Goatham's Great Kent Cycle Ride

Kent Sports Trust, in support of Help for Heroes, 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 routs, new friends but the same great experience.

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 or all 3 days.  During the 3-day sportive, cyclists will take in over 300 kms of the Garden of England in what is now an annual event and the highlight of a cyclists' calendar.

If you are looking for a challenge in 2018 and are considering taking part in what will be an amazing event, 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 is a 3-day challenge event (NOT a race!).  You will get the most from this event by signing up to the full 4-day sportive - however, there is the option to take part in just the Saturday leg of the ride.

The event will start at approx 8am on the Friday and conclude at 5pm on the Sunday.

Where?

Starting at AC Goatham & Son in Hoo on 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 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.  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 experience.

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 be 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 322kms)

£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 Just Giving.

For this price you will receive all food and refreshments across the 3 days, inclduing breakfast, 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.

1-day Sportive (approx 120kms)

£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 the Saturday.  You can do this via Just Giving.

For this price you will receive all food and refreshments across the day, including lunch and waterstops.  You will also receive insurance, first aid support, medical support and bike mechanic support.

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 wondeful 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 spirit of all in it together, challenging route, the snacks and energy drinks at the rest stops, the masseuse, the bags already delivered to out hotel room, just astonishly 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'

Event Website http://www.kentsportstrust.org/events/goathams-great-kent-cycle-ride-2018/ HQ/Start Address Address Line 1 AC Goatham & Son Address Line 2 Ratcliffe Hwy Town Hoo County Kent Postcode ME3 8QE		Event Facilities Adequate Car Parking Facilities Changing Rooms Support for Participants Route card with emergency contact details SAG wagon following laster rider(s) Organiser Details Name Kent Sports Trust Email Phone 01634820780 Address Line 2 Innovation Centre, Medway Town Rochester County Kent Postcode ME5 9FD