Kentish Express Ashford & District
Feeling a million pounds after gruelling bike ride
The Pilgrims Hospice annual cycle challenge has passed an extraordinary milestone after Sunday’s ride raised the millionth pound for the charity from the event since it was started in 2010.
But it was no easy task for the hundreds of cyclists who braved challenging weather and road conditions across east Kent.
This year’s sell-out ride - the biggest of its kind in Kent returned after being cancelled last year due to the Covid lockdown, with participants taking on a choice of five routes ranging from a novice friendly 30 miles to a gruelling 125 miles, all starting and ending at the University of Kent in Canterbury.
Early estimates point strongly to more than £95,000 being raised, which would take the total collected from the event over the decade to the magic million.
“I’m blown away by the incredible efforts of our cyclists, many of whom turn out year after year to support the ride,” said event manager Robert Grew.
“I’m immensely proud of everyone involved in making the event such a safe and enjoyable day. From the fantastic signage volunteers, to the enthusiasm at our rest stops.
“I’d especially like to thank the local cycle mechanics who supported at rest stops and Kent Event Marshals who had a busy day providing roadside assistance to cyclists from the first to the very last rider.”
Collectively the participants cycled more than 43,000 miles, which is equivalent to riding from London to India more than seven times.
Among them were Judy Tsai and Steve Ball from Herne Bay who raised £3,500 in sponsorship.
Steve said: “It’s great to see the cycle challenge back again and we had a fantastic day.
“We’re both very proud to support Pilgrims Hospices, and wish to thank everyone who kindly donated, especially Judy’s family in Thailand who have been very generous in helping us to achieve this brilliant total.”
Barretts of Canterbury has been a long-term sponsor of the event, and the business’s CEO, Paul Barrett, was instrumental in the ride’s early years.
A keen cyclist himself, he said: “It’s a real privilege to be part of such a well organised event. I honestly can’t think of another cycling event that comes close to the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge. It’s so polished.
“The signage and catering are always excellent and the smiles that greet you at every stop keep you going throughout the day.”
Avid cyclists won’t have to wait too long for next year’s event because the Pilgrims Cycle Challenge will be returning to its usual time of year, on Sunday, May 1.