A very enjoyable ride through some parts of the Cotswolds that I had never ridden before. Great views and numerous hidden away unspoilt villages, historic churches and other impressive buildings. Also very little traffic or tourism in this posher and quieter end of the Cotswolds. The route is a good one.

We stopped for early lunch at the reliable Mill Cafe Chipping Norton where service was as efficient as ever.

A later attempt to stop for coffee at Charbury Garden Centre failed. The result of the demanded enquiry into this tragedy is in: We had blasted right past the unmarked entrance, unmarked because it is the intended EXIT for cars with the main entrance for motor vehicles being off-route and invisible to us just half a mile around the corner. This forced us to box-box-box a few miles later at the slightly less salubrious Gulf petrol station on the A44 crossing. At least we a saw a nice Ferrari during our forecourt picnic.

A good turnout for what started as a cooler day, Louise was dressed for the occasion. We picked up Phil III as we departed Wantage and Neil on the Hanney Road, so the numbers went up to 8. There was a slight headwind as we made our way to the Cholsey and Wallingford Railway cafe. The temperature was beginning to creep up as we departed. As we approached Harwell Jan had a puncture, so after a quick repair we were back on our way, two riders left to get back for prior engagements. Once we were back in Wantage there were four as various riders dropped off to their respective destinations. An enjoyable and comfortable ride.

An early start to try and beat some of the heat led us along well trodden roads to Eynsham, luckily getting through a (ridiculous!!) Thames Water road closure in Farmoor.

We then headed north of the A40 and into nice Cotswold countryside and lanes to loop round to Witney and explore the new Blakes cafe. Definitely a large expansion on an industrial scale and in an industrial estate just off The Green.

After enjoyed a bit of aircon and getting refuelled we had a shorter route back to Wantage by which time it was getting pretty hot.

A nice ride out, thanks to all who came along!

A three county spin across the Berkshire Downs on a beautiful early summer morning took us through Oxfordshire, Berkshire and (very briefly) Wiltshire. Just for a change it was good to have a gentle headwind to keep us cool as we criss-crossed the A34 and M4. Wonderful scenery all the way - it's going to be an early harvest in 2026!

A good Tuesday turnout, with a trio of Phils - it was nice to see Phil 1 (Phil Stubbings) back. The ride out to Dorcester-on-Thames was assisted by a nice tailwind. The group split into two on the busier roads. We all re-grouped at the Snug Café and enjoyed refreshments with the Alpacas. The ride back to Wantage was slightly tougher due to the headwind and everyone survived the various cycleways from Harwell to Ardington.

It felt positively cold as we gathered in the Market Place this morning!! It was nice to welcome back Carlo for the morning ride. We set off into a fairly brisk westerly wind as we made our way to Faringdon. The Sadlers café was closed for the day, so we went to the Lotus Retreat - excellent coffee and they also had cinnamon buns - now we know why Louis likes this café!! The slightly shorter route home was assisted by the westerly breeze and it wasn't long before we said to goodbye to Andy. Carlo and I arrived back in Wantage around 11:30. An enjoyable and comfortable ride.

An early start to avoid the hottest part of a hot, sunny day, worked well - plenty of breeze to cool us down while cycling. Relaxed stop at Bloomfields.

An early away ride from Oxford University's Iffley Road sports ground. After a brief foray into the City the undulating route took us north through to the feed station at Upper Hayford, where plenty of hydration was consumed. The route then turned southwest to Kiddington before turning Eastwards. As ever Church Hill at Wootton was a shock with some riders walking before the gentle route continued through Islip. We were back before midday and the hot and humid afternoon.

A beautiful morning and some lovely riding through picturesque countryside on quiet lanes. We enjoyed a relaxed coffee and cake outside in the garden at The Pantry before head back to Wantage over the ridgeway.