Loire Valley Cycle Challenge

11 - 13 September 2009
Loire Valley, France

This year’s challenge will see teams of four cycling 500 miles in relay through France from Rouen (Normandy) to St Nectaiare (Massif Central) in just three days.

The objective of the challenge is to have fun with over 100 like minded people, succeed at a significant challenge as well as raise sponsorship for your efforts.

Each team is asked to raise a minimum of £1,000 for Epilepsy Action. Teams will have the option to split any additional money raised above this amount with a nominated charity of their choice.

The route

Day One - Rouen to Orleans (166 miles)

The challenge will begin in the historical city of Rouen, in the north-western region of France. The route will head south to Orleans, through the beautiful countryside of Normandy where we will pick up the path of the Loire. Along the way we will travel through the famous wine region of Burgundy before reaching the capital of the Loire for our first nights stay.

Day Two – Orleans to Nevers (168 miles)

After an early start and a good night’s rest we will pick up the path of the Loire. We will pass vineyards, chateaux and rolling green hills, as we make our way south through the valley. Throughout the day we will also travel east into the mountains to the famous hilltop wine region of Sancerre. We will the make our way further south towards Nevers to spend our second night on the banks of the Loire river.

Day Three - Nevers to St Nectaire (166 miles) 

For our final day we will head to the heart of France to the mountainous region of the Massif Central. Famous for its extinct volcanoes, stunning views and underground caves, our final evening will be spent in the heart of the Auvergne volcano park, in the shadows of the Puy de Dome.

The route will mainly follow minor country roads through beautiful parts of France you would never otherwise see.

The challenge

Teams will be made up of four people, rising to a physical challenge to raise money for charities through personal and corporate sponsorship. Each team will pay an entry fee of £1,200 (just £300 a person). This will cover the cost of the channel crossing, 4 night’s accommodation (including breakfast) and all evening meals and wine (excludingThursday evening). The entry fee will cover all costs of the challenge, ensuring that all the sponsorship money raised goes directly to the charities.   

You will experience exhaustion, exhilaration, and adventure. Your stamina, map reading and leadership skills will be tested as you embark on a fantastic team-building exercise. You will need to be able to ride your share of the 500 mile route which will include some steep climbs and your team should be able to average a minimum of 15mph.

Road bikes are best for the challenge but lightweight mountain bikes with slick tyres will be okay. Teams will need their own support vehicle to carry the other bikes and personal fuel.

Travel

We will cross from Folkestone to Calais on the evening of Thursday 10 September and then drive to Rouen (approx. 2.5 hours). Here we will have welcome drinks and stay overnight, before starting the challenge on Friday 11 September. All teams will cross on the 16.20pm crossing and drinks will be served at 9.00pm in the hotel bar in Rouen.

We will return from Calais on the evening on Monday 14 September following the drive back from Clermont Fernand (approx. 7.5 hours). All teams will cross on the 18.50pm crossing, arriving back into the UK at 18.25pm.
 
Last year’s challenge was a huge success for Epilepsy Action, raising a staggering £30,000.  We will again be limiting the event to around 25 teams (teams will be allocated on a first come first served basis). If you would like to take part in this year’s challenge please download the entry form below.

• Download Entry Form

Alternatively, if you have any further questions please contact the events team on 0113 210 8800 or email events@epilepsy.org.uk

• Alpe D’Huez Cycle Challenge 2007 event photos

Fundraising guide

Index · Advice · Ideas · Money · Publicity · Training plans
A to Z of fundraising ideas

• Download or print our fundraising guide
• Download or print a sponsorship form
• Get one of our excellent Epilepsy Action events T-shirts