Past Ride
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Thu May 1st 2025
| Oxford Special May Day ride | 3* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:5:30 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:This year May Day falls on a Thursday, but this doesn't stop the ancient Oxford tradition of the choir singing at sunrise from the tower of Magdalen College. So I am repeating our now traditional slightly bonkers May Day sunrise ride to Oxford and back, hoping that some may still be able to join a midweek version. The bad news is - it starts at 5.30. The good news is this means we can catch the wonderful early morning light on the river and the ancient buildings of Oxford, as well as hopefully getting at least some sense of the occasion. I can't guarantee that we will be able to get anywhere near the Magdalen tower - I suspect the whole city will be going crazy - but it should be an adventure!We head out to Fyfield, under the Tubney tunnel and across to Sunningwell before joining the river by Kennington for a lovely route into town past the College boathouses with views across Christ Church Meadow. Then we will take a look at some of the best buildings Oxford has to offer (including my own St Cross College) before heading out of town along the Oxford Canal to Wolvercote for a big loop around Port Meadow. This year I am planning a cafe stop in Botley for those who don't have to rush back. Finally we conquer Cumnor Hill and head for home. It is just over 40 miles and my plan is to be back in Grove by around 10. Costa in Grove will be open for post-ride refreshments and facilities. Please let me know in advance if you are joining the ride. |
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Riders:Barry StantonJan McCabe John Tranter Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Weather:  Report:I am always amazing (and impressed) by how many people respond so positively to the ridiculous invitation to start a bike ride at 05.30, but it was great to see everyone. Actually, this might have been the best sunrise experience yet as the orange glow illuminated the mist rising from the fields. Totally glorious.We had a nice quiet run across to Oxford on largely deserted roads and enjoyed the paths down to the river at Iffley. Simon was our expert commentator on the rowing activity that we passed, and then we were into the fun and mayhem of the city. It was good to see St Aldates church handing out free bacon rolls and coffee to those a bit the worse for wear from a long night of drinking, plus we saw morris men, green men and assorted eccentrics galore. After a brief VIP comfort stop at St Cross College we enjoyed the towpath along the Oxford Canal up to Wolvercote and circumnavigated Port Meadow. A great coffee stop at the Missing Bean in Botley fuelled us up for the final stretch home on familiar roads. | ||
Distance:70.81 km (44.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/276963520 | |
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50153584" | ||
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- 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.
- 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.
- 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.
- 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.
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