Summer truly is the season for cycling. While other forms of transport really suffer in the heat, cycling comes into its own.

Shanks's pony, punting (for those being punted) and cycling apart, elevated temperatures have been causing all kinds of problem for people getting about.

Tubes and trains have speed restrictions, due to the tracks being so hot, and melting runways have grounded planes. The heat makes cars more likely to overheat - especially hazardous when stuck in traffic. Buses become pretty unpleasant when it's really hot - the only place anyone wants to be is outside.

Cycling in the heat is quite the antidote to being cooped up in hot places. Where nicer to cycle to on a balmy summer evening than the pub?

Last week, we cycled to Port Meadow for a picnic and then on to the wonderful Jericho Tavern to round off the evening with a bottle of Cain's lager - a welcome reminder of our northern roots!

Port Meadow is a particular favourite of mine when it comes to cycling in Oxford. The area is so easy to get to and yet so beautiful and open. Being there makes me feel very lucky to have a little piece of countryside right on my doorstep.

To get there from the east of the city there are several routes - take either Iffley Road or Cowley Road and cut through the city centre. Alternatively, cut through Marston and along the side of the University Parks or along Marston Ferry Road cycle path and through Summertown.

Perhaps the nicest way to go is along the river. Get down to the Isis at either Iffley Lock or Donnington Bridge and follow the path up into the city. No need to use any roads once you're there - just follow the towpath over Abingdon Road and Botley Road and it will take you to Port Meadow.

By the time you get there, you'll deserve a picnic and if you haven't come fully equipped, why not drop into of the great food shops that Jericho has to offer?

A visit to Beckley is another fabulous bike ride. You could stop on the way at Rectory Farm, where you are invited to pick your own. At the moment there are strawberries and raspberries galore.

Once you've had as much fruity goodness as you can stomach, onwards to Beckley. On the way there you feel like you're on top of the world, with quintessential English countryside rolling out below you.

Once at Beckley you could stop for a picnic or repair to the Abingdon Arms, a great little boozer. Watch out for afternoon closing on Sunday, though - it would never do to go there and miss such a gem of a pub.

A country pub along the route is all the motivation I need to get on my bike and ride in this weather.

If you're finding it hard to get motivated, why not join one of the weekly Cyclox rides? Every Wednesday, a group meets at Najar's Place, near the Martyrs' Memorial, in St Giles, at 5.15pm. They take a different route out of Oxford, with the aim of reaching a nice country pub, then they stop for a swift half, before heading back into Oxford well before dusk. All you need to remember are waterproofs, lights and an inner tube. Call 07901 668665 with any queries.