Pedal to Paris
Updated: Nov 27, 2022
In September 5 of our incredible members embarked on an epic challenge that took them from London to Paris. After months of training and blood, sweat and I'm sure tears they were all ready to tackle the challenge head on.
Day 1 took them 80 miles from London to Dover where they boarded the ferry across to Calais. This section included negotiating the M25 and also the daunting climb at Dover Hill!
The whole route, organised by the Royal British Legion, was coordinated perfectly by outriders and support cars to ensure all riders safety at all times and give them the benefit of 'closed roads' by means of rolling road blocks, this must have felt like heaven!
Day 2 had 88 miles in store for the riders travelling from Calais to Abbeville after a memorial ceremony and wreath laying.
Day 3 and another 66 miles awaited. Abbeville to Beauvais offering a mix of beautiful countryside and some good solid climbing. Ceremonies ensued presented perfectly by the locals with a large welcome for the British Legion Peloton.
Day 4 and the final day presented 60 miles with the grand finale being the arrival in Paris at the Arc de Triomphe. The route took them from Beauvais into the busy centre of Paris again protected by outriders and the benefit of no traffic. What a sight it must have been for the locals to see a sea of blue RBL jerseys arriving in the centre of Paris and celebrating their achievements under the arch before the last and final ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier beneath the Arc de Triomphe.
'It was an honour and a privilege to be able to take part' - Sue J
'It was so surreal, I couldn’t quite believe where I was and that I had got
there by bike!' - Tracy F
Not only had this fab 5 made massive personal achievements but also helped to raise over £350k for the Royal British Legion through sponsorship and other fundraising events in the run up to the trip. Chapeau to each and every one of you! Amazing!!
Tracy's video sums the trip up perfectly
Also the lovely Dawn made the cut in the official RBL video too! Take a peek here: https://youtu.be/OFEGq-slCOQ
Comments