<p>Last year, me and my wonderful dad somehow managed to successfully negotiate numerous (very) steep hills, boiling hot weather, dusty roads, corn fields, cobbles and the occassional 4 lane motorway, to cycle London to Paris in aid of Heart Research UK.</p> <p>So this year we needed a new challenge. London to Amsterdam is the route: far fewer hills (I hope!) but a 100 more miles, 1 more day and an additional, very welcome, team member, my little brother Lawrence.</p> <p>This year, I'm hoping to raise money for a fantastic cause, the Refugee Council, who work with refugees in the UK. They provide vital support and specialist care to enable them to rebuild their lives in safety. They speak out for the rights of refugees and challenge government policy, the media and hostile public attitudes.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate what you can to help make the gruelling journey worthwhile.</p> <p>Here is a brief summary of the route and the lengths of the journeys:</p> <p>Day 1 - Hyde Park Gate, London to Dover. Approx 80 miles. From Dover we will take a ferry to Dunkirk in France.</p> <p>Day 2 - Dunkirk to Ghent (via Bruges). Approx. 67 miles</p> <p>Day 3 - Ghent to Breda (via Antwerp). Approx. 69 miles</p> <p>Day 4 - Breda to Amsterdam. Approx. 70 miles</p> <p>So, overall about 286 miles!</p>