The 10th Anniversary Queen Eleanor Cycle Ride was a triumphal success. The 21 cyclists arrived at Westminster Abbey on Bank Holiday Monday, having completed the 212 miles from Harby near Lincoln, where Eleanor of Castile died, in rain, bright sunshine and strong winds. Their efforts look to be hugely rewarded, with the sponsorship total approaching their target of £25,000 to support the work of The Connection. If you would like to help make sure they reach their target, it’s not too late to sponsor them – go to MyDonate

As usual, their route took them past the sites of all 12 Eleanor Crosses (including the three original crosses which are still standing, at Geddington, Hardingstone and Waltham). They carried with them a small wooden cross, carved from the wood of a tree that grows on the site where Eleanor died in 1290, which they placed on Eleanor’s tomb in Westminster Abbey. All the way along, they received generous refreshment (including much cake!) and hospitality from their many local hosts.

There was a particularly poignant moment on this year’s Ride. On the Saturday evening at Geddington, the whole team was able to pay tribute to one of the QECR’s stalwart and generous local supporters, John Doran, who had fixed everything for us year after year at the Saturday overnight stop. Tragically, John died of cancer last year, but we were able to join with his family and friends at a moving ceremony in Geddington churchyard, where we placed a second cross from our friends at Harby on John’s grave, in recognition of his dedicated support and friendship.

So a big Thank You to everyone involved – cyclists, support team, local hosts and our many generous sponsors!

Post script: Soon planning will be underway for the 2019 QECR: Fri 23 – Mon 26 August. If you are interested in cycling or joining our support team as a driver or navigator, please get in touch on queeneleanorcycle@gmail.com