French 400 information pack

Bath Rugby Foundation
Wednesday 4th - Sunday 8th October 2017
Join former Bath Rugby players on a picturesque ride in Northern
France, raising money for Bath Rugby Foundation.
French 400
The unforgettable view
of the Abbey of St.
Michel, UNESCO World
Heritage site,
Cherbourg.
Day Zero - Wednesday 5th October
Day Zero, Wednesday 4 October - Your loved ones will drop you off
at Bath Rugby Foundation headquarters, Farleigh House for our
departure in the early evening (circa. 6pm). We will then travel on
luxury coaches to our overnight ferry to Cherbourg. You will have a
general briefing of what lies ahead and when onboard the ferry a
chance to meet up with your Ride Leader to introduce yourselves
and ask any questions you may have. A light supper will be provided
NB: No parking is available at Farleigh House and return will be to a different location.
Accommodation - Cabins onboard the Brittany Ferries Mont St. Michel.
1
Bath Rugby Foundation
French 400
Day One - Thursday 5th October
An overview of the
route for Day One.
Departing the ferry after breakfast we will head to the start of our
ride in the beautiful village of Quineville
“We will follow the on the Normandy coast.
coastline for many
miles as we make
our way to the
northern part of
Caen”
According to the most recent figures
Quineville has a population of 292 so
it's possible our bike ride could well be
the cause of the most excitement
they've had in decades.
Broadly speaking we will follow the coastline for many miles as we
make our way to the northern part of Caen. The days cycling will
also be interspersed with some forest shade (to give us relief from
the glorious sunshine) and through countless 'picture postcard'
French villages. There will be well positioned pit stops and lunch
stops en route.
Accommodation - Mercure Cote de Nacre Hotel - Half Board.
2
Bath Rugby Foundation
French 400
Day Two - Friday 6th October
The main aim of the day is to reach the stunning medieval port of
Honfleur in time for lunch!
An overview of the
route for Day Two.
We will be taking your bags so you can change out of your cleats in
to more comfortable shoes for the short stroll in to town where there
are plenty of restaurants to choose from. Should you wish to order a
snack lunch box this can be provided.
Again there will be plenty of coastal cycling with 4 decent climbs to
overcome during the day, the end of which will see us arrive back at
the same hotel to the north of Caen.
Accommodation - Mercure Cote de Nacre Hotel - Half Board
3
Bath Rugby Foundation
French 400
Day Three - Saturday 7th October
An overview of the
route for Day Three.
We spend the day heading east towards Rouen. There's more
climbing than on previous days
but its well worth the effort as
every rider will be rewarded with “Beaumont en Auge,
fantastic scenery and perfectly
is a particularly
timed pit stops and lunch.
stunning chocolate
Beaumont en Auge, where we
stop first, is a particularly
box village with a
stunning chocolate box village
with a scenic square and a very scenic square”
friendly café awaiting our arrival.
At the end of the cycling day we'll arrive at the Foret des Sangliers
and be coached into central Rouen after storing bikes for the
journey back home, to our hotel and celebratory dinner.
Accommodation – Rouen Centre B&B
4
Bath Rugby Foundation
French 400
Day 4 - Sunday 8th October
The historical centre
of Rouen
The last morning is for you to discover the city of Rouen and its
impressive architecture. We will be boarding coaches near the
Hotel at 13.30 which gives you plenty of time for brunch in town or
a lie-in!
We will then be heading to the port of Le Harve for the ferry back to
the UK arriving back at Wick Farm near Farleigh House at
approximately 22:30
NB: Pick up location is different to drop off.
5
Bath Rugby Foundation
French 400
Why do this ride?
You'll be raising money for Bath Rugby Foundation, the charitable arm of Bath Rugby.
The charity runs numerous award winning programs helping disadvantaged children in
Bath & the surrounding areas.
From a more personal perspective you'll be sharing
some pain and achievement with many other like
minded souls. This challenge will remain in your
memory for years, if not for ever!
“This challenge will
remain in your
memory for years, if
not for ever!”
We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive cycling
group. Even if you've never cycled before you can complete this event.
And if you still need convincing…
Testimonials
'Not only did I get to see the beautiful
scenery from the freedom of my bike but I
also made lots of wonderful new friends.
On top of that raising money for the
Foundation made the accomplishment all
the more fulfilling. I wouldn't hesitate to
sign up to a future cycling event.' Claire Giant Cause Bike Ride 2016
‘Thank you, thank you, and thank you. I
cannot believe six months ago I hadn't
been on a bike for over 20 years and now I've completed 975 miles in 10 days! The
support from the Foundation leading up to the event was truly amazing’ Pauline - John
O'Groats - Land's End 2013
‘I've done a fair few different challenges over the years and suffice to say this was the
most fun I’ve ever had on a bike, organisation was perfect, hotels fantastic and a great
bunch of people.’ Martyn - Giant Cause Bike Ride 2016
‘The last 5 days have been truly memorable, thank you for the camaraderie, team work,
highs, lows & great banter. What an amazing achievement for everyone.’ Neil - Giant
Cause Bike Ride 2016
'I'm 64 years old and have probably just had the best weekend of my life (hope my wife
doesn't read this!). Cycling 50 miles from Bath to Gloucester had never crossed my mind
as being achievable, let alone cycling back the next day. Well...I did it and what’s more,
I've now done it twice. I did it in the company of some wonderfully supportive people,
young and old. Bath beat Gloucester, we had a fantastic night celebrating in Cheltenham
and even with a slight hangover, I enjoyed the cycle home to a wonderful welcome at the
Recreation Ground.’ James - Gloucester weekend 2014 & 2016
6