Oxford Cycling UK

Cycling UK Member Group

Oxford Cycling UK

Lots of colourful detail (and gpx files) on our website. Join us for the 3 Cs: Coffee, cakes and chat

Contact details

Sue Altman Secretary
Our activities 
Leisure/Touring rides
About us 

Details of our rides are emailed to subscribers each week. Click here to subscribe.

Our Sunday rides start (usually at 9.30am) outside the Campus Store in Broad Street, Oxford. However, depending where you live, you can choose to join us at coffee, instead of at the start. For this reason, we publish the estimated arrival time at coffee. Some riders join us for lunch, though the arrival time is more difficult to predict. If you do decide to join at lunch, please make sure you email the ride leader (see People page for contact details), since we always book in advance. Another popular option, if you are busy or not sure you can manage a full day, is to ride straight home after coffee.

We always try to vary our rides from week to week and our loops go out in all directions from the centre of Oxford. We avoid main roads as far as possible and always ride at a leisurely pace to accommodate the slowest rider, stopping for coffee after about an hour and then lunch in a pub, where the food ranges from soup or sandwiches to a full Sunday roast (depending on the pub and the appetite of our riders). Distances range from 35-50 miles in winter to 60+ miles in summer, when the longer and warmer days provide an opportunity to explore more distant routes, perhaps even stopping for tea on the way home. Once a month, we start a 30-45 minute drive from Oxford, which provides the opportunity to explore further afield. The Cotswolds, Chilterns and North Wessex Downs are all within reach.

Our Sunday rides are a social occasion, and while some may enjoy the odd burst of speed up a hill, we always wait for slower riders. Our average speed over the past few years has been about 20kph (12 mph). Sometimes, faster cyclists add an extra loop or may decide to ride home at a faster pace. An experienced cyclist will lead the ride and a second rider will bring up the rear to make sure no one gets lost.

It is important, before coming on the ride to make sure that your bike is in good working order. We recommend carrying 2 or more spare inner tubes, a bicycle pump and plenty of water. It is also advisable to carry extra clothing and waterproofs if the weather is changeable. New riders do not have to be a member of Cycling UK to come on the rides, but if they cause any injury, damage or loss to the public or fellow cyclist, they may incur liability. Cycling UK members are covered for such, under the Club’s third party/public liability policy.

Children are welcome on our rides but must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

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