Big group of 15 for the penultimate Wednesday summer ride including newcomer Andy - welcome! It was a pleasantly warm evening with a light wind and once we had got Sincome Hill out of the way good progress was made through the vale, finishing with some segment chasing up past Lain's Barn and a rapid return down the hill into Wantage. With such a large group inevitably we had regular re-groups but it all seemed to work pretty smoothly. A few dropped off at various points on the way back, but seven of us enjoyed a drink in the KAH beer garden and Louis celebrated completion of his house move - Cheers Louis!

Driving to Amesbury through torrential rain it didn't look to promising but, by the time came to start the ride, the sun had come out and the weather just got better from there on. We set off along the beautiful Avon valley to Wilton where we paused for a few minutes to enjoy the spectacle of a super car event. The Wylye valley led us westward before we turned south and bossed the significant climb up to Wylye Downs. Ken, having developed a taste for gravel riding during the Coate ride, took off on a solo mission down a dirt track into Grovely Wood and was having such fun that it took a bit of effort to reel him in. Back on route, we dropped down to Fovant and saw the regimental badges carved into the chalk hillside before tackling the stiff climb onto the ridge. From there a strong tail wind and quiet lanes had us buzzing along to the lunch stop at the Borough Cafe at Downton. We then wended our way back to Amesbury across the somewhat foreboding, but well surfaced, Porton Down road. We all chose to ride the optional byway route for the final 4km into Amesbury. This turned out to be slightly rougher than expected, so Ken was able to satiate his craving for adventure after all.

Thanks to all riders for making this an enjoyable day out - felt like a real team effort.

Only a few came out tonight, after a day of heavy rain. It wasn't exactly warm either, with those who didn't start in waterproofs donning them by Asti Farm, as the rain came down.

Nobody was overly bothered though, and we cracked on at a good pace, remaining pretty sociable throughout.

Very quick meeting this evening - key points are
1) AGM 14th October
2) Fantastic participation rate this summer!

Download Minutes here

Another lucky break with the weather no doubt encouraged the good turnout for this ride. We overcame the headwind to reach Coate Water Park where we refuelled at the kiosk cafe on very decent bacon butties and other essentials. Soon afterwards we crossed the entertaining spiral ramp bridge over the M4 to ride through the woods on a newly tarmacked (and well used) cycle track to Chiseldon. From there a strong tail wind helped us back to Wantage along the spring line road, pausing to regroup when Paul took a brief field trip for a closer look at the flora. He collected a few specimens to take home, but emerged unscathed. Several of us rounded the ride off with ice creams from the King Alf's parlour.
Thanks to everyone for the positive feedback on the route.

Another fine evening but the strength of the headwind soon became apparent as we climbed up Portway towards Childrey. The ride up to Hackpen Hill was even harder(and Dave M had an even longer wait!). Eastbury Hill was much more pleasant and I can't recall encountering any vehicles on it. And of course we enjoyed a tailwind on the way back. Needless to say there were no tight Corallian formations this evening but the re-groups offered plenty of opportunity for a natter and everyone seemed to enjoy the challenge of the hills. Thanks guys!

A very pleasant ride which was a joy to lead.

A few new lanes for the riders with a lovely smooth road to South Leigh if a bit tricky to cross the A40 at Barnards gate!

Andy hit a stone on the descent before Stonesfield and after an initial panic that he may have crashed he had just picked up a front wheel puncture which was quickly repaired.

We arrived at the Old Shed before lunch service but in time for breakfast baps. Chris causing confusion with his request for a deconstructed breakfast bap... without the bap

Some more new lanes after our stop to Chadlington and more familiar lanes to Leafield. Andy picked up another puncture on the rough lanes just after this, so having not had a club puncture for several months single-handedly he brought our average back up!!

The headwind became noticeable through Brize Norton and to Bampton where we stopped for ice cream.

The familiar route back to Wantage and back to King Alfred by 2.30pm. A good ride, in good weather and in good company

Eleven club members and guest Phil Ingles had a nice, chilled out and social run through the vale in great conditions, especially when compared to the deluge of yesterday. A cheeky pint was enjoyed at the end too.

We actually had 16 riders (a new club record) out today - Yssy came along with Tom on her first cub ride - welcome Yssy!

A few new roads for some people, even a couple of firsts for our Chairman! The ride was very chilled save for a headwind slamming into us at Shifford.

Coffee (and cake and breakfast) was a very laid back affair at Bampton Garden Centre, and we soon made short work of the return trip.

Despite it being a large group, riding standards were excellent, so it really was no effort at all to lead - thanks everyone for playing your part, and special thanks to Mike for sweeping for the ride.

Great turnout of Corallians tonight and everyone seemed keen arriving 10mins before the off. Straight forward run out to Clanfield via a lovely long downhill stretch passing by Smokedown Farm, only 1 minor delay caused by me having to re-adjust my saddle.

On through Bampton and the climb up Buckland Hill where we re-assembled, there was a slight delay in the peleton getting going again due to nattering and chatting apparently. A steady run back to Wantage with a few PBs on the supermarket dash (whatever that is) and to the Pub by 20:45.

Thanks to all for a good ride and good company.