Date
18th June - 20th June 2027
Location
Kent to Ypres
Distance
Approx 190km across two days
Payment options
£150 deposit + £1500 fundraising target
£150 deposit + £500 entry (due 30/04/2027) + £1000 fundraising target
For full fund options please contact the team.

Tommy Ride

RBVE works to create jobs, provide homes and build communities for veterans and people with disabilities. Join the Tommy Ride to Ypres to ride alongside veterans and raise money to help veterans thrive.

Starting at Royal British Veteran Enterprise RBVE’s headquarters in Aylesford, Kent, The Tommy Ride takes you through the peaceful lanes of the county before heading southeast to Dover. After a smooth day in the saddle, enjoy dinner and rest during the ferry crossing.

Day two of the Tommy Ride begins with an early start through France into Belgium, pausing for reflection at Tyne Cot Cemetery before finishing beneath the iconic Menin Gate in Ypres. A powerful and memorable experience in support of a vital cause.

Throughout the journey, you’ll be supported by professional ride captains, support vehicles, motorcycle outriders, medics, and mechanics, ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and memorable experience. With excellent camaraderie, well-planned pit stops, and quality hospitality, The Tommy Ride offers an opportunity to connect with others while making a meaningful impact.

Tommy Ride 2026 - Tyne Cot

What's Included in the Tommy Ride?

Two unforgettable days of guided cycling through historic landscapes

An expert historian as your personal tour guide, bringing each site and battlefield to life

Ride captains, mechanics and medics to keep you safe throughout the ride.

3* hotel accommodation, with meals included from Friday to Sunday

Ferry return with coach and transfers of your bikes and luggage.

An official RBVE cycling jersey to wear on the ride with pride

Comprehensive pre-ride support, including a dedicated supporter care team, training guidance and fundraising advice

Plenty of pit stops to rest, refuel and recover.

An exclusive finishers medal

Access to a dedicated cycling community, including our Facebook group for support, tips and camaraderie.

Day One

You will you set off from RBVE’s Village in Kent. The Tommy Ride route will quickly take you on to the quiet lanes and smooth roads of Kent. Pausing on route at our planned refreshment stops. There is very little climbing in the first section of the ride as the route snakes its way Southeast towards Dover. Riders can then relax onboard the ferry during the crossing whilst enjoying dinner.

Early breakfast is served before you head North through France and into Belgium. Before the ride enters Ypres, you will have a chance to take a moment and reflect at The Commonwealth Cemetery at Tyne Cot. An incredible poignant and sobering reminder of the cost of war. The ride finishes under the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. A late dinner is planned in Ypres so that riders can attend the Last Post ceremony held at the Menin Gate at 8pm.

Ways to get involved

Tirtha is one of six former soldiers who served with the Brigade of Gurkhas who works in RBVE’s factory. Tirtha joined the British Army in 2005, and in his seven-year service undertook two tours of Afghanistan. On his second tour, in 2010, clearing improvised explosive devices he was caught in a blast and severely injured, losing his left leg above the knee.

In 2012 RBVE gave him what he calls his second chance. He has since established himself as leader of the signage team in the factory and has been able to move with his wife and two children to a new home outside the village in nearby Maidstone. ‘Being here,’ he says, ‘is like a family.’

Becky - Tommy Ride 2026 Participant
"Arriving at the Menin Gate in Ypres was very emotional experience for everyone and visiting the memorials along the way reminds you of the ultimate sacrifice made by those very young men who served our country it cannot be forgotten. It highlighted to me why supporting all Veterans is such an important thing to do, and to keep all our stories alive.This wasn't just a bike ride it was a journey of remembrance, friendship & determination through humour, blood sweat and tears. I enjoyed it so much i'm looking forward to next year."
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Radders - Tommy Ride 2025 Participant
“I have lived a short distance from RBVE’s village for over 30 years and have been fully aware of the amazing work that RBVE provides to all veterans. I have never been involved in such a large event before, so I was excited to meet new people and take part in the 2025 Tommy Ride to Ypres. From the minute I arrived at Aylesford, I was overwhelmed by the excitement and encouragement that I was met with from the event organisers, support team, and other cyclists. The organisation throughout the whole event was admirable. The medical support, bike mechanic, drivers, catering team, and event organisers who offloaded and collected our baggage, and managed all of the customs processes, were incredible. I have made some wonderful friends along the way and will be looking to take part again next year.”
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Bruce - Tommy Ride 2025 Participant
“I took on this challenge after seeing it on Facebook. I used to take some of the veterans out on coach tours, and this inspired me to give something back. It also allowed me to remember members of my family who served during the wars. Once I met up with everyone on the day, you could feel the emotions throughout the group. The organisation from the RBVE team was fantastic. I got to meet some amazing people and incredible cyclists. I left feeling part of an amazing team who supported each other every step of the way. The highlight for me was crossing the line at the Menin Gate — my emotions were high from finishing this incredible experience. I would highly recommend doing this to anyone. I’ve already expressed interest in joining the incredible cyclists again next year.”
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