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Past Ride

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Sat Nov 16th 2024

1* Saturday Half-Day Ride to Longworth	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Longworth with a refreshment stop at the Blue Boar PH. Out via West Hanney, returning via Hinton Waldrist (passing one of my favourite hidden places) and Charney Bassett a round trip of just under 20 miles. After a gentle climb up to Southmoor on the outward leg we'll be able to enjoy the gentle downhill to Charney on the return. We should catch some late autumn colour and an unexpectedly late floral display.... Our regular social and family ride on the third Saturday of the month, usually with a cafe stop. We cover 16-32km (10-20 miles) at a leisurely pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph), tackling the occasional hill (nothing too long) and easy off-road track (conditions permitting). Please let the ride leader know if you are planning to come.
Riders: Anke Otto Brian Hipwell Des Higgs John Tranter Lorna Swanton Nick Portsmouth Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A good turnout of 10 for our monthly Saturday afternoon 1* outing. It was grey and chilly as we set off from Grove, but there were some lovely autumn colours in the hedgerows as we made our way out through Denchworth to West Hanney (no obstructions or roadworks at all despite the road closure and diversion signs). After a rest by the church, we continued up Winter Lane towards Southmoor, stopping briefly beyond the Lyford turning to admire an unseasonal field of red poppies on the left. Once in Southmoor, we took a small detour through Blenheim Way to avoid the stoniest part of the bridleway up to the bridge over the A420. We were soon settling into a cosy corner of the Blue Boar for refreshments (beer and twiglets featured prominently). Brian and later Steph left us from the pub as they had to get back. As the rest of us continued on the track past the church and manor house and on to Hinton Waldrist, the sun broke through to light up the landscape. Lamb Lane, a forgotten road, cut-off when the Southmoor bypass was built, was new to many (Des said that the last time he had been that way was by car!). As it descends towards the A420, it affords lovely views across the vale to the distant downs. The drawback is crossing the A420 at the end of the dual-carriageway, but we took it patiently, crossing one by one to the central reservation and then to the other side. All across safely, we regrouped in the Lamb & Flag road. Then it was a gorgeous ride downhill to Charney Bassett in the late afternoon sunshine before the clouds rolled in and the breeze picked up. We briefly had the wind in our faces but as we turned for home past Asti stud we gained a tailwind for the last few miles. Back in Grove just after 4pm, it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride and a pleasure to lead. Thanks to Des for sweeping and everyone for your good company. Thanks to Anke for the poppy and Lamb Lane pictures .
Distance: 31.54 km (19.60 mi)
Sat 1* riders at West Hanney - Nov-24 Poppies in November! - 1* Sat Ride Nov-24 By Longworth church and pond - Sat 1* Ride Nov-24 Autumn colours at Longworth - 1* Sat Ride Nov-24 Autumn colours at Longworth - 1* Sat Ride Nov-24 Lamb Lane - Sat 1* Ride Nov-24
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49042113"
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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