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Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenges
Click here to read a Q&A with Jamie
Click here to read our FAQ - How, What and Why
We are currently experiencing some problems with our online registration page, although please note that it is working for the majority of people. We are working hard to solve this problem and we are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you. Please do try to book online if this is the method that suits you best, but if you experience problems you can book over the phone by calling (01227) 782062. Alternatively you can download a leaflet and post your booking to the address provided on the form. If you have any questions or comments please call Clare Sherwood on (01227) 782061. Our apologies again for any inconvenience.
Click here to read about our supporters
There are four sponsored rides available to choose from:
- Tri Hospice Cycle Challenge - A 70 mile route starting at either Canterbury, Ashford or Thanet hospices taking in all three sites.
Pilgrims Cycle Challenges - each hospice town will be the starting point for a 15 mile circular route on cycle paths and minor roads.
Why not take part as a family, set yourself a personal challenge, cycle in memory of someone, have a day out with your colleagues or even compete against other local business or tackle part of the route as a relay team and make it a joint team effort?
Download your sponsor form now and start raising money. For more details contact 01227 782062 or register your name and email address here to hear the latest news.
Create your personalised sponsorship page on the brand new fundraising site Virgin Money Giving. Click on the logo to go straight through to their website. Using this system will save Pilgrims Hospices a great deal of money compared to Just Giving, which charges us a higher percentage of the donations.
I can't take part but I'd like to VOLUNTEER.
Why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to post your training photos to Flickr and tag them with the event name and Pilgrims Hospices.
Have a look at the Tri Hospice route online!
Q&A with Jamie Staff
I'd like to take part but I'm not sure I can cycle that far?
If you haven't cycled for a long time and have never ridden anywhere near that distance then yes it might be too far, but you can just ride one leg of the event if you wish. There will be support vehicles looking out for people who may be struggling.
If you do ride a bicycle a little, but have never ridden that far before then you probably will be able to do it. It will just take a little preparation before hand, such as eating correctly and having the right foods in your system before you leave and also continuing to eat while you ride.
It will be all about pacing yourself and not trying to keep up with someone who maybe more used to distance riding.
How long would an averagely fit, social cyclist take to complete the distance?
70 miles is a long way, unless you're Mark Cavendish! A professional would probably be able to do it in about 2 to 2.5 hours.
An amateur who does cycle for fitness will probably be able to do it in 4-5 hours. A complete beginner will need to pace themselves; so will look to do it in 6-8 hours. These times may not include stops to eat.
Do I have to have an expensive bike?
Not at all. The more expensive the bike, the lighter it generally is. So going up a few of the hills might be a little harder, but generally on the flat roads you wouldn't need to pay too much. As long as your bike is in good condition, such as correct pressure in the tyres, brakes not rubbing, seat at the correct height, then you should be fine.
What should I wear?
Look ahead of time to see what the weather forecast is going to be. If there's no rain scheduled and it's not too cold, I would suggest wearing a tracksuit that isn't too baggy. For your top half I would suggest wearing a few thin layers.
Maybe bring an back pack so you can take layers off as you get hotter or add them on if it gets cold.
If you have or can afford proper cycling kit, then I would suggest using it. It's very light, but keeps you warm and is not going to wave around in the air causing you to slow down! The shorts have padding in too, to stop you getting a sore bum!
If it's scheduled to rain, then wear a thin waterproof jacket over your top.
I would also suggest wearing a helmet and gloves in case you do happen to fall.
What should I eat before and during the challenge?
In the days leading up to the event, try to eat healthy high carb meals like pasta. Maybe add slightly more to the plate than you normally would or even an additional serving in the two days leading up to the event. Make sure you're drinking lots of water (not soda) as this will help you stay hydrated.
On the day, have a big breakfast 2 hours before you set off. Once off, have a little snack bar or gel bar every hour, plus try to drink a 16 ounce bottle of water mixed with either fruit juice or other carb drink every hour. This will stop you getting cramp. It may also be wise for those who are novices to stop and have a small meal half way.
What tips would you have for me if I hit the pain barrier during the challenge?
In cycling terms, it's called "Bonking"! It's not pleasant, but will generally happen if you haven't had enough fuel (water and food). If you do feel like you've hit a wall and can't go any more, try resting for 30 minutes and eat something substantial. Try setting off again, and if you still don't feel well, or are in too much pain, STOP. Call for help or wait for the support vehicle to pick you up.
How can I stop myself from aching the next day?
If you don't do any training prior to the event, then ride 70 miles on the day, the chances are you will be sore! I take Ibuprofen to help with soreness, but consult with your doctor first regarding any medication.
If you have prepared, even a little, then you shouldn't get too bad.
Most people, when given a challenge will train for the event the week before it. This is probably the worst thing you could do. If anything train the week before that and have the week before the event as a easy week.
We do all our training for months and years leading up to an event. The 10 days leading up to a competition we actually take it really easy. This gives our bodies time to freshen up before our event.
Ideally you should try and get at least one ride in a week for 8-10 weeks before the event. If you do this, your body will start to get used to riding and the demands it places on you body. You don't need to ride 70 miles a week, just 10-20 miles a week would drastically make a difference when it came time to ride 70!
An example training planner for beginner:
10 Weeks to go: 5 miles
9 Weeks to go: 5 miles
8 Weeks to go: 10 miles
7 Weeks to go: 10 miles
6 Weeks to go: 15 miles
5 Weeks to go: 15 miles
4 Weeks to go: 20 miles
3 Weeks to do: 25 miles
2 Weeks to go: 30-40 miles
1 Week to go: 10-15 miles
Ride day: Pace yourself!
I'm currently losing weight but am still overweight, is it safe to take part?
If you are on a diet, which generally means that you are lowering your calorie intake to allow your body to burn off those extra pounds then please be careful how you approach the ride. I would speak to your doctor if you have any concerns, but generally speaking, I would try to make sure you get an average person's daily calorie intake for the few days leading up to the ride. You are going to exhaust so many calories on the ride that you will easily burn of any you just put on, but you need to make sure you have enough blood sugar to stop you potentially passing out. I would encourage you to speak to your nutrition expert or doctor for advice, as everyone's situation is different.
I would just say, use your common sense.
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FAQ - the how, what and why
Are the roads closed?
No. For all rides, there are staggered starts. The Tri Hospice ride will be departing between 8am - 9.30am and being an early Sunday morning the roads are quieter, secondary roads and some national cycle path sections. Pilgrims Cycle Challenges will depart from 9.30am - 10.30am and again, we are using recognised cycle paths and non-busy roads.
How will I know the exact route?
We will be posting the routes for each of the rides on our website in advance of the event and will also have paper copies available on the day for each participant.
Will be course be clearly marked?
Yes, we will have markers all along each route plus marshals in strategic places along the Pilgrims 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 do not think that I can finish the ride for heath reasons?
Canterbury Cycle Shop, Downland Cycles (http://www.downlandcycles.com/) will be our recovery and support partner on the Tri Hospice route and we will have local partners on the Pilgrims Cycle Challenges. 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. Downland are offering a special bike servicing offer of £15.00 vs the full price of £30.00.
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.
Who can enter?
Why not take part as a family, set yourself a personal challenge, cycle in memory of someone, have a day out with your colleagues or even compete against other local business or tackle part of the route as a relay team and make it a joint team effort?
You must be 14 years and over to enter the Tri Hospice Cycle challenge and be accompanied by an adult up to 18 years old.
There are no age restrictions on the Pilgrims Cycle Challenges but anyone under 14 will have to have a signed consent form and be accompanied by an adult i.e. 18 years and above.
How can non-cyclists get involved?
We are looking for help with marshalling on the family rides, volunteers to help with registration and refreshments at each location - contact Deborah Kellond on 01843 233934 or Deborah_Kellond@pilgrimshospice.org for more information.
How much is it to enter?
There is a £25 per person fee for the Tri Hospice Cycle Challenge. Pre-event registration is essential as places are limited. For the Family Challenge, it is £10 for adults and £5 for under 14s. Early bird registration is encouraged but not essential!
What do I get for that?
A detailed map of the route, a souvenir of the ride, refreshment stops and warm feeling inside for being so generous!
How will I be identified as a Pilgrims participant on the day?
We would love to promote Pilgrims Hospices by having all participants wearing a "I'm Supporting Pilgrims Hospices" tee shirt as they cycle around our various routes. Our tee shirts will be on sale on the day of the event at the starting point for each ride and at each Hospice location at a price of £5. Our ambition is to have hundreds of keen cyclists all sporting our logo!
When do I have to send in my money?
Please send your sponsorship within eight weeks of the event 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, Tri Hospice Cycle Challenge, 56 London Road, Canterbury, Kent CT2 8JA.
Do I have to get sponsorship?
Yes please! Pilgrims Hospices costs over £8 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 here.
How do I register?
It is really important to register in advance of the event so that we can have an idea of numbers. It is essential for the Tri Hospice Cycle Register online now. The Tri Hospice Cycle Challenge is £25 to enter. The Pilgrims Hospices Cycle Challenges are £10 for adults and £5 children.
Download your sponsor form now and start raising money. For more details contact 01227 782062 or register your name and email address here to hear the latest news.
Why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Don't forget to post your training photos to Flickr and tag them with the event name and Pilgrims Hospices.
