The Bikes of Spring Day 1

Ogbourne St. George to Stoford, April 4, 2009


We all managed to skip out of work early on Friday in order to set off for our two day weekend ride around the plains of Wiltshire. Mark had setup this ride, which was a circular route starting in Ogbourne St. George and heading to Stoford, a distance of just over 50 miles. We would then stay overnight in Stoford, heading back to Ogbourne on Sunday afternoon after another 50 miles or so.

Steve and I made “good time” leaving Crewe on Friday, getting to Ogbourne before 18:00, just in time for early doors. Mark (with our support team Rebecca and Ted) weren’t so fortunate. They managed to get stuck as the M25 was shut. They finally rolled in for food and drinks just after 20:00. We made merry the rest of the evening with far too much beer and whiskey.


Saturday morning we set up for an early start. As you may have noticed from other posts, this never happens and this time was no exception. After much monkey business we finally managed to set off for the day at about 10:00. The sun was shining and it was shaping up to be a beautiful day. This ride was Steve’s first run on his new Tifosi CK7 Audax bike. Steve has kept his Boardman Comp for short weekend blasts and is now using the Tifosi for long weekend rides with the intention of getting involved in proper Audax riding (we wish him luck). Steve prefers the more relaxed geometry of the Tifosi compared to a full on road bike.


After riding for what seemed like two minutes we were faced with a massive hill locally known as Snap Hill. This one was a killer 17% incline for what seemed like ages. Well, with ice cold muscles and a mega hangover I bailed for a stroll about halfway with Steve in tow. With un-stretched muscles and no warm up, a walk was better than a torn muscle. Mark on the other had powered his way to the top non-stop. Not much further on another hill just like the last appeared. I had a go at this one until my cleat popped, again bail and walk with Steve. Mark once again flew to the top. I was beginning to think that Mark had set us the most brutal of courses and began to wonder if I would be walking most of the way. Fortunately those two hills were the worst of the ride.


The remainder of the morning was spent covering most of Salisbury Plain. We encountered a few hills on the way but nothing too bad. Once on the Plain we were hit with a strong headwind which would be with us for the rest of the day. The Plain is a vast open chalk plateau and mostly undeveloped. The whole area is used by the armed forces for training. Interestingly enough, this has led to the area becoming a wildlife haven, due to its protected status. We were left with the odd sensation of cycling to the never ending song of skylarks while we passed through tank crossings and watched helicopters land.


We had a quick bite to eat in a country pub which set us up for the rest of the day. We slowly made our way towards Larkhill (Army Barracks) and fought the wind on some truly dreadful roads. We were glad to get to Stonehenge for a break from the breeze. As usual the place was rammed with tourists. We didn’t want to pay to see the stones; so we just had a coffee and a peek through the wire. It is a shame that a monument as important as this does not have free access. Leaving Stonehenge is dangerous. You first have to avoid all of the traffic around the stones. Next, you have to get past the furiously fast and busy A303. The only safe option was to dash across the lanes to a footpath then stay on the foot path until we could find a side lane.


Our final leg of the day took us along the Avon through Upper and Middle Woodford past Sting’s house. This was one of the best roads we have cycled along. Very quiet, great views, sheltered roads and just enough twists/hills to make the perfect ride. I would like to ride this one again some time. Leaving the Avon valley, we went up and over into the neighbouring valley on the river Wylye. Here we stopped for the night in Stoford staying at the friendly Grayling House B&B.

Chuck