We are pleased to announce the 2026 Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride will take place over the August Bank Holiday weekend (Friday 28 to Monday 31 August 2026). We aim to raise funds to support the work of The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields with homeless and vulnerably housed people in central London. The Friends of the Connection at St Martin’s urgently needs funds to help more people make a fresh start away from the streets. In 2025, the Ride raised around £25,000.
THE ROUTE
The Connection is based a few yards from the site of one of the original Queen Eleanor crosses. 200 miles cycling from Harby near Lincoln, where Queen Eleanor died in 1290, and from there following the route of the Queen Eleanor Crosses to Charing Cross in London. The ride starts on Friday morning and ends at Westminster Abbey on Monday, followed by a celebration. Overnight stops are in Grantham, Geddington and Dunstable. Day cyclists are also welcome.
All meals (and lots of cake are provided), plus transport for luggage and back up, with accommodation in church and village halls. 30 places are available. Regular cyclists aged 18 or over are welcome; 16 and 17-year old cyclists can take part if accompanied by a responsible adult. You will cycle in small groups chosen according to speed, led by a cyclist who is familiar with the route.
FUNDRAISING
‘There isn’t a minimum sponsorship target, but in recent years, most cyclists have raised at least £500, and some have raised much more. So far, the cyclists in 2025 have raised £28,000. All operating costs are met by the cyclist’s registration fee (see below), meaning all sponsorship funds go to support the work of The Connection.
REGISTRATION FEE
The entry fee for the full ride is £100, but is £90 for those who sign up early! If you would like to join the Traditional route for a day, the fees is £10. These fees cover any costs incurred putting the event on.
To register, follow the link below. For more information, visit www.queeneleanorcycleride.org or find us on Facebook, or if you have any queries, please contact us at queeneleanorcycle@gmail.com.
Please note by signing up to this event, participants agree to the following:
* Public liability: The Friends of the Connection provide liability cover for any claims for injury, loss, or damage during the Ride which are established to be the responsibility of the Ride organisers or leaders.
* Personal liability: Participants acknowledge that cycling can be dangerous and assume all risks for any other injury or damage to themselves or third parties, and are advised that they may wish to take out their own personal liability insurance.
* Obey rules: Participants agree to follow all applicable rules, including road rules and the Highway Code.
* Remove yourself: Participants agree to leave the ride if they feel unsafe or notice a hazard.
* Age restrictions: Riders must be 16 or over. Riders aged 16 or 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
* Route changes: Organisers may change the route due to safety concerns.
* Third-party actions: Organisers are not responsible for accidents caused by other road users.