2012-05-13 - Oxford town and gown race

Who could fail to admire Bernie’s energy and enthusiasm in organising this ride? Over and above the usual work involved in a venture like this he not only managed to get a group of forum riders out on the road at dawn, as if they were old style time triallists, but he also went to extraordinary lengths to ensure that the weakest member of the group arrived with the rest of us.

Just one point about the route, which was partly my suggestion. If anyone else wants to get to Oxford in a hurry, I advise you not to use the A40 between London and Denham, as we did. It was very early in the morning and we got away with it, but all those spearpoint junctions are too risky for it to be a practical route. It’s not much slower and a lot safer to use the A 4020 through Southall, Hayes and Uxbridge.

It took me about 4 hours 40 minutes to ride back, and I can’t say I was sorry to get off the bike when I finally arrived.

Once again, thanks, Bernie.

Thanks Chris. Praise from you, is praise indeed.

So glad you managed to catch up, and apologies again for leaving Ealing bang on 5am. As you said, probably the only time a cycling event left at the appointed hour.