Starting at the London Eye and ending at Notre Dame, the 247 mile route takes riders on a challenging but rewarding journey through towns, villages and beautiful countryside on both sides of the Channel.
I need to confirm with Fearless Leader Joe if this is still the Day 1 route, but this is what he’s mentioned in the past: Cycling London to Brighton.
The amusing bit about this first day is how the best part is saved for last, as you can see here in the elevations.
It sounds like we’re doing this bit and then on to Newhaven.
Cycling from London to Paris — 300-some kilmoeters over a period of three days, between two major cities in different countries — sounds like an activity for healthy young enthusiasts on featherweight carbon-fibre bikes.
At 54 years old, I’m past the middle-age crazy stage (I hope). L2P is a ride I want to ride for the fun of it, not to check something off a list or show someone something.
I try to cycle a few hours each weekend at least, but it’s been a couple of years since I did 140km in one day (as we’ll be doing on Day 2 of the ride).
Thanks to my active lifestyle and a careful dietary regimen designed to lower the levels of uric acid in my blood, I now weigh more than I ever have in my life. One of my goals for this ride is to lose weight before it begins.
(All one-day round trips except for Lake Biwa)
I got an unbelievable price via Air China. There’s a layover in Beijing, but that’s acceptable. Direct flights were double the cost.
The price was so low I kept thinking I’d click a ‘Next’ button and see the fuel charges added on, or some such.
We have 15 riders signed up, which Fearless Leader Joe says is the limit that he’s willing to organize. Among these are at least six L2P veterans.
We have at least three countries of residence represented: England, Japan and Australia. And Joe has confirmed there are no Canadians this year.
I haven’t got all the details yet, but it sounds like at least six different nationalities.
From historical trends, it looks like temperatures will be in the low to mid teens, but could reach into the 20s as well. Not a huge chance of rain overall, but I believe Fearless Leader Joe said it rained the whole tour last year.
In other words, we have to be prepared for pretty much anything.
Hôtel Les Sablons in Marines. A pizzeria. Whatever … looks fun and they are accustomed to catering to cyclists.
Près de Cergy. Well, thank goodness for that.
Day 1: Friday, 29 April — Depart London to Newhaven, via Brighton. Catch the night ferry.
Day 2: Saturday, 30 April — Dieppe to Marines – more than 140km. As we’re taking the night ferry, we have a long day to achieve this.
Day 3: Sunday, 1 May — Triumphant arrival into Paris and overnight in Paris.
Day 4: Monday, 2 May — Afternoon Eurostar back to London.
After watching as my friend Joe accomplished this tour no less than three times over the past couple of years, I’ve committed this year to joining him in cycling from London to Paris over three days. Follow along here as I outline the preparations and — hopefully — join the group on the pavement.