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Past Ride

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Sat Jul 11th 2015

Ironstone Country	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Woodstock
Description: Note change of date. A special away day ride in the Ironstone hills of north Oxfordshire. Starting from the free car park next to the library off of Hensington Road in Woodstock (MAP this ride explores the rolling countryside of north Oxfordshire. We set off initially heading westwards to Charlbury before we turn north to Great Rollright where we will take a short break at the coffee shop at Wyatts Farm Shop. There is an optional short detour to the Rollright Stones from the coffee shop if we wish. The ride then explores small villages nestled in the north Cotswolds to Edgehill and its magnificent views. Descending steeply the ride crosses the M40 and almost immediately climbs the fabulous hill to Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. You have no doubt seen the tower on the hill to your right as you drive north on the M40! By now we will have dipped our toes into southeastern Warwickshire and before we return to Oxfordshire we will stop for lunch at the National Herb Centre in Warmington. After lunch the ride heads south to the west of Banbury past Broughton Castle, through the tranquil Barfords (birthplace of my paternal grandmother), Bloxham and the Bartons back to Woodstock. The ride is a decidedly lumpy 100km on mainly minor roads and lanes. Option for an additional coffee stop at the end in Woodstock.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters John Talbot Karen Froud Louis Hall Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A small but beautifully formed peloton of five riders on a re-run of last November's ride. Warm and sunny weather (quite a bit warmer than forecast) throughout. Once we got the slightly draggy section from Woodstock to Enstone out of the way we were into the fantastic scenery of north Oxfordshire. Most of us took the short detour to the Rollright Stones before stopping at Wyatts for tea and cake. After refreshment the rolling terrain to Edgehill with great views followed. The sharp descent on new tarmac was rudely interrupted at the bottom by a right-hand turn to get to the bottom of the Burton Dassett climb. The scenery around here is fantastic and the views magnificent and it wasn't much longer before the steep little climb through Warmington and lunch. The bistro at The National Herb Centre outdid themselves again, they are extremely welcoming to groups of cyclists and the food is fantastic. Highly recommended. After lunch we enjoyed the run through the Barfords, the gated road to Over Worton and the Bartons. A closed and flooded road near Woodstock nearly thwarted us but the workmen kindly let us through the barriers. Shortly afterwards we were enjoying ice creams in the market place. Great ride, great company, thanks for making it such an easy ride to lead
Distance: 113.20 km (70.34 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/343817814
Louis at the Rollright Stones Andy at the Rollright Stones Wyatts Tearoom Epwell Warmington The National Herb Centre The National Herb Centre Gated road near Over Worton Flooded road near Woodstock
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6095777"
Comment on this ride

Written by : Chris Walters

Posted on : July 22, 2015 at 10:01 PM

Great ride with great company - thanks for organising it all, John.

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