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Past Ride

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Sun Oct 16th 2011

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: 80-100km all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, riding pace 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable. Hopefully something a little different for this month. My plan is to follow the NCN route from Wantage as far as East Hendred, and then navigate our way to Oxford via Steventon, Drayton, Sustrans route 5 from Abingdon to Radley and Kennington, following the river bank opposite Christ Church meadows to Folly bridge and St Aldates, followed by a gentle zig zag of the historic streets of Oxford to St Giles, and finally to Wolvercote for lunch at The Trout Inn. (We have several good options close by if very busy on the day) After lunch our journey will take in Wytham village, a very brief traverse of the Botley interchange, Cumnor hill, Wootton (option of a short loop to Boars Hill..lovely views..), Cothill, Frilford (maybe tea at millets farm?), to end the day following the quiet lanes back home. Nothing too strenuous, and total distance a little short of 50 miles (80 km approx)
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Derek Boutle Glen Savegar Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: Something I'd been hoping to do with the club for quite some time. A cycle to Oxford using mostly quiet tracks, and the Thames towpath. Once clear of Wantage, a quiet traffic free route followed to Hendred, and onto Drayton to pick up with NCN 5. Still not quite sure how we managed to join the Abingdon marathon, but it made for an interesting diversion. I actually felt a little guilty gently overtaking the weary runners from the relative comfort of my bike saddle... Following the excellent path from the Abbey Meadows to Radley, it suddenly felt very chilly as we rode close to the river and lakes. Onwards to Kennington to join the Thames path for Oxford Folly Bridge, St Aldates, High Street, turning left for a gentle meander along the lovely historical winding Queens Lane to Hertford bridge (Bridge of Sighs). Broad Street led to St Giles, and a slightly speedier pace along the Woodstock Road, and onto The Trout Wolvercote. Arriving a little after midday we were able to secure a riverside table very easily before the pub became busy. A fabulous location, but food a bit on the pricey side...much studying of the menu...Pizza duly ordered... Anyway... A very pleasant 45 mins or so sitting in the warming autumn sun. Some famous clients to have graced The Trout...Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, and...Inspector Morse... Post lunch and Wytham Village, Cumnor, Wootton, and the only mammoth climb of the day to Boars Hill for a well earned water break, followed by a grand swoop of Foxcombe hill. A stiff head breeze and quiet back lanes led us back to Wantage. Sorry for my snails pace lead of the final few miles home, when my weary legs seemed to run out of steam for some reason... Excellent company, and a ride I would love to repeat another time... Thank's everyone ! Glen S
Distance: 78.86 km (49.00 mi)
Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs) Hertford Bridge, and Sheldonian Theatre. Is there anything on the menu for less than a tenner? Inspector Morse enjoyed a pint in here...:-)
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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