Testing the water - Cotswold ride-out

First topic message reminder :

OK, after the ToL I felt embarrassed that all I ever do is go to someone else's ride-out and never my own. I also know that I moan about the roads down here being pants in comparison to Wales/Peak District/Lincolnshire/anywhere else. However, I recently took a bit of time to study a map and started thinking I might just be able to squeeze out a half-decent day-long ride in the Oxon/Gloucs/Berks area, taking in the Cotswolds, Lambourn Downs and so on.

Right now this is nothing more than a theoretical exercise, but if I were to come up with a route and if I could find a slot in the hectic Thundercat calendar next year, would anybody come?

Let's, for the sake of argument, say it might be based in/around Burford in Oxon - there are a few places to stay and eat/drink (although I have no idea if they accept sweaty bikers as readily as they accept sweaty American tourists). I live in Reading but grew up in the suggested area so know it fairly well. I have a few ideas for places to include on a route, but if anyone wants to make any suggestions they are more than welcome.

Be warned, you won't find towering hills or endless valleys, more likely towering horseboxes and endless traffic, but if you fancy a peek at a different part of the country, y'never know - might be OK...?

All's I need now is a humorous and memorable name for the (theoretical) ride-out...

That area is pretty local to me, so pencil me in. The route will have to be carefully planned though. Most of the decent northern cotswold roads have had endless 50mph limits applied in the last 12 months. We used to have a decent circuit round Banbury, Chipping Norton, Broadway etc but thats ruined now. Still, there must be a few little gems still out there.

Yeah, I'm well aware of the 50mph rash that has spread across Oxfordshire.

I'll go do a recce at some point and see how it looks.

Glad to see at least some interest - it might not rival Welshpool in its heyday but this thing might actually fly! I'll keep you all posted - keep sending in your suggestions and interest though... the more the merrier.

weasley wrote: sweaty bikers

Speak for yourself love - i'll have you know Laydees do not sweat - we 'glow'

I'm in

Hi Paul,

Great idea! Always nice to be able to try the roads in another area.

Guilt makes you do amazing things!

Count me in subject to work commitments.

Chris

Let me know when you are doing the recce, might be able to come along

Not sure if I'll get it in this year or early next. I still need a rear tyre before I go anywhere! I'll post up here if I get a chance, but be warned that my biking days out are often last minute opportunities!

Cheers for all the replies so far.

weasley wrote:Not sure if I'll get it in this year or early next. I still need a rear tyre before I go anywhere! I'll post up here if I get a chance, but be warned that my biking days out are often last minute opportunities!

Cheers for all the replies so far.

No worries Weasley drop me a PM when you are sorting things out, short notice could be a problem, but be good to get out either way.

Sounds like fun, my usual Friday commute (when I've got a bike!) is from Brum to Wiltshire via Evesham, Stow, Burford, etc. It's gorgeous but it'd be great to see more of it when I'm not in as much of a rush.

In short, count me in - just let me know where and when!

weasley wrote:a half-decent day-long ride in the Oxon/Gloucs/Berks area, taking in the Cotswolds, Lambourn Downs and so on

Weasley,

Still up for this? Would be happy to try and help organise something, have a bit of a recce if you want

Any dates in mind for this? I'm keen to get out there again...

Me too

Sorry guys - been a bit busy. I'm ready to roll in terms of the bike, but need to get myself in gear. Like I said above, it's less likely I'll actually organise this now, given the condition of the missus, but am still up for an exploratory ride about the place to see if such a ride would be feasible. Having also just bought a greenlaner I have to be careful with my smartie points and not blow them all in one go! Feel free to sort it out without me if I'm dragging my heels.

given the condition of the missus

Hope everythings OK Paul x

Thanks Ellie,

I thought I said in this thread but it must have been another one - we're expecting our 2nd on 7 July (ish) so time away will be limited for a while. All fine ok though, thanks for asking.

weasley wrote:we're expecting our 2nd on 7 July

Great

So enjoy the Eifel run - it is not much time left until you have less time

Congratulations!