Cycle Challenges 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.

Are the roads closed?

No. The Cycle Challenge will be departing between 8am – 9.00am and being an early Sunday morning the roads are quieter. All riders need to have completed their journey by 5pm.

How will I know the exact route?

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.

To find the Full Route (75 miles) click here:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/87964227/

To find the Ashford Loop (45 miles) click here:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/88305389

To find the Thanet Loop (45 miles) click here:

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/88306237/

We will also have route cards available on the day.

What is the route of the Family Ride?

The family ride starting at 10am will be an escorted ride following signage for the Great Stour Way from Pilgrims Hospice Canterbury to Chartham Village Hall and back. There will be a refreshment stop on the green next to the Village Hall and time to relax before cycling back to the Hospice at your own pace. It is part of Cycle Route 18. For more information, go to: www.canterbury.gov.uk/main.cfm?objectid=1515

Will the course be clearly marked?

Yes, we will have markers all along each route plus marshals in strategic places along the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenges.

Is the course hilly?

The course covers a variety of terrain in east Kent and there are several hills to climb in the Ashford to Canterbury section. This is not a race, however, and it is perfectly acceptable to take your time and even walk up the hills!

What happens if I have a problem with my bike on the route or I do not think that I can finish the ride for health reasons?

There will be a Dr Bike available at each of our Hospice locations to help with any bike problems. Our advice is to make sure that you have your bike serviced before you take part in the event.

If you have any health concerns please consult your GP before taking part. It is recommended that you are able to ride at least 75% of the course distance comfortably beforehand. If there is a medical emergency you should call 999. The emergency services are aware that the event is taking place.

Will there be refreshment stops on the routes?

There will be refreshments available at each of our Hospice locations and a half way point in the Elham Valley on the Thanet to Ashford leg of the Tri Hospice Cycle Challenge. There will be a refreshment stop at Chartham Village Hall for the family ride.

How can non-cyclists get involved?

We are looking for volunteers to help with registration and refreshments at each location – contact Deborah Kellond on 01227 812621 or Deborah.Kellond@pilgrimshospices.org for more information or complete & return the volunteer application form.

What do I get for my entry fee?

A souvenir of the ride, generous refreshment stops and warm feeling inside for taking part!

How will I be identified as a Pilgrims participant on the day?

Everyone will be given a ride number which identified them as a participant.

When do I have to send in my sponsorship money?

Please send your sponsorship by 30th September 2012 so that we can start telling everyone how much we’ve raised from the event as soon as possible. Please send all sponsorship to: Supporter Services, Pilgrims Hospices, Cycle Challenge, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA.

What should I wear?

Suitable cycle clothing – please show your support and help us to promote our Cycle Challenge this year by purchasing your very own Pilgrims Hospices cycle shirt. You can order them online, over the phone on 01303 766206 or by email sales@frizbee.co.uk or in person by calling into the shop at Frizbee Print & Embroidery, 53 The Old High Street, Folkestone CT20 1RN. Frizbee will be donating 20% of the sale price to Pilgrims Hospices. You can also purchase a branded ‘I’m supporting Pilgrims Hospices’ tee-shirt at a cost of £5.00 either in advance at any of our hospice receptions or at the start of each ride.

Can I download information for my Garmin?

Yes – To download a .gpx file, please right-click your desired map below and select ‘Save Link As…’ or ‘Save File As…’ to download to your computer.

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