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Sun Aug 12th 2018

1* ride from Botley - OXFORD SPECIAL	1*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: Botley shopping centre - bottom of Cumnor Hill
Description: WEATHER UPDATE: 12 noon, SUNDAY OK - I am cautiously optimistic that the worst of the rain has passed. The ride is ON!! A very special opportunity to use tracks, riverside and canalside paths and quiet streets to do a 17 mile 'urban safari' around Oxford. This ride really gives a remarkable insight into some hidden corners of this complex city and is almost entirely traffic free. This is an away-day ride, run at a beginner 1* pace. Meet in the car park behind the shops at the bottom of Cumnor Hill. DonÃƒÂ¢Ã¯Â¿Å“Ã¯Â¿Å“t be put off by the building work! Parking here is unrestricted on Sundays. We use the lovely track from North Hinksey to get to Osney Mead, then up the river, across Port Meadow to the canal, up to Wolvercote and then through the exclusive back streets of leafy Summertown until we get to the Marston Ferry Road. Then there is a fascinating series of hidden tracks and roads through to the Brooks University campus (including an unexpected manor house), then a swoop down to Florence Park and a final section of beautiful riverside towpath. Some of the tracks will be rough in places, so this is not the ride for carbon super bikes. Mountain bikes would actually work as well as hybrids for this. Really interesting - don't miss it! 17 miles at a leisurely pace - 10 or 11 mph.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne John Tranter Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Weather: Report: After a lot of anguishing over weather forecasts, it all turned out fine. No sun, but definitely no rain, which was a lot more important, The ground was a little wet and slippery in places, but on the whole the route was fine. It was great to see a valiant group turning up at Botley, despite the weather uncertainty. All went according to plan, except for a slip and a fall for Carin along an overgrown section of the Oxford Canal towpath. Nothing too serious, although we had a bunged up mudguard to try to fix along the way. The usual highlights were as interesting as ever - the river, the canal, the wealthy backstreets and of course the extraordinary Headington Hill Hall. The final section of river towpath was enlivened by the sight of an eights rowing boat in the colours of Wolfson/St Cross Colleges - it was nice for me to chat to some of my students as they moored by the boathouse. Thanks to all for your company!
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/26585898
negotiating the bridge over the cut between the Thames and the Oxford canal. Port Meadow 1* moment. Leaving the Oxford canal towpath at Wolvercote. Leaving the Oxford canal towpath at Wolvercote. Headington Hill Hall selfie.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21484653"
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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