The Kent Sports Trust Foundation, in support of Help for Heroes, is delighted to announce our flagship event for 2017, Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride.
With hundreds of riders set to take to their bikes for the nominated charities, Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride will give keen cyclists and complete novices the chance to ride just 1 day or all 3 days. During the 3-day sportive, cyclists will take in over 200 miles of the Garden of England in what will become an annual event and the highlight of most cyclists’ calendar.
Among the riders involved will be Kent Sports Trust Foundation ambassadors Dame Kelly Holmes DBE MBE and Geraint Jones MBE.
Dame Kelly said: “I am very much looking forward to Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride. Having recently got into cycling myself, I have a new appreciation for Kent as it has some amazing routes and places to ride around.”
Geraint added: “I’m glad it’s not a race and it’ll be great that we’ll all have a shared experience of completing this epic challenge, whilst showing cycling is fun.”
If you are looking for a challenge in 2017 and are considering taking part in what will be an amazing weekend, please check out all of the key event information below:
WHEN?
Friday 14th, Saturday 15th, and Sunday 16th July, 2017.
Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride is a 3-day challenge event (NOT a race!). You will get the most from the event by signing up to the full challenge – however, there is the option to take part in the individual days.
The event will start at approximately 8am on the Friday and will conclude at approximately 5pm on the Sunday.
WHERE?
Starting in Medway on the Friday, the route will pass through much of the beautiful Kent countryside over the 3 days. After departing Hoo on Day 1, the peloton will cross Rochester Bridge before heading to Hildenborough (via Aylesford and Royal Tunbridge Wells) for a well-earned lunch served up by Cafe 1809 on the parish lawn. After lunch, the group will head north to Westerham via Sevenoaks and then alight at the world-famous Brands Hatch race track where overnight accommodation will be provided by the Mercure Hotel.
Following a hearty breakfast on Day 2, the group will sweep through a number of picturesque villages heading south east towards Sutton Valence. After reaching Sutton Valence, the riders will divert to the cathedral city of Canterbury for lunch at Canterbury Rugby Football Club. Once re-fuelled, the cyclists will cross the North Downs for afternoon tea at Holiday Extras in Hythe and to pay a special visit to the Battle of Britain Memorial site in Capel-le-Ferne. The final stretch of Day 2 will follow the coastline from Folkestone to Dover where dinner and overnight accommodation will await at the Best Western.
The final day will begin with a 19-mile trek from Dover to Cliffsend with breathtaking views of the English Channel. Upon reaching Cliffsend, the peloton will cycle westward to the seaside towns of Herne Bay and Whitstable. With the end of the ride almost in sight, a lunchtime stop at the Shepherd Neame Brewery in Faversham will be just what the doctor ordered. The home straight will see the riders cycling through Swale and Medway, culminating in a warm welcome from friends, family, and supporters in Hoo.
Please note that the route map is subject to change.
WHO?
The event is open to all. Avid cyclists and complete beginners will ride alongside one another, lending support, offering motivation, and creating a very unique atmosphere.
We welcome cyclists of all ages to take part in Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2017. Junior cyclists must have parental consent and must be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times.
Please click here to download a bespoke training programme for this cycling challenge.
WHY?
Riders will be cycling in aid of both the Kent Sports Trust Foundation and Help for Heroes. By participating in this event, you are not only helping to encourage the people of Kent to become more active and make sport more accessible but you are also supporting British servicemen and women who have been wounded or injured in the line of duty.
Furthermore, Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2017 represents a fantastic opportunity for cyclists of all abilities to make a commitment, to test their stamina, and to complete a huge personal challenge. Get involved!
We will be presenting a Calibre Nibiru 1.0 road bike (courtesy of associate sponsor GO Outdoors) to the Top Fundraiser. Further prizes will be presented to the Best Sportsperson and the Owner of the Sorest Bottom, providing plenty of incentive to come along and be a part of our flagship event.
HOW MUCH?
3-Day Sportive (approx. 210 miles):
£50 registration fee (includes a cycling top and medal). You must also commit to a minimum fundraising amount of £500*. You can do this via JustGiving, so please link your page to our JustGiving page.
For this price, you will receive all food and refreshments across the 3 days, including breakfasts, lunches, waterstops, and evening meals. You will also receive overnight accommodation for 2 nights, luggage transportation, insurance, first aid support, medical assistance, bike mechanics, and 24-hour support.
Please be aware that there are only 100 places available for the 3-day sportive and that these places will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Places will be confirmed upon receipt of the £50 registration fee.
1-Day Sportives (approx. 70 miles per day):
£50 registration fee (includes a cycling top and medal). You must also commit to minimum fundraising amounts of £100* (for a single day), £150* (for 2 single days), or £200* (for 3 single days). You can do this via JustGiving, so please link your page to our JustGiving page.
For this price, you will receive food and refreshments across the day, including lunch and waterstops. You will also receive insurance, first aid support, medical assistance, bike mechanics, and 24-hour support.
*Please note that if you are unable to reach your minimum fundraising target, you may not be permitted to take part in the event. Please only sign up if you believe you will be able to reach the target as places are limited.
In addition to the incredible experience of participating in the Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride, you will be contributing to a cause that makes a real difference. This event is not just about the ride; it’s about the community coming together to support and uplift one another while raising vital funds for those in need. Whether you’re cycling for the challenge, the camaraderie, or the cause, every pedal stroke counts. So, gear up, join us, and let’s make the 2017 Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride an unforgettable journey for everyone involved. Together, we can make a significant impact and create lasting memories.