Past Ride

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Sun Apr 17th 2016
Regular Wantage Ride 3*
Leader:
Katherine Boyce
Start Time:
9:30 am
Start Location:
WMP
Description:

Thought we could go to the delightfully named Engineman’s Rest Café at the Crofton Beam Engine complex for lunch. Few hills to get there: Hackpen just out of Wantage and Spring Hill coming out of Ramsbury being the 2 big ones. Over the A4 to Froxfield and then following the Kennet and Avon to Crofton. After an early lunch we take in the edge of the Savernake Forest before a short stretch on the A4.

We then follow the River Kennet before making our way to Ogbourne St George. Then on to a tea stop at The Three Trees at Chisledon, before taking the Ridgeway Road to Fox Hill and finally picking up the Springline road back to Wantage.

Those of you that know me, know that I do not climb hills fast, so please don't be put off by the hills :)

Please let me know if you are planning on coming so I can let the café know for lunch - it can get busy.

Update 12 April: had a tip off that I was trying to take us down bridleways after lunch (thanks Chris) so I have amended the route slightly between Axford and Ogbourne St George.
Riders:
Andy Pixton
Jon Townsin
Katherine Boyce
Mike Bailey
Nick Stokell
Pam Stokell
Richard Kidd
Richard Pethybridge
Steve Swanton
Riders = 9

Weather:
sunny intervals
Report:
What a great day to be out on the bikes, sunshine, little wind and a bunch of cyclist up for an undulating ride into Berkshire :).

We were slightly late leaving the Market Place because we took so long working out who had the most accurate timepiece, this gave time for the last arrival. Of and up to the Ridgeway via Hackpen Hill where a patient Mike was waiting for us. A swift round of introductions and with the temperature continuing to climb from the overnight frost, layers started to be removed. Onwards into Berkshire and before we knew it we had paused at the bottom of Spring Hill to ensure everyone knew what was coming. We paused at the top for triumphant photos before continuing on to Crofton.

Luckily Richard P steered us away from the tow path to the front of Crofton where we arrived before 12. Which was lucky as more and more people turned up for lunch. Yet again the Engineman's Rest Café came up trumps with some great food.

The views and scenery continued to get better. Delightful valleys, swooping downhills, dappled woodland, interesting rivers and characterful villages, we had the lot! We caused chaos at the Three Trees café - but we all ended up with what we'd ordered, including an enormous cream tea for Steve ;)

Then up and over Fox Hill and we were back on home territory. Nick decided he hadn't done enough hills so popped up White Horse Hill, the rest of us didn't feel the need to join him! We started to say goodbye to people as they peeled off. Determined to ensure we did the full 100kms, we took the long way back to the Market Place.

The end of a great days riding. Thank you all for being such great companions for the day.
Distance:
100.00 km (62.14 mi)
Ride Details:
https://www.strava.com/activities/548643511/
Spring Hill conquered (April 2016)
Spring Hill conquered (April 2016)
Small cakes at Three Trees (April 2016)
Small cakes at Three Trees (April 2016)
Comment on this ride

1

Written by : Jon Townsin

Posted on : April 17, 2016 at 8:31 PM

Excellent route Katherine and the timing was exquisitely planned so as to arrive at Compton in time for breakfast!
Thanks for a great day😀

Ride Filter
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.
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