
meal together, hosted by The Royal British Legion's National
President.
There's no rush, no Lycra and no
Vaseline today. Just a leisurely breakfast and choice of two
Eurostar trains back to London - one in the morning and another in
the afternoon, if you'd like time to enjoy lunch and the sights of
Paris.
Your bike will be waiting for you at
St Pancras Station on your return.
Click here to view a Google map of our
route.
