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Q. Why is the ride often called the Paris to Hayling, when this year it is going to Holland?
A. For many years the ride was based upon Paris as a destination, but in recent years the event was
moved to other areas of France and now we are giving cycling in Holland a chance.
Q. How is the ride organised?
A. The event is organised by a dedicated committee of volunteers who, together with many
supporters, now have a wealth of experience in arranging all aspects of the Ride and each
year try hard to improve it.
Q. What kind of bike do I need?
A. Bikes are now equally divided between 'racers' and 'mountain bike' types. Ensure that you have a reasonably
light, well-maintained bike, with plenty of gears and a comfortable saddle.
Q. What type of hotels do we use?
A. We stay at good quality 2 and 3 star hotels. We try to ensure that quality is shared equally
over the ride.
Q. What sort of roads do we cycle on?
A. We select our routes carefully, taking small country roads, without much traffic, where
possible. Holland has many cycle paths, too.
Q. Where does the money go and how much goes towards administration?
A. 100% of the money raised goes to charity. Over 500 charities and deserving causes have benefited
in the past from more than £1,300,000 raised. All costs of organising the event are paid out
of the entry fee and business sponsorship.
Q. How much money do we have to raise?
A. As much as you can get, but we expect all riders to raise at least £150 for their chosen charity. We
encourage you to send this in to us for onward distribution, but you can send it direct if
you wish.
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Q. What do I have to carry on my bike?
A. All bags are carried in the support vans. All you need to carry with you is route notes, perhaps a map,
money, passport, your rider info card, EHIC card, water, essential repair kit and maybe a
mobile phone.
Q. What do we do about eating?
A. Morning and lunchtime stops are at recommended locations, with a reasonably-priced communal lunch arranged,
where we do not have a major town with a good selection of restaurants, shops, bars and
patisseries. Some afternoon stops are also recommended. Riders pay for their meals, except the
Gala Dinner in Dordrecht, normally in advance of eating, where a communal lunch is arranged.
There are plenty of restaurants near all of the hotels.
Q. How many miles do we do each day?
A. The direct routes average 50 miles, the longest being 70 miles, but there options on days 2, 3
and 5 to ride an extra 15 - 45 miles.
Q. What information do we get before & during the ride?
A. You will receive regular Newsletters leading up to the ride, containing all you need to know.
On departure you are given a comprehensive information pack and daily updates are available
during the ride.
Q. What speed do we have to cycle?
A. All riders are encouraged to cycle at their own comfortable pace. Even one mph faster than
comes natural can take it out of you. You will usually find other riders who cycle at your
pace and so it is inevitable that riders will split up into groups.
Q. How do new riders get involved?
A. We organise social practice rides and ensure that everyone gets to know each other during the ride.
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