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Sat May 1st 2021

May Day sunrise special Oxford ride	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 5:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: This year May Day falls on a Saturday and it feels sad that the ancient Oxford tradition of the choir singing at sunrise from the tower of Magdalen College can't take place. So I have come up with the slightly bonkers idea of putting on a May Day sunrise ride to Oxford and back. 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. 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 again to Wolvercote for a big loop around Port Meadow. 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 9. For many of you, that will be enough for one day, but some of you may be mad enough to join me at 9.30 for the regular 3* ride! Costa in Grove will be open for either post-ride or between-ride refreshments and facilities. This is a pre-bookable ride only. To book your place please text the ride leader no sooner than the Monday before the ride.
Riders: Chris Bailey Clare Hazell James Bosley Jan McCabe Jo Little John Tranter Lisa Footner Lizzie Hardingham Sharon Bedford Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 10 Weather: Report: It was amazing that 10 of us were mad enough to think this was a good idea! Many thanks to Jo for leading a second group on the road, although we kept each other in sight and were able to gather a bit closer for photo opportunities and tour guide moments. There was frost on the ground as we set off, but we were rewarded as a result with the most glorious sunrise in a clear sky. We made good time over towards Oxford and enjoyed the really nice path from Kennington to the river. There was mist on the water as we headed into town along the towpath and it was a personal delight to see the Wolfson/St Cross ladies eight boat training on the river. The centre of town was eerily quiet but the buildings were glowing in the low light and it all looked very magical. Tourist moments over, we headed around Port Meadow, conquered Cumnor Hill and made good time back to Grove. Thanks to everyone for being there at such a crazy start time and for wonderful company. A thoroughly enjoyable ride!
Distance: 72.42 km (45.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/66439322
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Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35762947"
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 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.; More Information