Oxford Cycling Clubs / Riding Groups - 2015

Does anyone belong to / know of any decent / friendly (but fast) cycling clubs / groups for rides, in or around Oxford? The only people I've really seen about are Zappis and the university people, neither of which look particularly like my cup of tea. Would consider joining one in London, but to make some of the early morning starts I'd have to get the Oxford Tube at about 4am, so an Oxford-based club would make more sense for the moment. Looking to join around February time.

If none exist, and there are a few like-minded souls around, might be an idea to start something new. Doesn't necessarily have to be super-serious with custom kit and calendar of events etc, just a group of capable local cyclists to ride together.

Thanks,

C

Why don't Zappi's or the university group seem like your cup of tea?

There are several clubs in Oxford or nearby: OCRC, Oxonian cc, Mid oxon, Zappi's, Condors, Outdoor Traders, BMCC, Didcot Phoenix, Mickey Cranks, Abingdon Freewheelers. I might have missed some but there's a pretty big choice so you'd have to be crazy to get a bus to London at 4am for a club run.

Thanks Sandy.

I'm not at the university, so not sure I'd be able to join them. Might look into it. With Zappis they seem a tad serious and don't they all ride custom Zappis bikes etc?

Where did you find out about the clubs above?

You could look on the British Cycling website.
Zappi's have about 4 separate club rides. I'm sure you can find one to suit your goals.
Also they do have a 'team' but I'm not sure they do many of the club runs.

I ride with Zappi's cc. I just googled and researched for clubs in the area when I moved here a few years ago. I haven't actually included any of the uni clubs above.

Zappi's aren't at all serious, as with most clubs there is a wide range of different types of riders. Club runs on a Saturday have slow, medium and fast rides. Not so much in the winter but in the Summer there will normally be different types of ride. e.g. fast/flat or medium/hilly. Normally a ride on a Sunday as well as Tues/Thursday in the Summer. The Club helps to fund the Race team which is a development team, although they sometimes turn up for the odd ride, they are quite separate from the normally club activities.

Plenty of choice in Oxford for clubs though.

Ah great. Was a bit confused by their website. Thanks for the info.

Dropped by Bike Zone the other day and they said there's a Saturday morning ride with the Zappi's crew, a casual one, so will try that in a month or so when I can get back on the bike.

Btw they're all casual