Cycle the Sheriff’s Ride
Saturday September 6th 2025
Join us at Stowe Field (near the City Centre https://what3words.com/hood.roses.carbon off Cross Keys Lane) for registration to allow you to access private land. Then participate in the ceremonial departure at 10:00am of the Sheriff's Carriage and a group of horses to celebrate the 470 year old tradition of the Sheriff's Ride. The cycle ride will then peel off through Beacon Park and begin a circuit of the old City and County of Lichfield with extended loops into the surrounding area. The route will involve access to private land as well as permission to ride cycles across what would normally only be public footpaths. This access will be restricted to registered riders and certain times.
Details
The annual perambulation of the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield, each September, in accordance with the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary
The ride timings below are provisional as the route is subject to change depending on the available access to farmland and weather conditions. The final route and timings will be confirmed later but we do have a provisional route map here which we will update and it will involve access to private land as well as permission to ride cycles across what would normally only be public footpaths. Private Land access will be restricted to registered riders and certain times.
We intend to begin and end the cycle ride in conjunction with the traditional equestrian event with points en route (e.g. at the refreshment stops) where the two rides can coincide and the participants can meet up. Horses and cyclists will not, however, be mixing along the route. Where cyclists and horses are together there will be at least one support vehicle between horses and cyclists for safety.
The final arrival into the city will be in combination with the horses with at least one support vehicle between horses and cyclists for safety. During the ride we also need to keep a safety distance between the equestrian and cyclist groups but we also want to promote the integration of the two aspects of the event.
Cyclists have an advantage on the road and prepared tracks (Horses have the advantage over muddy fields and loose gravel!) We are using loops for the cyclists out and back into the city in order to try and link in with the shorter equestrian route and enable us to (safely) meet up.
Information
This year the Sheriff’s Ride ride will begin at Stowe Fields https://what3words.com/couches.mutual.over where there is parking for horseboxes. Public (paid) parking is available for other vehicles but with limited time. Please be ready by 9:45am as a small group of horses will go into the City Centre to officially start the ride at 10:00am with the cyclists following through to create a spectacle. As the ride proceeds the cycle ride will separate and the main equestrian ride will join via the Cathedral Close to begin the annual perambulation of the City & County of Lichfield.
At approximately 11:15 we will have a short stop. Last year it was at Bod Lichfield, Streethay (toilets) https://what3words.com/exists.plots.often (to be confirmed for 2025) and then we will move on to Freeford Manor arriving around 12:00.
We intend to have a 45 minute stop at Freeford Manor for refreshment. Toilets will be available. Horseboxes or other support vehicles can access via https://what3words.com/wires.chin.gladiators
We will be leaving Freeford at approximately 12:45pm and riding across farmland, trackways and some roads to Pipe Hall for another refreshment stop (toilets) after which we will move on to Maple Hayes Hall for the last canter.
The ride will then combine with the cyclists with the horses to form a procession into the City Centre with a ceremonial arrival via the Cathedral Close around 4:30pm in order to maximise our visibility to the public and then to finally return to Stowe Field at about 5pm
Part of the ticket fee will be donated to the Sheriff’s of Lichfield’s chosen charities.
If you wish to take part and support this historic event - please follow the link on this page
Thank you for your support
Cyclist Terms and Conditions Including Ride Rules
1. Cyclist participate at their own risk and each person is responsible for themselves and their bicycle. Electric bikes are permitted as long as they fit the legal requirement to be classed as such for riding on the Public Highway.
2. Bicycles must be in good working order.
3. Child cyclists between the aged 12 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult rider over 18yrs. No more than 2 child cyclists accompanied per adult.
4. Entrance to prize draws or raffles is only applicable to those over the age of 16.
5. All cyclists must arrive on at Stowe Fields before 9.30am and we ask that you be ready to leave no later than 9:45am, ready for the lead Marshal to call the start of the Ride, those not ready to go, may be asked to leave the Ride and will forfeit any fees paid. Late arrival may result in being refused participation and you will forfeit any fees paid.
6. Your Ride number will be given to you as you arrive at Stowe Fields. You will not be permitted to take part in the Sheriff’s Ride without your number, which must always be visible. Please note your number does not reflect your position in the ride.
7. The Sheriff’s Ride is over 470 years old, this is a ceremonial event and your appearance is important. Cyclists must wear appropriate, inoffensive cycling kit. You will be cycling through the centre of the city.
8. Behaviour
Always be polite, always consider other riders and cyclists.
Cyclists need to be careful around horses - give them distance and do not make any sudden movements. Make sure, if you are approaching horses, that the riders are aware before you get close.
Abide by the ride rules and follow the instructions given by the cycle Marshals and be in control of your cycle or retire from the ride.
All Marshals are volunteers, paying the same entry fee as everybody else. Marshals are appointed to assist in the smooth running of the Sheriff Ride. Cyclists must always obey their instructions. Cycle marshals shall be identified at the start of the ride
9. The route taken is marked out with directional signs and is the only route you should take, as you will be travelling across private land.
10. During the times when you travel on a public highway please observe the National Highway code.
11. It is the responsibility of each cyclist to ensure that they are competent to cycle on the public highway, cyclist should be aware of their surroundings and able to control the cycle which they are riding.
12. You will be riding as part of a large group in proximity which will place additional demands on your cycling skills.
13. Any cyclists considered by the marshals to be a danger to others will be instructed to leave the ride.
14. You should plan for an emergency contact, who can attend to collect you and your bicycle in the event of difficulties, to be available throughout the duration of the event.
15. If a cyclist must leave the ride, it may be quicker to return by road. If returning through fields always remember to close the gate.
16. Any cyclist leaving the ride at any point will not be covered by the ride insurance and will not be allowed to rejoin the ride.
17. Cyclists must wear a suitable cycle helmet.
18. Only official vehicles may accompany the ride
19. Bicycle security remains the responsibility of the rider.
20. The terms and conditions may have to be changed as we organise the ride, you will be informed of any changes when your registration is accepted.
21. It may be necessary on the day of the Ride for the Chief Marshal and/or the Clerk of the Course to make amendments to the route or timing of the Sheriff’s Ride, we will communicate this through our marshals where possible.
22. This is not a race. Do not treat it as such.
23. GDPR
a) We will keep data for two years to inform you about next year's events b) Details of emergency contact will be retained from registration until after the Ride has been completed and will be provided to any attending emergency service as well as an attending Ride Marshal who are liaising with them on your behalf.
Please note that this traditional event will take place regardless of the weather but in the interest of safety during adverse conditions the organisers may change the published route