Challenge Ride Report - Sunday 22 August

Top of ... Wiltshire

Seven hardy Chippenham Wheelers set out on this challenge ride, organised partly as a post-Etape reunion, partly as preparation for the upcoming Tour of Britain ProRide sportive - and partly just for the fun of a long ride with lots of hills.

The route took us towards Corsham (where Jim went for an early attack on the minor rise along Easton Lane) then through Lacock and up the first real ascent of the day: Bowden Hill. Everyone was fresh, so no problems here, and we tootled on through Headington and up climb No2: Blacklands. Once again, no problems. We love that wind behind.

It stayed on our backs down the Vale of Pewsey, and by now the temperature was rising too. The threatened rain had held off, and it was a glorious sunny day. We swung left at Alton Barnes and up the hill past the White Horse, then cruised down the lanes to Marlborough.

The next set of hills was along the A4 through Savernake Forest, then we turned off the main road, back onto the lanes, towards Ramsbury. “Be careful going down this hill”, said Simon, “it’s got a nasty bend on it.” He then generously demonstrated the gravity of the situation by hitting some wet gravel and coming off on that very corner. No bones broken, but after a few more miles he discovered that his handlebars had snapped.

While Simon phoned his wife to arrange a lift home (see photo 1), Paul used his medical training to asses the fracture (see photo 2).
So we were down to six, and pushed on over the rolling downs through Lambourne and down towards Wantage - still enjoying wonderful weather.

Swinging west, we followed the road along the foot of the downs, and started to head into the wind. Fortunately, the escarpment provided a bit of shelter. Unfortunately, we had to climb it again: the steepest hill of the day, up to Uffington White Horse (see photo 3). After a quick breather at the top (see photo 4) we descended again and carried on through Ashbury, Shrivenham and Highworth.

Near Purton, unluckily Andy had a puncture. Luckily we were outside a pub. So time for a quick drink (coke and water, honestly) and a nice rest on the lawn for most of us, while Andy fixed the flat (see photo 5 - he’ll never get that big tyre on).
This near Swindon the roads were busy, so a few miles after Purton it was a relief back on the lanes again all the way to Malmesbury.

With 90 miles done, it was time for a stop, and the Garden Centre Café extended its usual friendly welcome. Undaunted, we enjoyed tea and cakes before the final few miles back to Chippenham via Foxley, Norton and Hullavington.

As we neared the end of the ride, the sun was still shining, through storm clouds were brewing. We’d had a great day out, done a few miles, and a few hills, and beaten the rain that fell on Sunday night. A good result all round.

For anyone interested (it was a challenge ride, after all), here are some stats:
• Total distance 105 miles approx
• Total ascent 3000 ft approx
• Average speed 18 mph
Thanks to Jim, Paul, Andy, Simon (x2) and Donald for their company.