Hello from Abingdon

[London Female]

Hi Jan
It's certainly not meant to be that way. However during the winter the population that turns-up for evening rides tends to be the hardier souls, BUT we should cater for those that want an easier ride and I'm a bit dismayed if that's not the case (I'll raise it at the next meeting). Whilst we might look like fully lycra'd MAMILs, there are many who will happily lead a gentle evening 10 or so miler. There's certainly nothing to stop you going on the facebook page and asking if there would be somebody happy to do a gentler ride just to be certain.
Thing we have found is that most people progress very very quickly when riding with a group and we have young teenagers out riding as well. The first Sunday of the month ride also takes good care of beginners at a gentle pace and around 30 miles distance with coffee half way
How far are you comfortable riding and at what kind of pace? What kind of bike are you riding, how is your general fitness?
.
PM me if you want further help, it's good to get out and I'm sure we can get something happening or a riding buddy before the Spring ... you could be going like the clappers by then

Until May of this year I had not actually done any kind of exercise for 4 years but my return ride to work was only approx 6 miles. Having lost 20lbs since getting back on the bike, the rides are getting easier. However, I remain a complete "wuss" when it comes to hills!! I guess the longest rides are about 20 miles with a coffee stop. I have only ridden the 1* with Wantage and Isis. I have no idea about the pace though but so far I have not fallen behind the rest of the group (well actually I fell behind on Dragon Hill which I would not like to repeat).

I have parked up the Pashley (my daughter's choice) which I used for my commute and am currently riding a Cannondale hybrid (also my daughter's choice, she liked the colour). Next year when I buy a new bike, I am leaving my daughter at home and I can then have something I want

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi Jan
Thanks for the response. I was riding yesterday with Rod with whom I think you've spoken. Rod's done a great job last year with our beginner/shorter evening rides - been an absolute star. He's also progressed massively himself since this time last year. Your progress too sounds good, congrats on the weightloss btw, that's some going (I wish I could do the same). And 20 miles with a stop is a good place to be. The rest is just practice and the mileage will quickly increase.
Our Freewheeling 'Season' really kick-off again in May after our annual 'Spring-Rides Festival' which is expanding significantly this year with Rides from a 4 mile kids treasure hunt 10 milers, 26 milers through to a beginners Audax and a fast group ride, if it all pans out it should be fab. Previous years have seen around 120 to 150 riders turning-up for various events. We find after that that we get many more for the evening short rides.
BUT
The offer still stands, I'll PM my number and if you're interested we can either get a small group go out at your pace on a Thursday or Join a 'First Sunday of the Month' ride and we make sure you're suitablychaperoned. The winter is a good time for solid miles. Don't feel obliged.
Cheers
FF.

 

[Fern1988]

Currently living in South Oxfordshire. I was forced to dust off the bike back in May and cycle the short distance to work after no longer having the car on the road. Despite getting very wet in June and July, I found I actually enjoyed it. The car is now fixed and back up and running since November but I am still trying to use the bike as often as I can. I have been riding with a group for women in Oxford and Wantage CTC which I plan to do more of. Am now thinking about trying clip in pedals but very nervous of these!

Hi I know this is a bit of an older thread, but I'm very new to the area, and live near Abingdon and wondered what this ladies cycling club was called, or how I could get in touch with them, I'm not the fastest of riders, and I think my partners getting sick of my snail pace. thanks x

 

[London Female]

Hi I know this is a bit of an older thread, but I'm very new to the area, and live near Abingdon and wondered what this ladies cycling club was called, or how I could get in touch with them, I'm not the fastest of riders, and I think my partners getting sick of my snail pace. thanks x

Hello Fern1988

Don't worry I am not fast either, my partner bought a 2nd hand bike which he parked in my garage for a while but won't actually go out on it so I sometimes ride with a friend, he is much faster than I am but never complains. I am hoping to persuade him to do a weekend of riding somewhere in the summer and will load all my kit on his bike in order to slow him down .

The ladies club is Isis Cyclists, I do really enjoy their rides and they are at a slow pace. All their rides are at the weekends, mostly Saturdays and start in the centre of Oxford. They have a website and facebook page: http://isiscyclistsctc.wordpress.com/

Our local club had their ladies ride today if you are interested in something closer to home to save cycling into the centre of Oxford. Unfortunately I have been unwell all week so couldn't make it but the email I received said the ride would be at the pace of the slowest rider and suitable for any type of bike. They also have their annual Spring Festival Sunday 21st April. One of their members is a member of this forum and I am sure he will be along to tell you all about it but in the meantime have a look at their website which also has a link to their facebook page: http://groupspaces.com/AbingdonFreewheeling/

I hope those links work, IT is not my strong point....

 

[Fern1988]

Hello Fern1988

Don't worry I am not fast either, my partner bought a 2nd hand bike which he parked in my garage for a while but won't actually go out on it so I sometimes ride with a friend, he is much faster than I am but never complains. I am hoping to persuade him to do a weekend of riding somewhere in the summer and will load all my kit on his bike in order to slow him down .

The ladies club is Isis Cyclists, I do really enjoy their rides and they are at a slow pace. All their rides are at the weekends, mostly Saturdays and start in the centre of Oxford. They have a website and facebook page: http://isiscyclistsctc.wordpress.com/

Our local club had their ladies ride today if you are interested in something closer to home to save cycling into the centre of Oxford. Unfortunately I have been unwell all week so couldn't make it but the email I received said the ride would be at the pace of the slowest rider and suitable for any type of bike. They also have their annual Spring Festival Sunday 21st April. One of their members is a member of this forum and I am sure he will be along to tell you all about it but in the meantime have a look at their website which also has a link to their facebook page: http://groupspaces.com/AbingdonFreewheeling/

I hope those links work, IT is not my strong point....

Hey yeh the linked worked that's great thanks! And I'm pretty sure my summer will consist of lots of weekend rides, my partners very bike happy, so that'll be good. But I'll definitely consider trying to slow him down with the heavy stuff thanks

 

[Fab Foodie]

Hi Fern1998

Here are the details for next weekend!
Freewheeling is a very relaxed club established to encourage more people to ride by taking them on bike rides. If you like we're a cycle-buddy organisation. Rides from 10 miles to 80. This will be our 4th Spring Rides Festival and it's growing like topsy.
Other than that we have MTB rides on Tues and road-rides on Wed, and Thursday evenings. Rides of various length on Sunday mornings as well as many ad-hoc groupings. Anyone can propose and lead rides whenever they want

Come along and say hello and see if Freewheeling - the antidote to cycle clubs works for you!

Spring Cycle Festival 2013


Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival21st April 2013
www.facebook.com/cycleabingdon
FULL RIDE SCHEDULE NOW AVAILABLE! Click here to download.
The fourth annual Abingdon Spring Cycle Festival is going to be bigger and better than before! There will be even more (free) rides so there will be something to suit everyone, whether young, old, beginner, seasoned cyclist - just turn up and ride! There will even be a walk for non-cyclists so you can bring your family and have fun.
Don't have a bike? Then borrow one from the fantastic range of top notch bikes that Behind Bars have on offer, no need to book just come along and try one for size.
The market square will be alive with entertainment, there will be food and local ales, stalls, massage and fun! Watch this space for more info.
All the rides are led by experienced cyclists from local cycle clubs and shops, click on the below links for more details of rides.

Photo copyright Newsquest Oxfordshire and not for distribution
Road Rides
Freewheeling : 10 miles / 27 milesOutdoor Traders : 40 miles (details coming soon)Zappis Cycling Club: 50 mile fast ridePedal Power / Bikewise : (See Family Rides for more info)Didcot Phoenix : 50 mile Audax - note this is a non-led ride (details coming soon)Mountain Bike RidesFreewheeling / Behind Bars : 10 miles / 15 miles / 25 miles (details coming soon)

Family Rides / beginner ridesPedal Power / Bikewise : Short Town Ride
Pedal Power / Bikewise : Magical Mystery TourZappis Cycling Club : Go Ride - for the kids (details coming soon)