FAQs

Do I need to bring my own bike?

Yes, you do need your own bike and we advise that you have it serviced before this challenge. We also recommend a professional bike fit as this can make a huge difference to your comfort whilst riding long distances.

What kind of bike can I ride?

In order to complete this challenge, only road bikes are permitted. We ask you to ensure the bikes do not have aero bars or the like fitted, if they do we will ask you to remove these before setting off.

What was THE LAst event like?

We started L2P24 in 2015 and year after year our participants love it and return to do it again. It’s truly an incredible experience - we would love to share it with you! Watch the film here and read the blog here.

How long will it take me?

We estimate that the lead peloton will arrive in Paris from 2pm onwards. We hope everyone will finish within 24 hours, by 4pm. Our team will support you to finish no matter what the time - within reason of what’s do-able with our resources. We usually stay at the Eiffel tower welcoming people until 6 or 7pm.

Photo ID at registration?

We require photo ID at registration, this can either be a valid driver’s license or a passport but we suggest a passport as you will need this to travel abroad.

What if I need to cancel my entry?

Your ticket is non-refundable. however we are able to transfer your place to another year or someone you know with a £100 admin fee. Make sure you have travel insurance at the time of booking to help you get your money back in unforeseen situations leading up to the event. There is also the option at the checkout with Active to purchase ticket protection. Please contact info@challengesophie.com if you have any questions regarding this.

What time and where is bike pick up in London?

Bike pick up will be at a storage centre in London (a short taxi or underground ride from Kings Cross station where the Eurostar comes to) on Monday 6th May 2024 from 2pm to 6pm. If you wish to stay longer in Paris or would like to pick up your bike outside of these times please contact our team.

Do I need lights?

Before departing, our team will check each bike to ensure you have working front and backlights and a helmet. It is imperative that you have this as you will be cycling in the dark during stages one and two. Please invest in good quality lights that will light up country lanes, if you use your lights for commuting in a city, you may want to strongly consider upgrading these.

What level of fitness do I need?

We advise that you have cycled 100 miles in one day prior to this ride. If at the point of signing up you have not yet cycled this distance, you have plenty of time to use this as a target in your training plan. Getting used to time in the saddle is important so any long distance rides you do will help you complete this challenge. This is a challenging event and it will require you to really dig deep, but it’s worth working for. Please contact us if you have any questions, we’d be happy to advise you.

Do you have a training plan I can work on?

Check out Sophie’s blog here packed with training tips on completing this challenge.

Do I need a Garmin?

You do not need a Garmin as the route will be fully signposted. Our team will also be on hand to lead you throughout the sportive. We will be issuing the GPX files prior to the event so if you do have a Garmin, we advise you to bring it.

Will I have to navigate the course?

No, the route is fully signposted.

How can I familiarise myself with the route?

Before the start of the event, we will provide you with route cards and maps, please use these to familiarise yourself with the route.

What food and nutrition will you be providing on route?

The sportive will have fully catered feed stations serving a range of hot and cold food and beverages. All food is included and will be designed to fuel endurance cycling. For any dietary requirements, please contact info@challengesophie.com

Do I need to bring my own food?

If you have any specific requirements for cycling such as energy drinks, gels, supplements, or protein shakes, we advise you to bring these.

Will I have access to my kit bags during the event?

Yes, you will have access to your kit bags at designated rest stops.

Is the event insured?

Yes, the event has public liability insurance. It is compulsory for you to have your own insurance, please see next question.

Do I need my own insurance?

Yes, you will need to provide your own travel insurance to cover you and your belongings at this event. To ensure our riders have access to all the cover they need to tackle their challenge, we have teamed up with Yellow Jersey, who can provide you with specialist bicycle and travel cover you may need.  To get your 10% discount code and free quote just follow this link.

What if I don’t know anyone else riding?

We welcome you into the family! One of the hardest parts about doing challenges like these can be finding people to do them with, which is exactly why we have created this event. We’re looking forward to bringing like-minded people together and have no doubt you will be planning future cycling adventures together after completing this one.

Can I raise money for charity?

Yes, you will need to set up a charity fundraising page and let us know if we can help at all.

Where will we be sleeping on the ferry?

We will be sleeping in the passenger lounges on the ferry. The seats are wide and comfortable and come as part of your reservation.

Can I book a cabin on the ferry?

At the moment cabins are not able to be booked. This may change closer to the event, and we will let you know.

What kit do I need to bring?

The kit list will vary depending on what the weather looks like in the days leading up to the event, but here’s what you should think about bringing to get you started:

  • Jersey

  • Hand gel/sanitiser

  • Shorts

  • Cycling shoes (cleats and cycling shoes highly advised but not compulsory)

  • Cycling overshoes (may not be necessary)

  • Gloves (summer and winter)

  • Socks X2

  • Helmet (compulsory)

  • Neckwarmer/gaiter

  • Thin hat/beanie

  • Sunglasses

  • Arm warmers

  • Waterproof cycling jacket (small enough to pack into a jersey pocket)

  • Base layer

  • Good, strong lights front and back (compulsory)

  • Water bottles X2

  • Passport

  • EHIC Card

  • Insurance

  • Covid vaccination passport

  • Small saddle bag

  • Spare inner tube and tyre levers

  • Sports nutrition

  • Phone

  • Portable battery pack to charge electronics during the ride

  • Small rucksack with spare clothes and warm layers to put on during the ferry

  • Personal items for arrival in Paris and journey home

What happens if I puncture?

If you puncture, you can either fix the puncture or wait for our mechanics to arrive and help you fix it. Our fully kitted-out mechanic vans will be able to facilitate most repairs on the spot. If you require any tubes or spare parts, all you need to do is sign for the items and we will collect the money for them at the end of the event. We advise everyone to carry a spare inner tube so you can fix the puncture in case the vans are busy with other riders and you don’t want to wait.

Can I listen to music during the ride?

To ensure your own safety and the safety of other riders, we ask you not to listen to personal headsets whilst cycling on this event.

Where can I stay the night before the ride?

We advise you to book a hotel or rent a room on Airbnb.com

Can I arrange a single-person room supplement in Paris?

Yes, you can add this to your booking on Active for £55.

Can my friends and family meet me in Paris?

Yes, they are more than welcome to join the party and we have a partner supplement available to purchase if you wish for them to stay in the same hotel with you we can arrange this for you. If you wish to book separately, we are staying at the Ibis Eiffel.

Do I need to arrange transport back to London?

Yes, you are responsible for arranging your own transport from Paris back to London.

Do I need to arrange bike transfer back to London?

No, included in the price of this event is us transferring your bike back to London. You do not need a bike box or bag for this.

Still, got a burning question to something we haven’t answered? Contact us on info@challengesophie.com and one of our team will get back to you asap.

MAKE YOUR YEAR UNFORGETTABLE AND JOIN L2P24 TO CYCLE FROM LONDON TO PARIS WITH THE WORLD’S MOST WELCOMING AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY!

MEET AT GREENWICH at 1 pm saturday 4th may