Good ride on a very pleasant autumnal morning. No mechanicals, no punctures and no close passes!

We set off in the sunshine adding riders along the way. As we approached the tail it started to get wet - what did we expect? After all, it’s a shark.
We sat out the passing showers in our coffee stop before completing our Strava Art.

Standing in the rain at 9.55 I was wondering if I could honourably retreat if no-one appeared. Luckily Louis arrived to keep me honest. The first 20 minutes were very wet indeed but the rain gradually eased and the roads were dry by the time we got back to Wantage. Coffee and cinnamon buns were taken at Blakes, as tradition demands. We were both too cold and wet to bother with the pub. A good ride, in retrospect.

Last ride of the summer with a good turn-out of eight - good to see Dave and Andy back. Nice hassle-free ride out to Cogges, which was very quiet, and warm enough to sit outside though darker skies in the distance suggested that rain was on its way. One moderate, but short-lived, shower before Aston led us to don waterproofs for about 5 minutes but the rain quickly evaporated from the road surface and a steady pace was maintained back to Wantage, where three of us enjoyed a drink in the KAH beer garden. Thanks everyone!

After we got over a few of the ridgeway hills we ventured through some great Berkshire lanes with lovely forested areas and the Pang valley. We luckily missed all of the isolated showers and ended up at the Pantry in Yattendon in beautiful sunshine. Sat in the garden in a quintessentially English village setting with unanimously positive feedback on the food and coffee! Heading back home through some more lanes before getting back on more familiar territory over the ridgeway, including an unplanned stop to fix Richard's puncture.

A gentle ride through the vale in perfect cycling conditions.
We rode together, occasionally splitting into two groups to minimise disruption to motorised road users, who were generally considerate.
After a pleasant break at Savages garden centre in Blewbury various riders split off.
The remnants of the peleton made it to Alfie’s to extend the relaxing theme of the day.

As planned, a relaxed clockwise circuit taking in off-road paths where possible. The path from Sutton Courtenay to Didcot power station was a nice surprise for many of us (including me). After a couple of mistakes we arrived at the railway path through to Upton which enjoys such lovely views over towards the Ridgeway. Arriving at peak time at DISH on the Harwell Campus meant that we had a bit of a wait for food but with the sun emerging it was all very pleasant. Two headed off on a different route back from Harwell to avoid the rougher stuff of the NCN and a couple more later on, so four arrived back at the king. Thank you to everyone for such a stress-free, friendly ride.

We met in Lechlade, rode to Cotswold Airport, ate some stuff, then rode back to Lechlade.

For what was forecast to be a very hot day, a large number (10) of riders turned up at Wantage Market Place, including Pam after her cycling injury in Spring. It was agreed that we split into two groups of five, and Nick S led the first group off. Both groups made it to the Humble Bumble Café and a large table outside was secured. Apart from the persistent wasps a pleasant relaxing break was enjoyed. The temperature by this time was rising. The same two groups set off and we re-grouped in Farringdon for ice creams and drinks, a few of the group continued on their way home. The cooling refreshments gave everyone the enthusiasm and energy to get back to Wantage, so much so Pete decided to chase down a young person on a pursuit bike – he did catch him but decided youth would prevail. For what was a hot day a very reasonable pace was sustained. Thanks to Nick S for leading the “naughty” group!!

Only two riders on one of the best riding days of the year - generally sunny with a little cloud cover to keep the temperatures down, very little wind and very quiet roads. Lovely route (thanks Nick D!) including a very rarely done (if ever) climb out of Aldbourne. Nice breakfast sandwiches at "Time at the old Forge" in Aldbourne followed by an entirely car-free ride between Aldbourne and Ramsbury. Back before 1300 allowing plenty of time for a beer at the KAH. Thanks Richard for a great (though quite tough) ride!