The Office Group Bike Ride
***PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A NEW START LOCATION FOR THE RIDE:
ST JULIANS, TN15 0RX. SEE BELOW FOR MORE DETAILS…***
The Office Group is proud to present, for the third year running, our invitation-only cycling event on Friday 24th June 2016. This is a fantastic opportunity to network while cycling to your heart’s content!
There are two routes to choose from: a more challenging hilly 60 mile loop (with 1,662 metres of climbing) and a shorter (flatter) route of 40 miles (with 1209 metres of climbing). It’s as hard and testing as you want to make it, or a chance to ride at your own pace and enjoy the stunning scenery. Both routes follow the same roads for part of the journey and you will enjoy coffee/cake and lunch with all riders, regardless of which route your choose.
Everything will be professionally organised for you by Ride25 including a hearty lunch, a coffee and cake stop, support vehicles and tour crew including a bike mechanic and first aider, so that all you need to do is enjoy this amazing challenge and ultimately have fun!
The ride is open to all cycling abilities and all types of bikes. We do recommend that you use a road bike, however, previous Ride25 Riders have used hybrids and Bromptons.
Remember, it’s still work….. you can also do some great networking and business in the saddle!
*** Please note, registration has now closed for this event ***
When is it?
This 1 day event takes place on Friday the 24th June 2016
How far is it?
To ensure we provide a challenging ride for all abilities there will be two routes to choose from – A 60-mile route and a shorter 40-mile route.
What are the routes like?
Both routes will give riders the chance to cycle along some amazing, beautiful and quiet country roads.
The routes are:
What’s the itinerary for the day?
8am: Registration & Safety Briefing
All meet at the amazing members club St Julians Club, St Julians, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN15 0RX for tea/coffee, pastries and registration – please have a good breakfast before you arrive. There is plenty of parking there. Alternatively if you choose to get the train, it’s only a 30 minute train journey from London and the club is situated 3.6 miles from the station.
8.30: Start pedalling!
Both routes will take pedal together for the first part of the morning, taking in the lovely Kent country roads.
11am: Coffee and Cake Stop
Everyone will convene at the lovely Crown Inn in Groombridge for a coffee and cake stop. The routes will then split until lunchtime.
1-2pm: Lunch at Hever Castle Golf Club
Everyone will stop for a hearty lunch at the stunning Hever Castle Golf Club. This is a chance to refuel, rest the legs and chat with fellow cyclists (on both the 60 mile and 40 mile routes).
4.30pm onwards: Drinks and BBQ at St Julians
Return to St Julian Club for a drink and BBQ in the grounds plus a chance to discuss the day’s cycling with fellow riders. Everyone will then make their way home.
What’s included?
- Back-up vehicles to provide you with medical help and any assistance should you need a rest. There will also be a bike mechanic on hand and a Ride25 team leader.
- A digital map in the format of a .gpx file for mobile navigation devices such as Garmin. Also, the route will be fully signposted along the way.
- Fresh fruit and water in the support vehicles
- Lunch and a coffee stop
- Drink and snacks at the finish
What’s not included?
- A bike – we recommend that you use a road bike, but some of our Riders have used hybrids and Bromptons in the past. Read our bike recommendations here.
- Personal Insurance including cycling cover.
How much is it?
The event is free of charge – please ensure though that you register to ensure your place on the ride. (Please note, you will need to make your own way to and from the start/finish at St Julians in Sevenoaks).
Ride25 App – please download ahead of the ride!
We are pleased to announce that our shiny new Ride25 app is available to download on the app store – please simply search on ‘Ride25’ on the app store and download it onto your phone ahead of the ride. Please use the email address you used to sign up to the event to activate the app (you should have received an email about this)
On the app, you will find the ride profile, including elevation and total distance.
Plus, the app will:
– Help our lovely Ride25 crew know where you are at any point in time so they can come to the rescue as quickly as possible if you have any mechanical or other issues
– The app can also keep you on track against the route
– Most important of all the app counts down the distance to the coffee, lunch or finish!
Please note, if you are using the app for navigation (see below for more on this) we recommend that you bring a backup portable USB power bank. We do have USB chargers at the Coffee stops/lunch.
Navigation
The ride will be signposted all the way (look out for the orange ride25 signs!) They’ll help to guide you on your way. We also recommend that you download the Ride25 app so that the crew can track you and know exactly where to find you if you get lost or into trouble!
Also, if you have a Garmin or Strava downloaded onto your phone, we recommend that you use it as an additional navigation tool. Please make sure you have somewhere to mount your device on your bike and if you are using your phone, make sure you have a portable battery charger. We will also provide battery chargers at coffee/lunch stops. As mentioned above, you can also use the Ride25 app to navigate – once you’ve downloaded the app, please select which route you are taking (the long or the short route).
Strava routes for Garmins/Strava on your phone:
There are two routes to choose from….
Longer 60 miles route
Shorter 40 miles route
(If you have a Garmin, please follow the above link and click on ‘Export’ in order to download a .gpx file.)
Registration has now closed for this event. Please speak to Alessa McNally for any queries. Alessa@theofficegroup.co.uk.
Need some inspiration?
Check out last year’s The Office Group bike ride video below!
