Cycle London to Paris 14-18 September 2016 in partnership with
Your next big adventure... It was truly one of the most challenging and exhilarating experiences of my life Jason Atkinsons Join today! Sign up online for just 99 www.mssociety.org.uk/london-paris challenge@mssociety.org.uk 08454 811577
Join our team of MS Superstars and help us raise funds for essential research, and beat MS for good. Take in two of the world s most exhilarating capital cities on this cycle of a lifetime! Passing through the picturesque Kent countryside, you ll cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval towns of Northern France, passing famous First World War battlefields, before finally arriving at the Eiffel Tower. Itinerary Day 1: London Calais Setting out early from Blackheath Common, we ride through the outskirts of London to the rolling fi elds and villages of rural Kent. The hills get bigger as we follow country roads over the North Downs and towards the coast. We catch the ferry across the Channel, having dinner on board, and cycle the short distance to our hotel in Calais. Day 2: Calais Arras A hearty breakfast sets us up for day two, heading south along small, quiet roads through villages and beautiful forested French countryside. The afternoon takes in several small war cemeteries, a reminder of the region s remarkable history. There are some long gradual climbs today but we re rewarded with a night s stay in the pretty French town of Arras.
Day 3: Arras Compiègne This morning, the terrain fl attens out slightly, with quiet undulating roads taking us towards the Somme via the huge memorial at Thiepval. Here we pause for thought, before continuing south through landscapes straight out of a Monet painting. Day 5: Paris London Today you are free to explore this incredible city; take in the view from the Eiffel Tower or visit Montmartre, the Louvre or Notre-Dame? We meet at the Gare du Nord in time for the afternoon Eurostar train back to St Pancras, where you will be reunited with your bike. Day 4: Compiègne Paris Our fi nal day s cycling, heading towards the fi nish line. We set out through small villages before we meet the outskirts of Paris. We cycle around the Arc de Triomphe and down the famed Champs- Elysées to our fi nish beneath the Eiffel Tower. We end the day with a well-deserved celebration meal. What a trip, and what a great cause Thomas Bridge
About the trip Who can take part? Anyone over the age of 18. If you re over 65 or have a medical condition, you ll need a GP s signature. Who organises the trip? We work with Discover Adventure an experienced tour operator (ATOL 5636) which provides Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) protection too. How fit do I need to be? It s physically challenging, so you ll need to be fi t and training is recommended. We ll send you a complete guide. What are the food and accommodation like? All accommodation is included in 2-3* hotels on a twin-share basis. Lunches are generous buffet-style en route, while breakfast and dinners are eaten in the hotels. Please let us know any dietary requirements in advance. About the cycling You ll cycle between 5 and 8 hours a day on average depending on your speed. The toughest days are the fi rst two, and then the landscape fl attens out gradually. You will encounter some traffi c in both London and Paris. We stop approximately every 20 miles for a rest, water and snacks or lunch. What kit do I need? The most important pieces of kit are your bike and suitable padded shorts! We will provide you with a full kit list once you ve signed up. What back-up is provided? A UK expedition leader, along with a full team of leaders, drivers and mechanics. Leaders are expedition fi rst-aid trained. Your main bag will be transported each day and you will carry a daypack for your essentials. About insurance You ll need comprehensive travel insurance to cover bicycle touring we ll send you details.
About your sponsorship About the cost There is a non-refundable registration fee of 99. The cost is approximately 824, which you can raise through sponsorship or pay yourself. (Please tell your sponsors that some of the money goes towards the cost of the trip.) How much do I need to raise? A minimum of 1,500 through sponsorship or other fundraising. We re here to help with ideas, tips and materials. What s included? Accommodation, Eurostar from Paris to London, food (except dinner on ferry and lunch and dinner on day 5), drinking water, guides and full support crew including mechanics. What s not included? Bike, UK transfers, vaccinations, insurance, dinner on ferry and lunch and dinner on day 5. When do I need to pay? 99 registration fee is needed when you book. 1,200 is due 10 weeks before the trip. This is 80% of the minimum sponsorship. The remaining 300 must be paid four weeks after you return. It s best to collect sponsorship money before you go. How much spending money will I need? Allow around 100 for meals, drinks and activities on your free day. 150 if you want to enjoy champagne in Paris! Join today! Sign up online for just 99 www.mssociety.org.uk/london-paris challenge@mssociety.org.uk 08454 811577
Ride for Research Together, the MS Society and Parkinson s UK fund a world-class Brain and Tissue Bank a vital facility helping researchers around the world work towards a cure for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson s. Donated tissue samples are sent to scientists all over the world and have been used in several major discoveries, including investigations of how the immune system is involved in MS. Jason Atkinson, MS Society trustee & fundraiser describes his visit to the Tissue Bank: This was an amazing opportunity to see the science being carried out by our world-class researchers. I came away full of optimism for how we are going to stop MS in its tracks. The money you raise by cycling from London to Paris will help us continue this essential research. Together we can bring forward the day when no one fears MS or Parkinson s Multiple Sclerosis Society. Registered charity numbers 1139257 / SC041990. Registered as a limited company in England and Wales 07451571