Sheriff's Ride 2026 | Event Information & Entry Saturday 5 September 2026 · LichfieldSheriff's Ride
Cycle EventJoin Lichfield's 470-year-old tradition on a dedicated cycling route through countryside, historic city streets and private land.
DateSaturday 5 September 2026 Start LocationStowe Pool Field, Lichfield Arrival09:00 AM Ride Starts09:20 AM 🏅 Paris 2024 Olympic Gold MedallistHear from Lichfield's own Olympic Champion
Sophie Capewell MBE grew up in Lichfield and won Olympic gold at Paris 2024, breaking the world record as part of Team GB's women's team sprint. She tells us why this ride matters to her and why you should take part.
Sophie Capewell MBE Olympic Gold Medallist · LichfieldA historic ride with a dedicated cycling route
The annual perambulation of Lichfield's boundary, held under the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary.
✓Exclusive route accessPrivate land open to registered riders only.
✓Scenic countryside routeFarmland, trackways, historic city streets and open countryside.
✓Supporting local charitiesPart of your fee goes to the Sheriff's chosen charities.
Cycle route map
Explore the full route on Plotaroute. Play it, inspect the terrain or download it.
Provisional timings
Final times will be confirmed closer to the event.
09:00 AMArrival at Stowe Pool Field
Register, collect your ride number and get ready for the ceremonial ride.
09:20 AMRide starts
Cyclists set off on the dedicated cycle route.
11:05 AMThe Plough
Scheduled stop at The Plough.
12:00 PMFreeford Farm
Lunch stop at Freeford Farm.
2:00 PMThe Nelson Inn
Afternoon stop at The Nelson Inn.
3:00 PMThe Malt Shovel
Scheduled stop at The Malt Shovel.
4:30 PMReturn to Lichfield Cathedral
Ceremonial return to Lichfield at the Cathedral.
5:30 PMEvent finishes
The Sheriff's Ride formally concludes.
A well-earned pit stop
Riders stop at The Plough at 11:05 AM before continuing to Freeford Farm for lunch at 12:00 PM, then on to The Nelson Inn and The Malt Shovel before returning to Lichfield Cathedral.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before the day.
What level of fitness do I need?
The route covers approximately 35 miles. It is suitable for reasonably fit recreational cyclists. It is not a race, so riders can take their time.Do I need a specific type of bike?
An off-road bike must be used for the ride, such as a mountain bike or another suitable off-road bicycle. Bikes must be roadworthy and suitable for mixed terrain.Is the event suitable for children?
Children aged 12 to 16 may take part when accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. One adult may accompany no more than two child cyclists. Children under 12 are not permitted to ride.Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes. All cyclists must wear a suitable cycle helmet throughout the ride.Where do I park?
The ride starts at Stowe Pool Field, near Lichfield city centre, with arrival at 09:00 AM and ride start at 09:20 AM. Public paid parking is available nearby, though time limits may apply. Where possible, cyclists are encouraged to cycle to Stowe Pool Field rather than drive.What if the weather is bad?
The event takes place regardless of weather conditions. In the interests of safety, the organisers may amend the published route if conditions are particularly adverse.How do I enter?
Register via Eventbrite: click here to book your place. Entry options are available for individuals and families.Start and parking
The ride begins at Stowe Pool Field, near Lichfield city centre, with arrival at 09:00 AM and ride start at 09:20 AM. Public paid parking is available nearby, though time limits may apply. Where possible, cyclists are encouraged to cycle to Stowe Pool Field rather than drive.
Start location
Stowe Pool Field: hood.roses.carbon
Route access to private land is for registered riders only, during approved event times.
Be part of Lichfield's living history
Register to ride and support the Sheriff of Lichfield's chosen charities.
Register NowEntry informationEnter the ride
Everything riders need in one place: entry choices, arrival expectations, terms and conditions, safety rules and the final registration link.
Join the ride
The Sheriff's Ride is not a race. It is a large-group ceremonial cycling event, supported by volunteer marshals and organised with safety, tradition and respect at its heart.
Arrive byStowe Pool Fields at 09:00 AMReady to leave by09:20 AMImportantCeremonial ride, not a racePlease arrive on time. Late arrival may result in refusal to participate and entry fees may be forfeited.Entry options
Please choose the relevant entry option below:
Before you enter: Cyclist Terms and Conditions
These terms help keep the Sheriff's Ride safe, respectful and enjoyable for everyone. Please read this rider agreement before completing your entry.
Rider agreementBy entering the Sheriff's Ride, you confirm the essentials below.
The ride is a historic ceremonial group event, not a race. Every cyclist has a part to play in keeping the day safe, calm and enjoyable.
Ride responsibly You will follow marshal instructions, respect other riders and treat the ride as a ceremonial event.Be prepared Your bicycle will be in good working order and you will wear a suitable cycle helmet.Accept the terms You participate at your own risk and accept the cyclist terms and ride rules listed below.Please arrive at Stowe Pool Fields for 09:00 AM and be ready to leave at 09:20 AM.-
Participation and responsibility
Cyclists participate at their own risk. Each person is responsible for themselves and their bicycle.
Electric bikes are permitted, provided they meet legal requirements for use on the public highway.
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Bicycle condition
Bicycles must be in good working order.
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Child cyclists
Child cyclists aged between 12 and 16 must be accompanied by an adult rider aged 18 or over.
No more than two child cyclists may be accompanied by one adult.
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Prize draws and raffles
Entry to prize draws or raffles is only applicable to those over the age of 16.
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Arrival and start time
All cyclists must arrive at Stowe Pool Fields at 09:00 AM and be ready to leave no later than 09:20 AM.
Cyclists who are not ready may be asked to leave and will forfeit any fees paid.
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Ride numbers
Your ride number will be given to you on arrival at Stowe Pool Fields. It must be visible at all times.
You will not be permitted to take part without your number. Your number does not reflect your position in the ride.
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Appearance and ceremonial nature
The Sheriff's Ride is over 470 years old. A sponsored T-shirt will be provided and should be worn by cyclists on the day. The ride passes through the centre of the city.
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Behaviour and marshal instructions
Cyclists must be polite and considerate towards all other riders, marshals, members of the public and animals.
Take particular care around horses. Give them distance and make sure riders are aware of your approach.
All marshals are volunteers. Cyclists must follow all marshal instructions at all times.
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Route
The route is marked with directional signs and is the only route cyclists should follow, as the ride travels across private land.
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Public highway
When travelling on a public highway, cyclists must observe the Highway Code.
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Cycling competence
Cyclists must be competent to cycle on the public highway and aware of their surroundings at all times.
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Large-group riding
Cyclists will be riding as part of a large group in close proximity to others. This places additional demands on cycling skills.
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Unsafe cycling
Any cyclist considered by the marshals to be a danger to others will be instructed to leave the ride.
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Emergency contact
Cyclists should plan for an emergency contact who can attend and collect them and their bicycle if needed. This contact should be available throughout the event.
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Leaving the ride
If a cyclist must leave, it may be quicker to return by road. If returning through fields, always close gates.
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Insurance and rejoining
There is no ride insurance provided for cyclists. Riders take part at their own risk.
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Helmets
Cyclists must wear a suitable cycle helmet.
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Accompanying vehicles
Only official vehicles may accompany the ride.
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Bicycle security
Bicycle security remains the responsibility of the rider.
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Changes to terms and conditions
Terms and conditions may be updated as the ride is organised. Cyclists will be informed of any changes when their registration is accepted.
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Changes on the day
The Chief Marshal and/or Clerk of the Course may amend the route or timing on the day. Where possible, changes will be communicated through the marshals.
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Not a race
This is not a race. Do not treat it as such.
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GDPR and data retention
Registration data will be kept for two years to inform you about future events. Emergency contact details are retained until after the ride and may be shared with attending emergency services or marshals acting on your behalf.
Weather and safety
This traditional event will take place regardless of weather. In the interests of safety during adverse conditions, the organisers may change the published route.
Ready to enter?
Before completing your entry, please confirm the following:
I have read and accept the Cyclist Terms and Conditions, including the Ride Rules. I understand that I participate at my own risk, that this is not a race, and that I must follow all marshal instructions during the Sheriff's Ride.
Register Now-