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!

Where did they all go?
There were a dozen at Alfie's statue ... but one just stopped to say hello.
One departed at Sires Hill for a medical appointment.
One left at Aston for a luncheon engagement.
Two left at Hagbourne saying that they had to get to Wantage by 2:00pm.
One chose the headwind on the A417 from Hendred rather than the sheltered hilly route through Ginge.
Five members of the grupetto (aka autobus) returned to Wantage at 1:55pm.

The arithmeticians will note that leaves one unaccounted for!

Only three riders today on cloudy day with some drizzle forecast (which never really materialised). The A417 out to Stanford seemed quieter than usual and a fast pace was set out into the Westerly head wind, thanks to a good pattern of rotating lead riders. The route after Littleworth was very pleasant (thanks to Farcycles via Louis) until the final main road section towards the refreshment stop at Abbey Home Farm. This was quite busy due to an open farm event. Our early arrival limited the food options to cake, very good but slow to arrive. After a quick photo opportunity in front of the combine harvester, which allowed Pete an experience to remember, we set off back along Akeman Street, again at a cracking pace but now with the wind at our backs. Thanks guys for a good workout that my legs will remember!

The rain just about held off and despite bouts of drizzle it was never quite bad enough to put the rain jackets on. A meandering and rolling route through lesser used lanes to the community cafe in Hampstead Norreys which was pretty busy and too wet to sit outside unfortunately.

Emergency road closures in East Isley nearly derailed our route home, but we managed to sneak along the narrow access path.

And finally a long straight section home to enjoy down Chain Hill!

Only lost one rider today!! Second puncture due to flints but they safely made it home after another new pink inner tube!

Sorry no photos due to distractions!

A good turnout for the Welcome ride and it was nice to welcome back Nick S after his shoulder injury. The route out to Coleshill was into a slight westerly headwind. Blake’s Kitchen was particularly busy with early morning walkers, but more importantly NO CINNAMON BUNS, apparently an infestation of wasps at the baking premises was to blame. Alternative patisseries were consumed. The route back to Wantage was uneventful, until we got close to Sparsholt and we lost two riders, after a number of phone calls and WhatsApp messages their location was identified and we headed back into Wantage by a number of routes, some more straightforward than others! Overall a nice ride and we managed to get Nick home in one piece.