Our store rides, events and local route inspiration

Whether you're new to the local area and looking to explore or a seasoned rider with lots of experience and knowledge, we've got you covered for all your riding needs. From wild ride outs and full gas chain gangs, to leisurely and pleasant outings to hone out your skills, we organise regular rides starting from the store or the local area. 

If you're not looking to join a group and prefer to ride solo, we have a list of local routes for your to look at and discover our beautiful local countryside. 

   

Kent Off-Road Coast to Coast Ride – 26^th June

We have organised a 40 mile off-road ride from Folkestone to Whitstable to raise money for Kent charity, Pilgrims Hospices. It's been a very tough time for them, and we want to show support for the valuable care they provide to people with incurable illness.

The ride will be a great day out for every cyclist, whether you are an experienced off-roader or just want to have a go at the challenge to ride off-road from the south to north coast of Kent. As this is 40 miles and about 5 hours riding, bear in mind it is a tough challenge!

The ride will start at the Activ shop in Folkestone for a quick coffee, and then make its way up to the North Downs. From there it goes via Wye and Canterbury, and finally follows the Crab and Winkle Way to Whitstable. The route has long stretches through beautiful woods and across downland with stunning views. We finish at a pub for a celebratory beer to wash down fish n chips on the seafront at Whitstable! We have also organised a coach and vans to get riders and their bikes back to Folkestone. The cost is £15 and is all contributed to the Pilgrims Hospices.

If you would like to take part and support this great charity, please find more details on the link below:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kent-off-road-coast-to-coast-tickets-346708583707

     

Ashford & Folkestone Gravel Ride - Monthly Monday evening for local experienced gravel riders

Join Howard, our local trails expert, on our Activ Cycles  monthly gravel rides. The rides will be a combination of roads and bridleways suited to gravel bikes, using Howard’s unrivalled knowledge of the local terrain.

The rides are suitable for experienced gravel riders and will last around 2 hrs at an average speed of 12mph. Gravel bikes are the order if the day: Howard will be on his Trek Boone and Ian on his Cervélo Aspero. Joining us on a mountain bike would be challenging as road and fast gravel sections average about 15-16mph.

If you would like to attend our gravel ride, please email us on ashford@activcycles.co.uk  with your name, phone number and emergency contact so we have an idea of numbers. In case of cancellation, we will contact you in advance. 

The details are: 

• Second Monday of the month
• for Monday 13th June, meet at the Black Horse pub in Fiddling Lane, Monks Horton (TN25 6AP) at 6.30pm
• Average speed 12mph, experienced gravel riders only
• Helmets, front and rear lights are compulsory 
• Bikes need to be in good working order

We started off in Brabourne and wound through the bridleways to Port Lympne. A challenging downhill path through the zoo (sadly the giraffes were not out) took us to the bridleway by the military canal.

Ian, Activ Cycles 

     

Local Riding - Our Recommendations

Whether you're new to cycling, new to town, or simply passing through, this is your first stop on the way to the best riding around Kent. With countless years of combined local knowledge, we're on hand to lead you straight to the highlights. 

Great Local trail centers and cycling venues

Hot spots for cyclists of all abilities. whether it be smooth, traffic free tarmac track or off road single track, these venues have it all!

Unmissable Café Stops

The weekly club run wouldn't be the same without a good café stop. Here are our regular haunts – bike-friendly, and top notch refuelling!

Local Kent Cycling Clubs

Joining a cycling club is a great way to find new routes, train for events, get into racing and simply rub shoulders with other people passionate about cycling. Kent has some great clubs that offer members weekly club rides, youth training (“Go Ride”), time trialling, MTB and cyclocross racing, as well as road racing. 

Shop Rides – In Review

Experience some of the local knowledge at the heart of Activ Cycles first hand by joining us on our regular shop rides. We head out on a variety of off-road loops from the Folkestone shop – check out our write-ups below for an idea of what to expect: