Well, it was the first day of “Summer” and the sun was shining, even if the air was cool. Everyone arrived on time despite the clocks going forward. A few brave ones came bearing their legs and were thinking they may have come under dressed – with 12 hills covering 850m of climbing over 58km, body temperatures would soon warm up. With a brisk tailwind the ride out to the garden centre at Hermitage saw us arrive just before 10:30. Refreshments were taken outside enjoying the warming sun. The ride back to Wantage was a little tougher with the headwind, but everyone made it back with a smile on their faces. The opportunity to try the “refurbished” King Alfred’s Head was deferred to another day as everyone made their respective ways home – a lovely sunny ride with hopefully more to come.

Four of us came out for a ride past stationary traffic from Drayton to Abingdon, due to the unfortunate closure of the A34. Drivers were resigned to their fate as we rode serenely past them.
The cafe in Southmoor was busy so we enjoyed the outside table before the return ride during which I lost half the peleton!

We started out from Wantage with a 50/50 split of men and women - welcoming another member out of Corallian hibernation. This balance was upset when we met John who had set off separately to ascend Challow Hill.
The ride through the Vale was uneventful and we arrived at the Farm Shop in Shrivenham in good order. Their energy balls were excellent and a source that allowed the leader to continue to lead from the front. Our return ride was similarly uneventful in almost perfect cycling conditions - little wind, not too hot, glimpses of sunshine.
Several riders peeled off early but one encountered an unpleasantly aggressive driver. (Other road users had been so considerate to us as a group - and we ourselves had been careful when we encountered several horse riders.)

A beautiful sunny day without a cloud in the sky and great to be out on the bike, albeit with a chilly easterly wind.

With Simon joining us en-route in Childrey, four of us were all set to leave the market place when Pete Cowan arrived to make a guest appearance having cycled across from Wallingford. Despite his seat post challenges and last minute adjustments, we headed out to Farnham before a long slog into the wind all the way to Besselsleigh. Pete W got a bit fed up of the wind and did a stint drafting a farmer's tractor!

Up Old Boars Hill and then some lovely views over the spires of Oxford before heading down to Abingdon and The Barns cafe. At 50k and just over 2 hours, everyone was glad of the stop and they even had a table reserved for us!

Pete C headed back to Wallingford and we had an uneventful return to Wantage with a lovely tailwind that made the sunshine all the better!

A select group of three scraped the ice off their windscreens and drove over to Kintbury this morning. Although the sun was out for much of the day, the northerly wind kept the feeling chilly. This was fine on the way out as the tailwind and the generally downhill profile (well, after Walbury Hill that is) boosted us along nicely. Obviously, on the way back it was a different story and, although we were pulling hard into the headwind, we all still felt the chill. Special kudos to Phil for his massive pull on the front up the extended and exposed climb up from Vernham Dean. I needed all my jelly babies just to keep up.

This route and the scenery on it are really fantastic. The outward leg runs down the Bourne and the Test Valleys where the water courses are in full flow and quite spectacular right now. At several other places it reaches high points with impressive panoramic views. A route anyone could be proud of I think.

And then there were five! After a chilly start, spoiled by the recent warm weather, the starting group of six lost Louise at the airplane roundabout, victim to some type of seat/saddle breakdown. With a good steady pace and a following Northerly wind we warmed up nicely in the sun through Hatford and some rather over lengthy 4 way temporary traffic lights we negotiated the short section of the A420 safely prior to the descent of Littleworth Hill and the climb up to Faringdon.
The road down the hill from Badbury Clumps is in a particularly poor state but we soon rattled our way into Coleshill and found a cosy spot in Blake's to enjoy coffees and their celebrated cinnamon buns. The return ride was equally uneventful but still pleasurable despite the headwind.

The short flat route and spring-like weather tempted club members out of their Corallian hibernation. The ride leader led on the outward stretch into the gentle easterly. The winter gym bunny demonstrated his power on Sires Hill and we arrived at Style Acre in good order.
The ride leader had an afternoon choral commitment so pushed on and the peleton split, by prior agreement, on the return leg to Wantage as tired legs made their presence felt.

Another beautifully sunny day for Shrove Tuesday, a day for making confessions prior to the commencement of Lent. Enough of the religious origins of Shrove Tuesday. “Gravel man” Pete, suggested rather than go along the A417 from East Hendred to Rowstock we continue along the Icknield Way to Harwell so he could enjoy the virtues of his gravel bike, there was a majority agreement to this change of route. All was going well until we arrived in Harwell and before we knew it we were split into three groups. Four of us re-grouped just before the Chilton interchange and waited for Pete and Phil – no sign of either of them, had they decided to continue along the gravel track to Hagbourne Hill so Pete could continue to enjoy the delights of his gravel bike? No – may be it was divine intervention, but “Gravel Man” Pete had a puncture! It was repaired quickly and we continued the ride to Wallingford, stopping at the Wallingford and Cholsey Railway Café. Refreshments were enjoyed in the warm sunshine and no confessions were shared. The route back to Wantage was without incident and we managed to keep in tight formation. Louise, headed back home via Grove, while the remainder of the group went up “Benchworth Hill” aka King Alfred Way and through Kingsgrove Estate back into Wantage. A great ride and a lovely day to celebrate Shrove Tuesday.

A cracking day for what turned out to be a cracking ride .

Team spirit was boosted by our coming together to overcome errant pheasants, one incompetent and moody Mercedes driver, potholes, one puncture and by the execution of some tight formation riding on the return leg. It was a delight to behold.

The Cricklade Club was heaving, with a sign outside saying "fully booked until 1pm" but, after a little negotiation, we managed to secure a spot. They serve excellent bacon butties among other things. Louis in particular made sure to sample a good range of their food offerings.

We made a relaxed stop in Bampton on the way back to take cans of pop and cream eggs etc while sitting in the glorious sunshine. This was one of those rides where you just didn't really want it to end.

Only three of us on another Spring-like day. Great to be able to sit out in the sun at Cafe Bella where the freshly baked fruit cake arrived just in time! Thanks guys - very enjoyable ride.