July 2020 Report

 

Meet up August 13th September – A “Gallop” Across White Horse Country James O’Shea

Despite the subdued glee of loved ones promising biblical flooding (not seen since yesterday),  Nine brave, waterproof (?), optimistic, club members swung out of McDs in Abingdon heading for the rolling landscape of the North Wessex Downs. Home to the West Saxons since AD 450 and in more recent times occupied by short fellahs dressed in glorious silk outfits astride thoroughbred beasts – no, not Simon Cowell.

Before departure we had gathered in McD to fortify ourselves with caffeine. Oh my. How confusing. Where do I get a coffee from? Touch screen, are you sure? Wear a face mask? But I want to drink it in here. What’s my table number? You mean only one person at a time can go to the toilet. And so on. But the lovely serving staff are just taking care of us in these Covid times so lots of smiles and cheer is the order of the day. Goodbye, we will be back . . . . . . . arm-twisted by assertive grand children no doubt!

A gentle glide towards Sparsholt and the B4507 which runs westward below the Ridgeway Path. We pass by the Uffington White Horse believed to have been created during the Anglo-Saxon era, either by King Alfred to celebrate his victory over the Danes in 871 or by Hengist, the first Saxon king, whose emblem was a white horse. No time to take in the detail as we navigate mounds of debris and gravel dislodged by Wednesday’s rainfall. This time of day traffic is light and progress is brisk. At Ashbury we turn onto the B4000, oh my what a treat. Tower Hill flashes by on our left as we scoot towards Lambourne. We are in serious horse racing country, handsome beasts populate the paddocks and training grounds as we pass by.

Leaving Lambourne we head towards Chilton Foliat passing under a thundering M4 we are immersed in a lush Wiltshire idyll. Soon we arrive in the delightful village of Ramsbury known throughout the world for its Vodka and Beer (Ed. note – shum mistake surely!)

We turn east before Marlborough for a short jaunt on the A4 before turning off towards Chisbury and Little Bedwyn alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal. Opened in 1810 and running from Newbury to Bath it was a prosperous waterway up to 1840 when the Great Western Railway arrived in Bath. Sections of the canal started closing in the mid 1950’s but intervention by local volunteers helped restore it to the fine state that it is today.

Little Bedwyn was our refresh point. The earlier dampish overcast skies had been replaced with bright sunshine and dry tarmac. At this point we were treated to the sight of a mud-spattered, high mileage, seen better days, hipster wannabe, current model and a R NineT.

The 2^nd part of our ride was intended to be a zip along the gorgeous A338  towards East IIsley for lunch at the Crown and Thorns. Somehow we found a detour via the A4 and the A34 . . . .  but as they say “all roads lead to Rome”.  Lunch was satisfying if slow, conversation was spirited and obviously well-informed, camaraderie was first class. Wash and polish those Bavarian masterpieces guys, even more of Summer 2020 awaits the Oxford Meetup Rideouts. Be safe. Enjoy. Until the next time. . . . . .  and ‘thank you’ for your generous donations to Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Meet Up Ride Out 26 August 2020 Dave Tomlinson

It all started well…….

Storm “whatever” had blasted the UK on Tuesday and was due back for a second round on Thursday, was this the weather break we needed….

The morning sun streamed through the window, so the omens were good, by the time I had reached the departure point, people were already assembling, and coffee was being purchased… seems like a good start!

We trundled off to Long Crendon, then out to Waddesdon, I had chosen the route as it contained some of the best riding roads the Cotswolds had to offer, and it delivered in spades…

A fast trundle saw us in Buckingham quite quickly, despite the grain lorry, the burst water main and the road closure… all was well!

Out of the western side of Buckingham saw us on the sublime roads this part of the country has to offer, and the speed increased along with the grins…

All too soon we arrived at Turweston Airport for a leg stretch and a sad farewell to Steve Moxey, who hadn’t intended to join us for the whole ride. Obviously intent in enjoying the road closures some more, he joined us for the final leg to Wellesbourne…..

As we exited Turweston, there was of course another road closure (none of these had been in place on Monday when I rode the route – “honest guv”) The second part of the route was a more technical, twisty set of roads, even managing to fit in the “Broadway Bends”, which everyone enjoyed immensely and well worth a look if you’re in the area!

After some 2 hours of riding we arrived at the “Touch Down” café where there is a one-way system in operation, plenty of segregated seating and “dishy rishi” the chancellor had arranged a ½ price lunch stop… well done that man!

A great ride, with lovely people and dry, what more can you ask for. A special mention and a thank you to Zenon for “volunteering” his services as tail end charlie, an excellent sweeper!