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Past Ride

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Tue Jul 15th 2014

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The Hanney Explorer. Tonight we'll head out to the villages of West and East Hanney to investigate some of their hidden corners. On the way back we'll tackle some rougher but easy sections of bridleway. On the second section between West Hanney and Denchworth, we'll stop to take in a wonderful panorama of the Vale from what seems like the middle of nowhere. Apart from the Denchworth road railway bridge, no substantial ups or downs; a round trip of about 12 miles. Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Barbara Lambers Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine John Stamp Joy Arthur Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather: Report: What a wonderful summer's evening to be on the bike. The sunshine brought out 10 riders - our largest 1*group of the season. We made steady progress on the road as far as East Hanney where we stopped for a rest by Dandridge's Mill and to take a look at the Archimedean screw generator (well worth a look if you are passing that way). Then on through Hanney passing pretty cottages and then left down Hall's Lane, passing the manor house to reach Lower Mill. Here started the first of our two stretches of off-road. Edith elected to give this a miss and retraced her steps to meet us at the other end, while the remainder gamely followed. Starting off as a broad track, the bridleway gradually narrowed into a stretch of well-grown single-track; slightly lumpy in places, but otherwise straightforward. I had said in my briefing that I had found no stinging nettles growing over the track when cycling it the day before. But funny how many more there seemed when cycling in the other direction... Everyone made it through unscathed. After regrouping we rejoined the road and continued on to West Hanney to take the second track across to Denchworth. This has really smoothed out over the last year; the rubble that was put down a few years ago has become completely absorbed into the surface and only at the Denchworth end does the surface become more bumpy . We stopped at the top of the rise 2/3rds of the way across and took our time to enjoy the views. This really is one of my favourite spots in the vale . We eventually continued on to the road and returned back to Grove in the late evening sunshine. One of those rides to store in the memory. I think everyone enjoyed it and it was a pleasure to lead. Thanks everyone.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
10-mile club riders at Hanney Lower Mill, July 2014 On the wide track from West Hanney to Denchworth, July 2014
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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