Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenges 2012

On Sunday 6th May 2012, east Kent will be whirring with the sound of wind through spokes as cyclists who like a personal challenge and a healthy day out raise money for Pilgrims Hospices on the Cycle Challenges. Will you join us?

Cycle Challenge

Thank you to the 604 riders who took part in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge 2011 on Sunday 8th May and helped us raise £72,500!

Regional Fundraising Manager Deborah Kellond said: “The Cycle Challenge 2011 far exceeded our expectations in the second year of this event. We were overwhelmed by the number of people cycling in memory of a loved one. It was a great opportunity to showcase our hospices as well as the Kent countryside. A huge thank you to the 604 cyclists who took part and those who volunteered their time and sponsored us to make the event possible.”

You may also be interested in looking at our Facebook page where cyclists and supporters share their stories.

This year there are four routes to choose from:

75 miles – ‘Tri-Hospice’ circular route connecting the Canterbury, Ashford and Thanet Hospices
45 miles – A generally flat circular route betweenCanterbury and Thanet Hospices
45 miles – A hillier but very scenic circular route between Ashford and Canterbury Hospices
8 miles – circular ride fromCanterbury to Chartham (NEW!)

Tentative maps of the routes are posted below. You will be able to download the route card too, nearer the time. The routes are subject to change on the day depending on local road conditions.

Please find your relevant link below to “Map my Ride”. Please note that these routes are correct at the time of publication but may change. You can also follow this link and print more detailed routes.

Click here to find the Full Route (75 miles).

Click here to find the Ashford Loop (45 miles).

To find the Thanet Loop (45 miles).

We will also have route cards available on the day.

Minor roads and some cycle paths are used avoiding busy, major roads where possible

A trophy will be awarded to the individual and the group which raises the most sponsorship money. The group can be made up any number of family members, work colleagues or any organisation.

Training Rides

Build up your miles and your confidence by taking part in our 25 mile training rides every weekend starting from 24th March. Details to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can enter?

Why not set yourself a personal challenge, cycle in memory of someone, have a day out with your colleagues or even compete against other local businesses or tackle part of the route as a relay team and make it a joint team effort? Everyone can take part for details of how to raise your fitness in advance see Olympic Cyclist Jamie Staff’s training tips.

You must be 14 years and over to enter the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge and be accompanied by an adult if you are under 18 years old. 14 – 17 year olds must have a signed parental consent form.

The Family Ride is open to adults and children of all ages but under 14 years should be accompanied by an adult. No parental consent form is required.

How much is it to enter?

£25 per person for the 45 or 75 mile routes and £5 per person for the family ride.

Do I have to get sponsorship?

We would love you to try and collect sponsorship money but it is not essential. Pilgrims Hospices costs in excess of £9 million a year to run and events like these help us to continue caring for local people at the end of their lives. Please download a sponsor form , set up your own online fundraising page at Just Giving or, call 01227 782062. New for this year is our text to donate number: LOOP12 (£amount up to £10) to 70070 Last year Pilgrims Hospices claimed an additional £100,000 from the Government thanks to everyone who gift aided their donation. Please encourage any sponsors to just tick the gift aid box, it makes a huge difference to us.

Any other questions?

Please go to our frequently asked questions page for more details about the Cycle Challenges and how you can get involved.

Our Supporters

Thank you to our supporters who have enabled the Cycle Challenge to take place. Just a few of them feature below. You can also click on each logo to open their corresponding websites. Thanks also to the Duncan & Graham Partnership and Kent Construction Focus Group.