London to Paris frequently asked questions

Answer: If you are on route 1 your route is O2 Arena-Dover-Calais-Abbeville-Beauvais-Paris. If you are on route 2 your route is O2 Arena-Dover-Calais-Arras-Compiegne-Paris. If you are on route 3 your route is Surbiton-Portsmouth-Caen-Alencon-Evreux-Paris. If you are on our 3-day route 4 your route is Surbiton-Dover-Calais-Amiens-Paris.

Answer: Route 1 (Female ONLY) will be starting at the O2 Arena, London, SE10 0DX. Route 2 will be starting at the O2 Arena, London, SE10 0DX. Route 3 will be starting at Seething Wells, Kingston University, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5PJ. Route 4 will be starting at Seething Wells, Kingston University, Portsmouth Road, Surbiton, Surrey KT6 5PJ.

Answer: If you are on route 1 or 2 then we will be looking to start between 7 and 7.30am on Wednesday 18 July. If you are on route 3 then we will be looking to start after the rush hour traffic on Wednesday 18 July. A little closer to the time we will let you know the actual start time for this route. If you are on route 4 then we will be looking to start between 7 and 7.30am on Thursday 19 July. On days 2,3 & 4 all routes will look to leave around 8am More information regarding your start point will be sent to you closer to the event.

Answer: Your main luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel throughout the duration of the trip. You will be given a luggage tag for your main bag so that it arrives at the correct hotel. We do ask you to carry a small back pack for all those essentials, like a waterproof jacket, a jumper, extra snacks and your passport when riding.

Answer: At this stage we are unable to confirm your hotel in Paris. In March you will receive an Event Manual that will detail your hotel in Paris including the address and contact number just in case you need it if you are planning on booking family and friends in.

Answer: Unfortunately not. If you have family and friends looking to join you at the finish and whilst you are in Paris you will need to book separate accommodation for them.

Answer: You will get a briefing every day to let you know what to expect and to give you a rough idea of where we are heading that day as well as route maps to help you navigate your way. The route will also be marked with arrows and several support vehicles and staff from the tour operator, Discover Adventure, and from Action Medical Research will monitor the ride. Please note that unfortunately we are unable to accommodate any additional support vehicles that you may wish to bring along. You will be provided with an emergency telephone number to call if you think you have managed to sneak your way off route!!

Answer: We have laid on a super dooper celebration meal for you, although this is not compulsory to attend. Further information regarding the meal will be available to you closer to the event, including information and costs for family and friends to attend.

Answer: You will need to hang on to your main luggage on the Sunday. In the past participants have been able to leave their bags at the hotel for the day or you should be able to leave your bag in a secure locker up at the train station. Either way you will need to bring your entire luggage with you on the Eurostar back to London.

Answer: We are more than happy to take your bike back to the UK for you but we will need to hand your bike to a family member or friend once back in London at either St Pancras or back at the start line. Alternatively you can request to have your bike couriered back to your home address for around £85. This option is limited and will work on a first come first serve basis.

Answer: The bikes will be transported in trucks back to the UK on Sunday 22 July 2011. These trucks will be leaving early so as to arrive back at St Pancras International Station and the start line by the time you get back to London.

Answer: Our tour operator Discover Adventure take good care when transporting the bikes back to the UK. The bikes are rugged and are packed in well to limit movement whilst in transit. If you want to bring additional foam tubing for the main frame and forks or a bike bag then that’s fine with us. However PLEASE DO NOT BRING A BIKE BOX as these take up quite a bit of room on the trucks.

Answer: We will inform you what Eurostar train you are on in the Event Manual that you will receive in March. Please note that we are only able to book for participants taking part on the trip. Any additional bookings must be booked by yourself and under a separate name.

Answer: We will hand you your Eurostar ticket on Saturday 21st July at your hotel.

Answer: Unfortunately not unless you are happy to pay for a new ticket. The tickets we have bought have been paid for in advance and are non-transferable or refundable. Please let us know if you are planning on changing your ticket.

Answer: Unfortunately not. Any additional Eurostar tickets will need to be booked separately and done independently. We will be able to tell you the train that you will be on a little closer to the time.

Answer: There will be a coach made available to you to take you back to your start point. You will need to request this when you register with us on the day at the start point of your trip.

Answer: Yes, you must wear a cycling helmet to take part in an Action Medical Research bike ride.

Answer: We need you to have banked £687 by this date as this amount represents your tour cost. This pays for your transport, accommodation and food throughout your trip. Unfortunately if this amount has not been banked by this date you will not be able to take part in this event.

Answer: The tour cost is £687 and yes you can pay this yourself. We are happy to take a credit/debit card payment over the phone or alternatively you can bank the money using your paying in-book or by paying it online through your online sponsorship account.