The Third Leg!

Stats:
 
• Distance: 41.5km
• Time: 1h44m
• Elevation: 445m
• Calories burned: 898
• Average speed: 24.1km/h

​The third leg of the TdT set off in glorious sunshine overlooking the idyllic cricket pitch at West Ilsley.

The rolling route had the group heading south over the downs, along deserted country roads.

The halfway point was the peaceful hamlet of Bagnor, near to Newbury, with its pub garden overlooking a crystal clear trout stream.

The group was admirably restrained with a democratic majority voting not to stop for a half-time beer in the sunshine.

We put in some rotating stints on the front to power us along the course of the River Lambourn, before heading north again at Boxford.

The toil into the headwind was rewarded with beautiful views of open fields and wild flowers as we headed back towards Brightwalton. A high speed descent along the hidden valley took us to the climb past the tiny church at Catmore.

The home stretch was an inspiring spin along the ridgeline with panoramic views over the downs (see photo), before an alfresco dinner overlooking the end of the cricket match.

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This leg epitomised the spirt of the TdT; fresh conversations with friends both new and old – and a chance to see and ride in some of the best countryside that the county has to offer.

​Roll on leg Four....

​Blog from Peter Wrighton-Smith of Oxford Immunotec.