Caption: Julie Jackson of Downland Cycles starts the KM Big Bike Ride.

£3k pledged for cancer and children's causes by riders

More than 70 riders took part in the KM Big Bike Ride on Sunday, 22 May 2011.

The first of what organisers hope will become an annual ride started and finished at Downland Cycles in Canterbury. The ride took in a large swathe of Kentish countryside including villages around Faversham, Maidstone, Ashford and Dover on the 85 mile circular route.

More than £3k was pledged by riders for the charity pot which will be supporting children's road safety and the Teenage Cancer Trust.

The event was staged by Downland Cycles with the support of the KM Charity Team and was sponsored by Mansell Construction, Barclays, Seafrance and the Hotel Les Argousiers in Ambleteuse, Calais.

Andrew Mangall of ETM Executive Cars took time out from his more usual airport runs to act as the broom wagon for the event transporting riders needing assistance.

Seafrance has donated a crossing to France and overnight stay in Calais which will be awarded to the highest fundraiser.

Everyone taking part in the event went into a draw to win a bicycle from the new Invicta range created by Downland Cycles. The bicycle, worth £500, was won by Jennifer Kelly of Singleton, Ashford. All riders received a goodie bag of cycling products valued at £20.

Simon Dolby from the KM Charity Team said: "Downland Cycles did a superb job in planning and staging the event. They are absolute professionals. On behalf of both charities I really want to thank them, Mansell Construction and all the event sponsors for their support."

For information on Downland Cycles view www.downlandcycles.co.uk