2025 was as an extraordinary year for OCC and it brought out the very best in our club and members, both past and present. It was a reminder to us all (if we needed it) of the strength and depth of the friendships and trust we’ve developed together over the years. It also highlighted just what it means to be part of the OCC family, whether a recent member, a far flung friend, a partner or one of the original founders. We are all very fortunate to be part of OCC.
Sadly on 12 November 2025 Johnny Morrison, a founder member and loyal OCC rider passed away after a tragic cycling accident in Australia. It was all the more poignant as we’d only just said ‘au revoir’ to Johnny after a memorable three weeks wining, dining and cycling together in the Alps and then Oxford before he headed back to Woolongong in Australia to his family, Sarah and Izzie, and the Garrulous Grimpers, his adopted Aussie cycling buddies. As Mark, one of his closest friends reflected, Johnny managed to squeeze in a European ‘greatest hits’ tour taking in iconic climbs such as Galibier, Alpe d’Huez and even Chadlington; he caught-up with old mates, shared a few pints outside the Punter in the sunshine and reminded us all of how much we enjoyed having Johnny back in Oxford. Sadly it wasn’t to be. On learning of the tragic news, the OCC family came together to support each other, share stories, laugh together and shed more than the odd tear too. Much has been said about the great man and others have been far more eloquent than I will ever be; suffice to say we have lost a very loyal friend, father, husband and rider. In Johnny’s passing, there has been much to celebrate, to be thankful for and remember together. His positive, playful and adventurous spirit lives on within OCC; thanks to Tovi’s brilliant idea, his presence will be forever felt as we recline outside the Punter in the sunshine on a newly commissioned oak bench, dedicated to Johnny and crowdfunded by the OCC family.
Until the unexpected news in November, 2025 was another good year for OCC combining great rides, fun events and international forays both by the Club and individual members. The 2025 season got off to a strong start too with a record number of members, 34 full members and 8 friends (42 in total). The Spring season kicked off in style with the club trip to Portugal, to explore the hills, epic climbs and smooth roads. It was somewhat unfortunate the trip also coincided with the energy blackout across Southern Spain and Portugal – suffice to say don’t eat prawns after a 24 hour power cut (as James K and Simon can testify!). Long distance riding and bike packing continue to be defining features of OCC members, with Danny & Claire leading the charge on their Iberian adventures. Will Bibby continues his long distance adventures too with his family. Some legendary sportif performances once again from Robin (Dragon Ride) along with James K and Jake (3 stage ride in the Pyrenees), not to mention bike packing through Slovenia by Dave and Helen. Dave has also found possibly the most knowledgeable and kindest gravel tour operator in the Dolomites, Alberto in Bolzano, who created an inspired Dolomites gravel adventure for some lucky members. And finally on the subject of gravel rides, a special thank you to Colby for designing arguably the second greatest club jersey ever, the OCC gravel jersey – a masterclass in off road colours and fluidity! We were sorry to wave ‘farewell’ at the end of the trip but he has promised ‘I will be back’ in 2026.
Closer to home, we’ve had some great club rides together, continuing the ‘smaller is better’ philosophy. The Peak District proved to be a stunning backdrop for our first (and only) away day, with some excellent logistical planning by Alex – to be repeated. For the gravel riders, many took part in the Glorious Gravel Cotswolds event, taking in some epic climbs, lumpy fields and sweeping Roman roads.
Saturdays are the flagship club ride and it was great to have three groups out on the road in the height of Summer; something we will continue to push for combining smaller groups and more choice for riders on distance and pace. The early start, longer summer rides are another winner, and we’ll definitely be looking to have more of these adventures in 2026. New Ground coffee shop in Ship Street has proven to be a warm and welcoming start location, particularly during Winter months, thank you to Jose for opening early for us. And remarkably after far too many years, the Botley Road is set to reopen in the Autumn (unbelievable I know!) although I suspect we will continue to frequent Desano once in a while for their warm welcome and excellent espressos. It’s also great that the Punter, our spiritual post-ride home, is once again the friendly local for gathering after our Saturday adventures together. The coffee isn’t bad either.
As always, rider safety remains our top priority as Club. With the deterioration in road quality following the winter downpours and the increasing prevalence of potholes, it’s up to each and every one of us to remain vigilant. Riders are doing a great job of pointing out the chasms that can rear up unexpectedly in front of us, as well as reminding each other to ride predictably and safely in the peloton. As a result, our groups are noticeably calmer, with the focus on pointing, saving loud shouts for any last minute, unavoidable cracks. Thank you everyone.
Off the bike, OCC continues to have a healthy rhythm of events and parties. The Summer party was another fabulous evening with special thanks to Will and Nicky Bibby for providing such a beautiful stage once again for a wonderful evening together. The year was rounded off with a legendary Christmas party, generously hosted by Jake at the Varsity Club.
On behalf of the Committee, I want to take this opportunity to give a huge thanks to Claire who is standing down after several years. Claire has been a stalwart of the Committee and helped champion women riders; something we will continue to do. We are delighted to welcome Tovi to the Committee who brings his energy and Puerto Rican verve to help organise more informal social events as well as welcoming potential new members to the Club. Finally, thank you to Mike, Robin, Will and Martin for their support and leadership on the Committee this year.
In summary, roll on the Spring. 2026 marks ten years since we founded OCC and we look forward to celebrating in style together. Watch out for the 10 year anniversary jersey, building on the current version with its simple, classic and bold design. Thank you all for making OCC the club it is today.
Andrew Webb
Chair of OCC
OCC 2026 AGM Outcomes:
Membership: 46 members, 37 riders plus 9 Friends, making this our largest start-of-the-year club size despite losing a couple of key members (Colby and Simon) during the year. Aiming for 40 riding members this year, ideally getting 3 groups out at 5-8 riders per group in 2026.
A club jersey should have gone up on display in Summertown Cycles by now. Website remains the main (and successful) advertisement and more social media is planned for this year.
Finances: c.£3800 in the account after rejoins. Sobell donation and kit orders to come out of this balance, plus subsidies of awaydays and socials.
Safety:
- Safety First approach of the club reaffirmed. Acknowledgement of increased number of potholes.
- Smaller group sizes policy has been implemented to reduce riding risks (5 – 8)
- Ride Leaders will control pace and avoid surging after corners and stops.
Charity donation: £500 will be sent to Sobell in May, in memory of Sarah Wierszycki, a close friend to the Webb’s who benefitted from Sobell’s kindness and care, who passed away just a few days after Johnny.
Kit: Two jerseys to be stocked:
- 10 Year anniversary jersey. Will look OCC from the back, with addition of Ox logo (from gravel design) on the rear pocket panel. From the front, some form of distinctive red/blue fade, with addition of a 10 year anniversary logo.
- Summer Jersey from Castelli. Will include El Toro Blanco Ox ‘patch’ on left shoulder .
Memorial Bench: Subgroup activity. New bench for outside the Punter in production. GoFundMe to pay for it. No club funds to be directly spent. Bench will have engraved memorandum and QR code plate for link to Johnny (and club) info. The club thanks Tovi for leading this, and the Punter for their support of this and the club in general.
Away Days: Itinerary so far for 2026
- April: Overseas trip to Girona 17-21 April (Tovi leading)
- April: Gravel Away Day. Date TBC, likely New Forest: (DN leading)
- June: Return to the Peaks (many didn’t go in 2025) (Mike and Alex leading)
- July: Marlborough away day (rained off in 2025) (Mike leading)
- TBC: West Cotswolds away day ride
- Autumn gravel ride TBC
Committee: the committee will remain as-is for 2026 apart from:
- Claire M stepping down.
- Tovi has agreed to step up to the committee and support social media posting, new prospect management, and to work with Martin on informal Social meetings.