Monthly Programme

Welcome to Isis Cyclists, an informal member group of Oxford Cycling UK. We publish details of our rides month by month, and you’ll find the current month’s rides below this introduction. To see an outline programme for up to four months ahead, visit the Looking Ahead page.

We aim to start each ride promptly, and so we encourage people to meet 15 minutes before the advertised start time in order to welcome new riders, catch up with familiar faces and sign the riders’ list. We don’t publish the ride leaders’ contact details on this site, but if you have any queries about a particular ride, please get in touch through the Contact Us page at least a couple of days beforehand.

If you’re new to cycling with a large number of other people, you may find our Tips for Cycling in a Group page helpful.

Isis Cyclists and Oxford Cycling UK are part of Cycling UK.

‘Let me tell you what I think of bicycling. I think it has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world. I stand and rejoice every time I see a woman ride by on a wheel.’ – Susan B. Anthony, 1896

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January 2019

Ellen and Liz W in action!

Ellen writes… A very happy new year to everyone!

As most of you know, 2018 saw our tenth birthday and we have therefore been looking back with much fondness on our first decade. Back in October, Jane and I gave a presentation to Cyclox entitled “Isis Cyclists – 10 years of sweet success”. As part of this I gathered together lots of photos of us and of what we’d seen and where we’d cycled to during this time. On Sunday 17^th February, we’ll be having an afternoon social gathering at St Margaret’s Institute on Polstead Rd, Oxford to which you are all very welcome. The plan is to drink tea/coffee etc, and eat cake (of course!) while the photos are projected for us to enjoy and, no doubt, reminisce wildly. Full details will appear in the next newsletter, but please put this date in your diary now!

One of the pleasant things to do in the depths of winter is to think about the summer! That’s exactly what we’ve been doing over the last few weeks as we’ve been planning our 2019 weekend away. The weekend will be from 7^th – 9^th June and we are returning to the Cotswold View site that we visited in 2016 weekend away. It’s located between Charlbury and Enstone, and as in previous years we will offer a ride out on the Friday afternoon, a choice of two rides on the Saturday and a return ride on the Sunday. For those of you who were on the 2016 weekend, there is so much great cycling available that we won’t need to repeat much of what we did then. We are planning to have a picnic on the Friday night and we will eat out on the Saturday night. For more information about the accommodation options, please visit the Weekends Away page.

Don’t forget to make sure both you and your bike are fit and ready for your ride! Please ensure your bike is road-worthy and it’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube as it may be possible to mend a puncture on the spot. Have a good breakfast too, and carry a snack and drink in case you need a bit of extra sustenance. And do check out our tips for winter cycling.

Happy cycling!

SATURDAY 12th JANUARY: MEDIUM RIDE: CONQUERING BOARS HILL!

Meet in Woodins Lane (where it meets Paradise St) off the road by the temporary traffic lights from 11am for an 11.15am departure. We will be heading towards Boars Hill and so some ascent is inevitable. However all hills can be taken at your own pace, or walked, if preferred. This 15 mile ride will explore some of the countryside between Oxford and Boars Hill and will take refreshment at the Bystander PH in Wootton. The ride leader is Natasha Williams. 

SATURDAY 19th JANUARY: LONG RIDE TO LUNCH AT ANNIE’S AT THE CANAL YARD, THRUPP

Meet outside the Sheldonian Theatre, Broad St, for a prompt 10:30am departure through University Parks and Marston. After crossing the ring road we will take a northward route through Woodeaton and Islip to Bletchingdon. We will then turn south again through Hampton Poyle to the cycle track across the fields to skirt the north side of Kidlington. A brief stretch alongside the A4260 takes us to Thrupp for lunch at Annie’s tearoom at the Canal Yard. Afterwards, we will retrace our steps to the top end of Kidlington, thence to Gosford and back into Oxford via the Banbury Road.

The ride is just over 22 miles, with two modest climbs (one through Woodeaton and the other up to Bletchingdon), and will be taken at the slightly faster pace normal for Isis long rides. Lunch will be after 14.5 miles, so you may wish to bring a snack to eat at one of the regrouping halts. If the weather is unpleasant we can shorten the ride by cutting across from Islip to Kidlington.  The ride leader is Liz Matthews.

SUNDAY 27th JANUARY: JOINT ISIS-OXFORD CYCLING UK RIDE TO COFFEE AT THAME

Meet outside Oxford Campus Stores in Broad Street, Oxford for a prompt 9.30am departure. We will be leaving Oxford along the Cowley Rd and the Barracks Lane cycle track. We will then cross the ring road and ride through Horspath, Littleworth and Wheatley. From there, the route will take us to Waterperry, Worminghall and Shabbington before picking up the cycle track into Thame.

The return route will take us back to Worminghall and then to Stanton St John, entering Oxford via Elsfield and Marston. The entire route will be around 32 miles long and includes a few climbs which, as usual, can be taken at your own pace. The pace before coffee will average around 11mph which should get us to Thame at around 11am. The return route will be taken at a more relaxed 10mph average speed. The ride leader is Leonor Barroca.

December 2018

(Spotted on a wall in Amsterdam a few years ago)

Ellen writes… Well, here we are contemplating the end of 2018 and the fast-approaching festive season. This month we have just the three regular rides (short, medium & long) to provide some distraction from all that Christmas stuff.

Throughout the winter we will try, whenever feasible, to start our rides a little later than usual to give the temperature the chance to rise a bit. So don’t get caught out: make sure you check the start time before setting out. We are very much hoping that we will be able to plug the gap between December’s long ride and January’s short & steady ride with a “pop-up” ride. We’ll keep an eye on the weather and choose a good day (assuming there is one) somewhere round the weekend after Christmas. So, keep an eye on your emails and join us to burn of the Christmas pudding.

Finally, a heads up on a couple of things for the new year. We are currently mulling over the possibilities for the 2019 weekend away and hope to announce a date in the next newsletter. Secondly, following the presentation Jane Carlton Smith and I gave to Cyclox in October, we thought it would be nice for members to enjoy a winter social meet-up over drinks and (of course) cake to view the many photos collected of our activities, the places we’ve visited and the things we’ve seen along the way over the past 10 years. After reaching this venerable age, I think we’re entitled to reminisce a bit. We are planning to gather on a Sunday afternoon in February and details will be in the next newsletter.

Whatever you’re up to this month, have a very good Christmas and New Year.

Don’t forget to make sure both you and your bike is fit and ready for your ride! Please ensure your bike is road-worthy and it’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube as it may be possible to mend a puncture on the spot. Have a good breakfast too and carry a snack and drink in case you need a bit of extra sustenance.

Happy cycling!

SATURDAY 1^ST  DECEMBER: SLOW AND STEADY RIDE TO SANDFORD FOOD MARKET

Meet at 10.00am at Bonn Square at the end of Queen Street for a prompt 10.15am departure. We will ride down St Ebbes to the river Thames and pick up the South Oxford Cycle Route and continue south along the Thames Towpath, recently resurfaced. Then we will head towards Sandford Lock to cross the Thames and take refreshments at Sandford Village Hall cafe. There is also the weekly food market for a bit of shopping.

Visit their project website: https://talkingshopsandford.wordpress.com/about/

You can order food online to collect on the day if you wish: visit https://talkingshopsandford.wordpress.com/goods-to-order/

From there we will return to Oxford via Littlemore, Rose Hill, Iffley village and Meadow Lane. This ride is 8 miles long. It will be taken at the pace of the slowest rider. The ride leader is Clare Farley.

SATURDAY 8^TH DECEMBER: MEDIUM RIDE TO WHEATLEY

Meet in Broad Street in front of the Tourist Info Office at 11.15am for a prompt 11.30am start. We will leave Oxford following the Marston cycle path, then Old Headington, Bayswater Road and onto the cycle path along the A40 to take us to Wheatley for cake or lunch at the Sun Inn, Wheatley if they can accommodate us or at the garden centre otherwise. On the way back we will take the National Cycle route 57 via Littleworth & Horspath. The ride will be around 15 miles long and will include the climb from Marston to Headington and, after coffee, the hill from Wheatley through Littleworth towards Horspath. If coffee is taken at the garden centre there will be a “bonus climb”(!) of Ladder Hill! All hills can be taken at your preferred pace, or walked. The ride leader is Lilia Bonacorsi.

SATURDAY 15^TH DECEMBER: LONG ‘FESTIVE FUN’ RIDE

Meet outside the Sheldonian at 9.45am with you, your bike, or both, looking suitably festive: e.g. tinsel twined around tubes, baubles dangling from the crossbar, mistletoe tied to your handlebars, reindeer antlers poking through your helmet etc. Let your imaginations run riot – but please ensure that your bike remains safe to ride. Christmas lights threaded through your spokes are not recommended!

We’ll ride out via the South Oxford cycle route, Kennington, Sunningwell and Boars Hill, and back via Dry Sandford, Besselsleigh, Cumnor and North Hinksey. Altitude-wise, there’ll be a sedate ascent up the Bagley Wood Road and a very short but steep climb out of Sunningwell (getting off and pushing is of course permitted!). Coffee will be at the Dog House pub in Frilford.

In the email version of the newsletter, Ellen indicated that we might stop at the Bothy Vineyard (next to the Dog House) for pre-Christmas tasting and sales. Unfortunately, it isn’t open until the next week, so we won’t be able to stock up for Christmas dinner.

The route should be just over 20 miles, see: https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4070011. The leader is Liz Matthews.

If people think the idea of decorating bikes is fun but feel that the distance is a little too far, please let me know and I’ll shorten the route to a medium length (15-17 miles). More people are preferable to more miles!

SATURDAY 29^TH DECEMBER: POSSIBLE POP-UP RIDE

Weather permitting! If a ride is taking place we’ll send a message to the mailing list, so keep an eye on your inbox day or two beforehand.

November 2018

Cool bikes in the Design Museum Helsinki (photo by Liz Matthews)

Ellen writes… I think that there’s absolutely no doubt now that winter is on the way, so it seems timely to remind you that we will be running a full programme of our four regular rides over the chilly season, so why not wrap up and join us? Should weather conditions make the ride unsafe (snow, ice, high winds etc.) then cancellation will be announced via a Google Group email the previous night, so if in doubt do remember to check before starting out. We will try to get cancellations up on our website, but can’t guarantee to do this in time, so the Google Group email should always be your first port of call if you have any doubts. And do check out our tips for winter cycling.

The leaders’ group will be meeting this month to plan the next four months of rides, so if you have any requests to visit somewhere or know of a new teashop we might like to try out, then please do email us via the Contact Us page. We will also be setting a date and mulling over possible venues for the 2019 weekend away, so watch this space!

Don’t forget to make sure both you and your bike is fit and ready for your ride! Please ensure your bike is road-worthy, and it’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube as it may be possible to mend a puncture on the spot. Have a good breakfast too, and carry a snack and drink in case you need a bit of extra sustenance.

Electric bikes: Over the past year or so, the number of electric bikes that can be seen around the city seems to have soared. If you have an electric bike and are unsure about whether or not you will be given a warm welcome on our rides, don’t worry! We are very happy for e-bike riders to join us and are very pleased that they offer people who might not otherwise get the chance, an opportunity to experience the fun of cycling. If you do join us on an e-bike, we just ask that you don’t go full throttle, but ride at the same pace as the rest of the group. And make sure your battery is sufficiently charged before you set out.

Happy cycling!

SATURDAY 3^rd NOVEMBER: SHORT & STEADY RIDE: SANDFORD-ON-THAMES – NEW RIDERS VERY WELCOME!

This ride is ideal for newcomers and lapsed Isis cyclists, as it is mainly flat and is an easy route along the river towpath and quieter lanes and tracks in the city.  Meeting outside the Sheldonian Theatre on Broad St, Oxford from 9.45am for a 10am start, we will head out through south Oxford towards Kennington. This will be our busiest stretch along a B road, so we’ll form a safe group together. We then leave the traffic behind to take a track down to the river tow path and cross the Thames at Sandford lock; then we call in at the village hall for coffee and breakfast (and shopping) at the Saturday community market. Afterwards we’ll return to our start via Iffley lock, crossing the river over Donnington Bridge, and back to the city centre.

The ride is under 10 miles, and taken at the speed of the slowest cyclist, and will be an hour to coffee, and less coming back. The ride leader is Lucy Tennyson.

SATURDAY 10^th NOVEMBER: MEDIUM RIDE: AN AUTUMN RIDE THROUGH BECKLEY AND ELSFIELD

Meet at 09.45am for a prompt 10am departure at The South Lodge, University Parks (OX1 3JA), corner of Parks Rd and St Cross Rd) for this 12 mile ride out into the countryside to Beckley and Elsfield. We will cycle through University Parks before ‘doing’ the inevitable hill to Headington, taking the gentler climb along tree-lined Harberton Mead. We will make our way through the quieter streets of Headington, crossing the ring road to Barton and to the countryside beyond. The other hill is just after we leave Barton, and both hills will be taken at a gentle pace, and we will wait for riders as necessary.

We will venture out in a north-easterly direction and ride mostly on quiet country roads with beautiful autumn colours in the hedgerows and trees. We will meander our way to Beckley and admire the expansive views and big skies over Otmoor and the countryside beyond from several vantage points. After the thrill of cycling down the hill at Elsfield, we will stop for coffee at the Victoria Arms in Old Marston, and should arrive there by opening time at 11.30am. The ride leader is Lucy Wright.

SATURDAY 17^th NOVEMBER: LONG RIDE: WIGGLING TO WORTON

Meet at the Sheldonian, Broad St, Oxford at 9.45am for a 10.00am departure for a meandering ride of around 13 miles out to Worton Organic Gardens for coffee and cake. We’ll leave Oxford by heading north through Cutteslowe and onto the track to Water Eaton. We will then make our way through the back roads of Kidlington, past the church, before we cross the railway and the canal and ride along Begbroke Lane to the A44 cycle track. We will turn back towards Oxford before turning off through Yarnton village and onwards to Worton and the Organic Gardens. After coffee (and possibly some shopping) we will take an 8 mile long route back via Eynsham, Farmoor and the Botley Road. The return route is 21 miles and there are no hills to speak of. There are two sections of off-road track which are fine for all but the thinnest road tyres. Ride leader is Liz Weekes.

SUNDAY 25^th NOVEMBER: JOINT ISIS/OXFORD CYCLING UK RIDE TO COFFEE AT WATERPERRY GARDENS

Meet outside Oxford Campus Stores in Broad St, Oxford for a prompt 9.30am departure. We will leave Oxford via the University Parks cycle track and Old Marston before crossing the ring-road and climbing Elsfield Hill. After wending our way through the village, we will turn onto the B4027 through Stanton St John and onto Forest Hill. After a short section of A40 cycle track we will descend through the village of Holton and then turn towards our refreshment break at Waterperry Gardens. After coffee we will return to Oxford via Worminghall, Stanton St John and Barton, arriving back in Oxford at the Headington roundabout.

As usual with these rides, the pace to coffee will be around 11mph to enable us to arrive by 11am. The return journey will be at the usual Isis Cyclists long ride pace of about 10mph. The return route will be approximately 22 miles in length and includes three hills which can be climbed at your own pace. The ride leader will be Ellen Lee.

October 2018

Pausing for a breather on our annual 50-mile challenge on 9th September.

Ellen writes… Well, the blackberries are over and sloes are looking almost ripe, so it must be autumn. This means that our Stop & Stare and evening social rides have been wrapped up and put away till the spring. Despite this, we still have a good variety of rides and I hope that you find one to suit you. Even though the temperature is lower, as is the sun in the sky, it can be absolutely wonderful riding among the autumn colours.

As you may have realised, 2018 is our 10^th anniversary, and this month, to celebrate this fact, Cyclox have asked us to give a presentation entitled “Isis Cyclists – 10 years of sweet success” at their October meeting on Tuesday 16^th October. Jane Carlton Smith and I will be there giving our take on various aspects of the last 10 years’ activities and the hope is that it will spark a lively discussion on how to encourage people (and women especially) to get out on their bikes. What can we do and what do local and central government need to do? We all have our opinion on this, so come to the meeting, relive the last 10 years, join in the discussion and eat some cake afterwards!!!! The meeting will be held at St Michael at the North Gate, OX1 3EY at 7.30pm. For more details visit the Cyclox website.

SATURDAY 6^TH OCTOBER: SHORT & STEADY RIDE: A FARM IN THE CITY

This is a short City ride taking mainly cycle paths and a farm within Oxford City! There is one gentle hill which can be walked.

The ride meets at 10.15 for a 10.30 departure beside the south lodge of University Parks, on the corner of St Cross Rd and South Parks Rd. We will cycle along the Marston Cycle path, up Harberton Mead, Pullens Lane, Warneford Lane to Hilltop Road. From there we will take the Barracks Lane cycle path, cut through cycle paths to Florence Park and have a coffee stop at Oxford City Farm Festival (OX4 3NU) which has plenty to nourish you this Autumn. From there we will cycle to Donnington Bridge and pick up the tow path to Folly Bridge and back to the centre of Town where the ride will conclude.

It is envisaged that this 8 mile ride will take approximately 2 hrs depending on the length of time spent at the City Farm refreshment stop. The ride leader is Sarah Twine.

SATURDAY 13^TH OCTOBER: MEDIUM RIDE TO WHEATLEY

Meet in Radcliffe Square outside the University Church at 9:45am for a prompt 10.00 departure.  We’ll head out via the Marston Road, Elsfield, Forest Hill and Stanton St John to the café at the Mill View Garden Centre, Wheatley (10 miles). There are two steep hills on the outward route: Elsfield Hill and Ladder Hill in Wheatley: please feel free to get off and push your bike up either or both of them. After coffee we’ll return to Oxford via Garsington and Cowley. The total length of the ride is a shade over 17 miles. The ride leader is Liz Matthews.

SATURDAY 20^TH OCTOBER: LONG RIDE: LUNCH AFTER A HILL CHALLENGE!

A ride via Abingdon and Boar’s Hill for a hill challenge and then Sunningwell for lunch. Meet at Bonn Square at 10.15 to depart at 10.30. We will proceed down St Ebbes to the Thames and south to Sandford, Radley and off-road Route 5 into Abingdon. We will then continue through Abingdon to Shippon, Gozzard’s Ford, Cothill, Dry Sandford and Wootton. From there we will mount an assault on Boar’s Hill via the back route and then descend to Bayworth and Sunningwell for lunch in the Flowing Well Inn. From there we will return to Oxford via Kennington. The whole route is 20 miles (15 to lunch and 5 afterwards). The leader is Clare Farley.

SUNDAY 28^TH OCTOBER: JOINT ISIS/OXFORD CYCLING UK RIDE TO COFFEE AT ASTON POTTERY

Meet outside Oxford Campus Stores in Broad St, Oxford for a prompt 9.30am departure. We will leave Oxford via Botley Road and the B4044 towards Eynsham.  We’ll then make for Aston Pottery via Stanton Harcourt, Hardwick & Yelford. The return will take us to Standlake on quiet roads where we will pick up the A415 for a couple of miles, crossing the River Thames at Newbridge and then turning back on minor roads through Netherton, Appleton and Cumnor before entering Oxford along the Botley Rd.  The route has a couple of hills either side of coffee but is otherwise pretty flat. The aim is to get to coffee at 11am and to do this we will need to average about 11mph. The return route will be at a reduced pace of about 10mph and the entire route is approximately 33 miles long. The leader will be Leonor Barroca.

September 2018

Several of our members are keen wild swimmers – so where better for an Isis Cyclists’ dip than in the River Isis?  (11th August)

Ellen writes… If you’re a big fan of hot weather you must have enjoyed the last few months! However, now we seem to have returned to something more normal as we head into the season of mellow fruitfulness. This month we have our usual mix of rides and also our 50 mile challenge, which seems to have become a regular feature. I think I am right in saying that this is our fifth such ride, and so far we have ridden a different route each time. I’m not sure how long I will be able to carry on inventing new routes, but I’m sure that we’re OK for a few years yet! This year we are riding south and east for a change and it will give us a chance to explore some lovely villages in the “foothills” of the Chilterns.

If you like your rides a little shorter, then don’t despair. We are trying out a new coffee venue (the Barracks Lane Community Garden) on our short and steady ride this month and delving into Oxford’s working past on the Stop & Stare ride. Whichever ride takes your fancy, let’s hope for some friendly riding conditions and plenty of cake!

As usual,  make sure both you and your bike are fit and ready for your ride! It’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube as it may be possible to mend a puncture on the spot. Have a good breakfast too and carry a snack and drink in case you need a bit of extra sustenance.

Happy cycling!

SATURDAY 1^ST SEPTEMBER: SHORT & STEADY RIDE VISITING THE BARRACKS LANE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Meet from 10.15am for a 10.30am start outside the Sheldonian Theatre on Broad Street, Oxford. We will begin by riding across the meadows on the University Parks Cycle Track to Marston before climbing the back way to Headington and riding through Brookes Campus. We will then descend to Barracks Lane where we will have coffee at the Community Garden. Afterwards we will make our way to Iffley, cross the river at the Lock and return to the centre of town using the towpath. This ride is less than 10 miles in length and has one hill which will be taken at a steady pace, or can be walked. The ride leader is Lilia Bonacorsi.

TUESDAY 4^TH SEPTEMBER: EVENING SOCIAL RIDE TO THE FISHES, N. HINKSEY

Meet at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm getaway at The Ox statue in front of Oxford Railway Station. We will ride briefly west along Botley Road to get to Binsey Lane. Then from Binsey village we will take the river path which is a little rough but rideable on most bikes, perhaps not the narrowest tyres. At Godstow Lock we will be back on the road to Wytham and then south to Botley and on to North Hinksey, where we can eat or drink or both. From there the route back to Oxford is via Willow Walk and Osney Mead. The route is about 7 miles in total. We’ll be at the pub by about 7.30 for anyone wishing to join us there. Bring lights for the return to Oxford. Partners and friends welcome. The ride leader is Clare Farley. 

SUNDAY 9^TH SEPTEMBER: ISIS CYCLISTS 50-MILE CHALLENGE

Meet from 9am for a prompt 9:15am start in Radcliffe Square, Oxford (at the back of the University Church). The ride is in three sections of 15, 18 and 18 miles. In addition to the two refreshment stops we will also stop for a stretch, bite to eat, drink etc. in the middle of each section, so please make sure you are carrying something to eat and drink.

This year we will ride out of Oxford through Marston and Headington and make our way to Thame for coffee at Treacles Tearooms. On the way we will ride through Stanton St John, Worminghall, Ickford (where we will have a short break) and Shabbington. After coffee we will ride along the Phoenix Trail as far as Towersey before returning to road to ride through some of the pleasant villages at the foot of the Chiltern Hills (Sydenham, Adwell, Wheatfield and Stoke Talmage). We will then make our way to lunch at the Waterfront Café in Benson, via Cuxham, Brightwell Baldwin and Ewelme. The route back to Oxford after lunch is fairly direct and takes us through Berrick Salome, Chalgrove, Little Milton, Cuddesdon and Horspath. As always the pace will be steady, and I hope to make it back to Oxford around 6pm.

The route starts with a climb up to Headington and Stanton St John, but the remainder of the first section is fairly flat. The second section (to lunch) is undulating. The hills are not particularly long or steep, but there’s not that much flat riding once we pass through Sydenham. The final section is flat until we approach Little Milton and Cuddesdon (hills we know well!).

In summary, the route will be either on metalled road or good quality track and will be hillier than last year. If you start and finish in the centre of Oxford, you will have ridden approx 51 miles. If you live in Headington and would like to meet us on the Barton side of the Green Rd roundabout, let me know (so we don’t go without you). I would expect to get there at 9:35 – 9:40am. The ride leader is Ellen Lee.

SATURDAY 15^TH SEPTEMBER: MEDIUM RIDE TO SCULPTURE IN THE VINEYARD

We will meet in Radcliffe Square, opposite the Radcliffe Camera, outside the Vaults & Gardens Café, at 10.00am for a 10.15am departure.  It’s about 8 miles to Bothy Vineyard, where there is a huge sculpture exhibition and refreshments.  We will stay there for 1½ hours, to enjoy the sculpture and have something to eat.  We should be back in Oxford by around 2.30pm. The ride is just over 17 miles on relatively quiet roads.  The ride leader will be Jane Carlton Smith.

More details are at http://www.sculptureinthevineyard.uk/ and there is a £2.50 entrance fee to the exhibition, which is well worth it.  It’s a lovely setting and you can buy a bottle or two of wine while you are there.

FRIDAY 21^ST SEPTEMBER: STOP & STARE RIDE – OXFORD’S WORKING PAST

On this flat ride around central Oxford we will visit former industrial and commercial buildings that have been converted into housing.  We’ll note the shift from 19^th-century industry to residential accommodation, reflecting the industrial decline that we’ve seen in our lifetimes and the huge and unmet demand for housing in the city.

We will meet in Radcliffe Square, opposite the Radcliffe Camera, outside the Vaults & Gardens Café, at 1.45pm for a 2.00pm departure. The ride is 5 miles long and mainly on quiet roads and cycle paths, to avoid the crowds.  It should take 1½ to 2 hours, with stops.  We’ll have tea at Manos Café in Walton Street.

The ride leader will be Jane Carlton Smith.

SUNDAY 30^TH SEPTEMBER: JOINT ISIS/OXFORD CYCLING UK RIDE TO COFFEE AT THE BARN, STRATTON AUDLEY

Meet in Broad Street at 9.15am for a prompt 9.30am departure.  We will head out through the University Parks Cycle track to Marston, up to Islip and around Otmoor to the east of Bicester and stop for coffee at The Barn in Stratton Audley.  The return journey will be via Boarstall and Woodperry.  I’m afraid we can’t cycle out in this direction without encountering a few hills but they can be taken at your own pace.  Please note that this ride is slightly longer to coffee than usual at nearly 19 miles and, as it’s a joint Cycling UK ride, there will be fewer re-grouping breaks and riders must be capable of riding at a steady 12mph on the flat.  The total ride distance back to the High Street is 37 miles.  ETA back to Oxford could be around 2.30pm depending on how long it takes to get served at The Barn.  Ride leader is Natasha Williams.  The route can be downloaded here at https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28459904

August 2018

Ready for the off outside the front door of Braziers Park

Liz M writes… What fabulous cycling we’ve had in July (we’ll overlook the cancellation of the joint ride with Oxford Cycling UK at the very end of the month)! The centrepiece of our programme was, of course, our tenth anniversary weekend in the peaceful setting of Braziers Park – a suitably ‘gloomthy’ example of Strawberry Hill Gothic tucked away on the edge of the Chilterns. It’s home to the oldest secular community in Britain, and the residents are more used to hosting yoga retreats than a party of 20+ lively women cyclists. But they were all very welcoming – including a highly sociable pig – and served hearty, nutritious meals to ensure our legs kept pedalling despite the heat. Friday afternoon saw us riding out via Abingdon and Wallingford (24 miles), while on Saturday a choice of rides was offered: long (24 miles) to Whitchurch and Sonning, and longer (32 miles) to Henley and back via Turville Heath. The homeward route on Sunday took in Goring, Wallingford and Chalgrove (28 miles). So it was possible to clock up nearly 100 miles in the three days!

Performing surgery on a broken chain

The weekend had its share of thrills and spills, including a few punctures and a broken chain, and for some an encounter with a wildfire that was a little too close for comfort (happily, they were able to make a detour). We also made a few additions to our collection of tea stops, including The Barn at Turville Heath and Bean and Brew at Wallingford. You can see the fun for yourself in our photo gallery at https://plus.google.com/101138920476381253880

We have six very varied rides to tickle your palate in August. As always, don’t forget to make sure both you and your bike are fit and ready for your ride! It’s a good idea to carry a spare inner tube as it may be possible to mend a puncture on the spot. Have a good breakfast too and carry a snack and drink in case you need a bit of extra sustenance. An extra bottle of water is advisable if the heatwave returns.

What a view!

SATURDAY 4TH AUGUST: SHORT RIDE – TURRILL SCULPTURE GARDEN

Meeting in front of the Sheldonian at 11.15 for a 11.30 start, we will take the cycle route to Summertown to see the Summer Exhibition ‘The Art of Movement – Kinetic Sculpture’ by Richard Cresswell at the Turrill Sculpture Garden. We will then cycle to Wolvercote and stop to explore the Wolvercote lakes before our lunch (or coffee) break at the Trout pub. Our return route will be via the ruins of Godstow Nunnery and Port Meadow. Please note that the way back includes an unpaved road which not suitable for very thin tires. The ride leader is Lilia Bonacorsi.

Turrill Sculpture Garden: http://www.turrillsculpturegarden.org.uk
The Trout menus: https://www.thetroutoxford.co.uk/content/pcdg/south-east/thetroutoxford/menus

THURSDAY 9TH AUGUST: STOP & STARE – OXFORD WOMEN’S BLUE PLAQUES, PART 2

Continuing with last month’s theme, this ride will visit a further 6 plaques in central and east Oxford area. The ride will meet at 9:45 for a 10:00 departure from the entrance to University Parks on Parks Road, near Norham Gardens to cycle to our first stop at nearby Bradmore Road. From there the ride will continue to the City centre, Iffley, Cowley and Headington area. The women whom we will commemorate are:

1. Clara Pater : 2 Bradmore Road. Pioneer of women’s education
2. Sarah Jane Cooper : 83 High Street. Coopers marmalade
3. Olive Gibbs : Christchurch old buildings. Councillor and campaigner
4. Maureen Gardener :  17 Maidcroft Road Cowley. Olympic hurdles medallist
5. Anne Ridler : Stanley Road. Printer
6. Elizabeth Bowen : The Coach House, The Croft, Headington. Novelist

This 8-mile ride is mainly flat with one hill (which can be walked) and taken at a slow and gentle pace. The coffee/lunch stop is at Jacobs and Field in Old High Street, Headington at the end of the ride. The leader is Sarah Twine.

SATURDAY 11TH AUGUST: MEDIUM RIDE – CIRCUMNAVIGATION OF OXFORD WITH OPTIONAL RIVER SWIM

Meet by the statue of the ox opposite the entrance to Oxford main rail station from 9.45 for a 10.00am departure. This ride takes us in a circle right round the city of Oxford using tow paths, cycle lanes and quiet roads. We will exit the station at the back and drop down to the river where we follow the lovely route along Fiddlers Island then along the towpath to Wolvercote. From there we wiggle our way through Summertown, then join the Marston Ferry cycle path before heading uphill to Brookes via Harberton Mead. We then carry on downhill to Florence Park, through Iffley village then down to the river for refreshments at The Isis Farmhouse. From there, those who would like a swim can cycle a short way downstream for a refreshing dip in the Thames. The ride is 13 miles long and will be led by Karen Wolff. Don’t forget your swimmers!

SATURDAY 18TH AUGUST: LONG RIDE – LUNCH IN A YURT!

Ride to The Yurt at Nicholson’s Garden Centre, Steeple Aston for lunch. Start at the Sheldonian in Broad Street at 10 (assemble from 9.45) and procede to the cycle track on Woodstock Road, following the A44 cycle track into Woodstock where we take the Sustrans cycle route 5 up to Rousham Gap. Then procede to Rousham, Steeple and Middle Astons to Nicholson’s at North Aston. The way back is via Somerton, Upper Heyford, Bletchingdon and Kidlington. The whole route is 35 miles and there are no super hills, but the route rises a bit after Rousham. On way back a little hill at Somerton but otherwise nothing really significant. This route was taken by Ellen’s pop-up ride in early May and was thoroughly enjoyed by those of us who went. It’s the final ride in our build-up to the 50-mile challenge in early September. The leader is Liz Weekes.

Liz has supplied details of the rotes on Ride with GPS:
Out: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28192470
Back: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28192584

The Yurt website: http://www.theyurtatnicholsons.co.uk/

WEDNESDAY 22ND AUGUST: EVENING SOCIAL RIDE TO THE ISIS FARMHOUSE

Meet at 6.15pm, for a getaway at 6.30pm. Hoping for a lovely evening, we will cross the river and a lake, ride across meadows, through the fields and back to the river, finishing at the Isis pub for refreshments.  Starting from Radcliffe Square (outside the Vaults & Gardens Café), we will cross Hinksey Lake and the railway line, before heading through South Hinksey Village and up Boars Hill on the bridleway. The track can be a bit rough and is not ideal for road tyres, but it can easily be walked. From Boars Hill, we’ll enjoy riding down to Bayworth (instead of up, as is usual on our rides!) and make our way back to the Sustrans route to the river and back along the towpath. The ride is 9½ miles and you need to be able to carry your bike over the railway bridge, with help from others if needed. Partners are most welcome on this ride and, as mentioned, it’s not particularly suitable for road tyres. The ride leader is Jane Carlton Smith.

SUNDAY 26TH AUGUST: SOCIAL RIDE TO CREAM TEA AT COMBE

This is an additional ride to our normal monthly programme, ensuring that we keep up our annual tradition of cream tea at Combe’s historic Reading Room. Meet at 1:15pm for a 1:30pm departure outside Costa Coffee on the main Banbury Road in Summertown. We will head north on quiet roads and tracks to Kidlington from where we will pick up a short section of off-road track, Begbroke Lane. This brings us out on the A44 cycle track for about 3 miles before we reach Woodstock. There we pick up Sustrans route 5 for a mile or so before turning north and west towards Combe. After our cream tea we will head back to Oxford via the Hanboroughs. The approach to Oxford will be along the A40 cycle track, although if you are heading south and west of Oxford, you may prefer to return through Eynsham. The ride is approximately 25 miles long and moderately hilly, but all hills can be taken at your own paced or walked if necessary. The Begbroke Lane off-road section is suitable for all bikes. The off-road section north of Woodstock is probably not suitable for bikes with very narrow tyres or if it has rained heavily, but an on-road alternative is available.

This is a mixed social ride, so male partners and friends are very welcome to join us. The ride leader is Liz Matthews.

Information about the Combe Reading Room: http://www.combereadingroom.co.uk/

OTHER CYCLING INFORMATION

Beryl’s Night
Team Beryl invites women and trans folk into the Broken Spoke workshop on the first Thursday of every month from 6-9pm. Please join us to take part in a FREE mini-class on our monthly theme, work on your own bike in a safe space, and enjoy plenty of tea, biscuits and good company!

For information about this month’s Beryl’s Night, please visit: http://bsbcoop.org/what-we-do/beryls-night/

July 2018

Beautiful Bridewell Organic Gardens: destination for an afternoon social ride on Sunday 10th June

 

Ellen writes… What an amazing few weeks of sunshine we’ve had, not the usual two sunny days followed by a thunderstorm at all! I think all our rides last month enjoyed lovely conditions. The evening stop & stare ride, during which we tried hard to work out where seven paintings by two Turners (JMW and William Turner of Oxford) were painted from, what had changed and what was artistic licence, was great fun and the evening sunshine was fantastic. We also very much enjoyed our visit to the lovely organic gardens at Bridewell near Wilcote and quite a few of us rode home with plants we’d bought. When I got home I Googled mine and discovered it grows to 7 feet tall (whoops!).

This month we have our usual interesting collection of rides plus our annual weekend away which we are holding at Braziers Park in the Chilterns. A record 24 riders have signed up to take part, so it should be a wonderful weekend. We’ve also got to the 35 mile ride in our season of long rides preparing for the 50 mile challenge on 9th September. This year we will be going south and east (for a change) with the coffee stop in Thame and lunch at the Waterfront Café in Benson.

Help us spread the word about Isis Cyclists! Would you be interested in helping us let more women know about us? We are looking for a few of you willing to give out leaflets at one or two events a year, for a couple of hours. The Oxford cycling campaign group Cyclox kindly invites us to join them at their stalls. It’s a great way of meeting other cyclists – and all you need to do is be enthusiastic about our rides. The next two events are the Elder Stubbs festival in Cowley on Saturday 18 August, and the Green Fair in early December. Contact Lucy Tennyson via the Contact Us page.

STOP & STARE RIDE: THURSDAY JULY 5th: OXFORD WOMENS’ BLUE PLAQUES

The Oxfordshire Blue Plaques scheme promotes recognition and awareness of people, places and events that have been of lasting significance in the life of Oxfordshire or more widely.

The stop and stare ride will visit 6 of the women’s blue plaques in Oxford city. A further 6 will be visited at a later date (TBC).

The ride meets at 9:45am outside Costa Coffee in Summertown for a 10am departure. It will be approximately 7 miles long and take about 2 hours with coffee taken at the end of the ride at the Handlebar cafe in St Michael’s street.

Ride leader is Sarah Twine.

SHORT & STEADY RIDE: SATURDAY 7TH JULY: A RIVERINE RIDE

Meet by the statue of the ox, outside Oxford rail station from 9.45am for a 10.00 am departure. This ride takes advantage of the lovely newly surfaced path along the Thames, it follows the river to Iffley Lock, crosses the lock, then turns down Meadow Lane and on to route 5 which takes us through Hinksey and Osney to The Tumbling Bay café at West Oxford Community Centre for coffee and homemade cake or biscuits. We then continue along the Thames by way of ‘Fiddler’s Island’ to Port Meadow, cross the new railway bridge to Aristotle Lane, then make our way through Jericho and back to the city centre. The ride is 9 miles in length, with only a tiny hill in Iffley village, and the terrain is a mixture of towpath, quiet roads and a short section of grassy path. The ride leader is Karen Wolff.

FRIDAY 13th – SUNDAY 15th JULY: ISIS WEEKEND AWAY: BRAZIERS PARK

Final details of this much anticipated event will be sent to those who have booked around 10th July.

LONG RIDE: SATURDAY 21st JULY: A MEANDER IN TRHE VALE

The build-up to the Isis 50-mile challenge reaches 35 miles with this long ride across the Vale of the White Horse to Charney Bassett. Meet outside the Sheldonian Theatre at 9:45 for a 10:00 departure through Cumnor and Appleton to Fyfield, from where we head southwest in the general direction of Charney. We initially take a detour through East Hanney, Denchworth and Goosey, before eventually striking east and north to Charney itself for lunch. You can either bring a picnic to eat on the village green or dine at The Chequers pub. The (shorter) return route takes us to Southmoor and along the country road back to Cumnor for tea and biscuits at Liz’s house. From there it’s downhill for most of the way back into Oxford.

Apart from the initial climb up to Cumnor (walking permitted!), the route is generally flat or with gentle inclines. Once we’re out of Oxford, we ride mostly along quiet country roads, although there is a crossing of the busy A420 at Fyfield (care required!) and a short stretch along the A417 near Stanford-in-the-Vale. The ride leader is Liz Matthews.

Important notes:

• Please bring a mid-morning drink and snack for the outward section as there are no eateries before Charney.
• Please let Liz know via the Contact Us page by Wednesday 18th July if you wish to eat at The Chequers, so that we can let the pub know how many people to expect. Thank you!

TUESDAY 24th JULY: EVENING SOCIAL RIDE TO THE ABINGDON ARMS, BECKLEY

Meet outside Costa Coffee in Summertown in good time for a 6.30pm departure. We’ll go out of town towards Kidlington via Water Eaton and on to Islip, working up a thirst for the pub with an uphill stretch to Beckley village giving glorious views over Otmoor. The Abingdon Arms is a community owned pub, specialising in locally produced food, and hopefully we can bag a table outside. As usual with our evening rides, male partners and friends are welcome. We’ll take the most direct route home into Marston. Please bring lights. The ride will be 13 miles long and the leader is Lucy Tennyson.

SUNDAY 29th JULY: A SOCIAL RIDE FOR TEA AT DORCHESTER ABBEY

Meet at 12.30pm for a prompt 12.45pm departure by the bike racks outside John Lewis (in Norfolk Street – back entrance to Customer Services) for a leisurely cycle to Dorchester via Abingdon. We will be joined by the Oxford City branch of Cycling UK at Dorchester Abbey for afternoon tea, so our mission will be to arrive before them! This is a joint social ride so male friends and partners are welcome to join us. We will ride directly home from Dorchester arriving back into Oxford via Horspath. The ride will be approximately 32 miles long and is mainly flat apart from a couple of steepish hills on the approach to Cuddesdon near the end of the ride. The ride leader is Natasha Williams.