Photo: Hilary and Ian on the Big Ride 2025
On July 25th 2026 the first local Big Ride for Palestine will take place right on our doorstep in Margate. The Big Ride was initiated in 2015 by activists in Britain, Ireland and beyond who wanted to combine a love of cycling with support for the Palestinian people. That support is needed more than ever today.
The Margate ride is a circular route of approximately 30 miles, starting less than 5 minutes from Margate station. Undulating , with some hills for the first third, and then mainly flat, A mixture of cycle paths, shared paths and road riding. It will be a leisurely ride with morning and afternoon water/toilet stops, a lunch break with tea, coffee, and vegan food provided, and a post ride meal with soft drinks for all riders who stay on after the ride. Ride registration is from 9.00 till 9:30, followed by a pre-ride briefing. The ride starts at 10.00 and will end at approx 17:30.
The Big Ride raises funds for two charities:
- The Sunbirds, a para-cycling team from Gaza. Alaa al Dali and Mohammed Asfour, two of the Sunbirds evacuated from the strip in 2024, are now competing for Palestine on a global stage. The rest of the team remains in Gaza where they are delivering aid and supporting their local communities.
- The Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA) which provides emergency aid to children and families and supports community projects for children in Palestine.
If you want to join us you can find details on how to book on the Big Ride for Palestine national website or facebook page.
Hilary, Ian and David, Big Ride for Margate
Ian Venables is a semi-retired gardener who worked as a counsellor in the NHS for 27 years. A former councillor and Unite workplace rep.
Hilary Chuter is a member of the NEU, and Secretary of North East Kent TUC. Hilary has taken part in Big Rides for Palestine since 2017.
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