2008-06-14 Sat - 100k Ride to Oxford, the people's choice

on my desk by noon, please, Mr. English.

@jonny - what ratio were you running?

1:618

Notes from reconnaissance - Wednesday 4 June

1. It's a good ride. Won't go through highlights as don't want to spoil it. But by and large small quiet country lanes once we are out of london - at about the 10k point.

2. It was a hot day and I hope it is like that on the 14th, though knocks it out of you a little bit. Hydration people - v. important. Plenty of shops/garages/pubs along the way, though not so many once you get to within 20 miles of oxford. Will make sure I point out possible refreshment points on the ride.

3. The thing you really want to know about - Hills. There is nothing to speak of either side of the Chilterns. But the Chilterns throws up about three climbs, and only one that might have some of you swearing at your choice of gearing. Seriously, there is nothing to compare to Ditchling Beacon. I took directions from a guy in Hedsor. He was a roady and knew the local hills well, he has also done L2B a few times. He reckoned the rise out of Turville up to Christmas Common was tougher than Ditchling Beacon. He is way out.

3.a Little rise out of Cookham. Nothing really just a bit of a drag, followed by a beautiful hairpinned descent down in to Marlow.

3.b Oxford Road out of Marlow - this really did drag on a bit but the gradient was only slight.

3.c Turville up to Christmas Common - the hardest climb of the day but really no tougher than going up Highgate Hill West.

The last 15 miles are pancake territory.

1. Time. Well getting lost once (so we don't have to on the day), a puncture, a stop for a pint at a fine hostelry, the ride took me five and a half hours. Would say four and a bit of those were on the bike. Remember, I had to spend a lot of time checking directions. We will run smoother on the day as a result.

2. So, suggested Time for the ride.

10:00 Meet up outside Richmond Rail Station
09:00 Meet up point for feeder rides (if there are any) at Hyde Park Corner
08:30 Meet up at Brick Lane Polo Court for East End feeder ride

1. Toying with the idea of throwing in some intermediate sprints and hillclimbs in to the day to satisfy the fast and the furious. Just an idea. There were a couple of roads and climbs that would be conducive to this and would be an extra laugh. Thoughts l's and g's?
   
   

It's an extra 15 miles if riding in from Brick Lane to Richmond. Anyone truly worried about the distance might want to silverlink it Richmond. though you will of course have to weather a few HTFU comments you might be grateful for it come those last 15 miles in to Oxford.

Jonny

ps - We will be riding through that midday sun so protection for skin and eyes folks.

pps - GTFB

on my desk by noon, please, Mr. English.

i got a 19 minute extension from the Principal ;)

@jonny - what ratio were you running?

the trusty all rounder - 48 x18 - turned out to be just about right

nice report, Johnson.

sounds good, i know those three hills, the descent into marlow would be great on gears.

i have never ridden up turville hill, it has a windmill on top, right? i'm a bit nervous about that...

i thought oxford road migh tbe a bit of a drag, i guess there's no alternative?

Sounds great Jonny, gutted I'm missing out!

Excellent report, sounds great. Fingers crossed the weather is nice.

This ride is going to kick ass.

Great report Johnny, very much appreciated.
I can't wait for this one. Really hope the weather is like it was on the Cambridge ride.

48x18 sounds good for me too

yeah, this is gonna be a great one! 46:17 for me. And some sunblock this time!

48:18 here too, if that doesn't compromise my individuality too much

47*17. In your face ;]

If I do it fixed, it'll be 46x17. Object, you're ridiculously over-geared.

Don't think I can do this now. When you've done can you stick a link up to the route on Bikely please Jonny. I have a stag do to goto the following weekend and would like to ride there.

Do you think I should go for a more spinny gear?

polo bike 42:20???

Don't be stupid.

My polo gear is 44*22

Don't be stupid.

you know how stupid that sounded?!?

tommy, i am following one off of bikely.com - it's in the original post. have made a cheat sheet which i need to refine after yesterday. will stick that up dude when it is ready.

Don't think I can do this now. When you've done can you stick a link up to the route on Bikely please Jonny. I have a stag do to goto the following weekend and would like to ride there.

I might try it on the speedway, 22 20?

I don't know what I'll be riding, but I will be there.
Hopefully Robbie, we'll be up in time to trash the fsck out of you!

Thanks Jonny

Dammit. Awesome ride report.

I'm at a stag do, but would rather do this! :(