Cycling routes and events

Cycling in Kent

Just think of the advantages of travelling around on two wheels. You'll feel better, save money and have a much more intimate interaction with the countryside around you.

Just imagine the smell of newly mown grass as you pass through a well kept village, or the aroma of fresh food coming from the kitchen of a country pub. You can just stop and sample the local fare, knowing that you'll soon be burning off all the calories.

You'll hear the sounds of birds singing and see them too as you meander silently across ever changing landscapes, taking in all the views at your own pace.

If you've never been tempted on to two wheels before, then here are some great places to start for advice and routes:

West Kent Cyclists' Touring Club

Get out in the great outdoors.

The West Kent district association of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC) consists of 18 groups of cyclists with different cycling abilities and based on different geographical areas, and organises regular cycle rides and associated events in the area.

The club organise cycle rides, cycling holidays and social events. Cycling holidays range from long weekends to a fortnight abroad. Social events include bam dances and other dances, musical evenings, slide shows and an annual dinner. They also arrange special cycling events such as Audax rides and treasure hunts and help organise charity rides.

Sustrans

Sustrans is the coordinator of the hugely popular National Cycle Network. Offering over 10,000 miles of walking and cycle routes on traffic-free paths, quiet lanes and traffic-calmed roads there is now 75% of the UK population living within two miles of a route! You can dowload a copy of their Nation Cycle Network map from their website, and they have a large selection of rides in the county, from coast to country, to suit all abilities.

Kent County Council

A range of routes from a five-mile traffic free route to a 54-mile coastal trail from Sandwich to Rye in East Sussex.

Something different

Mountain Biking

If you find cycling along country lanes a bit too sedate then why not think about downhill mountain biking. You can't beat the thrills (and spills) of hurtling down a hillside. Martin Bullock organises and competes in downhill mountain bike races. He's made a Video Nation film for us about the sport. Take a look.