TdT Leg 2
The Harrow Inn, West Ilsley
This leg of the Tour began at the Harrow Inn in West Ilsley, nestled in the rolling hills by the Ridgeway. We prepped our bikes overlooking the local village cricket. The sound of leather on willow was soon drowned out by the bike chat of the eager tech entrepreneurs, VCs and professionals who were gathering. Peter Wrighton Smith, CEO of Oxford Immunotec had planned the route and as a 'warm up' had just done a first lap of the 40km circuit. We set off. Up two short climbs that spiked our heart rates early. We regrouped and after recovering our breath, the chat continued. Bikes, tech, deals, hiring, Oxford, IPOs, raising money - just some of the many subjects covered. Before we knew it we were half way round. Our efforts were rewarded as the route led us through some spectacular countryside, the wheat fields turning gold and views that stretched for miles. This is what cycling is all about! We rode together, but occasionally, someone shouted 'SEGMENT'! The competitive spirit took hold and riders jutted forwards for a short sprint or climb. Heart rates spiked. We slowed, caught our breath, regrouped, continued our conversations. Fine pub fare and a well derived pint greeted us back at the Harrow. Smiles all round.
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Perfect conditions for a cycle in the countryside – a warm, sunny and still evening. Clad in lycra, we each took a moment to briefly introduce ourselves. A broad church of entrepreneurs, CXOs, VCs, lawyers and consultants. We set off from the Bear & Ragged Staff pub in Cumnor.
The peloton was large with 20 riders and we set off onto the quiet roads west of Oxford. Remarkably, no one got lost or dropped as we made our way down the lanes and across various junctions. The group stuck together well, and every junction or stop was an opportunity to strike up a conversation with another rider. We cruised at a steady 25kph, but there were brief moments when some riders broke off to race up a hill or down a flat stretch – with such a group, the competitive instinct was never far away! We ended back at the pub for burgers, fish & chips and more conversation. Roll on the next one from West Ilsley! |
