Past Ride

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Sat Dec 2nd 2017
Saturday Half Day Ride 3*
Leader:
Phil Ward
Start Time:
9:30 am
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
Half day ride (60-70km / 38-45 miles), with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Likely to visit distant destinations. Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing - yes! Definitely a lumpy one.

The Big Breakfast Bagnor (sic) - Refreshments come late in the ride folks, so please enjoy a hearty breakfast &/or stock jersey pockets with nice things to nibble on.

Bucking the "off season" trend for stooging around in the Vale, we head South, up and over towards Theatre land - "Oh yes we do".

An initial investment up Chain Hill (regathering to compare notes at the very top) affords us a long, mostly gravity assisted meander through the lanes down toward Winterbourne. Intermittent short hills will keep us on message while avoiding perilous parts of the B4494. Turning for home past the Watermill Theatre at Bagnor, we run along the Lambourn Valley briefly prior to heading Northwards at Boxford.

Our aim is to arrive at Saddleback Farm just as Lunch Service begins at 12:00. For the time-crunched, skipping the cafe opportunity should see you back in Wantage by around 12:30.

Those taking sustenance can "enjoy" the obligatory post-cafe climb/grovel up to Farnborough prior to embarking on the potentially chilling Chain Hill descent.

Anticipating an urge by some to head off for some Christmas shopping or more likely an afternoon doze (snooze) in front of the fire we will likely be returning to OMH some time around 1-30pm.

Please fuel, clothe and illuminate appropriately for the conditions - it is December after all ! If conditions are deemed too inclement, I will cut chunks off the ride to retain our sense of humour ;-)
Riders:
Eddie Little
Hugo Pile
Jane John
Jason Jones
Jenny Gower
Jo Little
Jon Townsin
Joy Arthur
Karen Townsin
Karl Blake
Louis Hall
Nick Stokell
Phil Ward
Sara Ward
Simon Atkin
Terry Penn
Riders = 16

Weather:
black low cloudcloudy with light raincold
Report:
An impressively bedecked bakers dozen assembled under a cool overcast at the allotted hour, resplendent in full December garb. Heading out up the four steps of Chain Hill we first collected Jason and then added a brace of Townsins to top out with an impressive 16 ... chapeaux! (gants, et écharpe aussi !!).
Leaving the B-road for the sanctuary of the lanes brought undulations, vegetation and .... unscheduled wetness. Starting with a mizzley drift, by Chieveley a chilling drizzle was proving troublesome (rain). We cut the theatrical loop to Bagnor and headed up and over to Boxford to rejoin the Northerly leg up Tower Hill from Chaddleworth, only to discover a bizarrely mangled chain was now adorning Simon's gorgeous new steed. Cue Sir Hugo - Knight of the shining chain tool to provide an audaxatious verge-side conversion to single speed, our collective thanks Hugo (clap). On regaining the B4494, an even split of chilled riders seeking hot baths and those favouring sustenance at the Saddleback was quickly achieved and hopefully all outcomes were deemed favourable. My thanks to you all for your fortitude on a day of diminishing returns, with special mention to Terry for volunteering and managing the sweeping throughout with great skill.
Distance:
54.00 km (33.55 mi)		 
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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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