What a Brill day for it!

Tech 4 – Stanton St John

• Distance 37.3 km
• Average speed 24.4 km/h
• Time: 1h33
• Elevation gain: 388m
• Calories burned: 832

The Tour de Tech finally reached its first mountain stage. Despite rain earlier in the day, the wind pushed the clouds away and the sun came out in time for Leg 4 of the Tour. We welcomed some new joiners and a record number of female cyclists for this ride. Our starting point was the Star Inn in Stanton St John, a village just a couple of miles outside of the ring road Northeast of Oxford. We set off with a long early descent towards Horton cum Studley and wound our way to the foot of Brill Hill. Our peloton spread out as each rider pushed themselves up the steep slope, lungs burning and hearts thumping. The effort was richly rewarded when we regrouped at the Windmill with spectacular views of Oxfordshire.

Having caught our breath, we free-wheeled down the long descent towards Chilton. Several riders adopted the ‘Chris Froom’ position, crouched low and in a streamlined position. After a couple more hills, the peloton rode in a tight formation with Fred Kemp of OUI ‘taking his turn at the front’ and powering down the flat. We all saw our speed increase significantly!

As ever, lots of interesting conversations and networking ensued during the ride. Some riders have started to do business together as a result of the Tour. Finally, thanks to all of you who have signed up and participated in our rides to date. We now have over 120 members signed up and several have become regulars on the rides. Keep spreading the word!

Next ride: Thu 3rd August at 6pm from The Manor at Weston-on-the-Green. See you then!