Well that was an interesting ride. First the Ride Leader #1 had to ask for a stand-in leader, who willingly stepped forward. Then the stand-in Ride Leader #2 turned up wearing crocs without cycling shoes. Of the five riders the three leaders agreed to share the responsibility.

Ride Leader #3 led up Manor Road before pausing at the stop to regroup.
Ride Leader #4 led up Walbury Hill and paused to take photos at the top.
Ride leader #5 rerouted us back at Kintbury to miss out a section of the A4.

The pitstop at the Honesty Cafe was bizarre. They serve breakfast until 10 and lunch from 12 - we arrived at 11. They had 12 cake servings on display and nothing in reserve. That was it! We did consider diverting to Hungerford for a greater choice but chose to sit in the sun instead.

Louis checked his bike before setting off again - always good practice - and found that the sidewall of his rear tyre was splitting away from the bead. So he reduced tyre pressure and rode mostly standing over the front wheel to relieve the load on the rear tyre. Descents were taken at low speed but nothing eventuated on the return to Wantage.

A great route in glorious sunshine. I am sure we will ride this route again (with an alternative cafe stop) for the benefit of the two ride leaders who missed out and any other members interested in a hilly ride.