A group of cyclists from Lincolnshire are training for a 200 mile bike ride in aid of the homeless
It'll take place during the August bank holiday
Despite the pandemic a group of cyclists from Lincolnshire and beyond are determined to undertake a 200 mile bike ride over the August Bank holiday to raise money for the homeless.
Last year's event managed to raise over ÂŁ20,000 and they're hoping this year to nudge closer to ÂŁ30,000.
What is the route?
The traditional route is to follow Queen Eleanor Crosses from Harby in Lincoln - where Queen Eleanor died in 1290 to Charing Cross in London. The ride starts on Friday morning (27th August) and ends at Westminster Abbey on Monday (30th August). Overnight stops are in Grantham, Geddington and Dunstable. Day cyclists are also welcome.
Last year many of the riders had to stay home due to the pandemic but were able to commit to cycling 200 miles by riding locally (inline with the covid restrictions in their area) This option will be available again dependant on the Government guidelines.
Meanwhile last year one fundraiser did 200 miles in a day, whilst two young boys, Ted and Henry, completed 200 miles in their summer holidays.
Who is the ride in aid of ?
The group are hoping to raise lots of cash for The Friends of the Connection at St Martin’s in London. They help 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.
The Connection’s outreach team is currently out on the streets every day, inviting people into the 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.
Keith Busfield from Stamford is taking part and helping to organise the event that's run for over 10 years.
He says “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.”
"Every penny we raise is really valued. Last year we really didn't know if we could run it or not. But this year we hope to raise in excess of ÂŁ20,000 hopefully ÂŁ30,000"
"Sleeping on the street at any time is tough - sleeping on the street during covid is exceedingly tough. The more we can do to help homeless people right the way around the UK so much the better"