Past Ride
We send details of upcoming rides in a weekly email newsletter. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact [javascript protected email address].
Mon May 1st 2023
| Oxford Special sunrise May Day ride | 3* |
|---|
Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:5:30 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:This year May Day fortuitously falls on the Bank Holiday Monday and the ancient Oxford tradition of the choir singing at sunrise from the tower of Magdalen College is happening. So I am repeating our now traditional slightly bonkers 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, 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 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 just after 9. Costa in Grove will be open for post-ride refreshments and facilities. Please let me know in advance if you are joining the ride. |
||
Riders:Chris BaileyEddie Little Jo Little John Tranter Lucia Singer Malcolm Heavens Richard Saunders Sally Bensoussis Sarah Bowen Sharon Bedford Riders = 10 Weather: Report:What a wonderful ride! Not quite the perfect weather as it was a bit cloudy so we didn't really see the sun rise, but nice enough to be pleasant. A really interesting group turned out - apparently mad enough not to be put off by the 05.30 start time. A particular welcome to Lucia and Richard back with us after a few years gap and to Malcolm on his longest ride with us so far. All went according to plan as we made good time over to Kennington and the glorious river path alongside the boat houses and eventually across from Christ Church Meadow as we caught a glimpse of Magdalen Tower. The streets of Oxford were as chaotic as expected - particularly crowded around any pub or any morris dancers! All good fun though as we headed out of town along the Oxford Canal towpath to Wolvercote. Cumnor Hill was suitably conquered and we headed for home.Thanks to all for great company and a glorious ride. | ||
Distance:70.81 km (44.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/119624547 | |
            | ||
| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35762947" | ||
Comment on this ride | ||
- Ride Filter
- 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
- Recent Rides
-
Ride has photos
-
Ride has
comments
-
Ride Archive
*
© Cycling UK Wantage 2026, PHP v7.4.33
