Text graphic reading 'The Canterbury Bike Ride' in bold white letters on a black background.

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CANTERBURY RUGBY CLUB

19 JULY 2026

Group of cyclists at the starting line of a race, wearing helmets and athletic gear, with some holding their bikes, under a cloudy sky.

We are returning to Canterbury Rugby Club in 2026 and there will be a choice of three new routes, approximately 24, 55 and 72 miles long. The routes are front loaded with climbing with a loop of the glorious Kent Down AONB before the medium and long routes head east to Sandwich, a beautiful picturesque town on the banks of the River Stour, known for its rich heritage. 

Join the camaraderie of riding alongside hundreds of like-minded individuals. Whether you're participating as part of a team or going solo, riding for a charity close to your heart or simply to push your own limits, you'll feel a true sense of accomplishment as you cross the finish line.

Two women cycling on a paved road through a grassy countryside with trees in the background.

As an entrant to the Canterbury Bike Ride, you will benefit from:

  • A choice of three fully marked routes

  • Route maps and GPS files

  • Feed stations on the long and medium routes

  • On-course first aid and mechanical support

  • A finisher’s medal and a meal

  • A free beer from Shepherd Neame at the finish

  • Free event parking

our 2026 routes

These routes are provisional and subject to change with ongoing reconnaissance due to town planning.

Our 2026 charity partners

Kent Neuro Therapy Centre is an independent charity based in Canterbury, empowering people living with neurological and long-term conditions to rebuild confidence, independence and quality of life. Through specialist, personalised therapy delivered with expertise and compassion, we support individuals to achieve meaningful goals and live fuller lives. By combining professional care with human connection, we create a welcoming community where people feel supported, valued and empowered.

There is the option to donate to Kent Neuro Therapy Centre at the registration basket or you could consider setti up a personal fundraising page.

Founded in 2014 by Brian Pitchford, Team GB Paralympian Steve Brown, and former club chairman Jonathan Marsh, Canterbury Hellfire have gone from strength to strength, making it as high as Super Series Division 1 – playing top-level rugby clubs such as Leicester Tigers.

No matter what your disability is, there’s a place for you at Canterbury Hellfire. New players are always welcome.

Join Canterbury Hellfire Wheelchair Rugby team for Taster Sessions. Give it a go and increase your wheelchair fitness.

Please contact: wheelchair@cantrugby.co.uk or ring 0791 791 8190.

Follow us on social

View the 2025 gallery

Group of people participating in a cycling event, wearing helmets and medals, with some posing with their bikes and others holding medals or celebrating after the ride.
View the gallery Password: Canterbury

These photos were taken by www.fleurchallisphotography.com - you can purchase them by contacting her via her website

What our riders say

  • "For a sportive first timer, this event was great for leaving the likes of me wanting more. Thank you."

    2024 Long Route

  • "I found everyone friendly at the event, I was surprised it wasn't busier, it was a decent route and we will be back next year to do the long route. A big thank you to everyone who helped organise the event. "

    2024 Medium Route

  • "It was my 1st time riding in such an event. The experience was fab, friendly environment, friendly riders. The staff before and after, the food. I had a lovely experience, you made my day, definitely coming back for the medium route."

    2023 Medium Route

Find us @ Canterbury Rugby Club

 

Canterbury Rugby Club, Merton Ln N, Canterbury CT4 7DZ - View on Google Maps

By Car: Parking is available for free at The Canterbury Rugby Club

By Train: Canterbury Rugby Club is a c.10 minute cycle from Canterbury East Station and a c. 15 minute cycle from Canterbury West Station.

To drive or take a taxi from Canterbury East Station is c. 9 minutes and from Canterbury West c. 12 minutes.

FAQS

How fast do I have to ride?

For rider safety we do have a cut-off time of 4pm, but this provides ample time and should allow many types of rider to enjoy The Canterbury Bike Ride. The below table shows the approximate speeds needed to complete the different routes within the time allowed.

At the start, riders set off in pods of about 20 after a briefing. There will be a female only pod for each of the ride distances for anyone who would prefer this.

What facilities are available?

There are toilet facilities at the start/finish and at the feed stations. Period products will be available in all female toilets and from female members of Iconic Cycling Events staff/volunteers.

There are changing facilities at the start and finish and a bag drop at the start.

Please get in touch if there are any other facilities or assistance that you would find useful and would aid your participation and enjoyment of the Canterbury Bike Ride.

What kit do I need?

  • A roadworthy bike (e-bikes are welcome)

  • A helmet

There is mechanical support on the rides, but we recommend that everyone is self- sufficient and carries:

  • Tyre levers

  • Mini-pump

  • Spare inner tubes

  • Multi-tool

  • Puncture repair kit

The feed stop will be stocked with a range of sweet and savoury high energy food products, as well as water, but we also recommend carrying:

  • Full water bottle(s)

  • Snacks

What clothing do I need?

You can cycle in anything you feel comfortable in, but we recommend:

  • A waterproof jacket

  • A pair of padded cycling shorts. This will make the riding much more comfortable. You can wear baggy shorts, leggings or trousers over the top if you don’t want to just wear lycra.

Pregnancy deferral policy

If you become pregnant after entering the Canterbury Bike Ride and no longer wish to participate in this year’s event, please get in touch. We can either defer your place or offer you a refund.

Cyclists at the start line of a race on a cloudy day, ready to begin on their bikes, with race numbers attached to their bikes and helmets.
Person in a large banana costume eating a banana next to a man in cycling gear holding a pastry, both outside in front of a glass building.
A man riding a bicycle on a rural road with green rolling hills in the background.
Two cyclists, a woman and a man, riding on a country road, smiling and wearing helmets and cycling gear, with green hills and trees in the background.
Cyclists in matching white and blue jerseys stand outdoors, smiling and talking while wearing cycling gloves and helmets, with bicycles and a grassy landscape in the background.
Two cyclists wearing matching white, black, and red team jerseys riding a tandem bike on a wet road with greenery on the roadside.
Group of cyclists riding downhill on a tree-lined road during daytime. The road has a speed limit sign of 40 mph.
A man riding a black bicycle on a rural road, giving a thumbs-up, surrounded by green bushes and trees, with a caution sign in the background.
A woman riding a bicycle on a road, wearing a blue cycling jersey, black shorts, a blue helmet, sunglasses, and gloves, with a race number attached to her bike.
Cyclists participating in a cycling event, wearing helmets and sports jerseys, riding bikes on a paved road with trees and flags in the background.
Two women riding bicycles on a rural road, with rolling green hills and a cloudy sky in the background.
Two cyclists riding along a waterfront road under cloudy skies, smiling and giving thumbs-up gestures. The woman in front wears a helmet, sunglasses, and a turquoise jersey, while the man behind wears a white jersey and a helmet.
Cyclists in cycling gear smiling and waving during an outdoor event, with a man in a navy hoodie and pink shorts talking to them.

previous partners