Associates Ride Out March 30th

The previous day's foul weather and an hour less sleep due to the start of BST couldn't deter the enthusiasm of the group that met outside Kestrel on a surprisingly sunny Sunday morning. With Paul Wright leading and Ron Thorley acting as sweeper-up at the rear, 10 associates set off for a very enjoyable run that ventured into five counties and covered over 150 miles. Paul's choice of 'interesting' roads gave the group ample opportunity to show off their skills or lack of them and if the riders dared to take their eyes off the road, there were some fine views sparkling in the Spring sunshine. Jack's Hill Cafe was closed by the time we got there, well, it was 1:30, why would a cafe be open at lunchtime but on the bright side, the afternoon showers that had been forecast missed us completely (the sun shines on the righteous). All in all, a great start to this season's Ride Out calendar.

ASSOCIATES RUN - 30TH MARCH 2008

Warks, Glos, Oxon, Bucks, Northants

APPROX. DISTANCE

RUNNING TOTAL

From Kestrel A444 & local roads to Baginton Island

4

4

A423 to Banbury Cross

16

20

Right @ island onto B4035 to Shipston-on-Stour

14

34

Right onto A3400 to outskirts of Stratford-on-Avon

11

45

Left onto B4632 via Mickleton to Broadway

14

59

Continue on B4632 towards Winchcombe to Toddington

5

64

Left @ island, immediately right into GWR Steam Railway

TEA STOP @ GWR STEAM RAILWAY

Right B4077 to Stow-on-the-Wold

12

76

Right A429, left onto A436

200 yds

A436 to A44

6

82

Right onto A44 to Chipping Norton

3

85

Continue on A44 to Enstone

3

88

Left onto B4030 via Middle Barton Lower Heyford to

Middleton Stoney

8

96

Left @ lights onto B430 to M40 Jct 10

2

98

A43 towards Brackley to A421 island

4

102

Right onto A421 to Buckingham

7

109

Follow ring road to pick up A422 island east of town

centre, left to market place

2

111

A413 from market place to A43 west of Towcester

11

122

A43 dual carriageway to A5 @ Towcester

3

125

Left onto A5 north to Jacks Hill Cafe

800 yds

STOP @ JACK'S HILL CAFE

Continue A5 north to Weedon

7

Left @ lights onto A45 via Daventry to Coventry

20