Kent Sports Trust is delighted to announce its flagship event for the year: Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2018. After a very successful inaugural ride in 2017, we are back with an event bigger and better – new routes, new friends but the same great experience. A donation will be made to Help for Heroes after the event to help support Veterans whose lives have been affected by their service.
With many riders set to take to their bikes for the nominated charitable organisations, Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2018 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 is now an annual event and the highlight of a cyclist’s calendar.
If you are looking for a challenge in 2018 and are considering taking part in what will be an amazing weekend, please check out all of the key event information below:
WHEN?
Friday 6th, Saturday 7th, and Sunday 8th July, 2018.
Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2018 is a 3-day challenge event (NOT a race!). You will get the most from this event by signing up to the full 3-day sportive – however, there is the option to take part in just the Saturday leg of the ride.
The event will start at approximately 8am on the Friday and will conclude at approximately 5pm on the Sunday.
WHERE?
Starting at AC Goatham & Son HQ in Hoo on the Friday, the route will pass through much of the beautiful Kent countryside over the 3 days. Our overnight base for the 2 nights will be the QHotels Ashford International Hotel, where riders will be fed well with breakfast and evening meals and a comfy bed to rest those weary muscles.
The final day will culminate in a warm welcome from friends, family, and supporters back at Goatham’s HQ, where all riders will be presented with an impressive medal and a round of applause.
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 2018. Junior cyclists must have parental consent and must be accompanied by a parent / guardian at all times.
WHY?
Riders will be cycling in aid of both Kent Sports Trust 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 2018 represents a fantastic opportunity for cyclists of all abilities to make a commitment, to test their stamina, and to complete a huge personal challenge.
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):
£75 registration fee (includes a cycling top and medal). You must also commit to a minimum fundraising amount of £600*. You can do this via JustGiving, so please link your page to our JustGiving page. The option to part or fully self fund the 3 day ride is also available if this is more suitable for you, thus reducing your fundraising commitment.
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 support and bike mechanic 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 £75 registration fee.
1-Day Sportive (approx. 75 miles):
£75 registration fee (includes a cycling top and medal). You must also commit to a minimum fundraising amount of £50* (for the single-day ride on Saturday). You can do this via JustGiving, so please link your page to our JustGiving page. The option to part or fully self fund the 1 day ride is also available if this is more suitable for you, thus reducing your fundraising commitment.
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 support and bike mechanic support.
*Please note that if you are unable to reach your minimum fundraising target, you will 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.
2017 really was a memorable event for all who took part. There was a strong team spirit, great banter and new friendships were formed. Be a part of this special experience in 2018. We received some wonderful feedback, here are just a few of the post event comments:
‘I have already been telling all and sundry what a brilliant event it was! I had high hopes for the event and my hopes were more than realised. What did I particularly like? So much so good! Great organisation, support and the spirit of all in it together, challenging route, the snacks and energy drinks at the rest stops, the masseuse, the bags already delivered to our hotel room, just astonishingly good value’
‘Firstly I would like to say a massive thank you to you all as this was probably the best event I have taken part in! Very well organised from the start to the finish with great support from everyone’
‘The food was amazing, the drinks replenishment was amazing, the new friends made were amazing. Will definitely be back next year if you will have me’.
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something truly special this year. Whether you’re aiming to push your limits, meet like-minded cyclists, or simply enjoy the beauty of the Kent countryside while supporting two incredible causes, Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride 2018 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Sign up now, secure your place, and start preparing for a weekend filled with camaraderie, challenge, and the joy of cycling—all while making a meaningful impact. We can’t wait to see you on the starting line!