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Past Ride

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Sat Aug 15th 2015

Joint Easy Saturday afternoon ride with Isis Cyclists	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: Seacourt Park & Ride, Botley Road, Oxford
Description: This month we'll be joining the Isis Cyclists group for a tour of the byways and backroads of Oxford. The 16-mile route takes us round Oxford, inside the ring road and avoiding the city centre, using tow paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads. Meet at the Seacourt Park and Ride at 1.45 pm for a 2.00 pm departure. From there we cross the Botley Road onto Hinksey Lane which leads us to Willow Walk - an ancient path into Oxford. We drop down onto the Thames tow path for a while, cross Port Meadow to reach the Oxford canal, then follow the canal up to Wolvercote. From Wolvercote we wiggle through Summertown on to the Marston Ferry cycle path and then through the back streets of Marston to Headington Hill which we climb using Harberton Mead. From there we cycle through a bit of the Brookes campus, over the bridge towards the tennis courts and South Park. We then have a nice downhill swoop to join the Barracks Lane cycle path which leads us up to Cowley Marsh. Then it’s through the Florence park area to Iffley village which leads us to the Thames cycle path. We’ll stop for afternoon tea at the Isis pub before returning to the Park and Ride along the river towpath. Some of the paths we will be using on this ride are frequently used by cyclists and, although off-road, are fine unless it has been raining heavily, in which case we will take alternative routes.To see the route on Mapometer, click on the link below. The ride leader is Karen Wolff: karen@wolffs.info. Update 12/6/15 John and Carin are away this weekend but liked the sound of the joint ride route so they downloaded it and rode it for themselves last week. Their verdict was "extremely fascinating" but John did warn that there are a few rougher stretches and that skinny road tyres aren't recommended.
Riders: Lorna Swanton Martin Hook Michael Tayler Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Many thanks to Karen from Isis for leading this fascinating ride for us. We circled Oxford visiting parts I've not seen before (particularly around the Brookes Campus and Headington). With about 80% of the route on cyclepaths, bridleways or towpaths there were some great finds along the way if I can remember them for future use... We had a very interesting group of 10 riders- 3 regulars from Wantage, 3 from Isis and 4 visitors, including Lara newly arrived from Spain (who hired a bike for the ride), Lucy's brother Guy from Worthing, Karen's husband Dick on his recumbent and Martin from Didcot (a potential new Wantage rider) on an ICE recumbent trike (amazing machine). Not the easiest terrain for a 'bent trike, but we were impressed to see Martin's skill in manoeuvering around and under some of the many obstacles. Cream tea/beer was taken as the Isis Tavern, who must bake the largest scones in the world. Unfortunately, we were disturbed somewhat by wasps that were attracted to the strawberry jam. The stretch of Thames towpath back to the Abingdon Road was very busy due to the Oxford City boat club regatta. This was just one of the many things/places it would have been interesting to linger over - it would be quite possible to spend a full day rather than just an afternoon enjoying this ride. Thanks again to Karen for leading, Liz from Isis for sweeping and everyone for your company on a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It was a shame that there were so few of us from Wantage but I know that several who would have come were away.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4132783.html
Proposed Route: http://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4132783.html"
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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