bhf.org.uk/l2pJOIN THE HEART RIDERS TEAM

3–6 September 2016

CONQUER LONDON TO PARIS

ON ROAD BIKE RIDE

©British Heart Foundation, registered charity in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SC039426)

LONDON TO PARIS ON-ROAD BIKE RIDE

THE EXPERIENCEThis three day road trip combines a great team event with the ultimate test of your endurance to make unforgettable memories. It’s an amazing way to raise money and help us beat heart disease.

London to Paris is the complete package. There’s the buzz of team spirit and the challenging 400 km cycle across the best of British and French countryside. Once you’ve crossed the finish line at the Palace of Versailles you can celebrate in style at our end of race dinner.

The event is very flexible allowing you to build an experience that suits your needs and budget. Choose to travel together en masse or break the route down into a relay. Take part as a team or come as a solo rider. You can also select your own accommodation, so whether you want to commune with nature in a tent or treat yourself to a chic hotel stopover – the choice is yours.

 FANCY SOMETHING EVEN FURTHER AFIELD?—We help you to take on the world with our busy calendar of long distance experiences across the globe. See full details at www.bhf.org.uk/get-involved/events/overseas-challenges

 FANCY SOMETHING CLOSER TO HOME?—We also have loads of other cycling events throughout the UK. Check them out here www.bhf.org.uk/cycle

All the answersIf you’re considering our London to Paris on-road challenge there’s a lot to think about. That’s why we’ve pulled together all the answers for you in this guide.

If you’ve still got questions once you’ve finished reading then give us a call on 0845 1308663 or visit www.bhf.org.uk/l2p

How do I take part? 2

How can my company get involved? 2

The Individual challenge 3

Individual Riders – Essential information 4

Team Challenge – Essential information 5

Information for all 8

Fundraising 8

Why we need your sponsorship 9

On the day 10

The route 11

The Return Journey 12

Driving in France 13

Your bike – spares and repairs 13

Bike spares and repairs – checklist 14

Team equipment checklist 15

Individual equipment checklist 16

Accommodation Guide 17

Key facts 21

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HOW DO I TAKE PART? So you’re up for the challenge? The good news is that signing up is easiest leg of the journey.

AS A TEAMThis is such a great event for teams working together to share the highs and lows of the whole experience. You’ll find it much easier to fundraise as a group; you can motivate each other through training and draw on your team spirit during the event itself. You can team up with friends, family or colleagues, the more the merrier, and you’ll need a support driver and vehicle too.

To sign up as a team call 0845 1308663 or email events@bhf.org.uk and we’ll post or email you the entry forms.

NO TEAM NO PROBLEM! JOIN US AS INDIVIDUAL RIDER You can also join us as an individual rider. You be fully supported all the way, with bike transport, coach travel and return Eurotunnel crossing. All you have to do is sort out your food and accommodation. We have even got an event caterer who you can book meals with, and we have got contacts for some fantastic hotels and a campsite to help with that too.

You can register as an individual for our on-road event at www.bhf.org.uk/l2p

HOW CAN MY COMPANY GET INVOLVED?Get the most out of the event by getting your company involved.

Getting your employer involved not only lightens your load but also helps you to get the most out of the event.

How about asking your company to sponsor your team? They could make a donation or help indirectly by picking up the costs of your support vehicle. Finding the time for the challenge is tricky for many participants – perhaps your employer could support you by giving you time off. Your company is likely to benefit from being linked to such a good cause so tap into their networks to help spread the word and raise as much money as possible to save lives. Don’t forget your employer may be able to match fund the sponsorship money you raise.

THE INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE As an individual rider you will be thoroughly supported by the BHF marshals on the event, there are a few things you’ll need to do so we can best support you.

BOOK YOUR HOTELS Once you’re registered please get your accommodation booked. In this booklet, there is a list of hotels which would be most suitable for you to stay at. Please try to book in to only the hotels we have listed.

If you do book your accommodation elsewhere, you will have to be responsible for getting to and from the BHF hotel for the bus connection. Local taxis will probably be able to assist, and we can store your bikes in the BHF vans overnight if that helps.

The vast majority of hotels will allow you to store your bike in your rooms or in a designated area, but please do check if you are unsure.

Coaches and bike transport vans will be dropping off and picking up next to the hotel where BHF will be staying, so all individual riders need to book rooms either at or near the hotel where we will be based.

As a rough guide, an Ibis Hotel room (similar to a Holiday Inn) which has a decent bed and shower will be approximately €100 per night. Remember to keep cost down you can always share with a friend.

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INDIVIDUAL RIDERS – ESSENTIAL INFORMATION HOW MUCH IS IT TO ENTER?It’s £250 per cyclist for the Individual Challenge. This covers your transport, travel on the Eurotunnel to France and the cost for the end of ride meal on Monday evening.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD?Food is not included in the price; we can however arrange breakfast and lunch at a at a nominal cost though our event caterers. Please bring money and also pre-prepare any snacks you may want to carry. Water is freely available for each rider throughout the event.

HOW WILL MY BIKE BE TRANSPORTED?Bikes will be transported by a bike transfer company who work with us on this event. Although we are insured up to a certain level against damage or theft of bikes during cycle transport/storage on the event, we would highly recommend that you buy travel insurance which also covers any damage or loss, as this may occur whilst you are out on the route. This is particularly important if you have a very expensive bike.

HOW ARE PARTICIPANTS TRANSPORTED? We will use a mixture of coaches and BHF minibuses. The advantage of having a minibus available means that we can transport smaller groups of people when they finish, which means you shouldn’t have to wait around for too long for everybody to reach the finish line.

WHERE WILL YOU STORE MY BIKE OVERNIGHT?We can store your bike overnight in our dedicated cycle transport trucks which means they’ll be already packed when you catch the coach to the start of each day. If you would prefer not to leave your bike in our trucks overnight, you may take your bike to the hotel with you at the end of each day.

WHAT LUGGAGE SHOULD YOU BRING?Other than your bike, try to bring suitable clothing for both sunny and wet weather. Energy drink powders etc, for use along the route are also useful, as well as a smaller bag (i.e. small rucksack) if you feel it necessary, to carry things whilst on your bike. The end of ride meal is an informal affair, so no need to pack a tux!

Your main luggage can be stored on the coach each day so you don’t need to worry about carrying this throughout. The coach will be at the middle point each day also if you need to change things over.

WHAT OTHER ADDITIONAL EXPENSES CAN YOU EXPECT?Other than accommodation, your main costs to consider will be:

■ Personal accident and travel insurance – pick one which also covers damage/loss of your bike/possessions

■ Food and drink for the trip

■ Costs getting to the start and back from the UK drop off points after the event has finished

TEAM CHALLENGE – ESSENTIAL INFORMATIONIf you are a team leader or team member the following pages are designed to give you a little more information about the event. You’ll notice some of the information is slightly different, so please have a thorough read.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ENTER?The entry fee for this event is £125 per cyclist and £35 per support driver or support team member. The cost covers return travel on the Eurotunnel for your vehicle and all passengers or equipment to France and back. It also includes the cost for the end of ride meal on Monday evening. Should you wish to bring more than one vehicle per team (this includes trailers), please contact us as we can arrange this but please try to keep your vehicle numbers down to a minimum as it costs the charity more to book extra spaces.

WHAT ABOUT ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD? In order to give you maximum flexibility over your trip (you might want to camp, you may want the Ritz!) we don’t include accommodation in the entry costs but we do have a list of accommodation suggestions and will give you lots of help and advice on booking hotels and B&B’s if you need it.

Apart from the end of ride meal, which is included in the cost of your entry you do have to supply all your own food throughout the trip. Of course this is not a problem in France with ample cafés, hotels and supermarkets along the route, plus the event caterers who are also available to teams!

As a rough guide, an Ibis Hotel room (similar to a Holiday Inn) which has a decent bed and shower will be approximately €100 per night. Obviously, if you can share a twin room, this will halve your cost. So when putting your team together, you might want to think about having an even number of people (don’t forget to factor in your support driver!).

HOW DO I MAKE THE PAYMENT TO CONFIRM MY PARTICIPANT?Visit www.bhf.org.uk/l2p for the Team Challenge page and sign up. If you would like to sign up using a paper form, that’s no problem, just get in touch.

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WHAT SHOULD OUR TEAM NAME BE?Really, anything you want it to be. If you’re doing it as a company, feel free to include the company name in your team name, especially if it helps with raising sponsorship. If you’re doing it in memory of a loved one, you can include their name as a tribute. So whether it’s your pub quiz team name or a hilarious bike pun, feel free to use it. Do bear in mind you’ll be cycling around France with it on the front of your bikes though!

HOW MANY MEMBERS CAN I HAVE IN MY TEAM?Ideally you should aim to get a team which consists of 2–10 cyclists and a support driver. We can be a little flexible with this though. If you have a large team, simply split your team into two smaller teams, but you’ll need to consider getting a support vehicle for each team.

HOW DOES THE SUPPORT DRIVER FIT IN?Your support driver should be there to support you over the 3 days of the event. Whilst we do have several BHF

cars out on the event, your support driver should be there to meet you at the next checkpoint, provide you with

food and drink along the way and pick you up if you run into trouble. Support drivers will be able to follow the same signs as the cyclists but just in case, we will provide you with SatNav co-ordinates for all start, finish and checkpoint stops along the route, which you can program into your car SatNav.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T HAVE A SUPPORT DRIVER?If you’re unable to meet the requirements of the Team Challenge entry, you can change your entry to an Individual entry and the BHF will be happy to look after you whilst out there.

WHAT SORT OF VEHICLE SHOULD I BRING? Your support vehicle should be able to carry all of your bikes, equipment and team members. This is essential when crossing on the Eurotunnel, as they do not allow foot passengers.

Crew or Splitter vans are the best solution as they are a mix between a mini-bus and van (i.e. between 6–8 seats, and space in the back for bikes and luggage). However, any combination of vans, trailers, bike racks, minibuses or roof racks are are acceptable – we just need to know exactly what you will be bringing so that we can book your Eurotunnel crossing accordingly.

Speak to your local rental company and check with them, as they will be able to give you more details. You will also need to make sure they are happy for you to take the vehicle to France and can discuss insurance options with them.

We will require more specific vehicle details closer to the event date to book your Eurotunnel place, but we appreciate that many teams hire vehicles and so do not have these specific details (e.g. registration number, vehicle make and model) at this early stage.

Parking is available at the start. This is on an industrial piece of ground the other side of the road to the Golf Club. Please however, try to travel down in groups as this parking is limited. This parking is also at your own risk.

WHEN DO WE RETURN?Return time from Calais to the UK on the Tuesday, is booked for approximately 2pm. From Versailles on the motorway, it’s about a 3 hour drive back to Calais. Motorway toll charge is approximately €20. Again, if you are late for your return crossing time in Calais, Eurotunnel will simply place you on the next available crossing (there is a 2 hour window).

CAN I RETURN AT A LATER TIME?If you wish to stay on in France later than the Tuesday, you are more than welcome to, but will have to pay for and arrange you own return to the UK.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER ADDITIONAL COSTS?Other than accommodation, your main costs to consider will be:

■ Rental vehicle personal accident insurance

■ Driving abroad insurance

■ Overseas breakdown cover (may be available from vehicle hire company)

■ Fuel for the trip

■ Spares for your bikes

■ Food and drink for the trip

In most cases, your existing vehicle insurer or breakdown company should be able to cover you for the 4 days away for a reasonable extra charge – please contact them for more details and they will be able to advise you.

Personal accident cover for the trip is available from the Post Office for a very nominal fee.

Please note, if you are renting a vehicle, you should check with the rental company that they are happy for it to be used abroad.

Places are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis. We have sold out on this event several times in the last few years, so do let us know if you have any questions as we’d hate for you to miss out on this amazing trip.

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WHY WE NEED YOUR SPONSORSHIPMark Wallis from Camberley, Surrey suffered a heart attack when he was just 46 years old.

Although Mark felt unwell he never thought he’d had a heart attack as he lay in hospital waiting to have an angiogram. The results from the examination showed serious damage to Mark’s heart, probably caused from a previous heart attack that he didn’t know about, as well as the more recent one he had suffered. And on 23rd April 2003, St George’s day, he was rushed into hospital for a triple heart bypass operation. The effect on Mark’s life was immense.

Since then, Mark has been actively cycling and made huge progress in improving his health. Having eventually been given the go ahead by his doctors, he went on to complete the 2006, 2007 and 2008 London to Paris Bike Rides!

“After suffering a heart attack and having the heart bypass surgery my lifestyle has totally changed. My heart attack was a wakeup call and I am so lucky to have been given the chance to enjoy life again. My wife and my children are my world, and the only reason I’m still here for them is thanks to the help I received. It’s important to be thankful for what we have and to give something back, which is why set out to raise money to support the vital work of the British Heart Foundation. This is an immensely fun team building event and also a great challenge, and I hope to take part in more BHF cycle events in the future, now that I can!’

INFORMATION FOR ALL HOW LONG IS THE COURSE?The route is approximately 70 miles (113 km) on day one, 83 miles (134 km) on day two and 93 miles (150 km) on day three.

IS IT A RACE?Definitely not. You are welcome to set your own pace but we have lots of teams who like to take in the sights, sounds and tastes along the route at a decent pace.

DO I NEED TO BE A SEASONED CYCLIST?No. But do think about your fitness and cycling ability. There’ll be plenty of our own marshals, medics team and a mechanic team along the route, so if you break down or, at the worst, feel you can’t cycle any further, we’ll come and help you out or pick you up. Please make sure you consult your doctor if you have any health concerns.

WHERE CAN YOU GO FOR TRAINING ADVICE AND TIPS?The BHF has a dedicated training zone. You can visit www.bhf.org.uk and type “training zone” in the search box in the top right corner, or go to:

www.bhf.org.uk/training

WHAT BHF STAFF WILL BE ON THE RIDE?At the start of each day, we will have a group briefing, giving you information about each days’ cycling, as well as giving you the chance to ask questions.

We will have at least 6 marshal cars who will be out on the course each day with water supplies. One car will set out early in the morning to sign the route (literally each junction, roundabout etc) and a sweeper car at the back. The other vehicles will travel up and down the route throughout the day or be at designated stop points. We will also have a medical vehicle and a bike mechanic vehicle out on the route.

As well as signing each and every junction from the start to Versailles, we will provide you with a mile by mile, junction by junction route directions booklet, just in case any signs go missing. Both team participants and individual participants will be out on the route together.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF A SUPPORT DRIVER?Your support driver is an essential member of your team. They’ll be there to carry your bikes, meet you a water stops along the route, supply your refreshments and generally keep your morale up. Drivers set you off after riders, follow a route to the water stops (using SatNav) and meet you the finish each day. Don’t forget as a support driver you’ll always have other drivers to chat to, share information and compare notes on how your team is doing!

FUNDRAISING DO I HAVE TO RAISE SPONSORSHIP?Yes, we ask that every cyclist taking part to raise a minimum of £500. We will send you a sponsor form but the easiest way to raise sponsorship is to set up a personalised online sponsor page at www.justgiving.com/bhf – or you can use both.

But here’s what makes raising the £500 manageable …

Unlike many charity London to Paris Bike Rides, our event is organised and staffed by BHF staff and experienced volunteers, not a third party company. This not only keeps the cost of your entry fee low, but ensures every single penny that you raise in sponsorship goes towards helping to save lives.

Because we clearly distinguish your entry fee and sponsorship, none of the money that you raise will cover costs which is useful to tell any potential supporters who may have the misconception that their sponsorship is helping to fund a holiday for you!

Also, again because your costs and your sponsorship are clearly defined, you have the opportunity to raise your money in all sorts of fun and creative ways, beyond simply asking friends, family and work colleagues for donations. You can also raise money from the general public; here are a few ideas:

■ Set up a Justgiving page and ask the local paper to advertise your story asking people to support with donations or gifts in kind. Ask a local celeb if they could give you a quote or appear in a photo with you to support your challenge

■ Ask local companies to provide free equipment or help – we’ve had participants get free cycle tops, free food for the trip, had a collection organised in a local bank, we even had a team that got a free bike for putting the company logo on for the duration of the event!

■ Leave collection boxes on the counters at local pubs or shops with a poster explaining who you are and what you are doing

■ Contact local councils to do street collections

In our experience, the biggest barrier to participants getting support is simply asking for it, which is totally understandable. But year on year we have had participants who have been amazed by the support they have received when they have asked for support from local organisations. The most important thing to remember is not to be put off by people who say no (and there will always be those who aren’t able to help) as the next person you speak to may be generous enough

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to help you raise you your entire sponsorship target – yes, this has also happened to one of our participants in the past! Please do contact us if you need any ideas as we have a huge number of ways which will make raising money a doddle, we’ll even phone a local company to support you with your fundraising if it helps.

Finally, we don’t insist that you raise money in advance of the event. Whilst we always suggest you start raising money as soon as possible, as it makes it easier to get sponsorship before the event than after. You have until the February after the event to raise your £500, which gives you plenty of extra time to hit your fundraising target if you need it or sign up late to the event.

ON THE DAYSTART LOCATION Address: Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club Court Road, Orpington, Kent BR6 9BX

Timings Saturday Arrive on site: 6.40am–7.10am Briefing: 7.20am approximately Start between: 7.40am–8.00am approximately

BREAKFASTBreakfast will be available in the dining hall at the start for those wishing to purchase refreshments before they begin their ride.

ON THE DAY PACKOn the day the event, you’ll be able to collect your On The Day Pack from your BHF support staff at the start at (we hand this information out on the day in order to take account of any last minute route changes required). For your peace of mind though, here are the main things we will give you:

■ Cyclist directions booklet with GPS SatNav co-ordinates for main stops along the entire route

■ Basic route maps

■ Marshal contact numbers

■ Bike Tags (to display on the front of your bikes)

■ Your BHF L2P cycle shirt

■ Support team members tshirts

LEAVING YOUR VEHICLE AT THE STARTWe can leave limited a number of cars at the start site for FREE for the duration of the event. However, we would ask everyone taking part to do their best to share transport to the start as space is limited. If you’re entering as a Team, try to avoid bringing extra vehicles other than your support vehicle.

Please let us know yet but if you are intending to leave a vehicle on site. Please be aware that all vehicles are left at your own risk.

GETTING THERE BY TRAINOrpington train station is less than 2 miles away from Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club and trains run regularly from London Charing Cross (approximately15 minutes journey time). The earliest train from Charing Cross leaves at approximately 6.30am which should get you into Orpington station for just before 7.00am, giving you time to cycle the short distance to the start.

Please check with National Rail Enquiries on 08457 484950

HOTELS NEAR TO CHELSFIELD LAKES GOLF CLUBShould you wish to stay at a hotel the night before the event, there are a number of hotels near to Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club but the closest chain type hotel is approximately 5 miles at:

Premier Inn Swanley Hotel London Road Swanley Kent BR8 7QD

Tel: 0871 527 9097

THE ROUTEDAY 1 (SATURDAY) Cyclists depart from Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club by 8.00am

The finish is in Hythe.

The Eurotunnel terminal is about a 5 minute drive from the finish and we aim to cross between approximately 5.00pm and 6.30pm.

However, if you arrive later, don’t panic we will be there to make sure you get across okay.

The journey time to France is approximately 40 minutes.

Overnight stay: BHF staff will be stopping over at Cite Europe (Hotel Ibis Tunnel sous la Manche Calais) approximately 5 minute drive after exiting the Eurotunnel. Cite Europe is a large shopping complex just off the main motorway, and has plenty of hotels and restaurants open until late.

DAY 2 (SUNDAY) Cyclists start off from the village of Marquise (approximately 10 minutes from Cite Europe) at approximately 8.30am.

The finish is just outside the town of Amiens.

Finish and overnight stay is in the town of Amiens. BHF staff will be staying at the Hotel Ibis Amiens Centre Cathédrale.

DAY 3 (MONDAY) Cyclists start off from Hebecourt (approximately 15 minutes drive from Amiens) at approximately 8.30am.

Finish, meal and overnight stay is next to the Palace of Versailles.

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AFTER RIDE MEAL AND TAXISTo allow for all teams to finish, the end of ride meals takes place at approximately 9.00pm and is held at a restaurant right next to the finish line. This way, when you finish, you can get to your hotel room, get showered and get back out in time for the meal.

There are only a few taxis available on Monday so we highly recommend booking a hotel within a very short walking distance of the finish at the Palace of Versailles.

THE RETURN JOURNEYINDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTSJourney time will vary depending on traffic and Eurotunnel crossing availability but we intend to leave Versailles at 10.00am prompt on Tuesday, stop along the way for a short lunch and arrive at Eurotunnel Calais for the crossing at approximately 4.00pm.

On return to the UK, the coach and bike vans will make a stop first at Ashford International Train Station and then at Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club to drop you, your bikes and your luggage off.

Bearing in mind we gain an hour back in the crossing, drop off at Ashford Train Station will be for approximately 5.00pm and drop off at Chelsfield Lakes Golf Club for approximately 6.00pm.

Please be aware that if you wish to remain in France and not return on the coach for any reason, you are welcome to do so but will have to make your own arrangements for returning to the UK and any associated costs.

For more information about travelling with Eurotunnel please visit:

www.eurotunnel.com/uk/traveller-info

TEAM CHALLENGE PARTICIPANTSAs you’ll have your own vehicles, you’re welcome to leave any time after the event finishes. Although your return time will be specified for approximately 3.00pm on the Tuesday. Eurotunnel will put you on the next available crossing should you decide to arrive earlier or later at the terminal.

There is a toll charge on French motorways which is usually approximately €25.

Please be aware that your return tickets are valid until 8pm on the Wednesday. If you wish to remain in France for an extra day. However, there may be a small charge incurred for returning on Wednesday if the service is busy.

If you wish to remain in France for longer than this you are welcome to do so but will have to make your own arrangements for returning to the UK and any associated costs.

DRIVING IN FRANCERemember France has different rules to the UK when it comes to driving. There are also some items that you are expected to carry in your vehicle at all times. These rules tend to change from time to time. So before you set off, we recommend that you make sure you’re clear on what is expected of you. You’ll find loads of useful information on the AA website by following this link:

www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driving-abroad-whats-new-2012.html

or search

‘Driving in France’ and you’ll find all you need. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU LEAVE.

YOUR BIKE – SPARES AND REPAIRSWhile our bike mechanics will have a selection of spares with them on the ride, we won’t be able to bring the full bike shop of equipment as parts are often specific to makes and models of bike.

So before you come along on the event, please have a quick think about the following:

■ Bike Service – We will help as much as we can on the ride, but will be unable to fix everything. For this reason we ask you all to get your bike serviced close to the event by a reputable shop/mechanic before you join us – it sounds silly but the biggest issues last year were caused by pre-existing bike problems. Once your bike has been serviced, allow time take it out for a spin to make sure you’re happy with your set up, and get it changed if you’re not

■ Saddles – The wrong saddle can make or break your journey. Consider asking your local bike retailer about getting a saddle most suitable for a long distance ride and try it out in a training session beforehand

■ Specialist Spares – It’s worth asking your local bike dealer about specific spares you might need to bring along for your make or model of bike. Explain to them that you’re taking part in the London to Paris Bike Ride and consider buying extra parts which may be less interchangeable between bike types or models. There is a list below of parts to think about but they may be aware of parts which may be susceptible on your specific bike

■ Tyres and Inner Tube Repairs – We are there to help you have a great ride and to keep you moving, but there may be times when we will have to prioritise more ‘serious’ support to keep people going – so you should aim to be able to repair/change an inner tube yourself in case this happens. Again, your local bike shop will be able to give you advice and may even be prepared to give you a quick refresher course if you ask

■ Backpack or Saddlebag – A little off the subject but you’ll need something to carry your bits and pieces in, so consider buying a small backpack or saddlebag for those essential supplies

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BIKE SPARES AND REPAIRS – CHECKLISTFor some bike components there are far too many variables for us to carry any spares. For this reason we cannot carry spare spokes, bearings or drivetrain components but as mentioned above, will always try and help if any of these parts fail.

Remember we can always help carry some of your spares with us in BHF vans.

We recommend every rider carries the following with them on the bike as a minimum:

■ 3 x inner tubes for your bike

■ 1 x repair kit with levers and patches

■ 1 x multi tool with appropriate Allen keys for your bike

■ 1 x bike pump (check you know how to use it before you come, some have adapter fittings you need to use!)

■ 2 x spare chain power links (ask your bike shop if you’re not sure as there are a number of options)

Spares to bring in your luggage in case of emergency, for example:

■ 1 x spare tyre for your bike

■ 1 x small tool kit

■ Degreaser or oil and rags etc to wipe down your bike, lube if it is very dusty

■ 1 x spare mech hanger (attaches the rear gear derailleur to the bike frame and is designed to break before your bike does if you have a problem!)

■ You can get many components online, at very reasonable prices – and don’t forget that some shops will even offer 365 day refund (and free return) for unused products, so don’t be afraid to ask

■ We will have a number of tools with us, but these will largely fit Shimano and SRAM gears and 9 or 10 speed chains. If you have something else, be aware we may not have the tools to help

■ For Team Challenge entrants, if you have space in your support vehicle, you should consider bringing a spare bike or two

Before you join us, be sure that:

■ Your bike is safe to ride

■ Your brakes work correctly

■ Your wheels, steering and frame are safe and true

■ Your bearings are all free and without play

■ All components which wear have plenty of life in them

■ Your drivetrain and gears are well adjusted, shift smoothly, are free of rust and dirt and freshly lubricated

TEAM EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST ■ Your team vehicle – mini bus, large estate or MPV – with bike racks and

bike locks if required

■ Bikes – consider whether you would prefer to use a racing, mountain or hybrid bike

■ Bike packing and locks – bubble wrap, bike bags and anything else you need to keep your bike safe and secure in transit

■ Water bottle and energy snacks

■ Suitable clothing – for hot, cold and wet weather on the route. The evening meal is informal so don’t feel you need to bring a tux!

■ Hotel booking confirmations and addresses

■ Mobile Phone with European coverage, plus charger

■ European plug adaptor

■ Passport (with at least 6 months left)

■ Breathalysers – as of October 2012, it is a legal requirement in France to carry a breathalyser in your vehicle. These are available for purchase at the Eurotunnel terminal, or in advance from Halfords etc

■ Euros and credit cards – consider bringing a spare cash card in case you have problems accessing your money in France

■ Car/Bike SatNav with European map and/or UK & France road maps

■ Bike spares – consider taking a spare bike, inner tubes, repair kits etc

■ Helmet – it is essential that you wear a helmet on this event as we want you to stay safe

■ Personal Travel Insurance – for people (cyclists and drivers) and also consider cover for bikes and valuable possessions as these are brought at your own risk

■ Vehicle Insurance, breakdown cover and vehicle documentation (please see included “Info for Driving in France” sheet for more detailed information)

■ Warning safety triangle, fluorescent bibs, GB sticker and headlamp beam adaptors for driving in France

■ European Health Insurance Card – You can get a free EHIC card by visiting www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do or by calling 0845 606 2030 NB: The E111 has been discontinued and is NO LONGER VALID for health treatment abroad

■ Food, water, energy drinks and snacks for the ride

■ First aid kit

■ French phrase book

■ A camera

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INDIVIDUAL EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST ■ Bikes – consider whether you would prefer to use a racing, mountain or

hybrid bike

■ Bike packing and locks – bubble wrap, bike bags and anything else you need to keep your bike safe and secure in transit

■ Water Bottle and energy snacks

■ Suitable clothing – for hot, cold and wet weather on the route. The evening meal is informal so don’t feel you need to bring a tux!

■ Hotel booking confirmations and addresses

■ Mobile phone with European coverage, plus charger

■ European plug adaptor

■ Passport (with at least 6 months left)

■ Euros and credit cards – consider bringing a spare cash card in case you have problems accessing your money in France

■ Bike SatNav with European map and/or UK & France road maps

■ Basic bike spares – consider taking a pump, inner tubes, repair kits etc

■ Helmet – it is essential that you wear a helmet on this event as we want you to stay safe

■ Personal Travel Insurance – for yourself, and also consider cover for bikes and valuable possessions as these are brought and transported at your own risk

■ European Health Insurance Card – you can get a free EHIC card by visiting www.ehic.org.uk/Internet/home.do or by calling 0845 606 2030 NB: The E111 has been discontinued and is NO LONGER VALID for health treatment abroad

■ Food, water, energy drinks and snacks for the ride

■ First aid kit

■ French phrase book

■ A camera

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ACCOMMODATION GUIDEOnce you’ve signed up, the first thing you should do (even before you start your fundraising!) is to book your accommodation. Do this AS SOON AS POSSIBLE especially in Versailles, as September is conference month in France and hotels book up very quickly as it nears.

In this section is a list of accommodation options for each day. Please read this page in full before you book though.

TEAM CHALLENGE ENTRANTS ONLY You’ll obviously have your own vehicle so can stay anywhere you want to in theory, but you should still consider staying at one of the hotels listed below IN CASE for any reason you lose your transport in the run up to the event. This will make it easy to transfer your team onto the Individual Challenge if required. Think about parking for your vehicle, and check when you speak to the hotel.

INDIVIDUAL CHALLENGE ENTRANTS ONLY You MUST book into a hotel within walking distance of the designated coach pick up / drop off point (identified in red on the city maps below for each day) as the coach drivers will not be able to drop people off at multiple locations. Your pick up each morning will be the same as your drop off the previous night. Consider this before you book your accommodation. For example, on Day 1, in Cite Europe, book into the Ibis, Etap or Suite Novotel but you should NOT book into the Holiday Inn as it is further along the motorway. For Day 2, in Amiens, the choice is yours but we would suggest you try to book into the Ibis as a first option. For Day 3, in Versailles, again the choice is yours but consider what you will have to carry to your hotel. You are welcome to leave all bikes/luggage/personal belongings in the BHF vans throughout the trip and we will do our best to secure them (our stuff is in there as well!) but we cannot be held liable for any damage or loss during storage.

ALL CYCLISTS Pretty much every hotel will speak English when you call, so don’t be embarrassed to pick up the phone and ask questions! Don’t forget: It’s useful to have an even number of people taking part with you (both Team and Individual Challengers) as this will halve room costs if you’re happy to share with a friend.

Important Please bear in mind, if you book your hotels through a third party company (e.g. booking.com) you may get a bit of a discount BUT if for any reason you have to pull out before the events (e.g. because of illness or injury) you will not likely be refunded. HOWEVER, if you book directly with the hotel in 99% of cases, they will not charge your card until you arrive and you can USUALLY cancel without charge with only 24 notice prior to your arrival date (call them to check, we have included phone numbers for all).

Also think about When booking hotels, you may want to check they serve breakfast at 7.00am as you will need to leave soon after each day to give yourself time to drive to the start locations (Teams) or load luggage onto the coach to the start (Individuals). If not, consider buying food the night before. Some ride start locations have minimal facilities (and those that are there are often not open early in the mornings) so also think about bringing a packed lunch either by buying it the night before your ride or arranging with the hotel to create you a lunch pack for morning collection.

Finally, if you have any problems booking into these hotels (if they’re fully booked) and need more information on alternatives, call us for advice.

All the best,

The BHF London to Paris Team

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END OF DAY 1 STAY AT CITE EUROPEYou will finish your Day 1 ride at the Imperial Hythe Hotel before heading to the Eurotunnel to cross to France. More details on this will be provided in your entry pack which you will receive shortly.

On exiting the Eurotunnel, Cite Europe is about a 2 minute drive away and is well signed on the road out of the Eurotunnel. Cite Europe is a big shopping centre with plenty of restaurants and shops and there is a roundabout on the way into the complex with several hotels around it. This is where BHF staff will be staying.

HOTELS IN CITE EUROPE

Hotel Ibis Calais Tunnel sous la Manche Place de Cantorbery 62231 Coquelles +33 3 21 46 37 00 Summary: Decent price, decent rooms. BHF staff will be staying here. 15 minutes drive from Day 2 start at Marquis.

Hotel Novotel Suite hotel Calais Coquelles Tunnel sous La Manche Place de Cantorbery 62231 Coquelles +33 3 21 19 50 00 +33 3 21 19 50 05 (Fax) Summary: Expensive but extremely nice, next door to the Ibis.

Etap Hotel Calais Coquelles Tunnel sous la Manche Place de Cantorbery 62231 Coquelles +33 8 92 68 30 59 Summary: Cheap and basic, opposite the Ibis.

Holiday inn Calais Coquelles (TEAM CHALLENGERS OPTION ONLY) Avenue Charles de Gaulle 62100 Coquelles +33 3 21 46 60 60

END OF DAY 2 STAY AT AMIENS

Amiens is a fairly large town with an amazing Gothic Cathedral in the centre and lots of nearby riverside cafes and restaurants which are open on Sunday.

HOTELS IN AMIENS

Hotel Ibis Amiens Centre Cathédrale 4, rue du Marechal de Lattre de Tassigny, 80000 Amiens +33 3 22 92 57 33 Summary: Decent price, decent rooms. BHF staff will be staying here.

Hotel Mercure Amiens Cathedrale 21-23 Rue Flatters, 80000 Amiens +33 3 22 80 60 60 Summary: About a 10 minute walk from the Ibis where the BHF are staying, and a little more expensive, but right in the centre of town by the main Cathedral.

Hotel Marotte 3 Rue Marotte, 80000 Amiens +33 3 60 12 50 00 Summary: Very expensive, very nice.

Best Western Grand Hotel de l’Univers 2 Rue de Noyon, 80000 Amiens +33 3 22 91 52 51 Summary: Again, about a 10 minute walk from the Ibis where the BHF are staying, but reasonably priced for a fairly central hotel.

Crystal Hôtel 1 Rue 2ème D B, 80000 Amiens, +33 3 22 91 60 50 Summary: Decent price, decent rooms.

END OF DAY 3 STAY AT PALACE OF VERSAILLESAll cyclists should book accommodation within short walking distance (i.e. within 0.5 miles) of the finish location in the Versailles Palace Car Park, as you will need to return to the restaurant next to the finish line for the end of ride meal. If you book further out, you may not make it in time for the meal and (as has happened in the past) may not make it at all as there are very few taxi’s on Monday in Versailles. By booking your hotel nearby, you’ll be able to check in, shower and make it back for the End of Ride celebrations. It really is worth spending a little extra for accommodation for this final day.

FOR TEAMS Smaller vehicles can be left in the Car Park in front of the Palace of Versailles, which is where cyclists finish. Larger vehicles (i.e. high top vans) should be parked at the Car Park on Avenue De L’Europe. Cost for either car park is usually approx. €10 – €20 overnight.

Hotel Ibis Versailles Chateau 4 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 53 03 30 Approx. distance from finish line: 500 metres The BHF Team will be staying here

Hôtel d’Angleterre Versailles Château 2 Bis Rue de Fontenay, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 51 43 50 Approx. distance from finish line: 250 metres The BHF Team will be staying here

Hotel de France 5 Rue Colbert, 78000 Versailles, +33 1 30 83 92 23 Approx. distance from finish line: 50 metres

Hotel Le Versailles 7 Rue Sainte Anne, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 64 65 Approx. distance from finish line: 100 metres

Hotel Pullman Versailles Château 2 bis avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 07 46 46 Approx. distance from finish line: 300 metres

Hôtel des Roys Versailles 14 Avenue de Paris, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 56 00 Approx. distance from finish line: 500 metres

Royal Hotel 23 Rue Royale, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 67 31 Approx. distance from finish line: 500 metres

Trianon Palace Versailles A Waldorf Astoria Hotel 1 Boulevard de la Reine, 78000 Versailles +33 1 30 84 50 00 Approx. distance from finish line: 550 metres

Hôtel du Cheval Rouge 18 Rue André Chénier, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 03 03 Approx. distance from finish line: 600 metres

Hotel Mercure Versailles Chateau 19 rue Philippe de Dangeau Angle rue Montbauron, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 44 10 Approx distance from finish line: 700 metres

Hôtel Le Richaud 16 Rue Richaud, 78000 Versailles +33 1 39 50 10 42 Approx. distance from finish line: 650 metres

KEY FACTSLONDON TO PARIS ON-ROAD

Dates Saturday 3 to Monday 5 September 2016

Travel home Tuesday 6 September 2016

Distance 400km

Terrain On-road with some inclines

Entry fee* £125 team rider

£250 individual rider

£35 team driver or support team member

Minimum sponsorship £500

* Your entry fee covers our costs, which means all of your sponsorship money goes directly to saving lives and fighting the battle against heart disease.

YOU’VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES,

BUT IT WILL TAKE EVERYTHING YOU’VE GOT.

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British Heart Foundation

Greater London House, 180 Hampstead Road, London NW1 7AW

Phone: 020 7554 0000 Fax: 020 7554 01000 Website: bhf.org.uk

© British Heart Foundation. Registered Charity Number in England and Wales (225971) and in Scotland (SCO39426)