Pedal to Paris FAQs

Pedal to Paris is aimed at keen amateurs and is designed for a broad range of experience, speeds and stamina.

It is not a race or competitive and you do not need to have done anything like this before. However, we always recommend a sensible training programme leading up to the ride - as you will enjoy the event so much more if you are properly prepared. Check out our training plan for more information.

Our cyclists are divided into different speed groups from 12mph to 18+mph. First-timers who can average 12mph are as welcome as the experienced cyclists. Whatever your speed, age or experience, you will receive the same level of support.

Yes, of course! Many of our supporters sign up for the challenge as an individual - this is a great way to meet new friends. Just leave the team name blank when you register.

 

Definitely! There is no minimum or maximum size of team. When you register, make sure to add your team name to ensure you are recognised as a team, and get your captain to sign up first and create the team.

Participants taking part on their own must be over 18. We may allow participants under the age of 18 to take part, this is subject to approval of the events team, and they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Participants who are flagged by the event medics as being high risk may need to acquire permission from their GP to take part in the event. These participants will be contacted in advance of the ride to discuss if this is a requirement to take part.

Our prices are as all-inclusive as possible. All your meals and refreshments during the day of the challenge are included (excluding breakfast on the first day). Accommodation, outward travel from and return travel to the start point is also included.

The costs of travel to and from the start points, accommodation before the ride begins, spares that are needed for your bike during the ride (although they will be fitted for free), insurance for you and your bike while in use or in transit or storage. Bar bills are not included so it is advisable to bring enough cash for your evening drinks. 

You do not need to carry heavy bags or a full toolkit - just the essentials (such as a puncture repair kit and spare inners) and any specific tools for your bike. A small day pack that will fit in your pockets should be sufficient for personal items such as money, phone, sunscreen, and a lightweight rainproof jacket.

We follow government guidelines and put the health and safety of our participants, staff and beneficiaries first and foremost. If it is necessary to postpone an event we will be in touch to offer a choice of transfer or refund. Full details are in our Terms and Conditions.

You should have a basic level of fitness with the commitment to prepare properly in training for the challenge. If you have any queries about your fitness to take part in Pedal to Paris, please consult your doctor. Our training plans will help you on your way to getting the most out of the event.

A standard hybrid or road bike will be sufficient for your needs.

E-bikes are permitted but there is a limited number that can be taken on the ride due to charging facilities. Participants must contact the Event organisers to confirm permission to bring an e-bike. Participants with e-bikes are responsible for their own parts and for bringing their own adapters and charging points. Participants are also responsible for ensuring their bike is fully charged each evening.

You will need to be self-sufficient on Day 1, as it is more of a sportive-style ride. This means carrying the essentials you would normally take for a sportive: basic spares (inner tube, tyre levers, mini pump or CO₂ inflator, and a multi-tool) and anything else you need to stay comfortable on the road. 

From Day 2 onwards, you won’t need to carry these items, as full vehicle and mechanical support will be provided for the remainder of the trip. We will provide a kit list closer to the time.

Our bike rides are very social with people of all abilities taking part. On our UK leg there is the ability to cycle in groups or individually. Once in mainland Europe we have rolling road closures for key parts of the route and you will cycle in speed groups that suit your ability. There is also dedicated mechanical and medical support with you on the ride.

We do! The Royal British Legion has been organising its own bike rides for 30 years and covers all organisational aspects for most of our rides.

Accommodation is in 2/3 star hotels, standards may vary but they have ensuite facilities and are comfortable. Where possible we will always try to keep team members in the same hotels. You will be sharing with another rider unless you have added the single room supplement to your registration. If you know someone else who is on the event you can request to share with them or we will place you with someone of the same gender and similar age.

If you would like to share a room with someone you know then this will be possible. 

Normally participants are paired up with someone a similar age and gender and a twin share is part of the trip. 

If you would like to have your own room a single supplement will be applicable.  

Breakfast and an evening meal will be served in the hotel (the evening meal for Pedal to Paris day one will be on the ferry). Lunch will be provided at a designated lunch stop and there will be lots of carbohydrates for re-fuelling. There will also be fruit, cereal bars, energy bars, chocolate and water/energy drink as well as tea and coffee at all water stops en route. However, if you are used to training with specific nutritional supplements (e.g. energy bars) we advise you carry those yourself.

The final celebration evening in France will be a three course seated meal comprising of traditional French cuisine prepared with season produce. 

We would love to see your friends and family cheering you on at the end of your ride and they are very welcome to join us at the Arc de Triomphe.

We will provide details about this by email once signed up, but please get in touch at [email protected] to let us know and we can answer any questions.

Once you’ve signed up, you’ll receive a welcome email containing lots of information and advice about raising money for the Royal British Legion. Posters to publicise your participation in the event and collection pots are also available via our website. In addition, RBL team are on hand to support you every step of the way!

We’ll include all the information you need in your registration pack when you sign up to the event. Your online fundraising page will be set up automatically when you register for the event. You can use this page to share with friends and family. All donations to this page will be automatically credited to your fundraising for the event. If you make a donation another way, please let us know.

Yes. If you create a team when you register your teams fundraising page will be created automatically, anyone joining your team can search for it, and will added to this page automatically

We ask that 70% of your fundraising is raised by June before the event. All sponsorship monies should be sent to us no later than eight weeks after the last day of the ride.

Yes, if you are a UK tax payer. You cannot claim Gift Aid on a donation from a public collection or fundraising event, unless each individual donor has submitted a Gift Aid Declaration. For more information, please read our Gift Aid information.