INDEX fitness Pedal
Canterbury, the coast of Whitstable and Herne Bay and the towers of Reculver … all can be easily explored from the saddle.
W
e’re so lucky – quiet villages and woods, the sights of
power
Do you prefer to race, cycle alone or in a group, potter or perform stunts? Kaz Russell has an option for you
See
www.spokeseastkent.org.uk. If you don’t have a bike, but fancy exploring the local scenery from the saddle, then CANTERBURY CYCLE HIRE could be the answer. Guests of Bernard Wright’s Whitstable B&B regularly asked him about bike hire and now his company hires bikes from Canterbury (The Goods Shed), Whitstable (The Captain’s House) and Herne Bay (Le Petit Poisson). You can even hire one way – taking your time and enjoying the route without worrying about tired legs or getting saddle sore. The bikes are replaced each year (you might bag a bargain when the old stock is sold off) and are popular with visitors and locals alike. Bernard has even developed his own routes to enhance the cycling experience. Call 07701 114529 or see
www.canterburycyclehire.com. FOWLMEAD COUNTRY
imagesbyralph.com SPOKES is a campaigning
group set up to encourage cycling. It works closely with the council to promote cycling routes, run events and lead rides of their own (first Sunday of the month). As well as information on routes such as the famous Crab and Winkle between Canterbury and Whitstable, the website has information about new tracks such as the recently opened one between Canterbury and Chartham. You can also download maps of a multitude of other lesser known routes and paths across the region.
www.indexmagazine.co.uk
PARK in Betteshanger removes the stress of sharing the roads with motor vehicles. A two-mile long looped track, six metres wide, enables experienced riders and families to enjoy safe cycling. To take your own bikes costs nothing, though Simon, one of the British Cycle qualified coaches at the park, emphasises that all riders need to “stay safe and have fun, and all riders must wear a helmet.” Simon recommends the
Saturday Fowlmead Cycle Club where from 11am to 12.30pm qualified coaches lead rides and fun sessions for kids aged seven to 15, all for £2. There’s plenty of parking (£2), as well as other leisure attractions to explore. Bike hire is available for all the family, and with bike clubs
regularly using the venue it’s a great way to consider taking your interest in the sport further. Many bike shops are keen to
promote cycling in the area. Call 01304 615390 or see
www.fowlmead.co.uk. Bryan Jackson, from
DOWNLANDS CYCLES in Canterbury, says: “The new Chartham route has been really successful – it’s quicker now to cycle to Canterbury than it is drive,” says Bryan. Downland’s has pooled their collective knowledge into a detailed website where local routes for all abilities are listed. Other events include the Saturday Rideout, a three hour ride with tea and home made cakes at the finish. As well as stocking a wide range of bikes and equipment and carrying out repairs, Downlands also hires bikes, including tandems and trailers. The keen enthusiast can also take frame building and
mechanics courses. Call 01227 479643 or see
www.downlandcylces.co.uk. THE BIKE WAREHOUSE in Faversham and Herne Bay sells bikes and offers advice to BMX enthusiasts, road racers and off road fanatics – as well as those simply wanting to enjoy a bit of exercise and fresh air or a way of getting from A to B. Their spokesperson also had lots of recommendations for places to cycle: it’s possible to cycle between Faversham and Whitstable (some do it to go to work). The BMX park along the sea front at Swalecliff (end of Marine Crescent) is proving popular, and for those who like to explore there are well-defined (although not signed) paths in Perry Woods and Blean Woods – brilliant places for kids to burn up energy, breathe fresh air and feel free.
Call 01795 539439.
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The INDEX magazine January 2012
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