An experimental route:
- Do we split into small groups to allow cars to pass? Yes!
- Do we use cycle paths when available? Most of us much of the time.
- Do we sit far enough away from the log fire in the Snug and not get roasted? Mostly.
- Does the route planner take us on paths suitable for bicycles? No - fortunately there were no pedestrians and the surface was dry.
- Can we navigate the cycle paths in Didcot successfully? 8 out of 9.
- Can we all arrive back together in Wantage? No, 7 out of 10.
- Did we miss the kitchen at The Snug? No - fabulous cake selection.

And as a bonus, Richard was in The Snug showing us the shiny blue cast for his fractured wrist.

Decent conditions for this time of year tempted out a good number of riders to the start line. Nine started out from Wantage but we had three deserters at various points along the way, for a variety of legit personal reasons.

The route took us through the northern suburbs of Oxford, making good use of the decent cycle paths in that area. We made good time out to The Old Flight House which is a quirky antique centre. The cafe there was on balance a hit, especially the bacon & egg butties, although some thought that the coffee could be stronger.

I very pleasant and sociable ride I though, using some roads I have never ridden before and a new to us cafe too. Three of us topped it off with a cheeky post-ride pint in the blue Boar.

The weather fluctuated between warm sunshine, overcast and a light drizzle and a good turnout of seven again for a Tuesday ride. Time at the Forge at Aldbourne provided good cakes, scones and coffee next to the village library. Nothing in particular to report but a nice, sociable ride with a post-ride drink at KAH for four of us.

Report by Nick (Richard injured!)

Another mild and pleasant autumnal morning. Despite the hour change I was somewhat late joining the ride, catching the others (less Pam who waited for me) at the T junction out of Denchworth. At this point Richard and Louise were down on the ground, victims of a slippery patch on the road, probably a greasy patch of mud on an unusually (for Oxfordshire!) smooth piece of tarmac. They were quickly up and we thought without serious injury or bike damage - however Louise soon left the ride with handlebars twisted out of position. Richard soldiered on and finished the ride but was clearly having some pain from his wrist.

We found a comfortable corner in Lynwoods at Bampton. The ride back to Wantage was uneventful.

After the ride Richard went to get his wrist checked out at the Minor Injury Unit (Didcot or Abingdon?) where a fracture was confirmed. Wishing him a quick recovery!

It was a numbers game today with double digits temperature (Centigrade) in sunshine
It was also double digits riders (at times)
- seven started from the market place
- three joined the ride at Sparsholt Firs
- five took more direct routes home
- five returned to the market place
Thanks for the company - it was great

Another good turnout on a misty but mild morning for a relaxed, sociable ride. We split into two groups on the busier roads and I can't remember any close passes! After the usual multitude of sweet and savoury options Chez Java in Abingdon we headed back via Peep O'Day Lane and Steventon Hill. Richard dropped off at West Hendred and three chose to brave the A417 while the remaining quartet followed the wiggles through Ginge and Ardington. Four enjoyed a drink in the KAH. Special thanks to Richard for sweeping throughout.

For what was a cold cloudy Sunday morning there was a good turnout of eight riders, including John G who had set off in advance. Pete was looking distinctly gloomy as he had been cycling in Portugal the previous week in temperatures of +25oC. We set off and not long after the start were joined by Ben. We made good time along the Spring Line and picked up John in Ashbury. We arrived at Three Trees around about 10:20 and all inside sitting was taken, fortunately the temperature was okay for sitting outside (Pete might disagree). The refreshment orders arrived one-by-one over a period of about 20 minutes, with Ben’s cooked breakfast arriving in two parts at the end. As Louis had a commitment back in Wantage he headed off and the rest of the group watched Ben consume his food, which he did at remarkable speed. The ride back to Wantage was uneventful apart from a few unplanned deviations from the route. As we approached Wantage a number of the group dropped off to their respective homes. In all a very enjoyable ride.

The forecast was heavy showers and, yes, it was real ‘fill your socks’ weather. Four of us set off from the marketplace as the downpour intensified. One dropped off fairly early – saturated socks. Another joined us at Coleshill, having missed the start.
After snacking well in sunshine we resumed our ride and almost immediately were hit by a heavy downpour. We were drenched when we reached Faringdon. At this point the skies brightened, the rain stopped and we returned to Wantage in glorious sunshine.
What fun!