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Tue Jan 29th 2013

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Yearley Richard Anstis Riders = 2 Report: To quote from the Winter road ride section, "High winds, heavy rain and much standing water leave no option but to cancel again tonight." Of course, there was no choice where road riding is concerned, but these three factors made for a really interesting ride off-road tonight. Last week's ride was hard work due to the depth of snow on the ground. This week's ride was hard work due to the wet, muddy conditions thanks to the melted snow. There was one section where the only option was to push. I even carried my bike up one short, steep climb! I think I prefer the snow, but hard work can be really rewarding too. The route took us from Old Mill Hall and along Grove Park Drive up and over the A417 and down into West Lockinge. From there the ascent to the Ridgeway was via Goddard's Brook. Once at the top we headed Eastwards with the strong wind mainly on our backs. The descent took us down the side of Diamond Jubilee Wood, veering off to the left down the single track about half way down. The it was past Ginge, upwards heading towards The Hendreds, but turning left down the Bridge of Doom over the Ginge Brook. The descent to the Bridge was dismal. This section had us both walking. The track is just too rutted and muddy. The ascent out of the Ginge Brook was not much better either. For the next mile or so I suffered from the worst chain suck I have ever had. Once on the road at Lockinge it was a fairly straightforward ride back to Grove via Grove Park Drive. If you like hard work, both physically and technically, then I cannot recommend this strongly enough! See you next week. David Yearley
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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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