WELCOME TO THE TOUR DE FORCE 2012! RIDE ALL OR PART OF THE 2012 TOUR DE FRANCE ROUTE, 7 DAYS AHEAD OF THE PROFESSIONALS...

This is not just for elite cyclists. It's a really friendly ride intended just as much for 'weekend warriors' as it is for very experienced riders. We encourage and support everyone who takes part. Please join us! Find out more...

Click here to watch our 3 minute video.

 

"The fun... It was hard but it was fun"   Sandy, 2010 Tour de Force cyclist

It's back by popular demand!

In 2006 and 2010 the William Wates Memorial Trust delivered two exceptionally successful Tour de Force events attracting over 230 cyclists and raising over £800,000 for the charity.

The Tour de Force cyclists began with very different levels of cycling experience and ability. But with the support of each other and the event organisers they all achieved incredible feats of endurance, mental strength and heroism. They had the time of their lives!

"This is the sort of thing you live for"   Rick, 2006 and 2010 Tour de Force cyclist

After such huge success, we have decided to make this an annual event and so are back again and offering you the chance to ride the route of the 2012 Tour de France: the world's greatest cycle race.

You can join us for the whole ride or choose one of our Tour Tasters, cycling one or more stages to get a real sense of the tour.

We will have a full support team including event management, mechanics, medics and motivators. We organise your accommodation, food, luggage transfers and all other logistics. All you have to do is cycle!

We would love you to come on board and share what will be a truly rewarding experience, whilst raising funds towards our 2012 target of £500,000 for the William Wates Memorial Trust.

"I would do it again... I'd love to do it again"   Aidan, 2010 Tour de Force cyclist


 
 

LATEST NEWS
 

FINAL PUB NIGHT - Wednesday 16 May. FINAL TRAINING RIDE - Sunday 20 May.
  14/05/2012
 

There's no denying it - the Tour is almost upon us and it's time to tie up any loose ends and get those final rides under your belt.

We are having our final pub night in London this Wednesday, 16 May, at the Theodore Bullfrog Pub, 26-30 John Adam St, WC2N 6HL from 7pm. Details here.

Sarah will be there to get into all the nitty gritty of the final arrangements and answer any of your questions regarding the logistics and finer details of the Tour. This is a great opportunity to answer any of those nagging questions - so make the most of it!

We will also be joined by the team from On Your Bike who are handling the London hub for bike transfers. They are offering some great deals on bike servicing, bike fitting, spare parts as well as offering advice on bike set up and more. Come along to find out more.

It's also your last chance to get together socially with the other riders - to share your anticipation, over-excitement, fears, strategies and tips.  Come and have a beer, a burger and a banter. We look forward to seeing you there! (the chat usually goes on until quite late, so if you can't make it for 7pm, still come along when you can).

And don't forget - it's also our final training ride on Sunday, 20th May at 9am. Full details here. A great opportunity to get out on the bike and clock up some serious miles in the company of fellow Tour de Forcers. We'll be aiming for 100 miles, with earlier opt outs for those that need it. Drop Tracy a line if you're planning to join in, just for an idea of numbers. Thank you!

Happy Cycling!

 
 

Belgium Training Weekend - Another Great Success
  09/05/2012
 

The last in our series of training weekends took place in Belgium over the Bank Holiday. Not to be deterred by a damp forecast, our intrepid riders hopped over the channel with plenty of spare dry clothes and waterproofs. The photos prove there was at least some glorious sunshine! (check out facebook photo albums - soon to be posted here too).

Check out some of the feedback here.

The feedback has been great - there is no doubt that the training rides and training weekends have been invaluable to riders. From your feedback we know that you love the routes, the new friendships and camaraderie ahead of the main event, and the chance to get some serious miles in the legs with other great riders - sharing tips and experience.

Thank you to all of you who have come along.

There is one more training ride planned for 20th May - in a week and a half. Details here. Come and join us for the final shake down!

 
 
 

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