Good turn-out on a warmish day that became progressively sunnier as it went on. Re-run of John's route from a few years back - there were a couple of navigational hiccups but I don't think anyone noticed! Our refreshments were split between the Spring Greens Cafe which provided bacon baguettes and the next-door Jericho Coffee Traders which provided coffees and cakes. At this time the sun emerged and it was pleasantly warm sitting outside (though there is inside space available). The Thames towpath was dry and in good condition dropping us off at Radley for the customary route back to Wantage via Abingdon, Peep O Day Lane, Steventon Hill and East Hendred. Louis, Pam and then Richard dropped off towards the end to make their own ways home.

I think everyone enjoyed the ride - I certainly did! Thank you for your company.

Many regulars have gone away for the easter weekend so only three riders turned out today. The original dining plans were re-jigged due to host illness, so instead we checked out the new cafe at Boxford called "The Boxford". All very tickety-boo and situated in a convenient location, but just a bit too posh for our purposes. The coffee was nice but the cake and the selection thereof was sh*te anyway .

The ride went smoothly as we coped with the chilly wind by putting in a bit of effort. Ermin Street was particularly busy, probably because people were avoiding the roadworks on the parallel M4. Some amusement was derived watching motorists trying to get through the closed & flooded road at Leckhampstead - wet feet were inevitable as they were forced to get out to move the barriers .

Twelve attendees had a very pleasant evening.

Spring at last? Seven riders at the start, including Fabio, not seen since last season - (hope you'll re-join, Fabio). After cruising through Letcombe we picked up Simon in Childrey and enjoyed the lovely morning ride out to Highworth. TM Linnet being closed, we found space inside the Old Bakery. Phil left early from there for a more leisurely ride back to Wantage, returning along the A417 from Baulking. The remaining seven headed back via Uffington, Fawler and the spring line road. No incidents - nice ride!

This was a great welcome ride - great to see Dave back after a long absence.
It was a lovely spring morning with quite a stiff breeze coming from the north. We had to work hard to make progress into the wind, but we kept it mostly pretty tight, rotating the lead at the front. And we whizzed along when we had the wind behind us. Of course we spread out climbing Fawler Hill but regrouped at the top before the run in to our cafe stop.
We sat out in the sunshine at The Cantorist topping up on much needed vitamin D and then resumed our tour of the Vale. We regrouped again after Lains Barn before the run back to the market place, which we reached at 11:40.
Thanks to all for a pleasurable ride.

The familiar Tuesday morning faces congregated in the Marketplace for what looked like was going to be a dry day, with the possibility of some sun. Nick arrived wearing some very bright orange overshoes, which caused some discussion, but apparently, they were to protect his new cycling shoes. Anyway, the ride to Root 1 with a tail wind was uneventful. Root 1 was relatively quiet, and it was warm enough to sit outside. The route home was into a head wind and contrary to my early comment as we approached Upton the heavens opened! Fortunately, by the time we got back to Wantage the skies had cleared. Overall, an enjoyable Tuesday ride.

Starting out in light rain for the first hour, the weather steadily improved throughout the day such that we were blessed with full sunshine for the second half of the ride. Leaving Witney, in the first couple of km, I made two minor navigational errors to test if the team were paying attention - sadly they failed miserably.

Swiftly back on route we enjoyed a great day out riding through some beautiful parts of the North Cotswolds that have been less frequently visited by us. Along the way we encountered the tail end of a classic car rally at the picturesque Hook Norton Brewery and patted the dray horses there. We visited the fascinating 4000 year old King's Men stone circle at Rollright where we briefly conversed with two genuine druids who were there performing some mystic ritual. But the real highlight of the day occurred at the cafe where I got a free bowl of chips!

What a day!

A seasonal ride: March rains
Cinnamon rolls at Blake's Kitchen were fantastic.
Having invested in wet weather gear, this was a dry ride for me.

Somewhat damper than forecast but at least it wasn't cold - mostly drizzle with a couple of heavier showers, and we were glad to find a spare table in R&R on Mother's Day. Given the surface water and the ever-multiplying number of potholes there is something to be said for familiar roads! Well done everyone - the weather must surely improve soon.