Medium run to Hermitage - 27 June 2010

We found some cool leafy lanes to ride along today on the steady medium run to Hermitage, and managed four large-ish climbs without over-exerting ourselves. The size of the group was a comfortable dozen plus leader, but to my shame I know very few of your names since I've been out of circulation for so long. Regulars included Dr Ranjit, Mike Wheat, Eammon, and Graham Hoyle, with some irregulars identified as Glen, Toby-the-South-Australian and the venerable Ron Cutler, plus the bonus of a couple on a tandem, who put in some good work in the front.

For those seeking to retrace the route, we rode out through Pangbourne and up past Beale Park before turning left before Streatley as if we were heading for the "alternative Streatley Hill via Stitchens Green", but instead carried straight up the leafy Hook End Lane towards Upper Basildon, on a deceptive climb that gradually steepened a bit like Pishill does. A right at the crossroads at the top took us to Aldworth, and from there right at Four Ways took us up the second major climb, Apple Pie Hill, from the west side, thence down into Compton and out to East Ilsley. Turning left immediately after the A34 bridge took us up climb number 3, the Ball Pit Road ascent to Stanmore, where the heat and length had us in some disarray. A re-group at Stanmore got us back together for a romp through to Peasemore and out onto the B4494 before the final climb up past Snelsmore to Arlington Lane then down across the A34, up the ramp to Curridge and finally into Hermitage at 10:58. I have no instruments, but Google Maps makes that about 31 miles, and someone reckoned we had averaged 16.5mph.

We picked up some new riders for the return, both from the New Riders group (an impressive young lad in a Planet-X jersey on a white Specialized) and from the fast-mediums (John Hollands) , and came straight back to Streatley along the B4009, before splitting for south Reading. Those wanting the North, or just more riding, headed across the river, then up the Elvendon Priory climb to Long Toll before coming into Reading via Chazey Heath and Caversham. Google Maps gives that as another 19 miles, hitting Caversham Bridge on the stroke of 1pm.

I'll not be around to lead next week, but hope that one of you will be able to pick up the baton for the _8am_ rides to New Arelsford.

Best Regards,

Colin