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.

Our biggest challenge was finding a route from the Market Place that did not entail a long delay for 'temporary' traffic lights. We chose Mill Street rather than Grove Road and encountered a 'closed road' out of Denchworth. Then, exiting South Leigh for Witney, another lengthy delay.

But is was all worth it when we scented the coffee roaster on the outskirts of Witney. The ride leader had two espressos and towed the train along until the caffeine ran out. Thereafter our pace was steady and various riders peeled off in a homewards direction. The attrition rate was unusually high with just three out of eight actually returning to downtown Wantage.

The coffee was great!

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Turnout - impressive
Coffee - artisanal
Route - belter
Company - fabulous
Banter - cheeky
Pace - relentless
Cafe - middling
Weather - 90% 10% could have been a lot worse

Well, what to say!! Not many takers for the evening ride, the call of a drink at The Lord Nelson was too much. Anyway, I rode the planned route and met the hardened riders (drinkers) at the pub! A pleasant evening was spent enjoying the limited selection of beers and some typical pub food.

Thankfully a cooler day, with the possibility of rain and a brisk South-westerly wind. We were waved off by Nick S, who was still nursing his shoulder injury. We headed out of Wantage along King Alfred’s Way to Denchworth picking up Pete. W along the way. The ride out to Eynsham was at a good pace aided by the tail-wind. Refreshments were taken at the Lyall & Co café, a different venue for many. The pastry selection was good, if on the short side, well that is when it got to Pete – sorry. The ride back to Wantage as expected was into a strong head-wind, so the return leg pace was not so quick, but even so the overall average speed was 25km/h. A few riders dropped off as we approached Wantage to make their way home, 5 arrived back at the Market Place. While we had minimal rain on the ride, the dark clouds were gathering so everyone quickly dispersed.

Farewell to The Cantorist.
The first 39k was a flat meander through the Vale. It was a pleasant surprise to see Hugo in Goosey walking with crutches as he recovers from his hip replacement.
Our coffee stop under dappled tree shade at The Cantorist, which closes on the 25th of July, was a delight.
And we were back by 12 before the intense heat of the day.

It was the perfect day for cycling, warm sunshine and a light breeze. We made it as far as Denchworth and John G had to bailout due a technical issue with his electronic gears. The remainder of the group after some instruction rode with impeccable discipline to the Snug at Bishop’s Court Farm. There were only able to serve filter coffee due to a technical problem with their coffee machine, so it was filter coffees all round along with cakes, which were also enjoyed by the wasps. A quick chat and some photos with the Alpacas and we were back on the road. The return ride discipline was not so good, partly due to a few hills and riding through Didcot town centre. As we got closer to Wantage a number of riders dropped off to make their way home, five returned to the Wantage Market Place and few went for a quick drink at the KAH. Overall a lovely day for cycling.