Group ride with Alec Gore.

In between Winter when it's cold and wet and salt attacks your bike and Summer when it's
too hot for the optimal clothing, there are days in the Spring and Autumn when the weather
plays along and riding is fun!

Alec's ride on Sunday was one of those days; the sun came out for the most part and gave
the impression it was warm, even though the breeze picked up and under the afternoon cloud
reminded us how cool it really was.

18 riders joined the Level 3 ride from Winnall. Although each section in the saddle wasn't much
more than an hour, the mainly B-roads chosen were fun and demanding. Added in were a few
sections of country lanes providing superb views across the Berkshire Downs. Traffic was light
and other road users out walking, cycling or riding were cooperative and appreciated being passed considerately.

Level 3 demands concentration at all times and lets riders develop or reaffirm their cornering skills. As the day progressed, you could sense bends being ridden according to the Limit Point in the right position, at the right speed and with the most suitable gear selected.

We went out through Barton Stacey, the Bourne Valley then from Hurstbourne Tarrant over the downs through Combe and Hungerford Common to our coffee stop at Hungerford. From there it was the B4192 to Aldbourne and across to Baydon and Lambourn the the sweeping B4000 to Ashbury, and then the B4507 - probably one of the most challenging (fun!) roads to Wantage with its dips and turns.

We arrived at The Lamb with time for group photos in the car park before lunch. As always, we were well looked after. There's a reason this pub stays in business when so many don't; they give customers what they want at reasonable prices, e.g. it's not just roast because it's Sunday! Chicken and bacon baguettes were popular.

Going south from Wantage on the B4494, there's a partial closure due to persistent flooding. Speaking of which, we were held up several times by temporary traffic lights where tankers were collecting water from floods and many corn fields were under water as tributaries to rivers meet rising groundwater after recent heavy rainfall. Alec diverted down a delightful lane through Faringdon and West Ilsley, picking up the route through Compton, Hampstead Norreys - more flooding - and the B4009 to Aldworth, taking the wonderful C-road down through Bradfield to Theale. From there it was across to Grazeley Green, then doubling back past both AWE sites on the B3051, with a fuel stop at Shell, Tadley. Then a further chance to make good progress onto Kingsclere, Overton and down the A30 to the end of the ride at Sutton Scotney garage.

In short, the group size was good, the weather was on the side, the route was superb, lunch provided choices, the pace was good, riders put in the effort and stayed safe, and everyone had fun. It's what it's all about! Thanks to Paul Farrar for being tail so efficiently and to Neil Escott for picking it up from Tadley.

Thanks to those who sent in their appreciation.