The award-winning Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge is back, and COVID-Secure, on Sunday 2 May 2021.

Get on your bike to explore the beautiful and varied countryside of east Kent alongside friends, family and cyclists of all abilities, safely in our new COVID-secure event format. With over 733,000 miles cycled since 2010, the Cycle Challenge is a firm favourite and it’s set to be even bigger than ever!

Please note: Images were taken at pre-COVID-19 events

The Cycle Challenge couldn’t raise the fantastic amount it does for Pilgrims Hospices without the kind sponsorship of the following organisations: Kent Sport – University of Kent, Bidfood, Biketart, Barretts and London Array.

Help us reach £1 million in our 11th year

Since the very first Pilgrims Cycle Challenge in 2010, our wonderful community of cyclists have raised more than £918,000 to support the care of thousands of people living with incurable illness in east Kent. Now, we need your help to make this year’s Cycle Challenge our biggest yet and reach our £1 million goal.

This year’s routes

Ride it your way by choosing one of five ride distances and routes:

• *NEW* The Circuit: 30 miles (Sign in 09:30-10:30) – View map
  A flatter, circular route taking in the beautiful countryside and charming villages around the Stour Valley and beyond, with a rest stop at Preston. Perfect for those dusting off their bike for their first-time cycle challenge.
• The Classic: 50 miles (Sign in 09:30-10:30) – View map
  A scenic and undulating circular route between the Ashford and Canterbury hospice areas. Visit the Ashford hospice itself and conquer the notorious Stowting Hill before returning via the beautiful Elham Valley.
• The Challenge: 75 miles (Sign in 08:30-09:30) – View map
  A circular route visiting our Ashford hospice before turning east through the Elham Valley and onward to the picturesque town of Sandwich. From there, you’ll head through flatter countryside and towards Herne Bay before making the final push through the beautiful Thornden Wood.
• The Century: 100 miles (sign in 07:30-08:30) – View map
  A circular route connecting all three Pilgrims hospice service areas and incorporating an undulating approach to Dover for the ultimate challenge; always a hit with those looking to test their legs and their lungs to the next level.
• The Epic: 125 miles (sign in 07:30-08:30) – View map
  Introducing an epic 125-mile circular route connecting all three Pilgrims hospice service areas that visits the fast and flat Romney Marsh before rejoining the 100-mile route; this is the ultimate test of strength and endurance for those ready to step up to the plate.

All riders must have completed the ride and checked back in by 6:30pm.

All routes will start from, and finish at, our event village at the University of Kent near Canterbury. A Drop-off area is available as well as ample free parking across the campus as shown here.

We’ve tweaked our popular ride routes to make them even more enjoyable. And for those looking to take their ride up a gear, we see the return of the notorious Stowting Hill feature in all routes except the 30 mile. Explore the landscape of east Kent like never before, all the while knowing that, with every pedal, you’re making a huge difference to the lives of local people who are living with a life-limiting illness.

What’s on offer?

This fully supported event includes:

• Regular rest stops with drinks and snacks
• Bike mechanic support
• Fully signed route
• Free training app
• Event medical support
• Recovery vehicles
• Post-ride massage
• Finisher medal

It’s tough but achievable; with some training and determination anyone can conquer the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge. Join the ride with family, friends or colleagues, and make more friends along the way! When the welcome sight of the finish line comes into view, you’ll be rewarded with a finisher’s medal and a huge sense of achievement.

Entry information

You must be at least 14 years of age to participate in the Cycle Challenge and riders under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

• Early Bird entry: £25 (closes 21/03/21)
• Standard entry: £30 (closes 25/04/21)
• On the day: £45

There is a maximum of 1,000 participants able to take part in the Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge 2021, which includes those who deferred their place from the 2020 edition. Entries will be fully closed once capacity has been reached.

Register now

COVID-secure event information

After a hiatus in 2020 due to the global pandemic, we have introduced some significant revisions to the 2021 Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenge to ensure that the event is COVID-secure. Key measures include:

• Fully open-air event (face coverings to be worn at each rest stop and event venue)
• Fully touch-free, electronic check-in process
• Specified check-in windows and start times to maintain social distancing at start venue
• One-way systems at refreshment stops and socially-distant toilet facilities with hand sanitiser and face covering usage
• A maximum of 1,000 participants will be able to take part in the 2021 event

Show your support with the official Pilgrims Hospices cycle jersey and neck scarf

We’re excited to bring you the official Pilgrims Hospices cycle jersey and neck scarf. Show your support out on the road with these stylish, quality garments, packed with great features such as a zipped valuables pocket, full-length zip and silicone waist gripper. We also have Pilgrims neck scarfs, ideal for keeping you warm on cold or windy days and providing shade from the sun on hot days. Grab yours today and help us be there for thousands of people coping with incurable illness in east Kent.

Cycle Jersey: £35, Neck Scarf: £5

Sizes available: S, M, L, XL, XXL

Jersey sizing guide

Order yours today by contacting 01227 812609 (weekdays 9am-5pm) or anytime at [email protected], or buy yours at the Cycle Challenge event on 2nd May!

Get the award-winning Pilgrims Hospices Event App

We’re proud to offer the Pilgrims Event App, available for iOS and Android devices. It’s free to download from the App Store and Google Play and is the perfect companion to enhance your Pilgrims event experience. Keep your training on track by recording your training activities and liking and commenting on your teammates. Receive up to date event information, view detailed route maps, earn in-app achievements, and link your JustGiving page to see how your fundraising is going, all in one place.

Resources

• Join the Pilgrims Hospices Cycling Facebook Group
• Download a Pilgrims Hospices sponsorship form
• Top tips for raising sponsorship
• Make a JustGiving page
• See how money you raise can help
• Parental consent form for young cyclists
• FAQs.

Pilgrims Hospices wish to thank the following local businesses for donating their time and expertise to support the Cycle Challenge:

Herberts Cycles (Whitstable), Romney Cycles (New Romney), Locks of Sandwich Cycles (Sandwich), SP Cycles (Broadstairs), Team Buckley (Canterbury).