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Thu Aug 13th 2026

Early Morning 1* Thursday Ride around the Vale	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update 12Aug: there are 3 of us planning to ride, so the Ride is ON. More welcome. In view of the mid-30s temperatures forecast later, I propose an earlier than usual start for a relaxed 1* ride around the Vale for those fancying a gentle outing. Starting at 9am, we will aim to be back before 11am with the option of refreshments at Costa in Grove at the end. Please bring plenty to drink; we'll have regular hydration breaks in the shade along the way. Please let me know if you are interested in coming BEFORE 9pm on Wednesday Evening. If there are no takers by then, the ride will be cancelled. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph).
Riders: Andy Belcher Anke Otto John Leggott John Stamp Rob Godfrey Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Weather: Report: I was delighted to have 5 other riders join me for the early-start 1* ride. It was already warming up as we gathered in the car park and the temperature gradually rose throughout the ride. However, there was at times a freshening southerly breeze to ameliorate some of the heat. We followed the route as planned, cycling at a relaxed pace of 9-10mph. We stopped in the shade at each village along our route for a rest, natter and hydration break. Back in Grove about 10:50. Everyone stopped for a drink at Costa; delightfully air-conditioned, but rather busy on arrival. We briefly saw Louise and were later joined by some of the 2* riders - good to catch up with Steph. When we eventually emerged into the sunshine, it was decidedly hotter! It was lovely to be out on a sunny summer's morning and we did indeed beat the worst of the heat (having climbed to 36C in the shade in the afternoon as I write). Thanks everyone for a relaxed and sociable morning.
Distance: 22.05 km (13.70 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/56593980"
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Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information