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,
Thames Valley, Chilterns etc. There are many places of interest,
buildings, churches, valleys – and hills – and quiet country lanes! And
we know a lot of them! Stoking our engines for all this, we also know
most of the good cafes and pubs as well, were we can refuel. It is wise to
check with the ride leader beforehand if you are not sure the ride is suitable
for you.
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.
The pace of the rides is always dictated by the
slowest rider on the day. We never leave
anyone behind and will always regroup at the next turn. The first Wednesday of each month is
specifically designated as an easy ride (†).
Further details from contacts below or Graham Smith on 01608 810734,
07773520153 or graham.smith@bikerider.com
Also see CTC Oxfordshire
website www.oxonctc.org.uk for updates.
Please revisit
this site for updates.
|
Date |
Starting
venue (and lunch stop) |
Mlg |
Leader
& Contact |
|
7th Dec Dep 10:30 |
E. Sainsbury’s
Café, Witney L. Bell, Lower Heyford |
40 |
Jim 0770814890 |
|
14th Dec Dep 10:45 |
E. Millets Farm
Café, Fyfield L. Decided at
elevenses |
35 |
|
|
21st Dec Dep 10:45 |
E. Yarnton Nursery L. CHRISTMAS
LUNCH at: Red Lion Northmoor |
25 |
John 07808231204 |
|
28th Dec Dep 10:45 |
E. Hilltop Garden Centre, Ramsden L
. Decided at
elevenses |
35 |
|
|
4th Jan (†) Dep 10:30 |
E: Huffkins Bakery & Coffee Shop, Burford. OX18 4QF L: Catherine
Wheel, Bibury. |
35 |
Graham 07773520153 |
|
11th Jan Dep 10:30 |
E: Annie’s Tea
Room, Canal Rd. Thrupp OX5 1JZ L: Decided at elevenses |
35 |
|
|
18th Jan Dep 10:30 |
E: Hilltop
Garden Centre, Ramsden. OX7 3AS L: Lord
Kitchener, Curbridge. |
35 |
Graham See above |
|
25th Jan Dep 10:30 |
E: Millets Farm
Café, Fyfield. OX13 5HB L: Decided at
elevenses |
30 |
|
|
1st Feb (†) Dep 10:30 |
E: Kirtlington Post Office. OX5 3HA L: Panshill |
35 |
John 07808231204 01993 881688 |
|
8th Feb Dep 10:30 |
E: Woollen
Weavers, Filkins. GL7 3JJ L: Decided at
elevenses |
30 |
|
|
15th Feb Dep 10:30 |
E: East Hanney. L: Radnor Arms, Coleshill. |
32 |
Mike R
07912889503 01235 868240 |
|
22nd Feb Dep 10:30 |
E: Middle Barton
Tea House. OX7 7EE |
35 |
|
|
29th Feb Dep 10:30 |
E: Aston
Pottery. OX18 2BT L: The Fox Inn,
Great Barrington. |
45 |
Ian T
07855462805 01993 852643 |
|
7th Mar (†) Dep 10:30 |
E: Millets. L: King &
Queen, Longcot. |
35 |
Peter
07956079040 01235 525161 |
|
14th Mar Dep 10:30 |
E: Wantage Museum. OX12 8BL L: Decided at
elevenses |
40 |
|
|
21st Mar Dep 10:30 |
E: Aston
Pottery. OX18 2BT L: Jolly Tar, Hannington. |
40 |
Ian T See above |
|
28th Mar Dep 10:30 |
E: Old Mill
Coffee House, Chipping Norton. OX7
5LH L: Decided at elevenses |
40 |
|
|
4th Apr (†) Dep 10:30 |
E: Bampton Coffee House. OX18 2JH L: Eight Bells, Fairford. |
35 |
Graham See above |
|
(†) easy paced ride |
|||
E.
Elevenses
L. Lunch
T. Tea
CTC National Office address
CTC, Parklands, Railton Rd,
Guildford, Surrey, GU2 9JX, tel. 01483 238
337. Email cycling@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 available in good
local cycle shops or from the Editor (£1 a copy), or
The Editor, 25 Hendred Way,
Abingdon, Oxon. OX14 2AN
(4 copies £5-68, cheques made out to Oxford Cyclist)
Tel: 01235 525161 E-mail peter.hallowell@btinternet.com
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 a separate organisation, but you do not have
to be a member to ride these events, as membership of the CTC covers you for
insurance purposes.
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