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Sun Sep 27th 2015

CTC Oxfordshire Explorer Ride from Witney	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Witney Buttercross
Description: CTC Oxfordshire's September Explorer Ride is hosted by CTC Witney and will be taking us along the beautiful Windrush Valley (passing through Minster Lovell, Burford and Sherborne) to Northleach for a refreshment stop before returning through the Southern Cotswolds. This is a real cycle tourist's route with some lovely narrow country lanes, pretty Cotswold villages, scenic views and a few ups and downs on the way, but nothing major (and with the bigger climbs before lunch and most of the descending afterwards). The round trip is nearly 47 miles, with an option or two for a coffee or beer stop on the way back. Our ride leader will be Neil Tigwell. (neiltig19@googlemail.com 01993 702317) Please let either Steve or Neil know if you are thinking of coming so that we have some idea of numbers. Further details including details of parking available on the CTC Oxfordshire website: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events/explorer-ride-witney
Riders: Des Higgs Julian Gough Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Weather: Report: 6 of us enjoyed the final CTC Oxfordshire Explorer ride of the season. Des and I joined Witney regulars Neil, Kevin and Mark plus Julian making a very welcome return on a club ride. Good to see you Jools! A lovely route on a gloriousy sunny day, taken at a steady pace and with two new cafes for some of us - the Sherborne village store, where we stopped for Bacon Butties, and the village shop in Coln St. Aldwyns. One of the features of early autumn is the clearness of the air and the views along the Windrush valley were just glorious as we cycled steadily westwards from Witney. Neil introduced me to a lovely cut-through at Crawley, which, making use of a 20-yard section of bridleway, cuts a huge chunk off the corner of the road to Minster Lovell. We progressed steadily through Asthall Leigh, Swinbrook, Burford, Little Barrington and Windrush, reminding me just why this is one of my favourite areas to cycle in Oxfordshire The original plan was to stop in Northleach as Neil had expected the Sherborne cafe to be very busy (it is very popular with cyclists and walkers during the summer, apparently). However, on arrival there were tables free, so we stopped. And very pleasant it was too, sitting in the Autumn sunshine with good coffee and bacon butties, for less than a fiver. Mark (who'd had a cold decided to return from here) but the remaining 5 of us continued southwards (avoiding Northleach) to Coln for our second stop at a second community shop (this was real cafe to cafe cycling). Eventually we dragged ourselves away, continuing through Hatherop to the Eastleaches. It came as something of a shock to see no-one sitting outside the Victioria Arms - another village pub, and a much frequented lunch destination over the years, gone! As we continued on through Filkins, Langford and the gated road to Clanfield, the wind picked up in our faces, and we kept in close formation for most of the ride back to Witney. We were back in Witney about 2:45. Thanks to Neil, for an enjoyable day out.
Distance: 69.68 km (43.30 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10600296
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10507529"
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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