Question & Answer Archive

Cycling Issues - Cycle Routes

Where can I obtain information about the London to Brighton race?

The London to Brighton Bike Ride is run by an organisation called "Bike Events".

It is a ride, not a race, being mainly a mass participation charity event. For sure, you do get a few super-fit headbangers there, but the great thing about the event is that 30,000 - odd cyclists of all types are there, from parents with kids, to cycle commuters, cycle couriers, pub teams - and there is a great atmosphere to the event.

The event, being a charity event has the object of raising sponsorship monies for, and awareness of, the British Heart Foundation and it's objectives. I believe that I am right in saying that part of the registration fee goes to the BHF, and that you are sent sponsorship forms as part of the registration process.

Phone Bike Events on 0870 755 8519 for further information.

Where can I obtain a medium to easy cycle route of London to Paris?

The CTC (Cycle Touring and Campaigning) certainly have a number of UK and European "tour" routes available, and are able to offer very sensible and practical advice on any planned journey by bicycle. I think it would be very much worth your while contacting them for some guidance. Their phone number is 01483 417217.

An alternative, slightly more tentative suggestion is to contact the British Triathlon Association. Some years ago, they were involved in the running of a London to Paris relay triathlon, and therefore probably have details of a fairly flat route. The only areas that it may be necessary to modify might be on the last stretch to the channel coast on this side, and the first stretch on the far side, as I don't know if the swim was undertaken from or to any of the ferry termini. Certainly this will be the case if you intend to make use of the Channel Tunnel for your crossing. The BTA's telephone number is 01530 414234.