Proposed ride: Ridgeway or Cotswolds spring 2025

[narcotitlan]

Hey retrobikers, I’d like to get a ride together for this coming spring. Oxfordshire etc.

Ethos: chilled, decent length day ride, ok level of fitness required, regular stops, Packed lunch, do-able on any bike with fat tyres, inclusive, good views, some road, single track, expect mud..

Prelim idea: Didcot via ridgeway to Avebury stone circle pub. Then an hour ride to Swindon train station or van pick up from pub etc.

I’m open to suggestions for the route and the date. But I’d like the ethos to remain - fun, mixed ability with a focus on sandwich stops on a hilltop with amazing views.

Happy new year!

 

[Tootyred]

What kinda average speed we talking!? Its just the term " decent level of fitness " is somewhat worrisome!

Not in anyway putting the idea down, I think its brill, but, distance and an idea if we are talking pootling or pushing might calm peoples nerves.

I dont average much more than 12mph cross country off road these days, and I wouldn't want to be holding up everbody and ruining their fun.

 

[winjohn]

I'd keep you company at the back!

 

[narcotitlan]

What kinda average speed we talking!? Its just the term " decent level of fitness " is somewhat worrisome!

Not in anyway putting the idea down, I think its brill, but, distance and an idea if we are talking pootling or pushing might calm peoples nerves.

I dont average much more than 12mph cross country off road these days, and I wouldn't want to be holding up everbody and ruining their fun.

Good point, I guess I mean an ok level of fitness.
Definitely more on the pootling side of things rather than triathlon! Definitely not shredding it, or a downhill bike required. But aiming to cover a few miles comfortably, rests, sarnies, photos opps at beauty spots etc.

Essentially an inclusive fun ride.

I’m 47, and ride a completely rigid bike built in 1988, so that limits things nicely

I mainly ride as a commuter, which i guess totals 4 hours a week. The ride I proposed was a bit of a killer and took about 5 hours, with the additional ride from Avebury back to Swindon.

This ride should maybe be a bit shorter.

 

[narcotitlan]

I’ve edited the original to “ok level of fitness required”

 

[winjohn]

Is there any way to make it a circular ride? Just makes the logistics of travel a lot easier.

 

[narcotitlan]

Definitely! Route suggestions welcome

 

[gtturbo]

I would be up for this. Agreed a circular route would be handy.

 

[Fam Allen]

Also keen!

 

[narcotitlan]

gonna throw out some ideas for a ride and see what sticks:

South Downs way. Not personally been but I’m sure some people here have. It’s a bridle way and cycling is allowed. It has the advantage of having a few rail stations between Eastbourne and Winchester to adjust the distance. Not a loop but the stations make it doable without vans etc.