About The Ride
The Basics
Swindon to Paris 2020
V4P 2020 is a three day, 250 mile cycle ride taking place between Thursday 18th and Saturday 20th of June 2020 from Swindon to the foot of the Eiffel tower in Paris
The ride is fully supported with pre-planned routes, regular feed stations, luggage transport, mechanical and physio support for running repairs for bikes and bodies
All accommodation and food is laid on, meaning all you have to do is turn up and ride!
The ride is raising money for two charities, Wildlife Vets International and Vetlife
Click here to find out about Fundraising
Places are strictly limited, so, if the idea of 3 days cycling through beautiful English and French countryside, sampling the culinary delights and the odd glass of wine along the way, appeals to you, what are you waiting for?
Day by Day
Day 1 Thursday 18th June Swindon - Portsmouth
80 miles / 4000 ft climbing
Departing V4P in Swindon at 10:00
Feed Stations @ 20 and 60 miles
Lunch stop @ 40 miles
Arrive in Portsmouth around 17:00 (at Companion Care (tbc)
Shower and change at 'Goals' Sports Centre
Transfer to Ship and Castle at Portsmouth port (15 minute cycle)
Evening Meal (pre-ordered) @ Ship and Castle approx. 19:00
Embark Ferry 20:30
Ferry departs Portsmouth 22:00 (4 Berth Cabins)through the lanes of Wiltshire and Hampshire
Day 2 Friday 19th June Caen - Evreux
95 miles / 3500 ft climbing
Breakfast on the ferry
Disembark Ferry approx. 08:00 and depart
Feed Stations @ 25 and 80 miles
Lunch stop @ 60 miles
Arrive Evreux approx. 18:00
Check into Ibis Budget Hotel in the centre of Evreux (2* Shared twin rooms)
Evening Meal @ Cote Rotisserie 5 min walk from hotel
Day 3 Saturday 20th June Evreux - Paris
80 miles / 4000 ft climbing
Breakfast in hotel
Depart Hotel 07:00
Feed Stations @ 20 and 60 miles
Lunch stop @ 40 miles
Arrive Eiffel Tower Paris approx. 16:00
Check into Hotel Avalon (3* Shared twin rooms)
Celebration Meal @ Le Relais Gascon
Night out in Paris
Day 4 Sunday 21st June Paris
Support crew depart early for Eurotunnel with bikes and baggage
Morning in Paris for sightseeing and relaxing
Afternoon return flight to UK* (options available)
Transfers from Airport to Swindon*
Arrive at Swindon V4P to collect bikes and baggage
*Please note: Flights from Paris and travel from airport to Swindon are not included as part of the tour package and must be arranged and paid for by individual riders
Food
All food on the ride (with the exception of the ferry crossing) is included within the cost of the ride
In-ride nutrition and hydration is provided by food stations approximately every 20 miles. These are stocked with energy bars, electrolyte powders, bananas, jelly beans etc.
You will also be provided with a French style picnic lunch each day, with cold drinks, baguettes, meats, cheeses, fruit and the odd patisserie
Evening meals will be taken as a group in restaurants local to our hotels
Accommodation
Accommodation on the ride is in 2 and 3 star hotels,
We will be sharing twin rooms, with the exception of the ferry crossing where we will share 4 berth cabins for the overnight crossing.
If you have a preference for another rider who you might like to share with, please let us know
Breakfast is included for each night in the hotel
Bikes are stored securely for each overnight stay
Transport
Hopefully it won't come as a shock to anyone, but your primary mode of transport for the 3 day ride is going to be your bike!
We will however have a support crew who will take care of all luggage etc. transporting them each day from hotel to hotel
They will also transport all bikes and bags back to Swindon at the end of the ride, ensuring you can fly home 'hand baggage only'
You can then collect your luggage and trusty steed on your return to Swindon