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Past Ride

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Tue Jul 25th 2017

Tuesday 4* Evening Ride	4*

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly, 2 hour ride at a riding pace of 27-29km/h (17-18mph). May be hilly, but this one isn't. However, we will get a tickle-on to make sure we're in good time (20:30 target) for Beer . Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the END of the ride. Lights are now sensible, whether stopping or not. This is a bridging ride at the upper level of the range to allow riders to gauge their pace and gain confidence to step up to the next star level, or indeed the bar! A recent predilection for heading South (and upwards) is complimented by a Northerly tour of historically troubled lands* where apparently a disorderly alehouse in Aston was suppressed at the inhabitants' request in 1700. In the 16th century inhabitants laying out a meadow in Aston were entitled to bread and a gallon of ale from those with rights there, and "complex meadow customs" persisted until inclosure. Nearby, contaminated wells in Cote may have caused a diphtheria epidemic in 1893, leading to a return to Alehouses as a more reliable source of wholesome liquid refreshment . For those expecting a musical reference I can merely refer you to a topical massacre of one of Bizet's best known tunes.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imgxOmW6VZ0 Cheers ! * http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/oxon/vol13/pp62-66
Riders: Hugh Falkner Jason Jones Louis Hall Nick Fisher Nick Stokell Paul Jarvis Peter Cowan Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Gathering at OMH in a Summerâ€™s evening balm with the promise of light winds and warm sunshine, a wariness was evident at the prospect of a tandem lead. Fear not, calm the chattering gears, the Ryan brothers were not in town! However, a pleasing array of materials and componentry spanning steel, alu and carbon was evident with Jasonâ€™s shiny new silky smooth transmission a highlight and Hugh with goodness knows what treasures rattling away in his bags Luke Bryanâ€™s â€œharvest timeâ€ sprang to mind as we forged ahead past ripening fields, spotting the odd baled stack and even a ploughed completion. Progress paused (thanks Jarv for the heads up) as Louis picked up a Charney puncture and elected to make his own way thereafter. So it was â€œSaddle back up and let the big wheels rollâ€ as we dropped onto the flatlands and made rapid progress along the quiet network of narrow lanes between Bablock Hythe and Standlake, inhaling the occasional tangy insect and studiously ignoring the five drops of rain that fell from puffy cumulus ranging over Witney and beyond. Our route turned away from the threatening clouds but straight into the path of a very cross woman in Standlake, towards whom I extend thanks for giving us such a beautiful demonstration of unrestrained car hornage. Tracking back and forth across the lanes around Aston found us some new tarmac, some tired farm tracks and for Pete an opportunity to reprise his grass track skills Climbing back up to Buckland sprang our brace of Nicks into a flurry of impressive polka dotted action, leading on to negotiating a pony and trap rolling road block on the fast downhill run to Charney. All ended well and we arrived on schedule at the Fox to be met with fervent Moorish action already underway in the garden. I was until now, unaware of the national status of sides based in Bampton, Headington and Abingdon leading the continuity league, spanning many centuries. The staple fuel of Morris dancers seemed appropriate at this point and a just reward for a glorious ride â€“ my thanks to you all for your contributions, not least my patient super stoker Sara, enjoying her second 4* romp (56.6 km at 29.3 kph).
Distance: 56.60 km (35.17 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/16352874
Buckland bimbling... Charney trappage Catch that tandem... Towards sundown and a beer... Yikes ! Morris dancing, is it safe to go in ?
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/22875569"
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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