London to Amsterdam Cycle
Ready for an epic ride?
The London to Amsterdam Cycle is a amazing 335-mile adventure, linking 2 iconic capitals!
You'll cruise through the rolling hills of Kent, hop on a ferry to Calais, then pedal your way to Bruges then on to Breda before rolling into Amsterdam.
You'll enjoy awesome views, beautiful cities, local cuisine, and historic landmarks - perfect if you're looking for a perfect cycling adventure and some new friends!
Why Marie Curie cyclists would love this challenge.
"An epic journey through 4 beautiful countries"
How Marie Curie will support you on your Open Challenge.
- An Open Challenge is a cycle where you'll be taking part with people supporting a range of good causes, so you'll get your own yellow Marie Curie Cycle Jersey to show off your support.
- A fundraising welcome pack in the post
- Fundraising tips and resources to help reach your goals
- Local support from your Regional Community Fundraiser
Key Information
Day 1 - Grand depart: Croydon to Calais (via Dover)
After registration at the start point in Croydon, we start early at approx. 7am to avoid the hustle and bustle of the London traffic.
It's not too long before we're cycling to the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent.
It's a long cycling day today but upon reaching the port of Dover and witnessing its famous white cliffs, we'll experience a great sense of achievement. We then board the ferry to Calais and have dinner whilst on board.
Upon reaching Calais it's just a very short push onto our hotel, where we have a much deserved rest and get our heads down for the night.
Cycling distance – approx. 85 miles
Day 2 - Calais to Bruges
After breakfast at our hotel, it's straight back into the saddle for day 2 of our adventure.
Today's destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bruges. Famous for its canals, Bruges is often referred to as "Venice of the North", as they surround the many medieval buildings that make this place so charming and interesting.
We overnight in our hotel – a perfect end to a great days cycling.
Cycling distance – approx. 80 miles
Day 3 - Bruges to Breda
Our route today continues East through Belgium as we cycle towards the country's largest city, Antwerp.
To avoid getting caught up in the city traffic we head around the outskirts of the city as we make our approach to the border.
We cross the border into the Netherlands mid-afternoon and arrive at our hotel in the wonderful historic city of Breda early evening.
Cycling distance – approx. 90 miles
Day 4 - Breda to Amsterdam
This morning we leave Breda and head north towards Rotterdam, before reaching our final destination - Amsterdam!
From Rotterdam our route hugs the coastline and winds its way along typical Dutch cycle lanes passing famous landmarks of the country – windmills!
Leaving the coast and heading inland towards the capital we eventually reach the heart of the city. Amsterdam is the world's capital of cycling and is a fantastic place to end our European cycling extravaganza!
This evening we enjoy a meal together as a group before opting for either a quiet night of relaxation, or the hustle and bustle of the Amsterdam nightlife!
Cycling distance – approx. 80 miles
Day 5 - Return to UK: Amsterdam to London
After breakfast we are free to enjoy the sights and sounds of Amsterdam.
Around lunchtime each participant will be responsible for getting themselves to Amsterdam Centraal in order to catch the Eurostar back to St Pancras.
Bicycles will be transported back to London in the support vehicle and upon our arrival; we can catch our short transfer back to the starting point in Croydon, for farewell and goodbyes.
Alternatively, you can be reunited with your bicycle at St Pancras.
Please note this is a complex itinerary and subject to change, including the timings and distances detailed.
What's included
Before your cycle
- Your own personalised account hub that houses all your challenge support information to ensure you are fully prepared for your challenge
- Discount vouchers with affiliate partners such as Nomad Travel
- Support documents to aid your preparation including but not limited to:
- further information about your challenge
- detailed challenge itinerary
- kit lists
- training plan/schedule
- Fundraising advice
- A dedicated Global Adventure Customer Care team supports each participant from registration and is always on hand to answer queries
- Risk Management including but not limited to challenge specific risk assessments, emergency management plans and medical screening
What's included
During you cycle
- One way ferry crossing from Dover to Calais
- One way Eurostar ticket from Amsterdam to London
- 4 nights hotel accommodation, all hotels will be on a twin share, private bathroom basis. Please note hotels in Europe are different to hotels we may be used to in the UK, they will have a local rating of 3 – 4 stars.
- All meals including celebratory dinner, starting with lunch on day 1 through to breakfast on day 5, with the exception of dinner on day 1
- Water stops and snacks during the challenge, including water, cordial, cereal bars, crisps, sweets and other delicious treats!
- Back up and support vehicles
- Route markers or cycle guides
- Other professional Global Adventure Challenges Event Crew including experienced Event Manager responsible for the delivery of the challenge.
- Mechanic vehicle support. Basic spare bike parts will be taken.
- Comprehensive first aid / medical kits
- Challenge Medal
- A route guide for each participant
- GAC 24 hour emergency on call team
- Marie Curie Cycle Jersey
What's not included
- Bicycle hire – each participant must bring their own recently-serviced bicycle
- Breakfast and dinner on Day 1
- Lunch and dinner on Day 5
- Personal travel insurance
- Bicycle insurance
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips and gratuities
Sign up today!
Join Team Marie Curie and take on this amazing challenge. All the money you raise will help Marie Curie care for people living with a terminal illness.
Register now!
Get fundraising tips
Worried about reaching your target? Get some more ideas for how you can get those pounds rolling in.
Fundraising tipsHow the money you raise helps
£180 pays for someone with a terminal illness to attend the day therapy unit at the hospice.
£400 pays for someone to stay in a Marie Curie Hospice for 24 hours, so that they can receive the hands-on care they need in their final days.
£1,250 pays for a portable oxygen system that will relieve distressing symptoms, so a person doesn’t have to be confined to bed.
Sign up today!
Join Team Marie Curie and take on this amazing challenge. All the money you raise will help Marie Curie care for people living with a terminal illness.
Register now!