K20 Cycling Club Sportive 26 June 2022

K20 News

28 Jun

We started prepping for our inaugural sportive back in September 2021.

The K20 Committee was keen that whilst the objective was to raise money for two local charities, - it would not be the only objective. We were keen that the riders, who were going to be paying £25 to enter, should also get something out of it.

We wanted a route that was memorable, - for all the right reasons. It was to be free-flowing and picturesque, taking in some of the prettiest villages in Kent with good surfaces with as little traffic as possible. The first two points we knew were going to be easy, but the second two? Well, this is Kent after all!

The refreshments had to be plentiful and of excellent quality before, during and after the ride, so as well as seeking the help of a team of volunteers at the Start/Finish hub, we also engaged the services of the Old Post Office Coffee House in Marden to provide the stunning food for the feed stop in Rolvenden Village Hall.

The ‘Goody Bag’!

More often than not, the most that a rider gets given as a memento of their sportive ride is a cheap and nasty plastic medal, - but we put together a goody bag, - or should I say an iconic cycling musette goody bag, filled with a plethora of gifts. Gin, non-alcoholic beer, coffee pods, energy drinks, Haribo sweets, apples, discount vouchers and an official Tour de France cycling cap courtesy of Santini were all in there. The retail value of the musette and its contents easily exceeded that very reasonable £25 entry fee.

The Marden Scout HQ. was the perfect venue for our Start/Finish hub with under cover areas, ample toilets, and a large grass area for relaxation before and after the ride.

The sportive had two routes, - 47miles and 73miles. The feed stop at Rolvenden Village Hall was ideally placed. The short route riders could stop at the halfway point of their ride, whilst those doing the long route could stop twice so doing three legs of almost equidistant lengths.

In the eyes of those riders who entered though, - would it be a success? I guess we were always a bit apprehensive what with being our first attempt at a sportive. Well, I think the feedback from the riders says it all. See below and click on an item to read in full.

Great feedback

Our sportive attracted 110 entries and after all expenses we realised a profit of £1,800.00. This amount will be split equally between the two local charities we support, - Dementia Friendly Community Marden, and Marden Scout Group.

So, here’s to next year then! We will build on the success of this year, make just a couple of tweaks, and be back in 2023 with another memorable event that people want to come back to ride year after year.

Of course, this round up would not be complete without a shout out to our helpers and sponsors.

Our sincere thanks go to;