Itinerary

Our detailed itinerary and planning for the Cycle Challenge is as follows:

Map of Itinerary

Pre-Ride

We're working on arrangements with a sponsor to offer the option of getting your bike into London for you by 0800 on the Friday morning. To take advantage of this planned service your bike will need to be available for collection from Monday 14th August.

Day 1, Friday 21st August 2020

Thru the Downs

We meet in Westminster at 0830 for registration and photos, with an 0900 start. Your overnight bag and any spare parts will travel in our support vehicle. To avoid the London traffic, we'll be using a riverboat to ferry everyone along to Greenwich and the start of the Thames Path. Our journey along the Thames will take about an hour, and will give you the chance to meet your fellow riders. Disembarking by the Cutty Sark, you'll then ride in small groups along the Thames Path, finishing at Rochester Castle, with a bus transfer to the Holiday Inn in Rochester. This four star hotel has a pool and beauty salon, and our massage and aromatherapy area will be set up for your arrival. Group dinner at the hotel.  (D)

Day 2, Saturday 22nd August 2020

An 0800 breakfast and 0900 departure in small groups, heading along the coast towards Whitstable for lunch, before turning inland towards Canterbury where we arrive mid-afternoon. Our overnight stop is at the University of Canterbury who have kindly made a student Hall Of Residence available to us, with single ensuite rooms. There's a shuttle bus into Canterbury, and time free to explore the town before and after dinner. (B, PL, D)

Day 3, Sunday 23rd August 2020

An early breakfast as we leave Canterbury at 0830 and head down slowly to Dover, before taking the 1200 DFDS ferry to Dunkerque. The two hour journey offers a relaxing break, with a chance for lunch onboard, before we dock at 1500. There's then a short ride to the coastal resort of Nieuwpoort, arriving early evening. Group dinner at our hotel. (B, D)

Day 4, Monday 24th August 2020

This morning there's some free time to explore Nieuwpoort with its golden sands, before a 1000 departure for Bruges.

We assemble outside the city at 1300 for a police-escorted ride into the city centre, with our ride terminating in the Markt, in front of the famous Belfry Tower.

Time for photos before you head on to your hotel and hand over your bike for a well-earned rest.

There's time free to explore Bruges before our Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in the evening. (B, PL, D)

 

Day 5, Tuesday 25th August 2020

Eurostar

You'll be able to check out on the Tuesday morning and leave your overnight bag for later collection. Your day's free to chill out and explore Bruges before taking the train from Bruges to Brussels for your connecting Eurostar service back to St Pancras station in London. Alternatively you can take an early morning train from Bruges into Brussels, and spend the day exploring Belgium's capital city!! Your bikes will be back at St Pancras to connect with your Eurostar arrival. We're working with a sponsor to offer an option of getting your bike delivered directly back to you within three days of the end of the trip. (B)

Post Ride

Optionally, you can decide to spend an extra night at Martin's Hotel in Bruges, returning to the UK on Wednesday 23rd August 2017.

Check out our FAQ section for more detailed information. Meals included: (B) = breakfast, (PL) = packed lunch, (D) = dinner. Drinks and bottled water will be available at all scheduled stops and at any time from our support vehicle.