A charity challenge bike ride is set to raise money for British military heroes by touring World War One battlefields.
The trip will set off from Folkestone for Paris on August 4, 2014 – 100 years after the First World War was declared.
The ride is being organised by charity challenge operator Global Adventure Challenges and will take in key battlefields and war memorials along the way.
Coinciding with a centenary memorial parade in Folkestone, 100 riders will begin their challenge in the town that was the departure point for British troops leaving to fight in the trenches.
The route will wind through battlefields of Northern France and head towards Belgium, with the first day finishing in the Ypres – which saw five devastating battles during the war. Riders will then cycle through Lens, the Somme, Arras, Amiens and Compiègne and stop to pay respects at the largest memorials and cemeteries before reaching Paris on day five.
Cyclists who’ll be covering on average 65 miles a day, can sign up to Unite & Bike for Heroes at globaladventurechallenges.com 01244 676454. Registration is then £149 and it will then either cost £775 to self-fund a trip or riders can raise a minimum sponsorship of £1,895 for military charities or a charity of their choice.
The fundraising challenge will raise money for a number of military charities, including SSAFA and Army of Angels.
Jess Dawkins from SSAFA said: “We’re delighted that Unite & Bike for Heroes will be raising money for SSAFA. This amazing ride will raise vital funds for modern day heroes who have served this country and remember the terrible price paid by so many young men whose lives were cut short during the First World War.”