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Past Ride

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Sat May 11th 2013

Saturday morning off-road ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Goring, Manor Road (see URL)
Description: From Goring we'll climb and head in a not very straight line to Woodcote, then south-east and back parallel to the Thames. Lots of singletrack in the woods, some of which may still be wet. Moderate hills, nothing massive or scary. About 20 miles at a moderate pace. Optional pub stop afterwards. A well-maintained mountain bike with knobbly tyres is required. Preferably, let Robin know if you are coming in case the ride needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, and so we can organise sharing of cars.
Riders: David Brown John Davies John Tranter Richard Morris Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Our season of monthly MTB rides got off to a great start. The route I picked has lots of woody singletrack, reasonably gentle climbs and a couple of exhilarating descents. And the weather was kind – the recent mix of dry and rain left the trails firm-packed, with only small patches of mud. We had sunny spells, and the clouds that started building through the ride could only manage a few sprinkles of rain until we were safely back. Five of us assembled in a quiet road in Goring, and we set off just after 10am. After a mile of quiet track, the trail climbed up a hill to overlook the Thames. Then it was into the woods for a first twisty singletrack section and down a somewhat muddy/rocky path/gully. We winched ourselves back up more slowly and after a road section it was down another slope and back into the woods. Lots of bluebells here, and we decided to take a photo – just as I noticed my back tyre getting flat. So we have photos attached of everyone else having fun riding through the woods, or playing on the log pile, while I changed my tube! All was sorted quickly enough and we made our way to Woodcote, then back into the woods for some fantastic trails. Mostly slightly downhill, twisting between the trees with extra challenge from roots, overhanging branches and muddy patches. It split neatly into 5 sections so we regrouped after each. After that, it was a couple of miles on the road to Path Hill and a fast track down the slope, with a nice zigzag to test grip and nerve at the bottom. Then along to Whitchurch and the final off-road section along the Thames Path. As Richard noted, you need to pedal, but the pedalling was well rewarded. And talking of rewards, 3 of us headed into the Catherine Wheel for some liquid reward for our efforts!
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msa=0&msid=218197750862335524250.0004dc9bba36569c7ea28
John among the bluebells MTB110513 David B among the bluebells MTB110513 3 riders and lots of bluebells MTB110513 I'll show you how to take it off with no levers. Oh, no i won't. MTB110513 While others play in the bluebells, Robin plans a trap using an inner tube and a pile of logs. MTB110513 Our esteemed Chairman, with a bike almost as old as the woods. MTB110513 How did they get up there? MTB110513 Danny MacAskill? No, David B. MTB110513 How to give your ride leader nervous jitters. MTB110513
Proposed Route: https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=218197750862335524250.0004db7e433525e4678ef&msa=0"
Comment on this ride

Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : May 13, 2013 at 10:47 PM

Damn, looks like I missed a classic ride :(

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.; More Information