We're cycling over 150 miles from Wales to England this September!
Newport, Wales → Bournemouth, England
10–12 September 2026 | Over 150 Miles | 2 Days | 1 Purpose
The Ellis Edwards Foundation’s South Coast Bike Ride kicks off this September with an unforgettable two‑day challenge taking riders from Newport in Wales all the way to Bournemouth on the south coast of England. Covering over 150 miles, this event brings together determination, community spirit, and the shared mission of supporting children who are grieving the loss of a sibling or parent.
A Journey of Heart and Purpose
The experience begins on 10 September with a pre‑cycle dinner at The Celtic Manor (Newport, Wales) where riders meet, connect, and prepare for the challenge ahead. Over the following two days, cyclists will take on a stunning cross‑country route, with a mid‑journey overnight stop to rest, refuel, and recharge.
From Welsh valleys to English coastline, every mile ridden honours Ellis’s legacy and helps fund the Foundation’s vital work.
Ride for Ellis. Ride for Families. Ride for Change.
This event isn’t just a physical challenge – it’s a powerful act of support.
Each participant commits to:
- £500 minimum sponsorship, directly supporting the Foundation’s mission
- £350 entry fee, covering 2-nights accommodation, catering and event logistics
- Being physically able to participate and completing a minimum 3-month training programme
- Providing all their own cycling equipment suitable for long-distance, clothing and safety gear.
Every contribution helps us support another family and offer a glimmer of light during their darkest days. The South Coast Bike Ride also aims to raise awareness of the support available to children and their and families navigating the unimaginable.
Be Part of Something Bigger
Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or taking on your first long‑distance ride, this event is about community, courage, and doing something extraordinary.
This is recommended as an adult-participant event, and we welcome cycle groups, solo cyclists, bike enthusiasts and anyone who likes a challenge! Together, we’ll cross borders, push limits, and make a lasting impact.
Join us this September and help carry Ellis’s light from Wales to the south coast.
“Every event we hold, every donation made, and every mile cycled in September to raise funds – it all means more to us than we can ever express. Losing Ellis changed our world forever, but the love people continue to show in his memory gives us strength. When you take part in the South Coast Bike Ride, you’re helping us support other children navigate the heartbreak we live with every day. You’ll be carrying Ellis’s light forward and making a difference to many other families, and we are endlessly grateful for that.”
Eddie & Carly Edwards – Ellis’ parents
How to get involved
- Pay your £350 registration fee
- Complete the registration form (will appear after payment)
- Join the Just Giving fundraiser – We have a team set up for the South Coast Bike Ride. Click here to set up your page on the official South Coast Bike Ride team Just Giving page.
- Start training!
- Start fundraising!
This button will open up Just Giving in a new window, with a page designed just for paying your registration fee – you can sign up as an individual cyclist or a cycling team.
When paying your registration fee, please include your full name and ‘South Coast Bike Bike registration fee‘ in the comments.
Just Giving automatically adds a ‘tip’ onto donations to cover their admin costs. The charity does not receive this tip, and it can be customised to a lower amount or to zero, using the ‘customise’ button.
Alternatively, you can scan the QR code below with a mobile device, to pay your registration fee.
When payment has been made you will be automatically redirected to the online registration form to complete your sign up.
One form per cyclist is required.
Are you up to the challenge?
Rider FAQs
- How far is the ride?
The route covers over 150 miles across two days, travelling from Newport in Wales to Bournemouth in England.
- When does the event take place?
The South Coast Bike Ride runs from 10–12 September 2026.
On the 10 September we’re holding a pre‑cycle dinner in Newport, Wales at the Celtic Manor Hotel, and an overnight stay (for those who aren’t local). After a good night’s rest, we start day 1 with breakfast at the famous 2010 Clubhouse. The cycling takes place on the 11–12 September, finishing in Bournemouth on the Sunday afternoon. There is one overnight stop mid‑route on the 11th September in Frome, and a final night’s accommodation in Bournemouth for those who aren’t local.
- Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
You don’t need to be a seasoned long‑distance rider, but you should be comfortable cycling for several hours a day. We recommend training in the months leading up to the event to ensure you enjoy the experience.
- What is included in the entry fee?
The £350 entry fee covers:
- Pre‑cycle dinner at The Celtic Manor
- Breakfast at the famous 2010 clubhouse to start the first day
- 2 night’s accommodation (either Newport + Frome, or Frome + Bournemouth)
- Support crew and logistics
- Luggage transport
- Snacks and refreshments during the ride
- Can I get 3 nights accommodation?
Yes, you can. If you want to stay in Newport, Frome and Bournemouth you can let us know when you register. There will be an additional cost for the 3rd night.
- Can my supporters stay in the hotel too?
We can provide the details of the hotels that we’re staying in so your support crew can book their own rooms in the same place (subject to availability). We have no influence over the rates charged by the hotel for these rooms.
We’ve based the entry fee on
- How much do I need to fundraise?
Each rider commits to a minimum sponsorship of £500, which goes directly to supporting the Ellis Edwards Foundation’s work with children who are grieving the loss of a parent or sibling.
- Can I fundraise as part of a team?
Yes – teams are welcome. Each rider must meet the individual minimum sponsorship target and pay the registration fee, but fundraising as a group can be a great way to build momentum.
- How do I fundraise?
We have set up a Just Giving Team for the South Coast Bike Ride. You’ll need to click on this link and join the team – simply click on ‘join fundraisers’ at the top of the page (next to the title of the team) and follow the instructions. Then you’ll have your own link to share on social media and via messaging like WhatsApp and email.
Team page: https://www.justgiving.com/team/south-coast-bike-ride
- What should I bring?
A full kit list will be provided after registration, but essentials include:
- A roadworthy bike
- Helmet (mandatory)
- Cycling clothing for two days, including safety gear and high-vis.
- Weather‑appropriate layers
- Water and personal snacks or energy gels
- A positive spirit – the most important item of all!
- Where does the ride finish?
We finish in Bournemouth, where friends, family, and supporters are welcome to cheer riders over the final stretch.
- Where can I see the whole route?
We’ll share this with you after registration, so you can use it for your training and sharing with supporters.
- Why take part?
Every mile honours Ellis’s legacy and helps fund vital support for families navigating the unimaginable. This ride is more than a challenge. It’s a journey of purpose, community, and courage.
