'France and back' was created in 2012 by a group of friends with the idea of a cycling holiday in which a stage of the 'tour de France' is encompassed. In the later stages of planning it was agreed that the event would be used to raise money in aid of 'Help for Heroes', a charity helping in; the aid and rehabilitation of injured soldiers.
So far 2 'France and back' events have been undertaken, back in 2012 and 2014.
The group started 2012 in Calais, in the north of france, and travelled the 550 miles down to the French alps where they did the stage of the tour de france called l'etape. l'etape is the mountain stage in the tour de france. It is regarded as one of the hardest days through the whole tour and is a challenge even for the professionals.
The 2012 event raised nearly £2500 for the charity help for heroes.
The France and back 2012 team from left: Russell Davis(support driver), Rich Robertshaw, James Conn, Ali Robertshaw, Izzy Rawlinson, John Carron.
The team at the top of the 'Col de la Madeleine' half way through their epic 2012 journey across France. . . and back.
The team is currently preparing for the 2014 event, taking place in September, travelling from Calais to the Pyrenees and back.
