Benson Unhurried
Posted on Monday 3 August 2009 by Thomas James
Seven met at Paddington on 26 July for the one star version of the Benson day out; a mixture of new riders, those returning after a break and some two star regulars; one man and six women.
The day started with a brief ride over Cholsey Hill to elevenses at the Old Post Office on the main Square at Wallingford. Then over the river, some light climbing up Rabbit Hill, down through the picture-postcard village of Ewelme and back to the river at Benson. The cafe was already full of cyclists but these were other groups; it seems to be a very popular cycling hang-out. However, we were soon joined (in numerical order) by the two, three and four star rides from Central London.
After lunch, some light ups and downs and then into the village of Dorchester, our next Thames-side stop. Time to look round the old abbey church, today the parish church, but once the centre of religious life for the English Midlands. Then the ultimate church tea; all visitors sit round two large tables covered in cakes and pass them to each other; more like a living room than a tea shop and a very warm welcome. Something of a local institution; they do this four days a week in mid-summer.
To end the day, a ride on busier flat roads into Didcot, nestling at the foot of its twin power stations. The station there is named Didcot Parkway as it is said to have a particularly significant car park (compare with eg Bath Spa or Dover Priory), although personally I was not impressed. However, we were able to find space on the first two high speed trains back for a quick trip home.
A relaxing and cake-filled day, where the rain threatened but ultimately held off. 44km