Welcome to the CTC
Oxfordshire’s Midweek Group’s webpages.
This Group was formed to cater for those who don’t have to work during the
week, or are not allowed out at the weekend!
The following
sections explain a little about our activities, and some of the more important
items you may maybe interested in.
About
the Oxon Midweek Section
About CTC Oxfordshire’s
Midweek Group
Although the Group
covers all of Oxfordshire, to be fair it mainly caters
for those in the south of the county. The group was officially formed in 2003
although “unofficial” Wednesday rides had taken place for a number
of years. The current program consists of pre-planned rides every other
Wednesday starting from various places, and “impromptu” rides starting from Witney on the intermediate Wednesdays, where distance and
direction are decided on the day, depending on those present. However, we hope
to make some changes in the coming months, so watch this space. All these rides
take place throughout the year.
Frequently asked
questions are how and where do we go, and how far? The way we organise the rides is that the volunteer who leads, chooses
the starting point (These are the organised
fortnightly rides), normally near a free car park. The quoted mileage is
from and returning to this point, and varies from 30 to 60 miles. Of course you
can always ride directly from and return to your home, which will increase your
mileage, however the actual ride will always be based on the slowest rider's
pace. We do not abandon riders. Members will often car share
where necessary.
So where do we go?
This is again up to the leader; this is a wonderful area for cycling as we can
go all points of the compass. The Lambourn
Downs, Cotswolds,
Do I have to join
the Club, and if so how? The answer is that you are welcome to ride with us a
few times to see if it is for you before you join, but then you will be
expected to become a member of the national CTC. Otherwise there are no
other subscriptions; most of our activities are self-financing. CTC
membership includes, besides a high quality bi-monthly magazine, free third
party insurance, legal assistance in the case of mishap, which also covers
registered rides leaders: in these litigious times this is most important. You
are also entitled to ride with any other CTC group throughout the country.
So what do you
need? A bike or trike or even a tandem, providing
it’s in good running order, and adjusted to suit the rider, is normally all
that is required. If in doubt contact a club official, who will be pleased to
help you. In our climate, mudguards are advisable for most of the year
and lights in the winter months just in case, although we normally try to get
back home or to the car before lights are required. A spare inner tube or
two saves time mending punctures at the roadside, and of course some tools.
A camera is useful if you are into photography, or just like a record of where
you have been.
All
cyclists welcome. Further details from
contacts below, or
Vera
Friend on 01993 705660, 07773 569230 or Vera
Friend
Please
also revisit this site for updates
|
Start |
Destination/Foodstops |
Mlge |
Contact |
|
16
June leaving
at10:45 |
E.
The Garden
Centre, Bicester Avenue L.
Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
23
June leaving
at 10:30 |
E.
Olive
Tree, Moreton-in-Marsh. L.
Pub, Chipping
Campden. |
30 |
Jo 01608
811041 07803
922548 |
|
30
June leaving
at 10:45 |
E.
Wyatts Farm, Great Rollright. L.
Decided at elevenses |
30 |
|
|
7
July leaving
at 10:30 |
E.
Little
Milton. L.
Café, Chearsley. |
35 |
Peter 01235
525161 07956
079040 |
|
14
July 10:00/10:30
Witney Rugby Club |
CTC
OXFORDSHIRE MIDWEEK TOUR OF THE COTSWOLDS Two
Audax |
100km
or 60km |
John 01993
881688 07808
231204 |
|
21st
July leaving at 10:45 |
Joint
ride with the other CTC Member Groups. |
40 |
Graham 01608 810734 07773 520153 |
|
28th
July leaving at 10:30 |
L.
Decided at elevenses |
40 |
|
|
4th
August leaving at 10:45 |
MYSTERY
PICNIC, SWIM & OFF-ROAD RIDE with on-road alternative route. E.
Millets
Farm, Frilford. |
25 |
Mike
R 07912
889503 |
|
11th
August leaving at 10:30 |
L.
Decided at elevenses |
40 |
|
|
18th
August leaving at 10:30 |
BOARSTALL
TOWER & GARDENS Mid-afternoon
wander. National Trust members free, others £2.50 admission. |
35 |
Bebe 01865
763848 07890
496308 |
|
25th
August leaving at 10:45 |
E.
The Old
Mill Coffee House, Chipping Norton. L.
Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
1st
September leaving at 10:30 |
40 |
Jo 01608
811041 07803
922548 |
|
|
8th
September leaving at 10:30 |
E.
Annie’s
Tea Room, Canal Road, Thrupp L.
Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
15th
September leaving at 10:30 |
THE
|
35 |
John 01993
881688 07808
231204 |
|
22nd
September leaving at 10:30 |
E.
The Garden
Centre, Bicester Avenue L.
Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
29th
September |
E.
Hilltop Garden
Centre, Ramsden L.
Olive Tree Café, Moreton-in-Marsh |
40 |
Graham 01608 810734 07773 520153 |
|
6th
October leaving at 10:45 |
L.
Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
20th
October |
CTC
OXFORDSHIRE MIDWEEK AGM Details
to follow |
|
|
E.
Elevenses
L. Lunch
T. Tea
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIDWEEK MEMO #18
With global
warming alleged to be with us, some days in December have very cold and frost
and ice every where. When I started cycling, the catch phrase was the coming of
the next ice age! Place your bets now.
For those of you
who have dined or had the odd pint or two at the Oxfordshire
Yeoman PH in Freeland, may have heard that Lyn & Paul, retired from the pub
trade in Feb 08. We wish them well for the future. Hopefully the incoming
tenants keep up the high standard these two set
5th Dec. A
joint ride with the Veteran-Cycle Club (that never was) starting from Waterperry. The weather forecast was awful, it was raining
and with high winds: not a good start. Never-the less, five hardy souls turned
up, although it was pouring with rain (what else could it pour?) all from the
OMS! Phil decided to curtail the route, and booked the lunch stop at Common
Leys Fm nearby. By the time to start, now nearly 10.45, all had changed, with
the sun now shinning. The above f.h.s. pedaled
through waterlogged roads, via Worminghall, Oakley,
bypassing Studley, to Menmarsh,
and onto the farm. Although the main courses are a little pricy, the extensive
snack menu is excellent and not at all expensive. Following a leisurely, satisfying
lunch, we put a few more miles in, by going via Lt. Ickford
and Waterstock to the rear entrance to Waterperry. Up until now it had been dry with a little
sunshine - it then made up for it by an almighty squall - nearly got soaked
before getting waterproofs on! Although only about 15 miles, there was a lot of
interesting things to see, it was most enjoyable. Many thanks
Phil. Those out, Vera on an early Gillot, Phil a just
postwar 3 speed hub Allin, Mike on a recently
acquired loop frame Raleigh, although talking about fitting skirt guards, there
is no need to get worried, and JB on a 1934 Raleigh 3 speed sports. No comment
about Peter’s!
12th Dec. This look like being a good start to the
impromptu ride from Hilltop GC, Vera, Phil, Pete, Mike, and then joined by
Gerry & Jo; however this turned out to be a meeting of the newly formed
OMSC (*Oxon Midweek Sick Club!) The later two are both still having disability
problems, apologies from Jim who likewise is not well, and this group was
joined later by Vera, who didn’t feel too good, although rode all day.
It was a superb
morning brilliant sunshine, crisp (***** cold actually), and a little icy in
places. The route was via
Leafield, Chilson
- a nice, rarely visited village - A 361 and left to Sarsden.
Lunch was calling so curtailed the original plan, and went via Lynham to the Red Horse PH at Shipton.
A very good and inexpensive lunch, this is one of our better venues.
The return was
fairly direct, turning right of onto the Ascott road
and retracing the outward route through Leafield to
the Garden Centre. Visibility was so clear, and some how we always seemed to on
high ground which gave us great views of the
20th Dec. The day of the OMS Christmas Lunch, Audrey
writes :-“ I didn’t realise I’d have to sing for my
supper (metaphorically) when I accepted JB’s
invitation to the OMS Christmas Lunch. Still, it was worth it. There were seven
having nibbles (it’s not catching JB!) at Freeland and then it was out into a
gradually improving day, a few bright patches cheering up the cloudy sky, and
Phil’s outfit cheering up all of us.
Have you not seen
his multicolour, laid-back easy-rider machine with the
Iron Cross wing mirrors? You missed a treat. The easy-rider, complete with
huge, ginger fright wig, partnered the contraption perfectly, leaving the rest
of us mere gawping hangers-on.
The brief round
the block ride begun with an abrupt dismount by JB his Raleigh Sport’s chain
broke within running distance of home. His Hetchins
was better behaved! At about our further point south of lunch Peter H punctured
but caught up by means of a crafty shortcut. Finally I ran over Phil’s hair
after a mighty gust of wind in Eynsham. Regrouping at
the door of the Oxfordshire Yeoman, we entered to the
car-borne diners already seated. Lunch was ready and sixteen thoroughly enjoyed
a really good meal – excellent value and much appreciated. Thank you for having
me.” Audrey.
2008 already,
plenty of time now to get the Christmas 08 pressy list sorted! The Chinese name the years for is the
Year of the Rat, hopefully, for us it won’t be the year of the Pear. Carry on
reading if you want to find out why.
Jan 2nd 08 Jim’s ride to Wigington.
Grim weather. Now Jim is still a member of the OMSC*, and couldn’t lead the
ride from
On ride back,
weather now brilliant sunshine; message from V, who had buried mobile in barbag, failed to get my frantic calls, so had dined at Yarnton GC with Phil. Gather Mike gave up waiting at
Woodstock, but hadn’t planned to further anyway, Dave F not seen. Agree pear
shaped? Hopefully rest of year will be a different
9th Jan. With the growing numbers of the OMSC*, now
that Vera had joined the ranks with a busted collarbone, following a prang on
the ice, the year is not improving. Phil, driving on the way to park at my
place was hit by a car, thus preventing our chance to get to Filkins for the coffee meet. Phoning Mike from Bampton, we found he was the only other out, and seemed
content to slum it with us, and dine inexpensively at Sainsburys
in Witney! Never-the-less, we all would have done
about 35 miles, in windy but otherwise very pleasant winter weather.
15th Jan. I’ve only go to be
away for a few days and it all falls apart! The meet was at Jo & Gerry’s, 7
turned up supped coffee, and then went home, I understand. Only Phil got a few
miles in before returning to his car. Why; you may well ask. The OMSC
membership is thriving.
21st Jan. Fortunately an impromptu ride, starting from
Aston. Only Phil and myself involved. Any plans were abandoned when we found
Great Brook was closed, the whole of the area was underwater. We were joined by
Ian (Shelia husband) who had driven over to do some bird watching. Martin
Roland an ex WO rider drove passed on his way to Chimney Reserve, he now works
for a conservation company. Hunger, time and poverty (relatively speaking)
forced us to find an inexpensive eatery, so a leisurely ride to Northmoor seemed to fill the bill. I’m not telling about the
days mileage, but the floods and wildlife more than made up for that
28th Jan. Perhaps less said the better about today
the better. Quite a group met at Hilltop GS, Vera walked there, her shoulder
still on the mend, Jim just about got rid of his virus, Heather, a surprise
visitor, recovering from knee problems, A double surprise in the form of Joan
& Stan (motored) both getting the urge to get back to cycling. After coffee
and a natter, only Jim and Heather and I had bikes, and the three of us rode to
Leafield, and then home. OK, I only wrote this up to
mention names!! (ps I was the only healthy one there)
6th Feb. An impromptu starting from Chippy and wow we had four healthy riders!! (Although Roz
had now taken out temp. membership of the OMSC!). A combined look at the map we
agreed on a route. – Cornwell, (no snowdrops),
cross the A436 and onto Addlestrop, and a look
round the village and church – first for most of us– a charming little village, not mentioned
by Benjamin Britten in his poem about the railway. Onto Evenlode-
and a quick check of the map, and a builder working with his shirt off in
February! At the A44 left and right and a look at the Four Shire Stone – can
you name the four shires? Hunger called, and Peter suggested Todenham. So off we rode. while Peter and Mike dined in the
Farriers Arms PH, Phil and I picnicked outside.
Returning via the
delightful gated road through
13th Feb. Phil’s ride that wasn’t due to a pressing
engagement. A hurried rearrangement was made, and at Pete’s suggestion; meet at
the Village Store at Tackley. The morning extremely
frosty and foggy, but Peter & Mike heroically made it to this interesting
refreshment establishment. Consulting his pre-roman map, and deciding to keep
to paved roads, cycled to Heyford. Now the long
established principal that closed roads do not apply to us was shattered, when
we found the contractors had nicked the road bridge over the railway crossing,
just a big hole. So lugging the bikes over the station’s footbridge continued
to Somerton, Souldern, Charlton, and through Kings
Sutton. The frost and fog had now dispersed, giving way a cold beautiful
winters day, and for me stiff legs, now having flogged up and down hills on my
fixed wheel, keeping up with these two fast men. A neat bit of navigation by
Mike through Banbury, soon found us enjoying an
excellent lunch - in Morrisons Supermarket! An
all-day breakfast plus two slices of toast plus tea, all with change from a
fiver. Eat yer heart out Phil!
Returning via Bloxham, and the Barfords, and
Duns Tew, Middle Barton to Wooton,
where we split up. From a dubious start, it became a great day; we saw many
basking deer which, like us were enjoying the now warming sun. A good ride Pete
& Mike.
20th Feb. An impromptu starting from Eynsham’s
tea room, nice to have one starting near home! Even the Sections fortunes are
improving, five out today, including our Vera for a test ride. The initial plan
to dine at Bicester GC was scupered
when Pete said it gone upmarket plus expensive.
Anyway we set off towards Kidlington, using cyclepaths through the village and onto the track by the
church and to the Hampden Poyle road. After Bletchington (Is that a round roof of an icehouse showing
above the wall on the right?), and at Kirklington,
right along
27th Feb. The last ride for this quarter, led by Peter from Wantage, lunch being at The Red Lion Drayton; which means
there is likely to be a bit of off-road. I was not wrong. Taking the cycle
track towards Didcot, we stopped to admire the bronze
horse at Lockinge, and in my case to have a quick
look at the church and the spring flowers barely visible from the road. The
brilliant weather enhanced the wonderful views from the path to Didcot: although it didn’t do much for the cooling towers
we passed by on the devious route Pete had arranged through the cyclepaths etc. of Didcot. The
town must be congratulated for providing such a network, a mini-MK! The lunch
at the pub was excellent, more so, as we were all classed as pensioners, even
Mike became an honorary one!
Following lunch,
the route took us via Abingdon, Cothill, and Fifield where we started to part company. A different, but
informative ride Peter, which I enjoyed.
Before closing
(much sighing) don’t forget our Mid-week Audax on Wednesday 16th July, I want
both helpers and riders.
JB
CTC HQ address
CTC, 69 Meadrow, Godalming, Surrey, GU7
3HS, tel. 0870 873 0060
Fax 0870 873 0064.
Email cycle@ctc.org.uk
Website www.ctc.org.uk
The OXFORDSHIRE
CYCLIST
The quarterly local
cycle magazine to which many local cycling clubs contribute including the
CTC OXFORDSHIRE
DISTRICT ASSOCIATION price £1, available in good local cycle shops, or
Contact The
Editor, c/o
Tel 01488
73508 E-mail oxfordshire.cyclist@btopenworld.com
AUDAX
This is a more specialised form of cycle touring or non-racing riding
events for experienced cyclists. These organised
rides take place through the country most of year.
AUDAX is separate organisation, but you do not have to be a member to ride
these events.
Contact details on
the information page.
AUK membership
enquiries Mrs Gerry Goldsmith, The Orchard, Swallow House Lane, Hayfield, High
Peaks, SK22 2HB, E-mail
gerry.goldsmith@audax.uk.net