Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sun Jun 16th 2019

Summer Solstice Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 4:15 am	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: Iâ€™ve been closely following the forecast for tomorrow and weâ€™re good to go but probably wise to remember rain gear as there are likely to be showers The mad one where we get up in the early hours and head off to Avebury. So as promised here's this years solstice ride. This years ride is slightly longer (135km) and the ending is even less tough than last year. We'll start by wending our way up to the Ridgeway via Hackpen Hill to watch the sunrise before heading off Lambourn and then on to Ashbury, Fox Hill and Chisledon. Here we'll use the 24 hour garage for a first breakfast stop - coffee and pastries! Then on to Avebury and Devises before returning via Hungerford (second breakfast at Tutti Pole) and then returning to Wantage via Kintbury and a cunning route to Chainhill and the glorious swoop back to Wantage. As ever this is a tough ride but well worth the effort - some exceptional views and because we are going so early we get to take roads not usually suitable for group rides. Please make sure you have lights and snacks. It would be great if you could let me know you are coming, so if necessary I can let the Tutti Pole know we are coming.
Riders: Bill Flockton - decd Clare Hazell Eddie Little Hugo Pile James Bosley Jenny Gower Jo Little Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Pete Wrench Sharon Bedford Terry Penn Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Well what a splendid ride. The sunrise, hills, headwind, weather and company were epic! Tweaks to last years ride meant a skip up Hackpen rather than a slog up Chainhill. The reward was a fabulous sun rising over the misty vale. As we left the garage at Chisledon and our first breakfast, it started drizzling. Avebury was a wet blur, which didn't stop us admiring the avenue of stones as we left the village. But by the time we got to admire our second white horse at Alton Barnes (a bit grey and not as good as ours) the drizzle had disappeared and it started warming up properly. By 9.30am we were at Hungerford ordering our second breakfast. We weren't impressed that a torrential downpour waited for us to exit the cafe and reach the Common. Jo ensured Terry didn't lose us and Pete acted as go between groups when the level crossing at Kintbury prevented a swift reunion. We said goodbye to Jenny and Terry at Boxford. Hugo kept our spirits up by showing us how to ride into a hedge with aplomb and emerge without a scratch. A chance for some to stretch their legs on the final climb to the Ridgeway (for the 4th time ) before the swoop down Chainhill with plenty of time left for lunch. Thanks to everyone that helped make this such an enjoyable ride, hopefully we'll do it again next year
Distance: 132.40 km (82.27 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/2458533634
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30020089"
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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