Cycling the length of Britain for Heroes.

The first ever Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Ride, (14-16 July), saw amateur cyclists start and finish in Medway, cover 220 miles across the county, raising over £45,000 for Kent Sports Trust and Help for Heroes.

The ride, organised by Kent Sports Trust, was started by Olympic Gold Medalist Charlotte Evans MBE at AC Goatham & Son’s Flanders Farm Hoo. Led by Dame Kelly Holmes, the riders covered around 70 miles on the first, reaching Tunbridge Wells, Tonbridge and finally Brands Hatch.

Day two saw the ride head south towards Maidstone, before swinging north to Canterbury, where they were joined by former Kent and England wicket keeper Geraint Jones MBE. They then headed down to Hythe, pausing on route to Dover for a short act of remembrance at the Battle of Britain Memorial.

Day 3 began with a steep climb out of Dover before the riders headed north via Faversham before reaching the finish in Hoo around 5.30pm.

Carol Ford, Commercial Director at comments: “We were delighted to be approached by Kent Sports Trust earlier this year with the idea behind the ride to encourage people of all cycling abilities to join in. This first year has been a fantastic success and we look forward to planning the 2018 ride with them.”

With one, two or three-day options for cyclists, the event is open to all ages and abilities, giving even the most modest of bike riders the chance to be involved in something special whilst raising money for charity.

Chief Executive Officer of the Kent Sports Trust Foundation, Steve Wolfe, comments: “The commitment shown by all the riders over the three days was truly incredible and it just goes to show what’s possible if you really put your mind to it.”

“We set out with the mission of trying to inspire more people to get on their bikes and with the support of ambassadors like Dame Kelly Holmes and Geraint Jones MBE, I believe we’ve achieved that.”

“We couldn’t have staged the ride without the support of our partners and I’m proud that AC Goatham & Son have agreed to be headline sponsor of the event for many more years to come.”

“I would also like to thank our other sponsors – Holiday Extras, Shepherd Neame and Go Outdoors for supporting what will now be the first of many more Goatham’s Great Kent Cycle Rides.”