Chapeau Events - Cycle Tours Part 1 London to Paris

As snow and ice hinder any festive riding and the turbo trainer becomes as appetising as the Christmas leftovers, I am presently drawn to non physical cycling activities.

Planning rides, velo-reading and buying cycling related products feature quite prominently at this point.

As I do so I am struck by the variety of all things cycling.

It was not that long ago that if I did a search on the word 'Cycling' then I wold be directed to the nearest landfill site - Now the word is far too broad.

Fashion, gifts, technology, social media and even the arts have all become integrated into the cycling world, contained within the panniers and saddlebags of this evolving, revolving pastime.

It is not surprising to see this opportunity being embraced by Holiday and Tour operators looking to profit from our ambitions in finding new vistas, gradients and of course cake.

Holiday destinations throughout the world are seeking to achieve a cycling friendly appeal to attract a new type of greener tourist whose footprint is light and wallet often heavy. 

Majorca, Gran Canaria and Tenerife have previously monopolised those of us who seek more exotic destinations to change our punctures but there are now new kids on the block.
Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, and Nova Scotia are not obvious choices but are becoming increasingly popular with regular trips organised by a variety of companies.

One of the things that has always put me off touring is the restriction that you get when your having to carry extra things around with you.

Any climbing is challenging enough, but once over ladened even the most simple gradients turn into double chevroned beasts, where even a simple railway bridge can have you wincing.

Pushing a bike up a 20% gradient with four panniers attached is not exactly cycling, but more akin to a task that might be set out in the 'Ninja Warrior TV Show' 

.........And forget about the exhilaration of descending a mountain, rhythmically gliding from side to side like John Travolta in lycra. Think of Inertia then fear.

its similar to the experience you might find on a tired seaside rollercoaster where your not quite sure that you will be able to safely negotiate the next corner. If you do make it down with rubber still left in your brake blocks and still upright, you will end up using all of your water bottles to reduce the heat from your molten rims

I am a minimalist when it comes to cycling accompaniments; I carry enough weight around my midriff thank you very much. 
These restrictions usually push me towards cycling familiar routes with nearby taxi opportunities or single day events with adequate back up support.

I had though often about organised cycle tours where all your luggage is moved for you and your fully supported but I was always put off by a number of things?

• Expense

• Would the routes be safe

• What if I was too slow/fast for the group

• What if I wanted to do my own thing within the Tour framework 

 Back in 2015 I became involved in helping out a charity called 'Kidneys for life' whilst I was working in the North West and subsequently got roped into completing a 'London to Paris' bike ride with them.

Knowing that the trip was being arranged by a tour company I was already breaking down the costs in my head as I transferred the money over.

I was curious to know how it would compare to arranging it myself and what any profit margins might be.

The trip was arranged by Chapeau Events who are fronted by brothers David and Ian Wright. Both were cycling enthusiasts who had become 'accidental' tour operators.

David had cycle cafe 'Chapeau Cafe' and Farm shop, in Marton, Cheshire and was immersed within the local cycling scene.

With his wife having had a kidney transplant he took part in a number of charity cycling events with the 'Kidneys for life' Charity and other organisations.These were arranged and hosted by established cycle tour operators.

After sourcing and arranging the majority of the riders himself, David decided to try and host some events himself. This allowed any nominated charities to receive an increased amount of revenue.

Unlike the larger companies he wanted to abide by some enduring principles

•    To cycle every inch of any proposed route

•    To be safe

•    To secure good accommodation

•    To ensure good food

•    To make each event memorable and inclusive for each individual rider

  

Having previously arranged tours for my own club was aware of the logistical nightmare of having to cater for multiple needs, desires and abilities in an unknown environment, within defined time frames - To do all that whilst maintaining a smile and enjoying the trip yourself is almost impossible.

Chapeau Events allow you to use your own bike which they transport for you and return and provide comprehensive service and support throughout the tour.

They even have spare bikes in case of serious mechanical issues.

They also use their own Catering Facilities whilst riding offering hot and cold lunch choices and morning/afternoon refreshments. This provides the flexibility to ensure that the times and locations can be determined sympathetically to the riders needs at the time and in locations that deserve visual investment.

With the groups rarely bigger than 60 riders you can select your own pace and company with the routes marked clearly at each junction or periodically on long sections to provide reassurance.

So in July 2015 I set off from Blackheath in London to travel to Paris

Day 1 – London to Calais  Approximate cycling distance 165km (103 miles) 

The challenge starts as soon as you leave the hotel merging with the morning rush hour traffic. Thankfully they are heading in, as you head out of London following the Thames towards Dartford and the Medway villages. 
The terrain was mixed, being initially flat around the estuary and coast and then ramping up as soon as you head inland amongst the apple orchards and hop gardens. 
This does not let up until you reach Dover which you first spy from an elevated location.
On a clear day you can also see France.
Congregating at the ferry terminal and on the short Journey across the channel gives you the first opportunity to get to know some of your other riders after the kudos of gaining some miles in your legs - You soon realise - You are all in it together.

Once disembarked, there is a short ride to the hotel in the dark. 
It's was a long day and probably the toughest!

Day 2 – Calais to Arras
Approximate cycling distance 135km (84 miles)

Hearing the Gallic vernacular over the breakfast table brings a smile to your face as you contemplate the day ahead. It was clear through listening to the Anglo Saxon conversations that different riders had their own agendas. Some wanted to ride hard all day finishing earlier, others sought to take their time and absorb the experience, culture and various landmarks.
I elected for both - to ride hard but to stop at various places in between.
I had to protest with my fellow riders who disagreed with me that it was only 'bon chance' that each stop provided refreshment sourced from grapes.

After a delicious 'alfresco' lunch the mornings begnin terrain became more undulating and remote passing through quaint villages. These were punctuated by their customary squares where berret wearing pensioners played boules and smoked turkish tobacco.
The day ended  with a gentle decent into the medieval town of Arras.

Day 3 – Arras to Compiegne
Approximate cycling distance 126km (78 miles)

The third day we headed further south through the region of the Somme a sobering and tranquil place with regular monuments and memorials. 

This includes a water stop off at the Thiepval Memorial for the unfound

The terrain was undulating throughout the day not dissimilar to the Yorkshire Wolds.
We stayed in Compiegne that night, famous for being the start point of “Paris-Roubaix”

Day 4 – Compiegne to Paris
Approximate cycling distance 105km (65 miles)

Although this was the shortest days riding it was also probably the most diverse and beautiful. After leaving the hotel we rode through miles of Forrest with more significant elevation and a roller coaster terrain which added to the thrill.
We were instructed to wait at a holding point close to the centre of Paris and encouraged to absorb the atmosphere of the Parisian suburbs. I needed no invitation.

Being a regular commuter and used to urban cycling I knew the hazards and was initially concerned about how the crew were going to navigate a large group of cyclists into the Centre of Paris and line us up by the Eiffel Tower. 
My fears were soon abated with a reassuring safety briefing at the holding point.
With crew vehicles to the front and rear and accompanying members on cycles we were shepherded to our final destination like errant sheep in 'one man and his dog'

This was my first experience in using a cycle Touring Company where I like them became engaged by chance or fate - I was genuinely impressed and pleased that I had embraced it.

Framed by it's enduring principles Chapeau Events allows you to ride as an individual within a group and provides the flexibility to make it worthwhile.

The big question that might arise is whether its value for money?
In breaking each component cost down I could have done the same trip significantly cheaper.
However If you factor in the cost of your own time in preparation and planning, problem solving and ensuring reliable support then there is no question that this is the way to go.

There is also a bonus, a bit like a cash payback but far more valuable.
People who partake such adventures are often like minded and the sort of people you would choose as friends if you were to meet them socially. Since the trip in 2015 I have remained in contact with most of them and despite them being scattered across the country regular ride with a lot of them.

Last summer I joined up with Chapeau events once more to cycle their newest route from Bordeaux to Bilbao the journey of which I will feature on my next blog.

Details of future Chapeau events can be found using this link Chapeau Events .