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Sat Jul 21st 2012

Off-road - Uffington to Avebury	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Uffington Castle
Description: A special off-road ride from Uffington Castle to Avebury. Heading west we'll follow the Ridgeway all the way, turning off just before reaching Overton Hill for lunch in Avebury. Fairly straightforward off-road riding. Returning by the same route where Barbury Hill is the only tricky/technical (for some of us anyway ) uphill bit but is followed by a nice grassy downhill. Meet in the Uffington White Horse car park for 9:30am start - http://goo.gl/maps/pmH7 Bring some snacks. Lunch at the National Trust cafe in Avebury. Potential to stop in Ogbourne on the way back. Route below is just one-way so double the distance, etc. UPDATE 19/07/12: Forecast for Saturday is fine, so ride is on. The Ridgeway itself on Tuesday night was OK so we will head out towards Avebury as planned and we will be leaving @ 09:30 prompt. If we get mud-locked then will consider taking the option of the shorter 'not the Ridgeway trail' rather than going around Ogborne St George. In short, come prepared with a few snacks and to be a bit flexible depending on conditions/group/time. Please let me know if you're intending to ride.
Riders: Andrew Johnson David Smith Frank Schroer Ursula Hallam Riders = 4 Report: With the weather looking up at last, the four of us set off in hazy sunshine, Frank relishing an extra challenge on his 'cult' single-speed bike! It was lovely and quiet on the Ridgeway and pretty easy going on firm chalky terrain to Fox Hill and the little bit of road crossing the M4. Suncream liberally applied, the first hill of the day was surmounted with relative ease and our journey continued over more grassy ground with lovely views to the west. Only a short rutted section and a lone cyclist who stopped to chat, interrupted our descent to Ogbourne St George. Crossing the Chiseldon-Marlborough railway path we then began our ascent up Smeathers Ridge but not before David let loose a swinging gate that nearly landed Ursula in the (cow) poo. Smeathers Ridge is a really lovely open part of the ride with views to the north (Swindon - ok, but it's a way away) and south (the Marlborough downs, I guess). Like the ancient attackers we arrived at Barbury hill fort, puffing a bit, but cycled through it and straight down the other steeper side of it. The last leg of the outward-bound journey continued above the Hackpen white horse, through a muddy rutted section (although nothing like the mud-baths of Grove) and then we turned right for a chalky descent into Avebury. The cafe was pretty busy with all tables taken so instead we enjoyed our lunch picnic-style sitting on the grass in the sunshine. Delayed by the realisation that David had lost his whale tail somewhere and a couple of punctures making themselves known, the return journey was simply taken in reverse despite offering up easier/shorter options via Chiseldon. On the way back, the muddy ruts seemed less muddy, the missing whale tail found, Barbury Hill not as stoney or technical as I recall and Smeathers Ridge not quite as fast downhill – more grass on both this year I think. The hardest bit turned out to be the climb back up Liddington Hill – bit of a slog up the side of a ploughed and planted field. Crossing back to the north side of the M4 it was all plain-cycling again to Waylands Smithy where Frank instigated a victory lap of the long barrow and we returned to the car park and the awaiting icecream van – 99’s all round. Thanks guys for turning out – really enjoyed getting the off-road legs working again.
Distance: 71.50 km (44.43 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/793405
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1405243"
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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