FAQs

As You Ride

Our target average speed is 8mph / 13kph. On level sections you'll find that you can easily achieve more than this, but you'll slow to 5mph / 8kph on some hilly sections. All cyclists will be split into groups of ten, and you will ride with a 2 minute gap between groups to spread you out and ensure maximum safety.

Bikes

There's no off-road sections at all on this trip. Go for a lighter bike with a comfortable saddle, that's suitable for on-road work. Mountain bikes are fine for this trip.

Bike Collection / Drop Off

We'll ship your bike back to St Pancras station for you, available for you to collect from us when the Eurostar arrives. We're working on providing an optional service, possibly at extra cost, that would collect your bike from you before the event, and drop it off afterwards.

Clothing

We will circulate a recommended clothing and suggested packing list six weeks before we depart.

Drinks

Bottled water and a range of soft drinks will be available at morning, lunch and afternoon stops, and from the support van as required at any other time.

Eurostar

We have a Group booking on an early evening 1756 departure from Brussels Midi arriving London St Pancras at 1903. You're free to leave Bruges at any time and explore Brussels; the latest connecting train leaves Bruges at 1558. If you want to travel on an earlier train from Brussels, or fly, then you can do so but you'll need to arrange your own ticket at your cost.

First Aid

We will have a comprehensive First Aid kit on the support vehicle. Craig Vassie is a First Aider trained by St John Ambulance and will be able to deal with minor injuries. We will conduct a risk assessment one month prior to the event, and will have an Accident Plan in place to provide immediate support in the event of a rider requiring a visit to the nearest emergency medical centre.

Group Leader

If you're an experienced cyclist we'd welcome your support by acting as a Group Leader, with a small group of ten cyclists.

Helmets

Are compulsory. No helmet = no ride!!

Insurance

You will need to arrange your own travel insurance. An ordinary travel insurance policy should suffice as you will NOT be racing or competing. Please ensure that the policy provides sufficient cover in the event that an injury (worst case) requires your repatriation.

Language

Nous parlons Francais couramment!! No need to worry. All bases covered!!

Massage

Craig Vassie is also a professionally qualified and insured clinical aromatherapist and he will set up a massage couch at each night stop to deal with any leg and back pain.

Meals

Inclusive meals are as marked on the itinerary. We will normally all eat from the same menu unless the establishment offers a full choice. If you have special dietary requirements then please let us know. We will do our best to accommodate such requirements but cannot guarantee to do so.

Medical Care

Make sure that you bring your E111 card with you. This entitles you to free of charge medical treatment in France and belgium.

Repairs

Sam, our Bike mechanic, will follow the riders in a fully-equipped mobile workshop. He'll have all the tools needed, and the more common spare parts.

Spare Parts

Bring any bike-specific (hard to obtain) spare parts that you might need with you. They can travel in the support van. Please make sure that everything which will go into a bag does so, and that its all clearly labelled with your name.

Training

We'll be running two training days in April and May 2017, with dates to be announced. These are free of charge and you're welcome to attend; we'll have a support vehicle as required.