An opportunity to sample some of the local cycle paths before winter makes them too unpleasant on a road bike. We left Wantage by the prettiest route and bade farewell to Conker Alley, before its demise next week. The nature of the route made it difficult to keep the group coherent and we managed to get rather spread out at times. All safely arrived in Abingdon, however, apart from one rider who had to leave early to attend a "work meeting" - whatever that is. Jez's puncture was the only mechanical en route, and he thoughtfully arranged this where we could enjoy the olfactory delights of Didcot Sewage Works. All enjoyed the excellent choice of Bulgarian savories and cakes at Java. Rachel entertained the local shoppers with an emergency dismount in the Market Square to pick-up a penny. We re-routed through Albert Park to exit Abingdon, which is much more pleasant than the planned route. Ironically, the return leg into the wind saw the average speed rise and we did some good formation riding through Kingston Bagpuize and Charney. Six of us put the world to rights in KAH after the finish.