Join us for a three-day cycle ride and follow in the footsteps of those that crossed the Channel to start the liberation of Europe 80 years ago. Our event starts with a visit to Southwick House in Portsmouth and its famous Map Room - the forward command post for the D-Day Landings and the base for Generals Montgomery and Eisenhower along with Admiral Ramsay. 

That evening we cross the Channel arriving in France early in the morning of the 6 June, 80 years to the day since 16,000 troops arrived for the D-Day landings. Over the next three days we will cycle up to 80 miles per day visiting locations that will forever be familiar to all - Sword, Gold, Juno, Omaha and Utah Beaches and much more. We will commemorate the role of the Parachute Regiment and their landing the night before and whose heroic actions saved so many lives the following morning. Accompanied by an experienced historian we will absorb ourselves in the events of 80 years ago and pay our respects to those that paid the ultimate price on D-Day and the days that followed.   

We will be based at a Beach Front Hotel just minutes away from where key actions took place. Accommodation is on a shared basis and includes an evening meal so we can relax after an enjoyable, fully supported, day in the saddle. 

Registration Fee: £200

Fundraising Target: £1,950

Register here

 

D-Day Ride 2024 Itinerary

• Wednesday 5 June – Meet at Southwick House with transport to Portsmouth to catch the night ferry
• Thursday 6 June - We land early on 6 June and will visit Sword, Juno and Gold Beaches including the British Normandy Memorial before heading inland towards Bayeux and laying a wreath at the British Cemetery. We continue on to Hill 112 before crossing Pegasus Bridge and finally the Merville Battery close to our hotel on the beach front. (approx. 71 miles)
  
  
  
  
• Friday 7 June - The Normandy invasion was much more than the beaches and our tour sees us head south to the Memorial at Montormel. Our longest day in the saddle. (approx. 90 miles)
  
  
  
  
• Saturday 8 June - Following the international commemorations held on 6 June we visit Arromanches - home of the Mulberry Harbour and then onto Ponte du Hoc before visiting the Omaha Beach Memorial. We then cycle to St Mere Eglise where the parachutist was famously caught on the church steeple before ending our riding at Utah Beach and heading back for a celebration dinner. (approx. 80 miles)
  
  
  
  
• Sunday 9 June – Travel home on the ferry

* Specific routes may change depending on planned D-Day activities and road closures.

Price includes:

• Travel to and from France on the ferry
• Shared accommodation each night
• Breakfast and evening meal
• Fully supported route with ride captains
• An experienced historian
• A SSAFA cycling jersey
• Medal, certificate and celebration upon completion!

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Personal travel insurance
• Bicycle insurance
• Provision of bicycles

Please note: If you wish to self-fund your trip costs please contact us at teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk after registering and we can help arrange this. 

If you would like any more information, please email teamssafa@ssafa.org.uk or call 020 4566 7952.