This 3-day cycle ride takes you three European countries (France, Belgium and The Netherlands) as well as starting on the southern shores of England (country number 4!?!). The total route is approximately 200 miles, starting from Dover and taking in some of Europe’s most historical cities, passing through Dunkirk and stopping at Bruges and finally Eindhoven with it’s strong links to your charity of choice, Amy and Friends
Dates and Prices
Date of Event
12-16 June 2024
Duration
5 Days (3 cycling)
Difficulty Rating
3/8 (click here for details)
Registration Fee
£125*
Event Fee
N/A
Minimum Sponsorship
£1,200**
*This Registration Fee is non-refundable, see our Terms and Conditions.
**The Minimum Sponsorship level set by Amy and Friends is to be raised over and above the registration fee
If you would like to learn more about Amy and Friends and their charitable causes, please click here
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Dover.
Arriving in the seaside ferry port of Dover on Wednesday evening, you will check into your event accommodation and register with Chapeau crew in preparation for your ride starting on the Thursday morning.
Day 2 – Dover to Dunkirk to Bruges
Approximate cycling distance 104km (65 miles)
We begin our event by leaving the hotel to catch the early morning ferry to Dunkirk. Once off the ferry we head through Dunkirk, steeped in history from WW2 historical events and head north towards Bruges. We cycle through some remarkable terrain with constant reminders of events gone by and as we head up the coast we soon find ourselves in the cosmopolitan city of Ostend.
Wonderful Bruges awaits us along our journey, a city distinguished by its canals, cobbled streets and medieval buildings.
Day 3 – Bruges to Mechelen
Approximate cycling distance 110km (68 miles)
After a good night’s rest and hearty breakfast we head east for a full days cycling in Belgium. Towards the university town and cultural hub of Ghent; as we cycle through country lanes and meander alongside many beautiful canals and waterways that Belgium has to offer…such a tranquil experience!
Continuing eastwards and passing Dendermonde we reach our destination for the evening in the city of Mechelen. Mechelen is home to the 13th century St Rumbold’s Cathedral which has a Tower with a 360 degree view of the city.
Day 4 – Mechelen to Eindhoven
Approximate cycling distance 104km (65 miles)
Riding out of Mechelen in the morning on our final day, we continue our journey north eastwards towards Eindhoven.
After another fantastic morning’s route we finally cross the border into the Netherlands shortly after lunch and with Eindhoven in our sights we can enjoy the perfect cycle paths that this part of the world has to offer. You may be feeling the effects of your saddle but that is soon forgotten as you celebrate and wallow in the feeling of exhilaration as you look back at what you have achieved.
Day 5 – Departure Day
After a leisurely breakfast, the event comes to an end. Your bikes will e safely transported back to the UK leaving you hassle free to continue with your onward arrangements, whether homeward bound or enjoying the amazing delights that Eindhoven has to offer.
Chapeau Events reserves the right to change the route or itinerary for safety reasons should local conditions dictate.
What’s included?
- Full bike transport to Dover and from Eindhoven back to the UK if required.
- Four nights’ B&B accommodation will be provided by Travel Counsellors
- Ferry from Dover to Dunkirk.
- All meals starting from breakfast on the ferry on day two to breakfast on day five. Please note that the celebration meal in Eindhoven is not included.
- Complete transport of luggage between hotels during the ride.
- Full trip support including mechanics, first aid, drivers, outriders and full route support.
- Water stops
- GPS routes with navigational left and right turns
What’s Excluded?
- Personal transport to route start in Dover and from route finish in Eindhoven
- Celebration meal in Eindhoven
- A bicycle
- Personal travel insurance
- Drinks, personal items or entry to any optional tourist sites you may wish to visit.
What’s unique about Chapeau…why should I choose you?
Our events are tailored to you…our team have physically driven and assessed every mile of the route to ensure the safest and best possible route for your challenge, so rest assured you are in the safest hands. All our routes are specifically tailored with you in mind.
How fit do I need to be?
Chapeau events attract people of all levels of experience and fitness, all ages and backgrounds. We expect all participants to train hard in advance to achieve this challenge, but we respect everyone’s limits. You will be in the saddle for upward of 60/65 miles a day for 3 consecutive days, so you should ensure, as a minimum that you are comfortable riding upwards of 55 miles in a day and have achieved this regularly before you leave for the trip. The profile can be undulating, so you should include some hilly rides in your training to make the most enjoyment. We design our challenges so that everyone can go at their own pace; this is not a race. For further information regarding how we rate our challenges click here
Who will be there to support me during the event?
Your trip will be led by experienced Chapeau Events crew. Our crew are selected for their experience in cycling events around the world, their friendliness and approach-ability, sense of humour and ability to safely and effectively deal with any situation that arises. Our crew leaders are also trained in expedition first-aid. You are in very safe hands with the Chapeau Events crew.
The number of crew and support vehicles looking after you will depend on the final size of your group, but the team will be looking after every aspect of your trip whether that’s transporting your luggage, ensuring your route is well-marked, sorting out any mechanical problems or giving you a lift in our back vehicle – our “Love bus”. At Chapeau Events we pride ourselves on our high crew: cyclist ratio and believe it leads to greater trip enjoyment as well as excellent trip safety.
Will I be safe?
Your safety, and that of the rest of the group, is our highest priority. Our trips are designed and planned with safety in mind. Your crew will be equipped with emergency mobile phones, first-aid kits and other safety apparatus where necessary. Our leaders are responsible for safety on the trip, and will make any changes to the itinerary they deem necessary should local conditions dictate. Pre-trip administration – such as compulsory medical questionnaires and travel insurance – is all done with your safety in mind.
What happens to my luggage each day?
Our support vehicles are with the group all of the time. All luggage and spares will be carried in them as we travel to each destination. On reaching our hotels, at the end of each day, you will hand over your bike for safe overnight keeping and collect your luggage. Each morning, you will hand over your luggage and collect your bike. Obviously space is limited so it is essential that your kit is packed in a soft sailing bag, cabin case, rucksack or expedition kit-bag.
What insurance will I require?
It is a requirement of entry that you have adequate insurance to cover your participation on the event. We will require a copy of valid insurance before travel.
Will I receive further information?
Yes…a full detailed information pack will be issued following signed registration.