As snow is lying on the ground a group of cyclists are gearing up for an epic bike ride this summer, 200 miles over August Bank Holiday weekend via the sites of all the Queen Eleanor crosses.

Last year's fundraiser was hampered by a number of challenges presented by COVID – social distancing, tiers, not being able to stay away overnight and some people sadly being hit by the virus.

And yet over £22,000 was raised to help the long-term homeless into safe accommodation and a more settled and secure life.

Local cyclists are invited to join the 2021 Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride and raise funds to support the work of The Connection at St Martin-in-the-Fields with homeless and vulnerable 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. The Connection is based a few yards from the site of one of the original Queen Eleanor crosses in Trafalgar Square.

As snow and storms have hit a lot of the UK, the temperatures have plummeted and are set to drop even further. The Connection's outreach team is currently out on the streets every day, inviting people into our day centre and referring them to emergency accommodation.

The capacity of their day centre has been increased to make sure even more people can get in the warm, shower, do their laundry and receive a hot meal - all in a COVID-secure manner. Spare beds at The Bridge, their hotel accommodation project, are also available for those currently rough sleeping.

One of the first to register this year is Claire Thorneley. She says "It's a great cause and brilliant challenge raising money to help the homeless through The Connection at St Martin's. Doing 200 miles over 3 days from my doorstep meant I could explore my local area on two wheels."

Sylvia Bland is from Greetham and explains: "The QECR was something we first did as a family in 2016. We wanted to support a valuable charity, test our cycling endurance and, of course, to learn more about the historic Eleanor Crosses. Now I do the ride to continue my support for The Connection and for the friendships I've made over the years."

Keith Wright, Grantham born and bred, is also taking part this year. As he says "Hoping to be fit and ready but not feeling up to 120 miles in a day like last year! A great cause."

Keith Busfield from Stamford meanwhile summed it up "I have a bed for the night. I have a roof over my head. A lock on the door. A hot shower after a hard afternoon's cycling. Then there's dinner on the table I feel so lucky!! That's why I'm raising money to assist the homeless in London."

There's a choice of options designed to reflect your cycling ability and also reflect the COVID guidelines that may be in place at the time.

THE TRADITIONAL ROUTE 200 miles cycling from Harby near Lincoln, where Queen Eleanor died in 1290, and 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 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; younger 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. These arrangements may be reviewed in the light of the latest COVID situation.

CYCLE 200 MILES CLOSE TO HOME

The challenges of 2020 meant that last year people stayed at home but still committed to cycling 200 miles in aid of those on the street. This option is again offered this year. Even if you can't join the Group Ride, you can still take part and help support the Connection's work.

At home you can set your own cycling goal Last year one fundraiser did 200 miles in a day, whilst two young boys, Ted and Henry, completed 200 miles in their summer holidays.

The entry fee for the full ride is £80 before 30 June, and £95 thereafter. The fee for taking part locally is £20. Day fee options for the Group ride are also available.

To register, go to: www.friendsoftheconnection.org.uk/events or contact Charles Woodd at [email protected] or on 07962 213494.

For more information, visit www.queeneleanorcycleride.org or find them on Facebook.