BRIGHTON TO PARIS CYCLE CHALLEGE
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS THE ARGUS APPEAL?
The Argus Appeal is the charity of The Argus newspaper, Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd. In 2007 The Argus Appeal celebrated its 50th year of giving to individuals and organisations in our community. Our promise is that every penny raised will go to those who need it most. All administration costs of running the appeal are met by The Argus.

HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
In order to ensure that you get the most out of cycling to Paris you will need to have prepared yourself well by ensuring you have a good cardiovascular fitness that will enable you to be able to cycle 50 miles a day for three consecutive days. It is likely there will be cyclists of varying levels of fitness (Don’t worry, we won’t leave anybody behind!). It is always advisable to set yourself a good training regime before the event, building up your mileage over a three month period. Although a lot of the ride will take place on flat cycle paths and minor roads there will be the odd hill to negotiate.

WHAT TYPE OF BIKE DO I NEED TO TAKE PART?
Please ensure your bike is in a roadworthy condition and has recently been serviced by an expert. Due to the fact that you will be travelling on cycle paths and minor roads any type of bike could be used. If you are likely to use a mountain bike it would be best to fit ‘slick tyres’ instead of MTB tyres which will make cycling easier. A touring bike or hybrid would be ideal. We have negotiated a fixed price service with Syd’s Bikes2 for all those taking part in this event (the service must be pre-booked). They are at 73 Portland Road, Hove. Telephone 01273 747222.

WILL WE BE CYCLING ON BUSY ROADS?
What makes this ride so special is the route we take to France. We will leave Dieppe and cycle south on the Avenue Verte (a disused railway line) for the first 40 miles and the rest of the journey will be mostly on quiet country lanes before we reach the splendid Canal de L’Ourq and our final 15 mile journey into Paris on a cycle path.

IS A SUPPORT VEHICLE AVAILABLE?
A support vehicle will be on hand to offer help should the need arise. It is advisable that those taking part bring along a couple of spare tubes, tyre levers and carry a suitable pump. Experience tells us that most cyclists like to stay with a cycle steward to guide them daily and we are planning to split the 50 cyclists taking part into two separate groups, each group travelling with a cycle steward. A general map will be provided to all those taking part. However, it is always advisable to carry your own larger scaled map, especially if you are planning on making your own way between hotels.

WHAT CHECKPOINTS ARE AVAILABLE DURING THE DAY?
We will designate a couple of checkpoints throughout the day to supply food & water to all riders during our journey to Paris. You will also have the opportunity to have your route card stamped. There will also be a first aid kit available.

WHAT ABOUT LUNCH?
Lunch will be served Al Fresco and traditional French style with local cheeses and French bread.

WHAT IF I AM A VEGETARIAN?
We have negotiated a vegetarian option with the various hotels. You should have already made us aware on the registration form of any dietary requirements. If you are in any doubt please e-mail alison.smith@theargus.co.uk or ring Alison on 01273 544401.

HOW WILL MY LUGGAGE BE TRANSPORTED?
All luggage will be transported between hotels via a support vehicle. On the final day you will have the option to keep your luggage with you or be repatriated with it at our main offices in Hollingbury, Brighton.

HOW WILL MY BIKE BE TRANSPORTED?
Your bike will be transported via a 7.5 tonne lorry for the four hour crossing to Dieppe (then stored overnight) and will be transported home to the UK from Paris in the early hours of the Sunday morning, via a 7.5 tonne lorry and be delivered to our offices at Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd., Hollingbury, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 8AR. We will wrap all cycles in bubble wrap for protection for the journey to the UK. They can be collected in the evening when you arrive back at our offices via coach from Waterloo or can be collected at a later date by prior agreement.

HOW WILL MY BIKE BE STORED OVERNIGHT IN FRANCE?
We have arranged secure cycle storage with the hotels that we are staying at. However, you will need to bring along a good quality lock. We cannot be responsible for any loss or damage; therefore you should ensure that your bike is adequately insured. Most household policies cover your bike when abroad – you may have to let them know what country you are travelling in.

WHAT HAPPENS ONCE WE REACH PARIS?
The trip has been designed to finish in Paris early Saturday afternoon and once you reach your hotel in Paris you will be parted from your cycle which will then be stored ready for transportation back to the UK. You are free to spend the rest of Saturday afternoon/evening and Sunday morning in Paris.

WHAT SORT OF CLOTHES SHOULD I PACK?
Summers in Northern France tend to be no different to those in the UK. In July/August the weather can be very hot. Therefore it is advisable to bring some sun block and ensure your bike is fitted with a water bottle and that you wear a suitable cycle helmet. However, a waterproof top is a must! If you have one, a mobile phone (that is usable in France) could be invaluable. You will be given a general route map when registering on the first day. Please also bring a puncture repair kit, spare inner tube and a pump. High wicking clothes, a good pair of trainers or cleats and a pair of padded shorts would be desirable!

WHY DO I NEED TO WEAR A HELMET?
Wherever possible the route to Paris has been designed to avoid main roads. However, (as in the UK) care needs to be taken when riding on public roads. In general French motorists tend to be more courteous to cyclists than British motorists and don’t be surprised to hear a scream of “Allez Allez” (go, go) as you cycle past some of the locals! The Avenue de Verte (cycle path) between Dieppe and Forges-Les-Eaux and the canal cycle path on The Canal de L’Ourq (our route into Paris) is used in parts by walkers and roller blades (who can be unpredictable!) so care is needed at times.

HOW DO WE GET TO FRANCE?
We will be travelling to France, via ferry from Newhaven which arrives in Dieppe Wednesday evening.

HOW DO WE GET HOME FROM PARIS?
We will be travelling back to the UK on Eurostar and coach to our head office in Brighton. If you would like to meet friends or family for a lift home, we advise you to arrange to meet them in the nearest available car park, which is in MFI next to Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd. We are planning to arrive home about 8p.m. on Sunday, 3rd August.

WHAT INSURANCE DO I NEED?
We have negotiated a special mandatory insurance policy with Capital & County Insurance Brokers who organise insurance policies for several UK cycling organisations. This policy is included in your £250 registration fee and details will be sent to you in early June, 2008. However, it is always advisable to travel in a European country carrying an E111 form which is obtainable from a local post office and ensures UK citizens get reciprocal treatment in any European country. Although our insurance policy is mandatory, please feel free to organise your own cover as well, if desired.

PASSPORT, VISA & VACCINATIONS:
A valid ten-year passport is essential. The passport expiry date should run for longer than 6 months from the event start date and there are no visa requirements for UK citizens. You must have had a tetanus injection in the last 10 years.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED?
The £250 registration fee includes all travel from Newhaven, food and accommodation OTHER THAN: Day 1: Evening meal (which can be purchased on the ferry). Day 4: Evening meal in Paris (We have presumed that you would rather make your own arrangements to eat in Paris on the Saturday night). Day 5: Evening meal (which can be purchased on the Eurostar train). Personal spending money is not included.

WHERE CAN I GET A SPONSORSHIP FORM?
Sponsorship forms are downloadable from our website: argusappeal@theargus.co.uk or by request by e-mailing alison.smith@theargus.co.uk or ringing Alison on 01273 544401.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RAISE THE MINIMUM £500 SPONSORSHIP?
The Argus Appeal Brighton to Paris Challenge is one of our main fundraising events of 2008. Last year we raised over £35,000 and every penny will benefit those in need in our community. You may have wondered how we are able to charge such a reasonable entry fee (£250), which includes breakfast, lunch, snacks, refreshments and evening meals? The cost per entrant is much greater and each entrant is subsidised by our sponsors Legal & General. We believe that by offering you a fun event at a fair price, you will return the gesture by raising a minimum of £500 sponsorship for The Argus Appeal. We are pleased to say that this has proved to be a winning formula in the past. If you cannot raise this amount, you are liable to forfeit your place on the ride or you may choose to make up the balance yourself. Remember to let us know if you have difficulties. There is a very good book called ‘Blood Sweat & Charity’ by Nick Stanhope (ISBN 1903070414 - published by www.eye-books.co.uk) which is aimed at anybody taking up any sort of charity challenge and includes dedicated sections on physical training and the best ways of organising and marketing your fund raising.

WHEN DOES MY SPONSORSHIP MONEY HAVE TO BE COLLECTED?
We normally collect all sponsorship money at a get together in Brighton, six weeks after the event. It is a perfect opportunity to meet friends you may have made during the ride. You will be presented with a special certificate to commemorate your achievement and claim a free drink and buffet and take a look at just some of the people and organisations that will benefit from your donation. Invitations will be sent to you after the event. If you are unable to attend please send directly to The Argus Appeal, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 8AR. Please make cheques payable to The Argus Appeal.

WHEN WILL I GET FURTHER INFORMATION?
You will receive the following information: 1. A newsletter – Early June. 2. Final details.– Early July.

…….AND IF I HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?
We will be delighted to answer any of your questions regarding the trip. Please phone Alison on 01273 544401 or e-mail: Alison.smith@theargus.co.uk. Alternatively, there is more information on www.theargus.co.uk (click on Argus Appeal).