*** Route updated to avoid major flooding on Minety Lane, just after Upper Minety – new section of route shown in blue in RWGPS ***
This ride covers familiar ground for the first and the last 20 miles but once north of Cirencester, this may be unfamiliar riding for some of us. The highlight is a lovely section along the Windrush River valley and through the scenic Cotswold town of Burford.
First stop at Coffee #1 in Cirencester (24 miles), then continue north until the route turns east onto the Welsh Way (26 miles). This takes us through to Barnsley (30 miles) and on to Ready Token and we join Roman Road (32 miles). Continuing east we reach Quenington (34 miles) where we turn north to cross the A40 (40 miles) close to Upper Windrush passing through Coln St Aldwyns and Aldsworth, on the way.
Once across the A40 the route takes us a little further north before turning east again into the Windrush valley itself and we follow the Windrush river all the way to Burford (47 miles). The route briefly loops around the pretty town which has several cafes on the main street, however these are best avoided by large rider groups as they can get very busy with tourists and it’s not easy to securely park bikes here.
From Burford the route takes a south-westerly track to Fairford passing through Westwell (49 mile) and Eastleach Turville (53 mile). We plan to make a lunch stop at the Lynwood & Co. café on the High Street in Fairford (58 miles) although note it closes at 2.00pm on Sundays. Alternatively, continue on to reach Jennies Kitchen (67 miles) which is open until 4.00pm on Sundays.
From here the route is on familiar territory passing through Ashton Keynes, Minety, Brinkworth, Dauntsey, Foxham, East Tytherton, Kellaways and back into Chippenham.
A note about Challenge Rides:
All riders should be comfortable with the challenge of riding longer distances. It’s intended to ride the routes at a steady pace, so the group can stay together. If some people prefer to ride faster and/or if there are sufficient numbers we’ll split into separate groups. All participants should be competent and completely self-contained, carrying tools, tubes, spares etc, and enough food/drink/money to see them through the day. There is no ride-leader, no back-marker, and no route sheet. Everyone is advised to familiarise themselves with the route in advance and to carry relevant maps and directions (paper or GPS, or both!). Lights are recommended on the longer rides, in case it’s getting dark at the finish.
Please note that attendance of this ride requires advanced booking. Please use this simple booking form.
The form is a mandatory for all riders, so the organiser knows who and how many to expect and so we have a record of everyone riding on the day. Your cooperation to complete this in advance of the ride will be much appreciated. It also means we can email you if there is any change in the ride information or cancellation. There is no need to notify us if you subsequently change your mind and decide not to ride, but a short email to the address below will ensure your name is taken off the list.
Experienced riders are asked to help keep the groups to a manageable size on the road.
For any queries about this ride please email leisureride@chippenhamwheelers.org.