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Sun Jun 23rd 2024

Summer Solstice Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 4:15 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. This is a strenuous and hilly but rewarding all-day touring ride starting with watching the sun rise from the Ridgeway. We will then following the traditional route to Avebury (48k) where we will stop briefly to admire the stones. Then onto Marlborough (via their White Horse) to hopefully coincide with the opening of Cafe Nero (7.30am and 61km in) for breakfast. From there we will make our way back to Wantage. Riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. You may wish to bring a snack with you as there is only one stop.
Riders: Jo Little Katherine Boyce Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Sadly not everyone who wanted to come on the ride was able to make it, so just 2 of us took up the challenge With a stunning full moon setting as we cycled to Hackpen Hill, no traffic and the dawn chorus it was definitely not a usual ascent. We reached the top as the sun broke through and we enjoyed the beauty of the Thames Valley at sunrise before dropping down to the Springline road. We had our first car at 5am and very little traffic until after Hungerford. The current route uses the length of the Spring-line road before you reach the commuter villages of Swindon. Before we knew it, we were through Chisledon and once the hill to the Science Museum Library above Wroughton was summited, we stopped for our snack whilst admiring the lovely views. We continued rollercoasting along the eerily quiet main road from Swindon to Avebury where we admired the sleepers under the stones before carrying on to Marlborough. This year we approached the town centre via the bridleway through the girls school where you get great views of Marlborough’s tiny white horse. Whilst the route was stony, it was worth the detour. Unfortunately the usually open Cafe Nero was shut so we detoured to Hungerford for breakfast at Costa instead. Re-carbed we set off for the final hills and the glorious descent of Chainhill. Home before 11 with the rest of the day left to reminisce about a rather splendid morning adventure
Distance: 113.06 km (70.25 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/11718288203
Solstice Ride 2025 with the Marlborough White Horse just above Jo’s helmet! Solstice Ride 2024 Moon starting to set Solstice ride 2024 Solstice ride 2024: Jo Littles capture of the sunrise from Hackpen Hill
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/46746126"
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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