Cycling in France during the Tour

UKCyclingEvents.co.uk really have given me one of the best event experiences lately.

Their French Revolution was perfect. I found it to be truly as they had described.

"Escaping Britain’s shores if only just for a day is enough to make this event sell out each time it has been held. The French Revolution is a teasing taster of what life is like riding on the other side of the English Channel.

This European trip takes the sting out of independently planning cycling abroad, as we’ll take care of everything on this ride to ensure you enjoy your day and get the most out of the fast-paced sportive setting. From meeting en masse in Dover with the other riders, to getting a group escort onto the boat, to guiding you around the picturesque, quaint and signposted wilderness of northern France to getting you back again – all is included as part of the package.

Upon arrival in Calais, you’ll head out along the cliff-top coast roads that test the legs straight away – you’ll climb to a vantage point that, on a good day, you can see back to England set against a backdrop of the ever-busy to-and-fro of boats and ships sailing on the Channel. Before long, up turns to down, and you’ll be employing your best descending technique to drop into Escalles – but don’t forget this steep hill as it’ll be the last thing you have to conquer before reaching the finish line later in the day.

Dropping into the Parc naturel régional des Caps et Marais d'Opale, a counter-clockwise loop ensues as you ride through pretty and sleepy French villages like Caffiers, Fiennes and Bazinghen. Many of the back roads that connect these communes are littered with grape fields and small farms – but best of all, nearly no cars – at no point will you forget you’re in France.

After the last climb back to Calais, you'll have a perfectly flat 7-mile run to the finish, which is at the Calais Ferry port itself. A finishers medal will be given to you before you board the next ferry back to Dover with your sense of adventure and exploring spirit fulfilled. Food and showers will be available on the Ferry."

The staff were amazingly friendly and knowledgeable. An ambulance bike accompanied us, mechanic was on hand at each stop and the start. We really didn't have to think about anything other than the 60miles/100km or 85miles/150km we chose to ride. It felt like getting away for longer than just a day. The hills were great, and just the right number of them.

Thank you UKCyclingEvents.co.uk, I have previously cycled your New Forest, Warwickshire, Sussex and Berkshire events, but this really is the piece de resistance.

Quite a few riders!