P2P 2012 itinerary
Here's a day by day description of our Pedal to Paris ride. It's
well paced with breaks throughout each day.
Day one
(Thursday 30 August)
LONDON
129km
CALAIS
The first day! Set off from London 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.
Day two
(Friday 31 August)
CALAIS
123km
ABBEVILLE
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 the Pas de Calais region.
Rolling road-closures and our fleet
of support 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.
Day three (Saturday 1 September)
ABBEVILLE
110km
BEAUVAIS
Following a rousing send-off from
the pretty town of Abbeville, saddle up and enjoy your ride
through the picturesque Somme and Oise regions of Picardie,
including a special stop at the small village of Auchy La Montagne,
where each year the villagers give us a wonderful French
reception with music and wine!
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.
Day four (Sunday 2
September)
BEAUVAIS
101km
PARIS
Enjoy the mounting sense of
anticipation as you leave Beauvais for the final stretch to
Paris. After lunch, you will merge together into one massive
peloton for your triumphant entry into Paris. Breath-taking!
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 you will, as a group, 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 becomes secondary for a few minutes as we remember all
those in our Armed Forces who are away from home serving their
country - some of them in difficult and dangerous surroundings.
What better way to "Stand shoulder to shoulder with all who
Serve".
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.
Day five (Monday 3 September)
PARIS
by train!
LONDON
There's no rush and no Lycra 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. Either way,
what took you four days to cover in the saddle will flash past in
less than four hours! Your bike will be waiting for you at St
Pancras on your return.
Click here to view a Google map of our
route.
