My third upper Thames. I decided to ride to the start this year, adding 75km onto the ride (return trip) So arrived after most had started, passing a few on their way out of Cholsey as I was arriving.
Passed a fair few dealing with punctures before the first control, then I diverted to Henley to avoid the Bix descent, and I wasn't alone in this. Back to Christmas common and the info I had already checked one the way to Cholsey and then stopping in little Milton for a quick snack, 6 minutes lost, although arriving at Waterperry at 11:10, that wasn't crucial, but I did wish I had picked up something more substantial in the little milton village store.
Over the hills to Bicester, which were worse than I remembered as I only remembered the one big climb to Ashenden and the info. some nice lanes northwestwards, before the final slog into Chipping Campden, arriving at the Old Mill Cafe it was heaving so I grabbed some quick food from sainsburys and pushed on.
Where was the next info? something Basset and the fire hydrant number opposite the phone box, or was it the post box (after all there aren't many phone boxes left now). Hope I don't miss it. No need to worry as there was a group milling around opposite the phone box (and post box). Last number retrieved, short discussion about what it means, turns out the top number is the diameter of the main (3"), and the bottom number is the distance from the main to to the sign. 5 feet. Apparently newer signs use metric units which must make things interesting, is it two feet or two metres to the hydrant?
Now onto the last leg and hopefully more fireworks than normal as I think I might be a bit later than I have been previously, but just a few on the high points approaching Cholsey. Nice big feed (thanks to the volunteers) and then the cycle home which was less appealing with 240km in the legs. Saw some more fireworks at Cookley Green from the bottom of Swyncombe hill and the top, but hidden by the hill on the way up.
All in all a good day out in mild dry conditions which is great for November, a lot of good riding, but missing out on good hot food due to starting later (08:14 by the time I left)