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Past Ride

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Sat Sep 28th 2024

2* Saturday Half-Day Ride to Lambourn and Ashbury	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: After all the rain, it is looking brighter for Saturday. So a ride above the Vale to (hopefully!) avoid the floods. Out through the Letcombes, over the Downs to Lambourn, up the Lambourn valley to cross the Ridgeway, then down the hill to Ashbury for refreshments at the village shop. We'll return along the foot of the Downs road to Westcot, then through the springline villages back to Wantage. A lumpy 30 miles, but taken at a steady 2* pace, no rush on the climbs, with time to catch our breath and enjoy the views at the top of the hills. Please let me know by text if you would like to come. Happy to pick-up en route by arrangement. Half day ride (45-55km / 30-40 miles), with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph).
Riders: Barry Stanton David Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs Huw Palmer Lorna Swanton Mike Bailey Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: After all the rain this week, lovely to have a bright sunny morning with light winds, but it was distinctly cool early on. 8 of us set off from Grove to be joined by Mike at Letcombe Bassett. The roads along the route were surrprisingly dry and free from large puddles or surface water and it was good to find that the road from Wantage into Letcombe Regis was essentially dry after the long-standing flood last winter. We climbed the hills at our own speeds, regrouping at the top, first of Holborn Hill then Hackpen, waiting to regain our breath. Then it was the lovely long descent into Lambourn. The gentle 5-mile long climb up the Lambourn valley was beautiful in the sunshine. Sadly, the trees and bushes have now obscured the view of Ashdown House from the road. No-one was up for an optional tour to Kingston Winslow, so it was first right down Ashbury Hill and straight to the shop and cafe. Lovely and large slices of cake and pastries were enjoyed by all. For the ride along the foot-of-the-downs road we split into two groups with Roger leading out a faster four while I lead the following five. We don't often ride as far along the B-road as today and it was lovely to enjoy the panoramic views. There was beautiful light across the manger and White Horse Hill before clouds started to roll in. Mike left us at Childrey and David in East Challow and we were soon back in Grove after nearly 30 miles. Well done to Huw on his longest ride to date. A good morning out and thanks all for your company.
Distance: 48.28 km (30.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/225631682
Sat2* riders enjoying the autumn sunshine near Ashdown House, 28-Sep-24
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48564050"
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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