On May 14th 2022, IntoUniversity held our second sponsored bike ride, where intrepid cyclists took part in a one-day tour of the beautiful Oxfordshire countryside, starting and finishing at our Oxford South East centre.
Hear from James Lawrie, Treasurer at Christ Church, Oxford, as he describes the day’s events.
The IntoUniversity cycle ride was a tremendous success. Some 44 riders, including three staff from Christ Church, joint sponsors of IntoUniversity Oxford South East, and three Lawries, gathered at the IntoUniversity Centre in Blackbird Leys at about 09.00 on a beautiful May morning. After a delicious breakfast and a stirring send off from Hugh Rayment-Pickard, 23 riders set off in 3 groups on the 60k route and 21 set off in 3 groups on the 100k version.
The 100k route snaked east out of Oxford through the countryside and then up into the Chilterns. We had two testing climbs, the first as we made our way into Brill (‘on the hill’) and another as we wended our way towards Christmas Common, where we were royally fed and watered by generous IntoUniversity supporters. Enthusiastically guided by IntoUniversity staff, our group even had a tail-end David to rescue anyone who fell behind. The route was well planned on less frequented country roads.
With some generous stops, we took about seven hours reaching Blackbird Leys at about 17.00 to a rapturous welcome. The friendliness of staff and riders was infectious and I for one hope to join the next ride in 2023. See you there!
