P
Pinky
Guest
Just got back from a few days cycling in the city of Oxford -- just local
stuff! I go there a couple of times a year to visit my son!
So it is supposed to be a cycle friendly city -- and indeed it is -- but not
because of the cycle farcilities but because of the number of cyclists at all
times of day.
The farcylities vary from the reasonable to the "where did that go" -- just
the same as always -- but the main difference is that there are a hugely
greater number of cyclists on the road -- and not just the undergrads -- it
generates usage of the road by a large cross section of the population.
So the petrolheads are much more aware of what is going on -- because with a
lot more cyclists, sadly there are also a lot more "ijot" cyclists as well but
not as many as up here in South Yorkshire
Yesterday I spent the day at a gathering of some of my fellow founder members
of Welbeck College ( started in September 1953) and I was the only "mad
cyclist" among a veteran/vintage collection of some 30 guys ( and about 3
wives who dared it -- let's face it that many old fogies talking about school
days in the mid 50's could be just a tad boring!).
But I avoided the huge amount of wine over an 8 course dinner and as I cycled
back to my son's home at about 2300 hrs I still met a lot of cyclists on the
road.
But even at that time there were "ijots" -- no lights ---dark clothes -- on
the road / off the road - but it was still so much more pleasant cycling late
at night where I felt comfortable and safe. I actually enjoy cycling on a very
cold night at a late hour and even in this cold snap in shorts and only about
3 layers on top!
As an aside when I opened the bedroom curtains this morning, in Oxford -- it
was covered in snow and falling thickly. But an hour later it had all gone.
It is, however, nice to be back home! A nice but long hard day!
Just lit the fire and having a glass of wine! A red Nebbiolo from 2005! Curry
is on the stove and the poppadums are just about to go into the microwave!
nearly as good as in my pup tent!
Ain't life good!
--
Trevor A Panther
In South Yorkshire,
England, United Kingdom.
www.tapan.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
stuff! I go there a couple of times a year to visit my son!
So it is supposed to be a cycle friendly city -- and indeed it is -- but not
because of the cycle farcilities but because of the number of cyclists at all
times of day.
The farcylities vary from the reasonable to the "where did that go" -- just
the same as always -- but the main difference is that there are a hugely
greater number of cyclists on the road -- and not just the undergrads -- it
generates usage of the road by a large cross section of the population.
So the petrolheads are much more aware of what is going on -- because with a
lot more cyclists, sadly there are also a lot more "ijot" cyclists as well but
not as many as up here in South Yorkshire
Yesterday I spent the day at a gathering of some of my fellow founder members
of Welbeck College ( started in September 1953) and I was the only "mad
cyclist" among a veteran/vintage collection of some 30 guys ( and about 3
wives who dared it -- let's face it that many old fogies talking about school
days in the mid 50's could be just a tad boring!).
But I avoided the huge amount of wine over an 8 course dinner and as I cycled
back to my son's home at about 2300 hrs I still met a lot of cyclists on the
road.
But even at that time there were "ijots" -- no lights ---dark clothes -- on
the road / off the road - but it was still so much more pleasant cycling late
at night where I felt comfortable and safe. I actually enjoy cycling on a very
cold night at a late hour and even in this cold snap in shorts and only about
3 layers on top!
As an aside when I opened the bedroom curtains this morning, in Oxford -- it
was covered in snow and falling thickly. But an hour later it had all gone.
It is, however, nice to be back home! A nice but long hard day!
Just lit the fire and having a glass of wine! A red Nebbiolo from 2005! Curry
is on the stove and the poppadums are just about to go into the microwave!
nearly as good as in my pup tent!
Ain't life good!
--
Trevor A Panther
In South Yorkshire,
England, United Kingdom.
www.tapan.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk