Yet Another Cycling Forum

General Category => Audax => Topic started by: RideHard on 30 December, 2013, 03:15:51 pm

Title: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 30 December, 2013, 03:15:51 pm
 The "Steam Ride" visits all Steam train venues in the South East: including a London-Oxford-London

Useful planning resources, warnings, food stops, updates, tips  :P etc.
www.steamride.co.uk

Route Sheets & gpx track now downloadable from :
https://sites.google.com/site/steamride/home/lol200

Steamride FB Photos from 2014
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

 4+ Classic London Rides come along together... decisions, decisons...
Calling in at - 2nd Control @ Quainton (WI) for 2nd breakfast and well known and liked Fat Controller :P

London-Oxford-London (LOL) 200 Special, a 200km Audax from London to Oxford and back, visiting along the
way the well known Steam venues, including Didcot, Buckinghamshire, Southall, Chinnor & Princes Risborough, Cholsey
and Wallingford Railway Centres. The route is sure to be favorite of Audax UK members and (we reckon) is just about the best new 200km round route between London and Oxford there is.
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-599/#more

Steam Ride: London-Oxford (Didcot 1-Way) 100km: Follows LOL 200 into Oxford or take a direct route. The Railway, Barley Mow (3 Men in a Boat), Pendom Museum - both follow either side of the Thames to Didcot.
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-604/#more

Steam Ride: Single Track 50km On-Road "Beach 2 Beeches"+ 60km Off-Road "Woodland 2 Woodland": Controls at Burnham Beeches Cafe and Southall Railway Centre (info). Route past Pinewood Studios & Black Park. Start by Fat Controller whistle in tophat at Woody Bay (beach) Station.
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-601/#more

Steam Ride: Quainton Express 100km, fast (no controls) undulating course to Quainton Memorial Hall for a WI tea. Alternate Quainton Control, receipt proof of visit required: http://www.bucksrailcentre.org 
http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/14-598/#more

2 new Perms added, so 'flexible' starts/end to: Steam Ride:London-Oxford-London (LOL) 200 and Steam Ride:London-Oxford 100.

Oxford-London-Oxford 200
Didcot-London-Didcot 200
Quainton-London-Qauinton 200
Chinnor-London-Chinnor 200

http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/TS01/
Start/finish from any control in the LOL 200 circuit: Oxford or Didcot or Chinnor or Quainton..


Steam Ride:Oxford-London (1-Way) 100
http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/TS02/

Now Fully detoured to avoid all floodszz, for your dry ride..

Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 31 December, 2013, 07:29:57 am
HK and I are up for this.
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Jonah on 31 December, 2013, 10:44:04 am
Family Jones are looking forward to helping allreday - see you at the start folks :D
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Pete Mas on 31 December, 2013, 02:48:40 pm
Hope to ride the 200.

All sound great, Tim  :)
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Martin on 07 January, 2014, 01:43:50 pm
The "Steam Ride" visits all Steam train venues in the South East

apart from all the ones S of the Thames?  ;)
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: marcusjb on 07 January, 2014, 02:01:19 pm
The "Steam Ride" visits all Steam train venues in the South East

apart from all the ones S of the Thames?  ;)

I think they are included on the Pedantic Train Spotter 300 later in the season?  :P
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Tomsk on 09 January, 2014, 05:57:02 pm
Good work RideHard  :thumbsup: I think I can probably do this - possibly ECE from here, we'll  see....
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Ivo on 09 January, 2014, 06:22:06 pm
Still condisering wether I can make it to pop over for this one. Problempoint is the Merselo-Verona organiser's meeting in a far-away corner of my province on saturday.
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: αdαmsκι on 09 January, 2014, 06:37:58 pm
I was tempted by this ride, but I'm put off as the last 50 km look like they'll be really busy (http://goo.gl/jAU0F9) at we'll be heading along the A40. Anyone care to comment?
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Hot Flatus on 09 January, 2014, 06:41:46 pm
Afternoon/evening on the Uxbridge road?

What's not to like?

Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 09 January, 2014, 07:06:06 pm
The "Steam Ride" visits all Steam train venues in the South East

apart from all the ones S of the Thames?  ;)

I think they are included on the Pedantic Train Spotter 300 later in the season?  :P


Yeah the SteamRide 300 will be calling in at London's only Funeral Train station: Necropolis Private Station  ;D
http://knowledgeoflondon.com/curiosities/funeraltrains.html

If you look carefully, you'll see a 'single-track' leaving the building: '121 Westminster Bridge Rd',.. 1-way only ticket  needed :o

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/preview#!q=121+Westminster+Bridge+Rd%2C+London&data=!1m4!1m3!1d1239!2d-0.1153844!3d51.4984698!2m8!1e3!2m6!1sHwHRq1ID_MTTSZXkbdsTSg!2e0!5sWestminster+Bridge+House%2C+7+Westminster+Bridge+Rd!8s%2F%2Fgeo0.ggpht.com%2Fcbk%3Fcb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile%26output%3Dthumbnail%26thumb%3D2%26w%3D374%26h%3D75%26yaw%3D152%26pitch%3D0%26ll%3D51.498610%2C-0.106040!9m1!6sA3202+%2F+Waterloo+Road!4m15!2m14!1m13!1s0x487604b932f9222b%3A0xad468b6106c0d90b!3m8!1m3!1d1239!2d-0.1135498!3d51.4993381!3m2!1i720!2i383!4f13.1!4m2!3d51.4993381!4d-0.1135498&fid=7


Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: marcusjb on 09 January, 2014, 07:06:41 pm
Shortest route to and from my office in Beaconsfield is that. Suffice to say, it is not the route I use. Beaconsfield to Gerard's cross is really shit. Uxbridge is shit. Hillingdon shit. Southall (where I join on to uxbridge road) shit and full of zombie peds.

My route wouldn't be suitable for audax as it (naughtily) uses a footpath over the Hall Barn estate bridge.

I hate the uxbridge road!
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: bikenrrd on 12 January, 2014, 11:53:45 am
These look like really excellent rides.  As an Oxford dweller I would be keen, except I'll have a week old child (or a very grumpy wife), so I doubt I'll get a pass!  Maybe next year.
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Frank9755 on 12 January, 2014, 08:17:06 pm
Beaconsfield to Gerard's cross is really shit. Uxbridge is shit. Hillingdon shit. Southall (where I join on to uxbridge road) shit and full of zombie peds.

You'll be looking forward to getting to Greenford and Ruislip, then!
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 14 January, 2014, 12:56:26 pm
Route via beautiful Burnham Beeches and Pinewood Studios  :)

Have you been down to the Ruislip Lido recently ??? ££Lottery funding has made way for cool Cafes, Woodland center, amenities etc...  :D

London start for PERMS for easy access by train/tube/overground :)
Only 1 info to a POI on LOL 200, the other is enroute... they've been removed on the Perm version http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/TS01/ and http://www.aukweb.net/perms/detail/TS02/ and replaced with
 local knowledge, of a little known 'train cycle-track', into "London" proper.
Including zombie ped bypass ;)

At least until the £1M upgrade of the Canal cycle-track (Uxbridge rd bypass) gets completed (been campaigning at ECC/LCC level... looks like works getting started :thumbsup:

Great to have an easily accessible Audax from West London, and you are wisked outta London, before you realise into some beautiful countryside.:thumbsup:
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 19 January, 2014, 04:26:57 pm
Sounds great. I've just entered the 200.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 19 January, 2014, 05:00:07 pm
The Quainton Express looks like a good event for CET Junior
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 05 February, 2014, 03:20:30 pm
London start added, so anybody coming from Ealing Broadway Station has a scenic 15km cycle-route via Train track / Cycle Route
by way of Country Park  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 05 February, 2014, 03:55:49 pm
Interesting. Is that a prologue to the main event, or is it a full separate start?

I was hoping to come up by train on the Sunday morning but, annoyingly, there isn't a train early enough. I'd rather not drive, though, so I might stay Saturday night with my sister in Wimbledon and ride over via Ealing.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: bhoot on 05 February, 2014, 11:41:31 pm
We rode the LOL perm route with Tim on Sunday to help polish the route notes - and it was a great day out. We started from Ealing Broadway and followed a devious local knowledge based route which avoided cycling on main roads except the final section in Ruislip. We didn't actually go to the Lido (starting point for the calendar ride) but instead collected our POP receipts (and choccy bars) from the petrol station nearby.

After this the ride heads pretty much straight out into the countryside with the last few miles to Quainton sharing the Boat Trip route - so if like me you enjoyed Eythrope and Waddesdon parks you get to cycle those again (and to spot the Chequers CCTV cameras if you missed them first time round!). We stopped at the pub there but for the calendar event I understand it will be WI fare in the village hall which will be good and quick. The next section to Oxford was for us the only direct slog into the wind, but the roads were good - pretty quiet but without any with grass growing up the middle. Unfortunately you can't cycle into a town the size of Oxford without some suburban and then urban roads but at least it was easy navigation and downhill to the middle. The exit route from the city centre was shorter and we were soon at Abingdon where we performed some sub-aqua cycling (Poor Student style ie water over tandem bottom tube) on the riverside path - hopefully it will have dried out by 9th March.

Onwards then to Didcot  and another Thames crossing at Wallingford. No wet feet this time but lots of water flowing very fast. From there the ascent to the Chilterns started, gently at first to the control at Chinnor (petrol station hot chocolate for us but there are other options), and then steeply beyond to a fantastic view. It was pretty impressive in the dark but would be great in daylight.

A generally gradual descent followed to the outskirts of High Wycombe. From here there was a choice of two routes - one using minor roads to bypass the A40 in the town centre, and the other using the main road. Given that we had started from Ealing and not Ruislip, we were quite late so opted for the quicker A40 option - in the town it was busy but going out the other side it got gradually quieter until the section between Beaconsfield and Gerrards Cross where there was very light motor traffic. So it seems that on a Sunday evening, especially in the dark, it is a viable and quicker alternative than the undoubtedly more scenic option via Burnham Beeches.

All in all we had a fine time, a total of 163 miles on the clock including to and from East London and our Feb RRTY in the bag... I'll be helping on the day of the calendar event but I hope everyone riding has a good time.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jsabine on 07 February, 2014, 01:35:47 am
Humbug - we've been invited out for dinner that evening ...

Registering for the 100 and ECEing to 200 is easy enough (I see there are changing rooms at Ruislip Lido - anyone know if there are showers? Any chance of leaving a bag at the start?) - how flexible can you be with riders changing their minds and switching between distances? (Mucking you about, in other words ...)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Arry-R on 07 February, 2014, 10:34:37 am
Fantastic event you should get hundreds
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 07 February, 2014, 11:17:16 pm
 Sure you can start anywhere on the Circuit: Ealing, Ruislip, Quainton, Oxford, Didcot, Chinnor...plus the Perm has no Infos... but I do ask, you pre-book and pick up your Brevets at The Ruislip Lido, which allows a little flexibilty to start times/locations, at the risk being late for the WI Quainton control.

 The Ealing Prologue, is a feature of the PERM ride, as it answer's our critic..that the Ruislip, ain't London,  lol
Ealing has excellent transport links, plus you even get to see the scenic Pyramid country park, Brunel's Iron Bridge & Viaduct..

 Haven't charged for posting out Brevet's, as budgeted for everyone picking up their Brevet's at The Lido, in the Lakeside Cafe, next to Woody Bay Station...after all, it is the annual Calender Event.
 The Lido adds only an extra 1km to the PERM rides and is well worth a look-see.
Mino's opening the Lakeside cafe early, just for us, a great place to Fuel-up  :P, and get your "authentic vintage" SteamRide Stamps :thumbsup:

 Also, The Lido is home to the longest narrow gauge Steam Train in the UK..
And don't forget, to pick-up a SteamRide Whistle too :)

 If you've paid, we'll have your Brevet stamped and waiting... we're doing our best to accomodate everyone, but I
advise you Enter Now, to avoid risking disappointment of selling out of Brevet's on the day...


For just over a skin-diver (fiver), I can virtually guarantee, it'll probably maybe definitely be, one of your most memorable rides, LOL ;)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quainton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: bhoot on 10 February, 2014, 11:18:39 am
I'm just looking at public transport options from central London - I'm helping on the day but this may also be useful to people riding but looking to save some energy before and after the event.
Firstly the Met Line to Uxbridge via Ruislip is closed for engineering work, but the Amersham line is running. Northwood Hills is actually the nearest (1.5 miles) station to the Lido anyway IF you can get into the back of the woods from say Wiltshire Lane. It's shown as footpath - does it have bike friendly access gates? This would give the options of the 07.06 (arr 07.35) or 07.21 (arr 07.48) trains from Baker Street. Just about OK for the 200km, but a bit more choice (or longer for breakfast) if you are going for the 100km option.
Another possibility is the Central Line but that's only officially cycle friendly from White City where it emerges from underground, out to West Ruslip. There are early trains on that route if you can make your way to White City (it still saves about 10 miles riding)
There is also a mainline train from Marylebone  which will get you to South Ruislip (3.5 miles) by 07.46 or West Ruislip by 08.11
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Simon-R on 17 February, 2014, 09:14:52 pm
Just entered the 200km. Looking forward to it. Uses some familiar roads (I live in Chinnor) See you all at the Lido on the 9th March ;D
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quainton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: bhoot on 04 March, 2014, 01:59:51 pm
Only a few days to go now .....
I'm very appreciative of the time and effort people put into organising rides so it will be nice to be the other side of the counter for this one - I should be helping with registration at the Lido on Sunday morning. Please have your YACF name badges at the ready so I can match the faces and names  :)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 04 March, 2014, 03:26:50 pm
Just perusing the route sheet. There appear to be one or two glitches, which I presume are artefacts from the perm version. One suggestion for a slight amendment - as you leave the first control at Quainton, looking at Google Maps, I would suggest replacing the first few instructions with the following:

L @ T onto Lower Street, becomes Lee Rd [no need to detour through the centre of the village]
L @ T $ Bicester ... 1.9

I'm very appreciative of the time and effort people put into organising rides

Indeed. Any suggestions such as the above are meant in a spirit of helpfulness rather than criticism!
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jochta on 04 March, 2014, 06:13:44 pm
Looking forward to this ride. Going to have to work out how to show lap distance on the Garmin as there is no cumulative distance on the route sheet  :-\

I live in Sutton Courtenay and Peep-o-Day lane has been flooded most of the winter but not sure if it is open at the moment. I can check before Sunday, it'll probably be muddy whatever though and I'm not planning to go that way! An alternative way out of Abingdon to Sutton Courtenay avoiding the lane and Drayton is by turning L at the Abbey Gate (11.0), cross the Thames via bridge, either first R $ Culham (The Burycroft) with care and R @ T or carry on a bit further and R @ TL. Over Thames again at Sutton Bridge (Culham Lock). R at T ($ Drayton B4016) and through Sutton Courtenay past Church to rejoin route sheet by L at triangle (17.8 ).

Whichever route you take please take care from roundabout at 19.9 to roundabout at 22.3. This is heavily used by HGVs from the ASDA distribution centre and Milton Park, even on a Sunday. There is a cycle path alongside the road which is in good condition and you can join just as you exit Sutton Courtenay (narrowing with hump) or at either of the roundabouts ahead. Note the road after the first roundabout at 19.9 is in a very poor condition on the LHS.

As the route sheet says Fulscot Bridge after Didcot Station is shut at the moment, the cycle path alongside the railway line (1.1 on route sheet) is in a poor state, Railtrack were supposed to repair it before closing the bridge. It's passable with care on road bikes. Alternative routes are via the busy and unpleasant A4130 which I don't recommend.

Basically this is the route I'll be taking through Abingdon from Radley, it's shorter and avoids the poorly surfaced NCN tracks...

http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4152458

Hope a little local knowledge helps  ;D

Cheers

John
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hellymedic on 04 March, 2014, 06:26:15 pm
Weather permitting, the West of London Astronomical Society will be holding public observing sessions in the car park at Ruislip Lido on all three evenings this coming weekend.
You could combine Audax withh some stargazing...
http://www.wolas.org.uk/observing_events (http://www.wolas.org.uk/observing_events)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hellymedic on 05 March, 2014, 05:40:37 pm
My spy informs me that the Railway Society is opening its café to coincide with the WOLAS observing session and should be open from 7pm.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: mattc on 05 March, 2014, 06:58:40 pm
Whichever route you take please take care from roundabout at 19.9 to roundabout at 22.3. This is heavily used by HGVs from the ASDA distribution centre and Milton Park, even on a Sunday. There is a cycle path alongside the road which is in good condition and you can join just as you exit Sutton Courtenay (narrowing with hump) or at either of the roundabouts ahead. Note the road after the first roundabout at 19.9 is in a very poor condition on the LHS.
There certainly are HGVs on that road, but on a Sunday it's a pretty quiet road overall. Getting on/off the not-great cycle-path is somewhat shitty (especially East-bound), so I rarely bother with it. John is right about that crap surface though!

Where is the Didcot control? It might be easier to use the Sustrans route thru Ladygrove (which is virtually unaffected by flooding, and quite a nice track).


[I completely forgot about this event - I thought it was in summer, and local flooding has been distracting me in cycling terms.  :facepalm: ]
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 05 March, 2014, 08:24:53 pm
Whichever route you take please take care from roundabout at 19.9 to roundabout at 22.3. This is heavily used by HGVs from the ASDA distribution centre and Milton Park, even on a Sunday. There is a cycle path alongside the road which is in good condition and you can join just as you exit Sutton Courtenay (narrowing with hump) or at either of the roundabouts ahead. Note the road after the first roundabout at 19.9 is in a very poor condition on the LHS.
There certainly are HGVs on that road, but on a Sunday it's a pretty quiet road overall. Getting on/off the not-great cycle-path is somewhat shitty (especially East-bound), so I rarely bother with it. John is right about that crap surface though!

Where is the Didcot control? It might be easier to use the Sustrans route thru Ladygrove (which is virtually unaffected by flooding, and quite a nice track).


[I completely forgot about this event - I thought it was in summer, and local flooding has been distracting me in cycling terms.  :facepalm: ]

Even more Cunning local knowledge, dictates sticking with my "existing" latest detours  ;D
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4150491
Avoiding A-roads, the busy Abingdon 1-way system, and following along the "Scenic Thames through Abingdon to the marina".. then using the Drayton Rd, which has cycle-lanezzz (although these are optional).. before swinging back for a view of Didcot Power station (soon be be demolished)... what, not on UNESCO - world heritage site, lol ;)
(1 of few who'll be sad to see the towers come down, as what brought my engineer dad to Didcot)

The Bridge out at Didcot, and crap 1km track..does hold the promise of empty roadsz to Wallingford :)
 Milton trading estate/Asda rbt's are quiet on a Sunday pm, as Mattc  points out... 

Coming by bike ???
Have included Route sheets from Ealing Broadway to Ruislilip Lido (allow 1 hour),  via scenic Pyramid country park (see PERM LOL for gpx track).
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jochta on 06 March, 2014, 12:00:46 am
Whichever route you take please take care from roundabout at 19.9 to roundabout at 22.3. This is heavily used by HGVs from the ASDA distribution centre and Milton Park, even on a Sunday. There is a cycle path alongside the road which is in good condition and you can join just as you exit Sutton Courtenay (narrowing with hump) or at either of the roundabouts ahead. Note the road after the first roundabout at 19.9 is in a very poor condition on the LHS.
There certainly are HGVs on that road, but on a Sunday it's a pretty quiet road overall. Getting on/off the not-great cycle-path is somewhat shitty (especially East-bound), so I rarely bother with it. John is right about that crap surface though!

Where is the Didcot control? It might be easier to use the Sustrans route thru Ladygrove (which is virtually unaffected by flooding, and quite a nice track).


[I completely forgot about this event - I thought it was in summer, and local flooding has been distracting me in cycling terms.  :facepalm: ]

Even more Cunning local knowledge, dictates sticking with my "existing" latest detours  ;D
http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4150491
Avoiding A-roads, the busy Abingdon 1-way system, and following along the "Scenic Thames through Abingdon to the marina".. then using the Drayton Rd, which has cycle-lanezzz (although these are optional).. before swinging back for a view of Didcot Power station (soon be be demolished)... what, not on UNESCO - world heritage site, lol ;)

The Bridge out at Didcot, and crap 1km track..does hold the promise of empty roadsz to Wallingford :)
 Milton trading estate/Asda rbt's are quiet on a Sunday pm, as Mattc  points out...

It is quieter on a Sunday, this is true. Not entirely HGV free though, the ASDA DC works seven days a week. Matt is right in that it's not so easy to get onto and leave the cycle-path eastbound.

You could follow NCN5 from Sutton Courtenay (signposted along Frilsham Street) which goes behind the power station and comes out on Basil Hill Road, it's a decent traffic-free alternative to the ASDA HGV road and gives a very very close up view of the cooling towers. There was some minor flooding along there a few weeks ago, but nothing too bad. A lot of it has just recently been resurfaced with billiard table smooth tarmac BTW.

I personally prefer the A415 out of Abingdon than the B4017 to Drayton. Although you will miss the marina and riverside road going my way you will see the Sutton Courtenay village green and the church where Herbert Asquith and George Orwell are buried ;)

Cheers

John

PS I can see the power station as I type this, I don't need to make a special detour to see it  ;D
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: phil d on 06 March, 2014, 09:06:28 am
There is a danger, having this debate on an open forum, of causing confusion or unnecessary concern in riders' minds.  Have a dialogue with the organiser by all means, to possibly improve subsequent editions, but while the route is passable (ie not flooded or otherwise closed) better to keep the route as the organiser has published it.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hellymedic on 06 March, 2014, 01:33:01 pm
There is no Metropolitan Line service between Harrow-on-the-Hill and Uxbridge and no Piccadilly Line service between South Harrow and Uxbridge this weekend.

A true randonneur wouldn't take a train to the start, would they?  ;)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Swarm_Catcher on 06 March, 2014, 10:43:31 pm
I'm in.  Looking forward to it. 
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jochta on 06 March, 2014, 11:12:31 pm
There is a danger, having this debate on an open forum, of causing confusion or unnecessary concern in riders' minds.  Have a dialogue with the organiser by all means, to possibly improve subsequent editions, but while the route is passable (ie not flooded or otherwise closed) better to keep the route as the organiser has published it.

Fair point. There is nothing wrong with the published route between Oxford and Didcot. It's perfectly fine and rideable throughout, I don't have any concerns about cycling any of the roads/paths on that route. I've cycled all of them on numerous occasions. The diversion to avoid the (potentially) closed Peep-o-Day lane is fine, and the lane itself is usually the best way of getting to Sutton Courtenay from Abingdon. I wasn't criticising the choice of route, e.g. there isn't a whole lot of choice getting to Wallingford from Didcot with Fulscot Bridge closed. I've been in debate with the local authority to get that path resurfaced for over a year with no luck and I'll be using it on Sunday. Sorry if I muddied the waters.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: contango on 06 March, 2014, 11:34:27 pm

I'm in for the 100. I had hoped to do the 200 but having done far less riding than I'd hoped by now I don't know if I've got the legs for it just yet. So I'll ride to and from the start, which will give me somewhere in the region of 100 miles for the day. Which will be the longest ride by a fair margin for several months, thanks to all the rain.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Phil on 07 March, 2014, 12:29:44 pm
I'll be along for the 200km :)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Pete Mas on 07 March, 2014, 01:04:54 pm
I'm looking forward to this, along with quite a few others who I know are entered.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Jonah on 07 March, 2014, 02:56:56 pm
This ride looks like it will be well attended.  I'm also looking forward to it greatly.  This will be my first outing in a while and what better way to get back into the saddle than the LOL?! - the ride looks excellent. :thumbsup:

 
Title: Re: W.London: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hippy on 08 March, 2014, 03:37:23 am
Beaconsfield to Gerard's cross is really shit. Uxbridge is shit. Hillingdon shit. Southall (where I join on to uxbridge road) shit and full of zombie peds.

Ha! I'm clearly not the only one. I've just resigned myself to the fact that there's not much of an alternative.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: mattc on 08 March, 2014, 11:58:37 am
Peepoday Lane was totally rideable yesterday (and no rain is forecast). I wouldn't want to ride it without mudguards ...  ;D


(The Sustrans paths in/out of Didcot are all ridable too, including the Cooling Towers Viewing Path. The latter features possibly the smoothest 300m of tarmac in England, but is rather prone to flooding. I don't think it's on any of the official routes for this ride, so please ignore - even though I'd use them if I was riding! )
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: parkysouthlondon on 08 March, 2014, 02:37:45 pm
I'm looking forward to a long day out on the bike.
I'm planning to ride out to the start (only 15 miles), well I am a true randonneur, not read any posts on YACF that tell me about "potential" problems, but deal with them as and when, well I am a true randonneur. I will probabley start with a group from the start, ride with them for a while, I will also ride by myself at some point too. I will use my Garmin to navigate, but I'll also take a paper copy along in my saddle bag, because in the past, things don't always work as you've planned, and I've learnt from those experiences, and become a better randonneur.
Hopefull tomorrow will bring some new experiences to enjoy and get me fitter for all the other events I have plaaned for 2104.  ;D
See you all there. I'm ridding 72" fixed. Very old school.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: iddu on 08 March, 2014, 04:00:35 pm
Instructionally challenging, so far; fully expecting > 50% of thee field never to be seen again... ;)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jochta on 08 March, 2014, 05:22:56 pm
Just been for a recce along Peep-o-Day lane between Abingdon and Sutton Courtenay and as Matt says it's open, dry, mud-free and in good condition. Perfectly rideable on my road bike. So I would follow the directions for that way on the route sheet with no need to go via Drayton.

John
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: contango on 09 March, 2014, 05:57:27 pm

Just got cleaned up after the 100, plus riding to and from the ride. If I'd realised how close I was going to be I'd have done it as a DIY 200 - I ended the day with something like 180km.

Still, a really good ride and a glorious day for it. So now my longest ride of 2014 has jumped from 40 miles to 112 miles.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hippy on 09 March, 2014, 06:25:55 pm
All done, ~220k full course with my wrong turns + ride to/from start. No longer an Audax virgin!
Thanks to the organiser and volunteers. Now for the turbo..
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 09 March, 2014, 07:43:28 pm
Did the 100k with CET Junior.  Not often I get to do a long ride in March in shorts  :thumbsup:  Sensible route through the Chilterns (different ways out and back) with fantastic section before and after the control through Eythrope and Waddesdon Parks on traffic-free roads plus really good bacon butties in the Memorial Hall at Quainton.  Really enjoyable day out.  Ruislip Lido was heaving at the finish as most of NW London sought the first warm sunshine of spring after a wet winter.   Will be on my shortlist again next year.   ;D
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: blueskies on 09 March, 2014, 07:58:14 pm
hippy, good to meet you briefly at the end - there's no need to say well done on your first 200km audax to the reigning UK 24 hour champion but great to see riders of your calibre out on the road at these events. See you at another soon I hope. In our group there was a good mix of the 'new to audax' but still pretty quick, and some old steel in the shape of laid back rich and Paul from the SWRC. We stuck together from Quainton and all finished pretty much together aside from some minor route / traffic issues in the final 10k, returning a respectable 8'45" in what turned out to be a beautiful, if a little blustery, day out on the bike.

It's a new route but it generally delivered some great scenery, pretty villages an Oxford looked stunning in the sunshine. Navigation was a bit tricky in places, the track out of Didcot was 'interesting' but all in all well done to the organiser, the start / finish control on the lido was a great success, and this is a welcome addition to the calendar. We came back along the A40, it was fine but the loop in to Southall and back to Ruislip was a bit odd in my opinion, it's petty busy around there on a Sunday afternoon. I'm sure an extra 10k can be added out in the countryside somewhere to avoid this. But,  many thanks again to the organiser and helpers for putting on this great event.


Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: mattc on 09 March, 2014, 08:00:40 pm
...<snip>...
 Now for the turbo..
Treat yourself - have an evening off!
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hippy on 09 March, 2014, 09:05:47 pm
My elapsed time was only a few minutes off what I was scheduled to do today so no 'making up the hours' indoors tonight. *does small clenched fist YEEES*
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jochta on 09 March, 2014, 09:11:56 pm
Finished the 200km ride at 6.40pm. Awesome start and finish location and a great ride out to Quainton, couldn't pick a better route I think. The roads to Oxford and beyond through Didcot and Wallingford to Chinnor are very familiar to me so I didn't really use the route sheet. I got taken out by a motorist on The Plain in Oxford, she pulled out of Iffley Road without giving way despite looking straight at me. No damage to me or bike thankfully. I got the finger and F*CK YOU shouted at me through the passenger window for my trouble.

Personally I wouldn't bother with the bit through the Abbey Gardens at Abingdon and just go down the Vineyard and through the town, lots of families out enjoying the sunshine in the park and the path is quite rough. I went down Peep-o-Day lane and had lunch at home. The track at Didcot is still as bad as ever, another email to the local authority required I think, if any others could email Oxfordshire Highways that would be great, more than one voice might get something done!

I must admit the route sheet got a bit random at High Wycombe, it seemed to miss some junctions, repeat instructions and got road names wrong etc. Managed to find our way eventually. The bit about crossing the roads before the park was very confusing, found the route more by luck than judgement! It was also a bit random after Burnham Beeches, I went wrong a few times looking for traffic lights that didn't exist and taking 2E at roundabouts when it should have been 1E!

I'm not sure why we went to Southall, the Uxbridge/Hillingdon(?) Road in the dusk wasn't very pleasant and went on forever. Luckily I latched onto a local who led me through to the control and back to Ruislip.

Thanks to the organisers, I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to riding it again :)

Cheers

John
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: iddu on 09 March, 2014, 10:38:44 pm
:
I must admit the route sheet got a bit random at High Wycombe, it seemed to miss some junctions, repeat instructions and got road names wrong etc. Managed to find our way eventually. The bit about crossing the roads before the park was very confusing, found the route more by luck than judgement! It was also a bit random after Burnham Beeches, I went wrong a few times looking for traffic lights that didn't exist and taking 2E at roundabouts when it should have been 1E!


Well, I did say "Instructionally challenging..." ;) The day before isn't really the time to be proofing routesheets / advising issues,  thobut...

It'll all be better next time around ;D
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Krad on 10 March, 2014, 08:53:25 am
Sorry I know this is not the thread for the 100Km.  But spot on event.  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2014, 11:18:45 am
A truly mixed bag of a ride.

First off, what a day for it. Amazing weather from start to finish. Even at 7.30am, it was cool but not too chilly. Loved seeing the swans gliding through the mist on Ruislip Lido first thing.

As has been said already, the first leg to Quainton, 55km of delightful gently rolling countryside, is sublime. Especially the bits through Eythrope and Waddesdon Parks. I spotted my first red kite of the day in Eythrope Park - well, heard the characteristic shrieking first, then looked up and saw it hovering about ten metres above me. Beautiful. Then saw a couple more swooping around each other in Waddesdon Park. Excellent spread at the first control at Quainton Memorial Hall. Had a cup of tea and a splendid slice of Victoria sponge cake. And the couple stamping cards were really entering into the spirit of the train theme, which made me smile.

The next section to Oxford was a bit more exposed, so the southerly wind was a slight nuisance, but it was equally pleasant terrain. Only the run in to St Aldate's was less than ideal - not just for the traffic but for the appalling road surface. Though I did enjoy drafting a coach at 25mph for a couple of miles.

Having missed/misheard the announcement at the start, I was expecting to find iddu outside Starbucks, but he wasn't there. Someone suggested there was another Starbucks nearby, so we looked for that but it proved a wild goose chase. So after trying three different cash machines and failing to get a receipt from any of them, I opted for a coffee from Pret. All that faffing about meant the Head Of The River was well and truly open by then, so I might has well have gone straight there... where, apparently, I discovered later, I would have found iddu. (Note to self for next time: there's also a Tesco across the road from the pub.)

I felt it was still too early for lunch, so rather than waste any more time, I pressed on to Didcot. Encountered a few navigational conundrums in Abingdon - partly caused by the fact that the gpx track conflicted with the routesheet, having been altered to use the diversion avoiding Peep-O-Day Lane. But I was soon back on track.

The last few miles down to Didcot are a bit dull, and the station itself is grim. Thanks to Phil D for manfully sitting in the blazing heat stamping cards with a bunch of skateboarding yoofs for company. I stopped briefly to scoff my packed lunch of cheese sandwiches and bananas, and refill my water bottles, before getting back on the road.

Can't say I especially enjoyed the "Homage to the Strade Bianche" section of cyclepath on my 23C tyres, but at least it wasn't too long, and hard to see how it could have been avoided with the bridge being closed. After there down to Wallingford was more pleasant rolling countryside. Almost missed the Wallingford turn because the signpost was pointing the wrong way, but fortunately there were two riders just behind me who alerted me just before I started climbing a short but steep hill... Went slightly off route again in Wallingford itself, possibly because the road layout appears to have altered since the routesheet was written, though it seems I could have just continued following the main route through the centre rather than the official "back route". After that, I decided to rely purely on the gps track, which seemed to be fairly reliable and easy to follow.

The section after Wallingford was red kite city - in the space of a few miles, I think I counted about 20 of them, including a group of at least six sitting in/hovering around a cluster of trees.

Got caught by a few other riders on the road up to Chinnor, and found myself sitting on the front of a train belting along with the tailwind at >20mph. Then I let someone else have a go on the front for a bit - a chap in an SWRC jersey on fixed who I'd been crossing paths with throughout the day (anyone here?), before a group of three who I'd also been passed by a couple of times earlier in the ride, took over and promptly dropped us all...

Also encountered some truly terrible driving on this section, with several impatient idiots making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres rather than wait a few more seconds until it was safe. And one motorcyclist inexplicably gave us the finger as he passed, which made me laugh.

Almost rode straight by the Chinnor control - a couple in a campervan by the side of the road just before the turning for Chinnor Hill... Decided not to take on the weight of refilled bottles at this point, with the climbing ahead, so stopped only briefly before pressing on. We'd seen Bledlow Ridge looming Ventoux-like* in the distance for a few miles, and Mr SWRC had enquired "Is it steep?" Hmmm, well, let's just say I'm glad I wasn't the one doing it on fixed.

More nice rolling countryside after that, then High Wycombe... Coming out the other side of town, I realised the gps track wanted me to be on the other side of the dual carriageway to go through the park, so I made a cheeky manoeuvre at the traffic lights to switch across, and realised that I had two riders following me, so I thought I'd better warn them I had no idea where I was going! The bit along the shared path through the park was slow going thanks to the number of dog walkers letting their dogs run loose, or people just generally blocking the whole path and reacting like you were taking some kind of liberty for wanting to come through. Ho hum. This was one of the few points where I almost wished it had been a cold, rainy day - would have been far fewer people out.

Back on the roads and then the short but tasty climb of Windsor Hill - complete with the added ignominy of the official Willesden CC photographer at the top to capture our suffering - followed soon after by the charmingly picturesque section through Burnham Beeches.

Stopped briefly to take on more water at the Co-Op in Iver, where the chap serving me commented on my Vetements Z jersey. I spared him a lecture on cycling history and just thanked him.

And then the run into West London and the interminable slog down the Uxbridge Road, where every single bloody set of traffic lights contrived to be red for me.

The inestimable Mel K blasted through as I sat at one red light, commenting "You're too good", and then soon after paid for his haste by missing the turning for the Southall info control. I tried to call after him but he was away down the road before he heard me. I caught up with him a few km from the finish, sitting in a bus shelter repairing a puncture. Still smiling, of course.

Got to the finish a few minutes before 6pm, having spent 8hrs 39mins riding, so slightly longer riding time than on the KVR last week, but slightly quicker overall. Would have been quicker on both counts without the numerous red lights, shared paths and minor diversions, but I'm happy with that performance.

Didn't much fancy the Water's Edge, which seemed to be packed with people who'd been enjoying a day out at Ruislip Lido, so was soon on my way home, which took flipping ages due to congestion on the M25. But a thoroughly splendid day out, with the high points of the ride outweighing the negatives. All I would say, Tim, is next time, please drop the Southall bit. I don't care if some pedant thinks Ruislip isn't Londony enough. There are more important things to worry about.


*slight exaggeration
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2014, 11:26:37 am
I got taken out by a motorist on The Plain in Oxford, she pulled out of Iffley Road without giving way despite looking straight at me. No damage to me or bike thankfully. I got the finger and F*CK YOU shouted at me through the passenger window for my trouble.

FFS. Glad to hear you're unscathed.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Jonah on 10 March, 2014, 05:04:27 pm
Thanks for a top day out RideHard.  Gadget, Patty and I enjoyed it greatly.

Come on 'ackney! :D
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: iddu on 10 March, 2014, 05:55:55 pm
[citoyen]All that faffing about meant the Head Of The River was well and truly open by then...[/citoyen]

But still rubbish; spectacularly slow at serving (unless Jonah was onna 27-course banquet) - over 60 mins delay for some people outside.

Suggest somewhere different next time.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: contango on 10 March, 2014, 06:13:06 pm
Also encountered some truly terrible driving on this section, with several impatient idiots making dangerous overtaking manoeuvres rather than wait a few more seconds until it was safe. And one motorcyclist inexplicably gave us the finger as he passed, which made me laugh.

On the Quainton 100, at the bottom of the first decent descent with the traffic lights, some knucklehead decided he just had to burn rubber to pass the cyclists. He couldn't, and ended up with cyclists in front of him and behind him. Then as soon as he was across the bridge he pulled into a parking area. I wonder why people feel the need to overtake when they're only going 100 yards further up the road.

On the return leg someone shouted something at me as they drove past the other way. I have no idea what the guy shouted but from the look on his face I assume it wasn't a compliment on my physique (I know very well I have the body of a god*). I wonder how inadequate someone has to feel in themselves to think that shouting at strangers going the other way serves any purpose at all.

*specifically, Buddha.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: HK on 10 March, 2014, 06:56:39 pm
Photos from the LOL 200km event on http://www.flickr.com/photos/swift_swallow/sets/72157642145572744/ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/swift_swallow/sets/72157642145572744/)

Great weather with brilliant controllers - every check point with a person stamping your card - how often do you get that?  Added bonus, a whistle with every brevet card.  Great cake at Quainton from the local volees there; think that control is definitely around for many years to come.  HK
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: JordanCarroll on 11 March, 2014, 12:30:23 am
Was having a chat at the end with LittleWheelsAndBig (?) I mentioned I may have a picture of him from the Bryan Chapman 2013 if he was the same guy in the Brooks jersey

well here it is, should have a higher res version somewhere... EDIT: Yup here it is

http://i.imgur.com/HrrfwFz.jpg?1

(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5475/11754944725_76358bcffb_z.jpg)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 11 March, 2014, 05:47:03 am
I'm obviously not following the model's mantra of 'Stomach in, chest out!'

Actually, probably not me as I don't recognise that bike. Good shot though.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Pete Mas on 11 March, 2014, 12:28:27 pm
This was a grand early season day out on the bike in lovely weather, despite a headwind being a pain at times.

The ride had character (good theme, interesting places visited, not to mention the hats, and the free whistles, etc, making it stand out from the average audax ride. Thanks due to Tim and all his team of organisers, controllers and volunteers. Brilliant cake stop, and so nice not to need to ask for receipts anywhere. It was brave to take us to the centre of Oxford - and to Southall near the end, and I'm not sure we liked that at the time - maybe better to add extra loops in the countryside, as others have suggested. The delicious wafts from Curry Houses in Southall certainly were torture to cycle past, being so peckish at the time.

Good to see some new faces, along with the regulars. I hope they all made it round Ok and will soon become addicted, and back for more rides.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: chrisonabike on 11 March, 2014, 05:14:17 pm
I agree with just about all the comments above (I certainly wont feel cheated if the next edition bypasses High Wycombe). And if we must go to Southall can we finish there in a curry house. As Pete says above it was torture not being able to stop there and eat.

These are mere gripes though and I welcome any rides that start and finish fairly locally and will certainly look out for more of the Hackney AC rides.

Chapeau to the Fat Controller and all of his crew!
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 11 March, 2014, 05:33:23 pm
Ah yes, the fragrant aromas of Southall... if it had been further from the finish, I might have been tempted to stop...

chap in an SWRC jersey on fixed

Just realised this must be Parky who posted upthread... Hello Parky, hope you enjoyed the climbs!

I've also realised that it was LWaB and HK who I followed down a steep descent early in the ride - LWaB displaying some impressive souplesse. Although our ways parted shortly after when HK suffered a puncture...

Anyway, good to match up some faces to forum names, albeit after the event.

More pics here:
http://www.christianlewisphotography.co.uk/sports-steamride-2014
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: JordanCarroll on 12 March, 2014, 01:38:49 am
Actually, probably not me as I don't recognise that bike. Good shot though.

Dammit! OK, take two...

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t31/p480x480/1912120_10152249893696014_1032027771_o.jpg)

Some more photos I took at the Lido throughout the day are HERE (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.439312946202374&type=3)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 12 March, 2014, 08:06:56 am
That looks a lot more like me, though I see that you've made good use of the 'older and fatter' filter.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: JordanCarroll on 12 March, 2014, 09:45:24 am
:')
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Swarm_Catcher on 16 March, 2014, 09:24:31 am
Great day out.  Thanks to Tim and team of volunteers. 

This group seemed to have a lot of fun.  Hope to see them again on the road.
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-71OwPHEDBHw/Ux1aGvR2ejI/AAAAAAAAWAs/iyEtrAE8CGk/s400/IMG_2937.JPG)

As usual, blog and photo links are below.
MyBlog (http://bikesandbees.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/the-steam-ride-200.html)
MyPhotos (https://picasaweb.google.com/113386555289222850470/TheSteamride2002014?authuser=0&feat=directlink)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 17 March, 2014, 10:17:08 am
Back on the roads and then the short but tasty climb of Windsor Hill - complete with the added ignominy of the official Willesden CC Steamride photographer at the top to capture our suffering - followed soon after by the charmingly picturesque section through Burnham Beeches.
All I would say, Tim, is next time, please drop the Southall bit. I don't care if some pedant thinks Ruislip isn't Londony enough. There are more important things to worry about.

Something special planned for the LOL next year..
Moving the Southall Railway Centre (http://sollesse.wix.com/steamride#!about/cjg9 (http://sollesse.wix.com/steamride#!about/cjg9)) info control www.gwrpg.co.uk to Leighton Buzzard www.buzzrail.co.uk,  to see more of the Chilterns :)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

Fair dinkum, more details on www.steamride.co.uk Blog pages..
http://sollesse.wix.com/steamride#!blog/c20k2

Still time to buy some prints from the ride...
http://www.christianlewisphotography.co.uk/sports-steamride-2014  :)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: jsabine on 17 March, 2014, 10:33:58 am
Something special planned for the LOL next year..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

Any chance of enabling Facebook refuseniks to read it?
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 17 March, 2014, 10:53:59 am
Something special planned for the LOL next year..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

Looking forward to it already!

Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: contango on 17 March, 2014, 12:14:30 pm
Something special planned for the LOL next year..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

Any chance of enabling Facebook refuseniks to read it?

Yes, please!

I'm another who doesn't want to give Mr Zuckerberg the equivalent of a webcam following me everywhere I go.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: mattc on 17 March, 2014, 06:30:07 pm
Something special planned for the LOL next year..
https://www.facebook.com/groups/407447882722214/

Any chance of enabling Facebook refuseniks to read it?

Yes, please!

I'm another who doesn't want to give Mr Zuckerberg the equivalent of a webcam following me everywhere I go.
Facebook links to a proper website:
http://sollesse.wix.com/steamride

The bit that has loaded so far looks very pretty!
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: parkysouthlondon on 17 March, 2014, 06:44:34 pm
Finishing at a Southall curry house would be right up my street. Steaming.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: contango on 17 March, 2014, 06:52:10 pm
Thanks Matt

Yes, it looks good so far. Hopefully next year I'll have a pop at the 200!
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Krad on 10 March, 2015, 02:38:41 pm
Does anyone know a good cafe open at Chinnor on sunday. Was planning to cover the first 150Km with out a major stop.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Simon-R on 10 March, 2015, 03:02:26 pm
No Cafes open in Chinnor on a Sunday. Your only option is that there is a petrol station with a small CoOp behind it.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: hippy on 10 March, 2015, 03:18:35 pm
Pub(s)?
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: citoyen on 10 March, 2015, 03:19:47 pm
The thing I remember about Chinnor from my days of working on restaurant and pub guides is that it has a very good pub - the Sir Charles Napier.

You'd probably need to book a table though, and it's perhaps a wee bit more upmarket than the usual cyclist's fare of beans on toast.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Cycling Daddy on 10 March, 2015, 03:32:01 pm
Chinnor Garden Centre Cafe is open until 4pm on SUnday it is on the road going into Chinnor if you are coming from Thame http://www.chinnorgc.co.uk/

Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 10 March, 2015, 03:42:21 pm
Does anyone know a good cafe open at Chinnor on sunday. Was planning to cover the first 150Km with out a major stop.

www.thecrownchinnor.co.uk
On the corner roundabout in Chinnor, station rd used to serve food till 4pm on Sunday.. 

Didcot is a free control (recommended Station Spa shop) but alternatively there's a Supermarket Garage 400 meters further on the RHS.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Simon-R on 10 March, 2015, 04:40:07 pm
Chinnor Garden centre closed over a year ago. As far as Pubs there is either the Wheatsheaf, Crown or Red Lion all of which do food. My choice would be the Wheatsheaf.
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Krad on 10 March, 2015, 05:16:16 pm
Thanks, what other options are there after Oxford then?
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Frank9755 on 10 March, 2015, 06:16:03 pm
Why use last year's thread rather than the one for this year's event?
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=88649.0 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=88649.0)
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: Hot Flatus on 10 March, 2015, 06:31:40 pm
Finishing at a Southall curry house would be right up my street. Steaming.

Desi Tadka is my favorite
Title: Re: London Oxford Didcot Quinaton: Steam Ride Event - 9th March 2014
Post by: RideHard on 14 March, 2015, 04:46:05 pm
Thanks, what other options are there after Oxford then?

The Fox & Hounds, by Christmas Common is brilliant, but stop lunches if busy so need to book if arriving late...