Re-run of the Kennet 100 km: Grazeley to Hungerford

[Stephen Muir]

A number of us are planning to re-ride the route of the Kennet 100 km audax held at the end of February this year: the original route was from Grazeley Village Hall to Hungerford (The Tutti Pole) and back via a different (more hilly) route. Note, we are doing this just as a private ride; it is not a formal audax event.

The date for our re-run is yet to be arranged, but if you would like to join us, subject to a mutually-convenient date being found, please post here.

So far, the people who have expressed an interest are:

• Keith Alexander
• Brian Haines
• Stephen Muir (myself)
• David Roberts

The Tutti Pole in Hungerford

[Cardiac]

Why not join the brisk rides on a Sunday, you get this type of ride every week

[Stephen Muir]

We're particularly interested in re-doing the route used in the Kennet 100 audax.

Perhaps your suggestion amounts to a question about why one of us doesn't volunteer to lead a Sunday ride to Hungerford (along this route), and publish the ride in the runs list? On that, you may well have a point!

[Stephen Muir]

Well, the re-run fell by the wayside, and the Kennet 100 km audax is upon us again. I haven't booked yet, but am thinking of doing so. Would anyone like to cycle with me?

[sixspeed]

Do enter the event which I'm sure you will all enjoy!
We expect maybe 100 riders out that day for both events.
There will be the usual refreshments at Grazeley Village Hall.
Just one special plea: please *enter* in good time (entries on the day are £2 extra).
You can enter by snail-mail or online at http://www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm
or
If you would rather not ride on the day, I'm still looking for kind folk to check the route sheet.
Let me know and I'll send you a copy.

Mick Simmons, organiser

[Stephen Muir]

My entry form is in the post!

I hope you've chosen a day with nice weather.

[Stephen Muir]

I received my entry pack at the weekend.

I see there's an alternative return route to avoid roads which are reported to be in poor shape. I can't say I've made up my mind about which route I'll use, but it's probably easier to stick to the original one so I expect that'll be the one I use.

[phildyson]

The road in question was also part of the "Willy Warmer" audax in January. It is in very poor condition at the best of times, so I chose to ride around (B4000 from Wickham, picking up A338 down to Hungerford - we were travelling in the opposite direction). Those I chatted to in the TP cafe who had followed the official route were saying it was indeed particularly bad, and many deflations were experienced. The "main road" route is only about 2km further. Navigation is easy - A4 eastwards out of H'ford, L onto A338 at moni O by garage. You can't miss the A338/B4000 junction (where R), and you then just have to turn L at the X in Wickham, just after the pub (Five or Six Bells or similar).

[Stephen Muir]

In view of your advice, I think I'll use the alternative route, and I'm amending my route plan accordingly.

So now, from Hungerford, it reads:

0.0 L from Tutti Pole café over canal bridge
?.? R @ MRAB (A4)
?.? Shortly 2nd exit at RBT (A4)
?.? Shortly L (A338)
?.? Follow A338 over M4 J14
5.3 R on to B4000
3.5 L @ X sp WELFORD
1.9 R no sp (opp lych-gate)
0.6 R @ T sp EASTON
1.7 L sp WINTERBOURNE
0.6 R sp WINTERBOURNE (W-bourne Rd)
2.9 L @ T sp CHIEVELEY
1.1 L @ T sp Leckhampstead
0.3 1st R sp CHIEVELEY
2.7 R @ T sp HERMITAGE
3.0 1st exit MRAB sp Streatley (B4009)
0.8 2nd R sp YATTENDON (by Fox Inn PH)
5.1 SO through YATTENDON
6.9 L @ X sp Tidmarsh/Sports Complex
3.0 R @ T sp Reading (on to A340)
0.5 1st L sp North St
2.1 L @ T no sp
0.7 L @ T
0.1 3rd exit MRAB (Station Road)
0.3 1st exit RAB
0.1 2nd exit RAB sp Sheffield Bottom
1.3 1st exit RAB sp Burghfield
3.0 L @ T sp Reading
0.3 2nd R sp Three Mile Cross
4.6 R @ T sp Mereoak Lane
0.3 R and imm L into Village Hall

Note that, on the alternative detour sheet I received, the direction I've put in bold above said to turn RIGHT at X SP WELFORD, not left. In your previous post you've clearly indicated left, which I can see from a map to be correct.

[phildyson]

I cannot comment on the signposting (though it is in the direction of Welford) but the turn is definitely left, northwards.

Given that most bulbs are a bit late coming up this year, the snowdrops along the roadside at Welford (before the "lych-gate" turning) should be great.

I'm watching the weather forecast at present - a small group of us (4 at the last count) are doing a 200 in S Wales tomorrow. Chepstow - Monmouth - Hay - Builth - Brecon - Raglan - Chepstow. Looks like it's going to be cold, and maybe some snow between Builth and Brecon.

[Stephen Muir]

Yes, I'm hoping for good weather tomorrow (Saturday) as well, but my own jaunt is only about 30 miles, and then Lesley Adams' 40 mile Standard Tandoori ride for Sunday.

Good luck in South Wales!

[sixspeed]

A couple of nice folk rode the 100km route this week (without the detour) and reported it to be OK.
I can confirm that Yes, I have boobed and there is a typo in the detour and it should be R @ X SP Welford.

Now that I know I will tell the other riders (146 at last count), though I'll also advise the detour might not be necessary.

cheers
Mick

[Stephen Muir]

A couple of nice folk rode the 100km route this week (without the detour) and reported it to be OK.

That sounds like good news; Phil Dyson's "deflations" sounded like "the P-word" to me...

I can confirm that Yes, I have boobed and there is a typo in the detour and it should be R @ X SP Welford.

No, LEFT @ X sp WELFORD! (Right takes you away from Welford down the road from which the non-detour people will emerge.)

[Stephen Muir]

You have to hand it to Mick "sixspeed" Simmons. The man is clearly a genius. He managed to contrive to get both the 200 and 100 rides away in the dry. For those of us on the 100, by the time we were at Mortimer, or thereabouts, and committed to the ride, it started pouring and remained damp until (for me) Kintbury, giving time to dry off for the Tutti Pole, and promising a dry return leg. Again, on setting off from Hungerford (having lunched extremely well), the afternoon seemed set fair, the just recompense for the morning. But it was not to be. Very dark clouds soon became apparent, and a torrential downpour ensued. People took shelter where they could find it, under motorway bridges, in bus shelters and so on. But, once again, Mick's organisational flair came through, ensuring the rain had ceased well before the return to Grazeley so we had dried out by the time we were back in the hall, where, with a face which was all wide-eyed innocence, he asked whether we had enjoyed the ride. Great stuff, Mick!

A big hand, too, to the people helping out back at the hall, providing refreshments. Very welcome. Thanks!

Another person who impressed on the day was John Hammond, Secretary of Reading CTC. A noble gesture to come out to wish members a happy day's ride. Before, as he put it, disappearing off to a warm home for the day... But don't let anyone say John doesn't have that rare touch normally reserved to royalty.


John Hammond offers his encouragement to the riders before the start.