Past Ride

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Sun Apr 29th 2018
CUK Oxfordshire 75 miles - Chilterns 3*
Leader:
Robin Tucker
Start Time:
9:30 am
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
(Updated 22 April). All day ride to the Chilterns. This ride is particularly intended for those aiming to get some distance in their legs before the Century ride in May, or other long rides in the summer. The distance allows us to reach from Grove to the beautiful scenery of the Chilterns.

Riding first East, we start on the quiet roads and work our may past Didcot and Wallingford before the first of two big climbs - past the Bluebells at Swyncombe. Our lunch stop is after 30 miles at the Barn at Turville Heath.

Then, we are refreshed for a downwards section into Henley-on-Thames, to see where the river leaves the county, and back upstream (and up the second big climb) to reach our second stop at Wallingford at about 54 miles. From there, it is relatively flat 21 miles back to Grove.
Report:
Our 'Couch to 200 miles' steps up a gear with the second ride and 75 miles and with it two big hills. The distance opened up The Chilterns from Wantage / Grove and we made full use of that, and were rewarded with fantastic displays of bluebells in several woods along the way. All on a cold, cloudy day, but only a few minutes of very light drizzle.

Our route was a figure of 8. We started heading south to Charlton and the quiet routes south of the A417. Then we did have to go on the A417 for a bit, but not too long and in to Didcot. We had a brief pause in South Moreton (half way to lunch) and on to Wallingford. Then Ewelme, up the big hill at Swyncombe to lunch at The Barn at Turville Heath.

A good choice for lunch (for a not-to-big group), although it is not heated and inside was almost as cold as the ~7C outside! Still, the goulashes and soups definitely helped.

After lunch it was a nice downhill to Henley, with time for a picture with the river and bridge in the background. We then worked our way back west towards Wallingford for tea, mostly following NCN5.

Two riders had cycled from Wallingford to join us at the start, so they left us here, then we had tea at the Bean and Brew. From there it was a mere 21 miles back to Grove. Phew.
Distance:
122.31 km (76.00 mi)
Ride Details:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27300130
Bluebells at Swyncombe, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Bluebells at Swyncombe, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Leaving the Barn, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Leaving the Barn, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Robin leading the way, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Robin leading the way, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Down to the Thames in Henley, 19Apr18
Down to the Thames in Henley, 19Apr18
View from Checkendon Heath, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
View from Checkendon Heath, Chilterns 75, 29Apr18
Impromptu off-road tips on NCN5
Impromptu off-road tips on NCN5
Comment on this ride

1

Written by : Steve Swanton

Posted on : April 30, 2018 at 11:17 PM

Lovely ride through the Chilterns and following some unfamiliar lanes in and out of Henley too. Thanks Robin.

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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