Vive la Vacances
On more than one occasion when I was an undergraduate, I got cross with people saying how much nicer Oxford is without the students. Now the boot is on the other foot, and I have to say I agree with them. The very best times in Oxford are 9th and 10th weeks, when the students have gone home, and before the language schools start up.
And nowhere is this more apparent than cycling along the Isis (aka the Thames) Towpath of a sunny morning. During term time, this is a battle with rowing coaches who give the impression that because they are chasing a boat, all other cyclists (and certainly any other towpath user) should give way to them. I can't see how it can be safe to cycle, too fast for the path, while spending 90% of the time looking sideways, and trying to operate a megaphone at the same time. Perhaps on a horse this would be OK, as the horse provides an extra pair of eyes to check what's coming up! I'd love to see the use of megaphones banned along the river, particularly while the operator is cycling along the towpath, and personally feel all rowing coaching should be done from the water, in powered boats if needed.
Today, Tuesday of Ninth Week, was a complete contrast. A lovely day, I decided to take the half-mile detour along the towpath to avoid the roadworks at Magdalen. The river was being enjoyed by the wildlife; there was a single solitary sculler between Donny Bridge and Folly Bridge, and everyone I passed was cheery and exchanged friendly greetings. If only it could be like this all the time! I shall make every effort to enjoy it while it lasts.
And nowhere is this more apparent than cycling along the Isis (aka the Thames) Towpath of a sunny morning. During term time, this is a battle with rowing coaches who give the impression that because they are chasing a boat, all other cyclists (and certainly any other towpath user) should give way to them. I can't see how it can be safe to cycle, too fast for the path, while spending 90% of the time looking sideways, and trying to operate a megaphone at the same time. Perhaps on a horse this would be OK, as the horse provides an extra pair of eyes to check what's coming up! I'd love to see the use of megaphones banned along the river, particularly while the operator is cycling along the towpath, and personally feel all rowing coaching should be done from the water, in powered boats if needed.
Today, Tuesday of Ninth Week, was a complete contrast. A lovely day, I decided to take the half-mile detour along the towpath to avoid the roadworks at Magdalen. The river was being enjoyed by the wildlife; there was a single solitary sculler between Donny Bridge and Folly Bridge, and everyone I passed was cheery and exchanged friendly greetings. If only it could be like this all the time! I shall make every effort to enjoy it while it lasts.