Kentish Express Ashford & District
Record turnout raises £15,000 for charity
Organisers were bowled over by the biggest ever turnout for the KM Big Bike Ride on Sunday, which raised a bumper £15,000 for charity.
Five hundred riders registered for the annual event, including Jack Harland and the team from Benenden Hospital Trust who cycled for Kent Air Ambulance. Altogether, 60 good causes will benefit from the event.
Melanie Rogers, of Vattenfall Wind and Power Ltd, waved the chequered flag to formally start the event before saddling up with a team of colleagues.
Riders took part in one of two routes just for fun or to support their favourite charity through sponsorship. The event provided electronic chip timing, mid-ride refreshment and photographs. Cyclists also received medals and goody bags at the finish line. Simon Dolby, of the KM Charity Team which organised the event, said: “We’ve had a record turnout with 500 riders registered to take part in either the 50K or 100K route.
“We’ve never had that number of participants involved before. It’s been a fantastic day.”
Mr Dolby praised Betteshanger Country Park for hosting the event, Vattenfall for its fifth year of support, and Locks of Sandwich Cycles for route planning, signage and bike maintenance service on the day. The event was also backed by Benenden Hospital Trust and Bike Tart.