Divas pedal for Pilgrims in the sunshine
More than 150 cyclists proved their pedal power in support of Pilgrims Hospices on Sunday 24 June for the fifth Divas on Wheels cycle ride. This popular event has raised thousands of pounds for vital hospice care over the years.
Setting out from a brand new venue, The Independent Pedaler on Highland Court Farm in Bridge near Canterbury, riders could choose from either a 25-mile or 50-mile route through the beautiful Kent countryside.
Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer for Canterbury, said: “We were delighted to see so many of our regular riders along with new faces on an amazingly sunny summer day, with everyone ready to support Pilgrims. Cyclists taking part for the first time told us they really appreciated the support from our Bike Heroes and enjoyed the cheery atmosphere and fantastic scenery.”
Cyclists taking part for the first time told us they really appreciated the support from our Bike Heroes and enjoyed the cheery atmosphere and fantastic scenery.Lydia Todd, Community Fundraising Officer for Canterbury
The new venue gave riders a wonderful relaxed start; being right in the heart of the countryside meant that the routes started and finished on quiet country lanes. Pilgrims looks forward to Divas on Wheels returning to The Independent Pedaler in 2019.
This year, 7 female Bike Heroes joined the dedicated volunteer team, including experienced riders who led small groups and offered roadside repairs and help to anybody who needed it.
Students from Canterbury College who are currently working towards their hairdressing qualification were on hand to offer the Divas a beautifully styled French plait before their ride; this helped keep their hair under control during the ride and reduced the risk of helmet hair!
As always, Pilgrims had immense support from their volunteers in the run up to Divas and on the day. Without their help and support the event simply wouldn’t be such a fantastic fundraising success. Maureen Smith, a Pilgrims volunteer, and her husband, Terry, a Pilgrims Trustee and fellow volunteer, said: “Thank you to Pilgrims for organising this event so brilliantly. Well done; it was a pleasure to be there doing our bit. It was great fun but with a serious purpose.”
Divas is such a supportive event, with riders encouraging each other on the way and plenty of help at hand if it’s needed. It’s girl power at its best!Lydia
When the riders returned to the Divas Village, Pilgrims volunteers presented them with medals and Pink Lady Apples goody bags filled with treats. They were also on hand to provide refreshments including homemade cakes and snacks.
Lydia added: “Divas is such a supportive event, with riders encouraging each other on the way and plenty of help at hand if it’s needed. It’s girl power at its best!
“We were delighted to hear the great stories about how much our Divas enjoyed the route and beautiful scenery. We hope to see them all back again next year.”
Each year, Pilgrims offers care and comfort to more than 2,500 people who are coping with an illness that cannot be cured.
Pilgrims would like to thank event sponsors Pink Lady Apples, E-Flow Cycles and The Independent Pedaler, without who this event would not have been possible.
Visit Pilgrims Hospices Facebook page to see more photos from the day.
Fancy getting involved with a Pilgrims event? Check out our event calendar to find out what’s coming up, including:
- Vintage Tea and Fair, Saturday 21 July 2018
- Summer Garden Party, Saturday 4 August 2018
- A Night to Shine, Saturday 22 September 2018
