Are you a regular cyclist, who’s looking for a bit of a challenge, a fun bank holiday weekend, a touch of history, and an opportunity to raise money for a very worthy cause, all rolled into one? If so, look no further – the Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride (QECR) is the place for you!
THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE
The QECR is a 4-day sponsored cycle ride, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend every year. The 200-mile route follows quiet roads through glorious countryside from Harby, near Lincoln, to London, and links the locations of the 12 Queen Eleanor Crosses, which Edward 1 built in memory of his wife Eleanor of Castile, after she died in Harby in 1290. You can read more about the route here and if you want to know more about the historical background, it’s here.
There are usually between 15 and 30 cyclists, and we cycle in smaller groups (matching cyclists with comparable average speeds). In recent years, the age range has been from 16 to over 70 (16/17 year olds will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult). We sleep in churches and church halls, all our meals are provided, mostly by generous local hosts who welcome us back year after year, and we have a support team in vehicles which carry our luggage and who provide emergency assistance whenever needed. If you want more details, check our FAQs here.
FUNDRAISING
The QECR is organised by the Friends of the Connection at St Martin’s, and its ultimate purpose is to raise funds to support the work of the Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields. There is no required sponsorship target, but in recent years the average raised by each cyclist has been between £500 and £1,000, and some raise much more. The 2024 Ride raised just under £22,000.
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, or a day and overnight, the fees are £10, or £20, respectively.
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.