Pedal to Paris FAQs

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.

Please contact 0345 845 1945 if you’d like to know more about all we are doing.

Our bike rides are aimed at keen amateurs and are designed for a broad range of experience, speeds and stamina. It is not 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 advice 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. 

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.

For safety reasons all Participants must be aged over 18 at the start of the ride. Participants under the age of 18 at the start of the ride are 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), holiday insurance or insurance for your bike while in use or in transit or storage. You will also need to find your own way from the Paris hotel to the station to catch the Eurostar. Bar bills are not included so it is advisable to bring enough cash for your evening drinks.

You should have a basic level of fitness with the commitment to prepare properly in training for the challenge - cycling a few miles to and from work is not going to be enough preparation for our bike rides. If you have any queries about your fitness to do either ride, 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 do not need anything except essentials on your bike (especially not heavy bags of tools) and a small day pack that should be sufficient to carry personal items such as money, camera, sunscreen, a lightweight rainproof jacket etc. Please see our equipment page for more details.

You should only need cash for items such as bar drinks in the evening or gifts to take home.

Our UK rides (and the UK leg) are fully signposted. Once you are in France you will be cycling in groups as one peloton accompanied by a team of motorcycle outriders to show you the way and manage the junctions.

For our multi-day bike rides, we ask that you bring one bag only which should be no heavier than 15kg. Dress is casual and you will not need anything formal. Your bag will be carried for you each day in our luggage van and will be available to you each evening, either at your designated hotel or a central collection point. For our one day bike rides you should be able to carry everything you need with you.

Your bikes will be packed, loaded and returned by road to the UK ready for collection on your return.

We ask that all sponsorship monies are sent to us no later than eight weeks after the last day of the ride.

All routes will involve hills of some description so it’s a good idea to put in some training for the climbs. We recommend you ride at your own pace, that way it’s very likely you will find yourself cycling with people of a similar ability.

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

The Royal British Legion has been organising its own bike rides for over 20 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 a household or family member 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 applied.

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.

There is an opportunity for family and friends to cheer you in at the end of the ride and to celebrate your achievement.

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 on request. 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. You'll also receive a link to set up your online JustGiving page. Please remember to send us the link to your page so we can ensure all donations are credited to you.

Yes. This is very easy online as JustGiving have facilities to set up team pages. Please remember to let us know the link to your page so we can ensure all donations are credited to the team.

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.