EKAM Group Rides
One of the highlights for many members in our club are the Group Rides we arrange. The schedule holds a variety of rides to suit all tastes. From learning about our group riding system and meeting fellow riders in training on Associate Rides to the Sunday Club Rides and Summer Evening Rides. Our team of Ride Leaders are almost guaranteed to take you on some roads you’ve never been on and then to a nice Kentish café for a cuppa and a chat. For details about our rides, log into Tracker and you’ll find them in the Calendar.
EKAM group rides will generally use either the Drop-Off or the Buddy system to keep together – click on the appropriate name to learn more about them.
The Sunday Social (monthly)
A regular ride-out open for all Members (including Associates who have been ‘passed off’ by their Observers) on the 3rd Sunday of the month, at 09:15 for 9:30 departure. Meeting points are usually Sainsburys Ashford or Morrisons Canterbury. Winter rides start later to avoid low sun and frost.
Routes are graded (green, amber or red) depending on technical requirement and/or length, but most are green and suitable for all Advanced Riders. The Drop-Off system is used so that you can ride at your own pace and be confident of arriving at the destinations.
Normally we ride for 1:30 hrs (ca 50 miles) to one of the many great Kentish cafés, for coffee, cake and a chat and then a return leg to somewhere in central East Kent. Full details are found on Tracker nearer the date. Often the route can be viewed/downloaded in EKAM’s group MyRouteApp folder.
Please use the ‘Attend’ button in the event to let us know if you are intending to join so that we can make appropriate arrangements in good time.
Associate rides (monthly)
On the 4th Sunday of the month, we arrange a social training ride exclusive to Associates for around 1:30 hrs. A limited number of Observers are present to assist in the ride and to answer any questions that Associates may request. A great opportunity for Associates to learn the Drop-Off System, get to know others in the same situation and meet some different Observers.
The Drop-off system is used to allow you to ride at your own pace. These rides tend to be a bit more relaxed than the Club Rides and you will learn how to operate the system in the process. Meeting points and times vary, so look up the events on Tracker. Sign up is compulsory so we can source sufficient Observers.
Evening social rides
These are on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, between April and September. We’ll usually meet at 18:00 at Chartham for a pleasant easy evening ride to a beach, pub, chip shop or similar. Graded green, these rides are open to all including Associates with some experience. Sign in on Tracker for the details.
Fish and chip ride
Meeting 18:00, the Fish & Chip ride is three rides in one. It starts at three different places, but all finishing at Marino’s Fish Bar in Ashford for food and a shortened club night. Plenty of opportunity to chat and make new friends.
Festive season ride
A morning ride over the Christmas/New Year period of around 90 minutes and finishing for lunch at a place that will have us! Details will be found on Tracker when finalised. Sign up is required for catering requirements.
Reporting an incident while on a ride
All EKAM rides are run using approved guidelines, using a Ride Leader and tail end Sweeper. Should there be an incident, Ride Leaders are required to complete a Ride Incident Report form and submit it to the Committee for discussion. Click here to view/download an Incident Report form.