Our exciting cycle ride of Oxford began at 10.15 on Sunday 22nd November. Despite the weather forecast being wrong, Nigel Williams, Sally Courtney, Chris Ashley and I braved the harsh freezing rain and set off. Despite being a little late, and missing our departure, Jerry Tuitt, a Ruskin student studying International Labour and Trade Union Studies, decided to go ahead with the 5 mile route that he had chosen, and successfully completed the circuit by himself.

Our 10 mile route took us on to Marston Road and down into town. After doing a loop of town, passing the Oxford Castle on our way, we headed onto the Abingdon Road. By this time the rain had still not let up, and we were all very cold and wet and looking forward to our half way stop off. Once we reached Cowley Road we headed for The Asian community Centre on Manzil Way. We successfully secured our bikes and were met with open arms by two of the Committee members from the centre. We were offered a warm beverage and snacks and had a nice discussion about the courses that the Community Centre offers as well as how they cater for parties and weddings for the wider community.

On leaving we thanked the Community Centre for their kind hospitality and headed back on our journey. By this time the rain had cleared, and were all in high spirits and eager to get to the finishing line! From the Community Centre we cycled from Cowley Road, up Holloway which led us onto The Slade and Windmill Lane– the last stretch of our journey! Once we reached Headington we headed back to Ruskin Hall and completed our very wet but fun 10 mile circuit of Oxford!

Despite the rain, we all thoroughly enjoyed the day and were very proud that we could all be involved in an event to help promote a greener Oxford, as well as being able to give something back to the College.

So far we have raised £184.76, and the sponsors are still coming in! This is a great start in helping to achieve our £1000 target to build a new bonfire pit area for barbeques at the Headington campus for all staff and students to enjoy.

I would like to thanks all of the volunteers for participating in the event and to everyone who made a sponsorship!

Nicola Stokes