Common questions about the London to Paris Cycling Challenge

When does the challenge take place? Back to top

3-7 July 2013.

What do I have to do to take part? Back to top

Simply pay a £150 non-refundable registration fee and return this with your completed application form. We then ask you to pledge to raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,600 which covers your total costs. Please see below for what is not included.

What's included? Back to top

• Ferry crossing
• All meals other than dinner on the ferry and lunch and dinner on day five
• Four nights in a 2/3* hotel. The hotels are comfortable and well-situated, but not luxurious. All rooms are twin rooms and all have ensuite facilities.
• Return transportation to London via the Eurostar.
• Full support with Discover Adventure leaders/medical staff, drivers and cooks
• Macmillan Cancer Support representative.

What's not included? Back to top

• Insurance: Our tour operator, Discover Adventure Ltd, offer insurance specifically created to cover you for the activity you will be undertaking.
• Three meals: Dinner on the ferry on day one and lunch and dinner on the free day in Paris.
• We also recommend you take around £100 - £150 for personal expenses.

What sort of person takes part? Back to top

The group will be made up of between 50 to 100 people, men and women from all backgrounds, abilities and ages (although you must be 18 or over to take part). Some take part with friends and colleagues, but many people come on their own. It’s a great way to meet new people.

Where will we stay while cycling? Back to top

Throughout the challenge we'll be staying in 2/3* hotels. These can be quite basic, but are clean and functional. We will stay in twin rooms, so if you are travelling on your own we will pair you up with a room buddy of the same sex and a similar age.

Do I have to carry my own kit? Back to top

We will be accompanied by support vehicles which carry all equipment and supplies. However, you'll have to carry a small rucksack or CamelBak to hold anything you will need during the day’s ride.

Am I fit enough? Back to top

Macmillan challenges are designed to suit people who lead an active lifestyle. If you do not already cycle on a very regular basis you'll need to commit to a considerable amount of training during the preceding months. This is all part of the challenge. A full training programme will be included in your fundraising pack.

What is the route like? Back to top

The cycling on this challenge is varied but mainly undulating. Some days are very hilly, others are flatter and faster. Each day has different challenges. Distances vary between 90km to 130km. We mainly ride on small country roads where traffic is light.

The route is clearly marked although maps will be provided. Support vehicles will be stationed at the front and rear of the group with one roving up and down. This enables participants to cycle at their own pace, although there will be breaks during the day where everyone regroups.

Do I have to bring my own bike? Back to top

Neither Macmillan nor Discover Adventure are able to provide bikes for this trip, so you must bring your own. We recommend that you ride a road bike/racing bike as the route takes place over long distances on well-surfaced roads.

What happens if I can’t raise £1,600 Back to top

The £1,600 fundraising target ensures that at least 66% of donations come directly to Macmillan to be spent on our services. So we'll do everything we can to help you reach this target. 

You will be provided with a full fundraising pack to get you started, as well as our expert advice and guidance. The full fundraising total will not be due in until one month after the event. If however it looks like you will not reach this target, prior to the event, you'll have the option of transferring onto another challenge at a later date or making up the difference yourself.

When do I have to pay my sponsorship in? Back to top

We ask for all sponsorship to be paid to Macmillan six weeks after the event has taken place. However, we will require at least £550 of your sponsorship three months prior to the event before we confirm your travel arrangements. Supporters have informed us that they find it easier to fundraise before the challenge takes place.

How will my participation benefit people affected by cancer? Back to top

At least 66% of the £1,600 pledged minimum sponsorship will be treated as a donation to Macmillan. If you raise over £1,600 the entire surplus will benefit the charity. £1,600 could enable us to fund a Macmillan nurse for a week and a half.

Can my partner/family come with me? Back to top

All participants in the event must cycle and fundraise to join the trip. Friends and family are welcome to meet you in Paris at the end of the challenge and are able to join us for the celebration meal on the final night, although they will be required to pay for their meal.

Can I meet up with my fellow participants before the trip? Back to top

Although Macmillan doesn’t currently organise training rides, we would encourage you to meet up with your fellow cyclists prior to the challenge. It's also a great way to boost your training. We will pass on contact details of others taking part (that have given us permission to do so) and you can also meet fellow Macmillan bikers on our Facebook page|. 

We may be organising meet ups and training rides in the future with our partner, CycleSurgery. We'll notify you of any dates that are planned.

Who organises the trip? Back to top

The trip is conceived and operated by Discover Adventure Ltd, ATOL 5636, whose booking conditions apply. 

If you have any more questions, please call the Challenge Team on 020 7840 7875 or email the cycling team|.