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Sat May 13th 2023

2* Saturday Morning Ride to the Lambourn Valley	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: It's a while since we have been south on a weekend 2*. So a visit to the Lambourn valley seems in order, with refreshments at Saddleback Farm Shop cafe on the way home. As Saddleback is quite late in the ride, we'll have a short stop for snacks along the way (possibly in Eastbury). A few hills to conquer (which we'll take steadily - there's no rush!) but our rewards will be great views and the lovely long descent of Chain Hill to enjoy at the end. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Half day ride (45-55km / 30-40 miles), with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph).
Riders: David Jackson Des Higgs John Salmon Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A select group of 5 for our first venture into West Berkshire on a Saturday 2* in a long time. It was one of those cooler Spring days that, with the sun stubbornly hiding behind overcast skies, never quite warmed up. However, our legs certainly did as we ascended first through the Letcombes and Holborn Hill, and then up Hackpen. We each climbed at our own pace, aided by a tailwind, and regrouped at the top. There were cloudy views across the vale but as we descended towards Lambourn it became lush, green and delightfully atmospheric. After the lovely long descent we rolled through Lambourn and continued to Eastbury, where we turned off the main road, crossed the river Lambourn and stopped by the church for a short snack stop. Back on our bikes, we rejoined the the valley road, which was pleasantly quiet. We made a scenic detour through East Garston and continued through Great Shefford, Weston and Welford to Boxford. Here we turned northwards, to wend our way gradually back up the Downs. We turned off at Nodmore Corner and continued to Brightwalton, emerging at the top to the fine view across to Farnborough church. The short descent on the B4494 to California Farm gave a welcome respite to tiring legs and we were soon ensconced in the Honesty Cafe at the farm shop. As it was lunchtime, Lorna and I decided to order soup and a baked spud respectively, without noticing the line of order tabs already in waiting... Big mistake! Thanks to Dave , Des and John for your patience while we waited 35 minutes to be served. Eventually, we were able to resume, climbing again on the back road to Farnborough - not easy on cold and weary legs. We were into a headwind now as we rejoined the B-road for the return to Wantage, but we were soon enjoying the descents of Chain Hill into town. Back in Grove at 2:30pm, rather later than planned, but satisfied after a thoroughly enjoyable ride. A pleasure to lead today with an easy-going and amiable group. Thanks to all.
Distance: 56.17 km (34.90 mi)
Mini-refreshment stop in Eastbury, Sat 2* 13May23 By the Lambourn in Eastbury, Sat 2* 13May23
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31735468"
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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