Njinga's Santa Charity Cycle 2025
join us
Don't miss our thirteenth Santa Charity Cycle
For the last 12 years*, along with 100s of other cycling Santas, we've cycled our 15.5 km route from Richmond, SW London to deliver gifts to the incredible children at Shooting Star Children's Hospice in Hampton who are suffering with life limiting illnesses.
It’s grown from humble beginnings 13 years ago to an annual must do activity on the Richmond Festive season calendar.
Since we started this journey with Shooting Star we have delivered nearly 6000 Christmas presents to the kids and raised tens of thousands of pounds for this fantastic charity.
We hope you can join us!
*Due to freezing temperatures the last 2 years, our plans changed from a ride to a stride but our amazing community of Santas still came together to deliver gifts and raise money for the incredible Shooting Star Children's Hospice.
All set for the Santa Cycle
Times, route and meeting spots at a glance, plus what to bring so you can focus on the fun and the fundraising.
When we ride
- Saturday 6 December 2025
- Arrive 8:30 AM for a 9:00 AM roll-out
- Brief safety chat and group photo before we set off
- Expect 60 to 90 minutes of relaxed, social riding
The ride at a glance
- 15.5 km festive social ride
- Suits riders comfortable at 10 miles an hour or more
- All roadworthy bikes welcome
- Led by Njinga coaches and volunteers
- Charity ride, not a race
Where to meet us
- Start: 1–3 George St, Richmond, London TW9 1AB
- Finish: The Turks Head Pub, Twickenham
- Richmond Station is a short walk from the start
- Bring lights and a lock if you’re staying for the post-ride social=
Helmets required, festive outfits encouraged.
Under-16s must ride with a responsible adult. Ride goes ahead in light rain, severe-weather updates by 7:00 AM on the day.
How do I join?
- Sign up for free to confirm your attendance. If you are between 12-18 yrs, please contact us separately for a children's waiver form (info@njingacycling.com)
- Get a Santa suit if you don't have one already. (No Santa suit or other festive dress up, no ride!) There are prizes for the best dressed Santa, so do get creative!
- Purchase a gift for a child and do NOT wrap it. (A recommended list can be found below).
- Arrive at 8:30 AM on Saturday 6th Dec with your best Christmas cheer. We will be leaving in small groups from 9:00AM.
*** No helmet on the day, no riding***
Get your company involved this year.
Bring the holiday spirit to life by rallying your company to join our Santa Charity Cycle!
This year we are encouraging more of you to get involved by allowing corporate teams to sign up.
Whether you're looking to boost team morale, embrace the season of giving, or enhance your corporate social responsibility, this fun-filled cycling event offers the perfect opportunity.
Ride together, dressed as Santa, while raising funds for a great cause. It's a fantastic way to bond with colleagues, network with other local businesses, and make a real difference.
Get your team involved today and spread some festive cheer with 100% of corporate entry fees going to the charity.
Plus lots of bonus festivities.
- We kick off the celebrations with a round of carols at the hospice, lead by the amazing Epsom & Ewell Silver Band.
- The Turks Head in Twickenham, where we will be finishing this year, will kindly provide free teas and coffees and bacon butties to all Santas.
- There will be a number of fabulously fun, fundraising activities and a raffle with great prizes up for grabs.
- Plus a live band will keep us entertained through the afternoon, so don't forget your dancing shoes.
What charity will be benefiting?
Help support children with life limiting illnesses
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is a leading children’s hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.
They are a lifeline to so many families across Surrey and London supporting them from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.
It costs £10.1 million a year to maintain their current level of care and just 20% of that income comes from central government funding, so they rely on supporters like you for your generosity to keep the service running.
What gifts should I get?
Shooting Star recommends:
- Comfort & cosy: blankets, hats & scarves, PJs or slippers.
- Creative & play: craft sets, colouring books with pens/pencils, hand-held musical instruments, books.
- Sensory & soothing: lights, massager, small bubble tubes, touch-and-feel sets (slime, sand).
- Self-care & useful: body/fragrance sets, hair accessories, nail varnish, water bottles, backpacks (older girls & boys).
Please don’t wrap gifts; new and road-safe items only. Thank you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up?
Each individual rider taking part needs to please complete the sign up form found at the top of this page.
How do I sign up?
Each individual rider taking part needs to please complete the sign up form found at the top of this page.
Is there a set route I have to ride?
Yes, we will be doing the set 17 km distance between Richmond and Hampton, before returning to Twickenham for some refreshments at the Cabbage Patch pub.
Do I have to have a road bike?
No. We accept all riders on mountain bikes, gravel bikes, hybrids, tandems and Bromptons. Just make sure your bike is 100% roadworthy.
Do I have to dress up?
Yes! No Santa suit (or other festive outfit) and you won't be able to ride unfortunately. Please don't forget your helmet!
Do I have to fundraise?
This event is primarily a fundraising event. Fundraising, in addition to bringing a gift is not compulsory but we do encourage you to help support the lives of children who have had their lives severely impacted as a result of life limiting illnesses. No donation is too small.
Are children allowed to take part?
Yes, children 12 and over are allowed, as long as they are able to safely ride on the road AND are accompanied by a responsible adult. PLEASE CONTACT US SEPERATELY FOR A CHILDRENS WAIVER FORM: info@njingacycling.com
Where will my fundraising money go?
All money raised will go to Shooting Star Children's Hospice.
Sign up now
Join us this year on our annual Santa Cycle in aid of Shooting Star Children's Hospice.