Loire Valley Cycle Challenge

Loire Valley, France
Friday 24 – Sunday 26 September 2010

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.

You will experience exhilaration, adventure and an amazing sense of achievement. Your stamina, map reading and leadership skills will be tested as you embark on this 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.

The challenge

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.

Teams will be made up of four people, taking on this physical challenge to raise money through personal and corporate sponsorship. Each team will pay an entry fee of £1,100 (just £275 per person). This will cover the cost of the channel crossing, 4 nights’ accommodation including breakfast and all evening meals and wine (excluding Thursday evening). The entry fee will also cover all costs of the challenge, ensuring that all the sponsorship money raised goes directly to Epilepsy Action and any other nominated charities.

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.   

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 Orleans 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 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.

Travel

We will cross from Folkestone to Calais on the evening of Thursday 23 September and then drive to Rouen (approx. 2½ hours). Here we will have welcome drinks and stay overnight, before starting the challenge on Friday 24 September. All teams will cross on the 16.20 crossing and drinks will be served at 21.00 in the hotel bar in Rouen.

We will return from Calais on the evening on Monday 27 September following the drive back from St Nectaire (approx. 7½ hours). All teams will cross on the 18.50 crossing, arriving back into the UK at 18.25.

If you would like to take part in this year’s challenge please download the entry form by clicking here.  Alternatively, if you have any further questions please contact the events team on 0113 210 8800 or email events@epilepsy.org.uk

Closing date for all entries is Wednesday 30 June 2010.

• Alpe D’Huez Cycle Challenge 2007 event photos

Fundraising guide

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A to Z of fundraising ideas

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