A huge 370 cyclists pulled on their Lycra and strapped up their helmets to brave the elements and take part in the annual KM Big Bike Ride on Sunday.

Staged at Betteshanger Park, near Deal, riders were offered the choice of a 50K countryside or 100K coastal and helped to raise £17k for good causes in the process.

A number of charitable organisations benefitting from the challenge day included Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance, children’s road safety services and the East Kent Mercury’s charity of the year Pegasus Playscheme.

Key partners Vattenfall Wind Power LTD, Locks of Sandwich Cycles and The Freewheel Pub and Cycling Cafe, Graveney were delighted with the turnout on the day and the impressive figure raised.

Melanie Rogers of Vattenfall, said: “We are thrilled to be involved with the ride for the fourth year running, and are so pleased to see so many keen bikers coming out to support the event.”

Simon Dolby, chief executive of the KM Charity Team which organise the event, said: “The KM Big Bike Ride has firmly established itself as a major event on the fundraising and sporting calendar of the county. More than 40 charities and good causes used the event to raise funds for themselves and hundreds of riders now use it as one of their regular major rides during the year. We are thrilled at its growing success.”

He added: “Following such a tremendous turnout in 2015, we optimised staff on Sunday and offered a much smoother, more efficient check-in system which cyclists were extremely impressed with in their feedback. Participants also responded fondly to the double signage – both road signs and chalk-painted floor arrows – by Locks of Sandwich Cycles to ensure every rider knew exactly where to go.”

Riders completing their chosen route returned to find their time flashed on television screens on the finish line and then were presented with limited edition medals by Vattenfall.

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

To receive advance news on KM Charity Team events and the chance to win a pair of Eurostar tickets, sign up to the KM Link e-newsletter by visiting www.kmcharityteam.co.uk

CLAIM YOUR SPORTIVE PHOTOGRAPH

Riders can claim their professional action photograph courtesy of Sportive Photo by visiting www.sportivephoto.com and visiting ‘Last 7 Days Events’. From here you will find ‘KM Big Bike Ride’. All photos will be saved under individual rider numbers supplied on the day, unless your number is obscured in the image. These pictures will be saved under number ‘999’