Last weekend saw Dave and Kev set out to attempt what seems to be becoming the annual off-road tour of the Chilterns. The route that is being ridden is the Chilterns Off Road Ride which consists of approximately 200 miles, majority off-road ride around the Chilterns. For 2023, Dave and Kev decided to split the route to be completed over 3 days and the planned breakdown of the route is available here: https://www.kwcc.co.uk/corr-2023/
Having spent the last few weeks watching the weather carefully, making final kit selections and building up a bank of excuses, the weekend finally came round, 12th -> 14th August for the 3 day tour.
Day 1
Day 1 showed a dry start but with promise of rain in the afternoon, therefore the aim was to set-off reasonably early and try and get as much of the 70 mile ride done as possible in the dry. The first day although not the longest is the toughest with constant steep gradients through woods and single track as you meander South through the Chilterns.
Everything started well and we were enjoying some great trails, steep climbs and stunning views. After about 25 miles, disaster struck as Kev managed to find a sharp rock that put a slice straight across his tyre, creating a big hole that was going to require some repair. Piecing together some rag, inner tube and carefully inflating we were able to get enough air in to hold the tyre allow some rolling but certainly nothing fast.
A consult with the map showed a few bike shop options in Henley-upon-Thames which was only 6 miles way and largely down hill. We then rolled down to the road and slowly made our way down to seek a new tyre, this is the point that it decided to start raining! We eventually made it to Henley Cycles where not only did they have a tyre, they also offered to fit it and store both bikes while we got ourselves a coffee.
Refreshed and with 2 working bikes, we rejoined the CORR trail and completed the remaining 20 miles to get to Reading. A little less gradient than the morning but some great views across the Thames and some solid trails that I’m keen to visit again. In Reading we checked into the scenic Premier Inn Reading Gateway M4, J11 (quite a bit cheaper than the one in central Reading). After a wash, a big dinner and ensuring we were well hydrated it was time to rest ready for a big day on the Sunday.
Day 2
Today was supposed to finish up in Dunstable, right on the Northern edge of the Chilterns with a total distance of 82 miles. However, having seen the forecast weather for Monday, neither of us fancied an entire day in the rain so we decided to adjust and finish the tour on the Sunday.
This section of the route is far more gentle, lots of riding on The Ridgeway along with double track and gravel roads. A far more gentle ride but not one without punctures (some sharp rocks in the Chilterns). After around 50 miles Kev decided that was enough and he turned off to make his way back to his car. Dave carried on to complete some more of the route towards Dunstable before turning off to meet up with what would have been the 3rd day’s route and ride back to his car.
The tour is a great way to explore the Chilterns but don’t under estimate just how tough the constant up-down riding around technical terrain can be. Maybe one year we will get everything right and be able to complete the 200 mile route, there is still about 65 miles that haven’t been ridden yet! Who is up for next year?
Some video compilations of the 2 days:
Author: Dave Mills
Date: 12th -> 13th July 2023
