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@clubman
Thanks for the message.
I hope to be able to come, although I can't be certain yet.
Can I suggest a possible variation to the route which might make the ride a bit more inviting for single gear riders.
From Marlow, take the road through Lane End to Stokenchurch. This is a hard climb, but does not involve anything like the ascent to Christmas Common on the other road. From Stokenchurch take the A40 to Wheatley. This may sound silly, but in fact the old A40 is completely by passed by the M40 and is almost empty of traffic. Just before Wheatley there is a slightly worrying section when it is necessary to negotiate the roundabout where traffic is coming off the motorway for the M40 service area, but this is the only real difficulty with the route.
After going through Wheatley village, it is possible to cross the main road by a bridge and use the cycle path on the North side of the main road which goes all the way to Headington.
I think this route is quicker, although a bit less picturesque, and so it's handy to know it in case of bad conditions, failing daylight, dislike of steep hills etc.
In general I'm opposed to 'dumbing down' rides by taking out hills, but if that's the only to get people to leave their 'summer bikes' in the shed then I so be it. In this case the Stokenchurch route is probably slightly higher, but the climb is more spread out.
As you know, for my part I don't much mind which way I go because if I have to walk up a hill, I'll just walk.
So:
2. Balmain
3. OLC
4. Dumps
5. Clubman