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Fri May 1st 2026

2/3* May Day Dawn Special	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 5:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: This year May Day falls on a Friday, 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. The bad news is - it starts at 05.30. 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 will be an adventure and a very Oxford experience! 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. NB: I have designated this 2* from a pace point of view, but it is also a fairly long ride with some hills. Maybe 2.5* is more accurate! Please let me know in advance if you are joining the ride.
Riders: John Tranter Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Riders = 3 Report: A select group was mad enough to join me at 05.30 but we were rewarded by a glorious sunrise between Grove and Denchworth. (note to self - check the celestial calendars next year as we all reckoned that the sunrise was a few minutes earlier than last year) All went well on the run across to Oxford (although it was cold), we enjoyed the river path by the College boathouses and were soon in the midst of the May Morning mayhem. St Aldates church was hanging out several thousand bacon rolls and cups of coffee (and causing a certain amount of traffic mayhem), there were live bands, morris dancing sides, green men and all sorts of excitements. We retreated to the calm of St Cross College for a strategic comfort break before heading along the canal to Port Meadow and a great coffee stop at Missing Bean in Botley. Then it was a straightforward run home with an encouraging tailwind. Thanks to Katherine and Sharon for great company.
Distance: 70.81 km (44.00 mi)
May Day special to Oxford May Day special to Oxford May Day special to Oxford May Day special to Oxford
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50153584"
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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