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The Medway Big Ride is on in Gillingham this weekend for people to have fun on silly bikes, get involved in a community event or take on a challege

Jump on your bike – or penny farthing, or even an elliptigo.

Whatever wheels take your fancy you can have a go on them during an action-packed family day out.

The Medway Big Ride is back for a second consecutive year after a busy and successful debut with more than 1,000 people turning out to take part in the free event.

Reporters Lizzie Massey and Clare Freeman have a go on some of the adapted bikes which people can try during the Medway Big Ride
Reporters Lizzie Massey and Clare Freeman have a go on some of the adapted bikes which people can try during the Medway Big Ride

As part of the day’s festivities people can try their toes on a selection of adapted wheels, including a sofa bike, a multi-bike for seven riders, penny farthings and a cross trainer on wheels, called the elliptigo.

The event, on Sunday, May 17, kicks off the Medway Festival of Sport, which is a 70-day summer sport programme packed with opportunities for people to try something new and enjoy sport as a family, with friends or individually.

The highlight of the day at Medway Park in Gillingham is the mass participation bike ride at 4pm. It involves a 5km route on closed-off roads before a floodlit stunt BMX display and a firework finale.

There are four other cycling routes going on throughout the day to suit everyone, from 15 miles up to a gruelling 75.

Children can also get involved in a treasure trail ride.

If cycling doesn’t interest you, but the atmosphere does, there will a host of other entertainments, including boot camp sessions, arts and crafts and displays.

The Medway Big Ride last year
The Medway Big Ride last year

Robin Cooper, head of regeneration, community and culture at the council, said: “The Medway Big Ride is a great way of getting everyone on their bikes, whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, and enjoy being active together.”

The day is sponsored by Halfords and partnered with Cyclopark in Gravesend, which supplied some of the adapted bikes.

Those wishing to take part in the mass cycle or any of the other set distance routes need to register before the day at www.medway.gov.uk/bigride

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