Nick filling in for Richard, out with a cold!

A rare December appearance from John and Paul brought the group up to five, with a few of the Tuesday regulars not available. We took a few liberties with Richard's route, seizing the chance to try out the new link road, King Alfred's Way I believe, across to Mably Way and taking the more direct route through Kingston Bagpuize. KAW seemed pretty good - I used the smooth and very generous width cycle path, while the others kept to the road. Very few other users of this long-awaited new infrastructure at this time.

After a few recent rides in calm weather the fresh wind made itself evident particularly on the Northward return route from Bampton. It was however rather mild so no issues with cold digits or toes.

Aston Pottery was only moderately busy for this time of year which was a pleasant surprise. Thanks to Richard for providing the route - a short , flat ride felt about right today.

A post-ride Christmas beer was enjoyed by three of us.

A mild day for mid-December and a hilly ride so we quickly warmed up and made good progress until Phil's puncture 1 mile short of our stop at Great Bedwyn. Pete made friends with a pony while four of us provided Phil with occasional help and the odd tool. Despite the delay we arrived at Wendy's Cafe well ahead of takers of their roast dinner offering and enjoyed some rather good Christmas cake and some rather large flapjacks. Once Pete had extricated himself from the clutches of the pet octopus we headed back via Froxfield and Lambourn. Good outing!

Five riders managed to maintain our enthusiasm even in the face off the windy, cold and dull conditions. At least there was no rain.
The cafe at Hampstead Norreys was great as always. A warm welcome and excellent service from the middle class ladies of a certain age who work there. The Christmas cake is deserving of a special mention; so tasty, big, fruity and moist that it would have got Gregg Wallace into big trouble no doubt . Here's a photo of me doing an impression of the said man of the moment.
All round, jolly good day out.

The tail end of Storm Darragh didn't stop us getting across to White Horse Hill for the annual mince pie and mulled wine event in aid of Whizz Kidz. Well done to the organisers for serving up seasonal fare in the face of a ferocious north wind.

A slightly later start and a tweaked route saw us getting to the top of White Horse hill nicely on time for pie-off. The ride across was actually fine with dry roads and a bit of brightness. A pleasant time was had chatting to old friends until cold forced us back on the bikes and a direct route back to Wantage.

Joined by Phil and Jez, we moved onto the Corallian Christmas lunch at Wildwoods where a lot of pizza was eaten. Thanks to Pete for organising!

For a slightly chilly December ride a good turnout of 7 riders congregated in The Market Place and we picked up Simon in Childrey on our way through. We made it in good time to Farringdon and stopped off at the Farringdon Coffee House, we managed to all squeeze onto one table! After suitable refreshments we headed back to Wantage, the sun appeared, and the temperature had increased a few degrees. Louise peeled off to Stanford-in-the-Vale the remainder went onto in to Wantage. An enjoyable ride and for the ride leader after a 5 week layoff with an injury, a relief to be out on the bike.

Great to see Richard make a return to road riding after his wrist fracture. He peeled off at Wallingford leaving the rest of the route to the two of us.
We stopped in Goring at the Village Cafe before the lumpy route to Pangbourne. (Preferable to crossing the river and climbing Streatley Hill.)
We made steady progress and were back in Wantage shortly after 1pm.

After the storm ... came a beautiful day. Five at the Market Square were joined later by Louise who had once again struggled to get out of Stanford. A hastily re-arranged route kept well clear of the flooded lanes of the vale but this necessitated a fair few hills - the climb of White Horse Hill was gratuitous but was worth it for the wide-ranging views. After a refreshment stop at Lambourn we took on Hackpen hill, the last of the climbs. Half of us enjoyed a post-ride drink at the KAH. Thank you all for a lovely ride!

After a cloudy and dull start it turned out to be one of those crisp but sunny autumn days just made for cycling. Hampshire was resplendent in golden colours and the route is a belter. The Yard at Chilton Candover provided a welcome early coffee stop and is a great place, very popular with many other cyclists coming and going. A great ride through some stunning scenery at its best at this time of year.