Event organisers were bowled over by the biggest ever turnout for the KM Big Bike Ride on Sunday (April 23) which raised a bumper £15,000 for charity.

Five hundred riders registered for the annual adrenaline event with 60 good causes benefiting from funds raised. Pete Bunyan from Sittingbourne was the biggest individual fundraiser with £353.75 going to Guide Dogs Medway. The highest group fundraiser, Morgan Sproates and Tony Goodall, both from Thanet, raised £433.75 for Macmillan and Kidney Research UK.

The event attracted participants of all ages including 80 year-old Dennis Dixon from Dover. Joint youngest taking part were 15 year-olds Matty Grassow of Medway and Aiden Gregory from Thanet. Veteran sportive riders rubbed shoulders with family teams including father and daughter pairing Sarah and Jim Hunter from Maidstone, who cycled as part of Sarah’s birthday celebrations.

Melanie Rogers of Vattenfall Wind and Power Ltd waved the chequered flag to formally start the event before saddling up with a team of colleagues.

Riders took part in one of two routes just for fun or to support their favourite charity through sponsorship. The event provided electronic chip timing, mid ride refreshment and sportive photographs during the ride. Cyclists also received medals and goody bags at the finish line.

Simon Dolby of the KM Charity Team which organised the event said: “We’ve had a record turnout with 500 riders registered to take part in either the 50K or 100K route. We’ve never had that number of participants involved before. It’s been a fantastic day.”

Mr Dolby praised key partners Betteshanger Country Park for hosting the event, Vattenfall for its fifth year of support, and Locks of Sandwich Cycles for route planning, signage and bike maintenance service on the day. The event was also backed by Benenden Hospital Trust and Bike Tart.

Companies interested in supporting next year’s KM Big Bike Ride should contact Mr Dolby on 07989 164 752 or email sdolby@thekmgroup.co.uk

To receive advance news on KM Charity Team events including KM Colour Run on June 11, KM Charity Walk on June 25 and KM Dragon Boat Race on July 2, sign up to the KM Link e-newsletter at www.kmcharityteam.co.uk