NetZero Networking Orchards & Vineyards Cycle Ride

This informal and friendly business networking cycle ride is your chance to take a break from the day-to-day routine, get some fresh air and exercise whilst meeting with like-minded people.
The planned route starts from Macknade Food Hall, Faversham and loops east and south to enjoy some of the many orchards and vineyards in the area.

Our route follows quiet country lanes with some gravel sections. The complete ride is a little over 23 miles. There are some hills – with the reward of beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

You don’t have to be super fit or an expert cyclist to join us. But you will need a reasonable level of fitness and basic bike handling skills. We expect the ride to take between 2.5 and 3 hours.

What you will need:
• A roadworthy bike – any type. Please be aware that there are non-tarmac sections on this ride so wider tires are recommended.
• A cycling helmet (Recommended – not compulsory)
• Clothing – if you have a specialist kit – that’s fine. If you don’t, we recommend wearing close-fitting, comfortable clothes suitable for the weather (check the forecast before leaving home). Eye protection, gloves and sensible footwear are also recommended.
• Please bring a drink and a snack.

Ride Distance – 23.5 miles. We’ll be riding at a leisurely pace so that everyone can keep up and it’s easy to chat – we won’t leave anyone behind.

Parking – Free parking is available at Macknade, Faversham. However, please travel as sustainably as you can. Faversham train station is a 5-minute cycle ride from Macknade.

Itinerary:
10 am Meet at Macknade, Faversham. We’ll do a kit and bike check and then depart.
12.30 pm – 1 pm Return to Macknade for drinks, lunch, cakes, etc.

Enjoy a complimentary coffee courtesy of Macknade. Snacks, meals, and refreshments will be available to order (at an additional cost).

You are welcome to join us for lunch if you can’t make the cycle ride.

Please call or text us at 07813 985780 to let us know you are coming.

What to expect:
This is a relaxed, friendly and informal networking event.
You’ll have a chance to introduce yourself and your work/business when we meet, and you’ll be encouraged to get to know everyone.
There is no pitching or referrals, although collaboration, support and information sharing are encouraged.
You are welcome to bring your business or sustainability questions, challenges, opportunities or topics you would like to discuss.

Travel:
Please travel to the event as sustainability as you can.
There are regular trains to Faversham. However, we do understand that using public transport is not always possible. If you need to drive, free parking is available at Macknade.

Event Leader:
Rachael Carley is a certified Coach, NLP Practitioner, and outdoor leader with a background in business and the not-for-profit sector. She started Carley Coaching in July 2021 and held the first outdoor networking event in December 2021. ‘NetZero Networking’ evolved from this and became a regular feature in 2022. Rachael is also co-founder of the sustainability training company, ‘Lead Inspire’ and leads ‘Bici’ – a cycling and sustainable transport initiative delivered in partnership with Macknade.

Ride Leader:
Miranda Palmer is the Active Travel Interventions Team Leader at Kent County Council. Miranda is a Ride Leader with a background in the Agricultural and Equestrian industry, Sports Development, Education and Transport Planning. She is passionate about the health and well-being of others and helps facilitate this through her everyday work and personal life.