Well, I think all who went out for the CTC off-road ride this month are under no doubt that summer has arrived for hot, sunny and humid was the order of the day.

Nine of us eventually met up at the start on the North West fringes of Basingstoke after a little confusion over the exact location of the meeting point, but within a few minutes we were off and threading our way along the ruts of the byway heading out to Whitedown. Unfortunately, one of the riders had to 'retire' pretty quickly as it became obvious to him that his mount would not be up to the rigours of the day.

From Whitedown we continued along the byway to Ibworth, before a fast lane descent and short gentle climb up to Great Dene Wood. Here we enjoyed a cooling respite from the heat while under the trees. I think we all enjoyed the track through the wood, gathering pace as the ground dropped, we burst out into the sunlight and made our way down to the lane that would take us onto the end of the Harrow Way. A quick photo opportunity at the end of the byway and we were heading for the Harrow Way.

The end of this ancient byway was barred by a large pile of topsoil which we all negotiated in turn. Not sure if this was fly-tipped, or an attempt the stop fly-tippers from reaching the small waste area around the end of the byway before it dipped under the trees.

The recent warm weather had left the old track in great condition, considering its a byway popular with MTBers and MXers alike. The gentle loss of height and the good conditions made for some quick riding for those that wanted to push a little harder, but then they had time for a breather as we regularly re-grouped for the slower ones.

All too soon, we were back on tarmac and out into the sun. The weather was too hot even for the dogs of the Romany Gipsys, settled just the the North of Whitchurch, for as we passed they slumbered on...most uncharacteristic.

Another photo stop on the 'green motorway' as we approached Egbury, then it was tarmac on quite lanes as we climbed to the village of Ashmansworth and lunch in the small garden. Most of us opted for the locally made sausages served up in a roll.

After lunch the only lady in the group headed off back home, not too far away and a much less strenuous ride than awaited the rest of us.

North of the village we picked up the wayfarers walk that would take us back. High above Highclere the deep ruts hiding under the long grass covering the byway caught several of us out, making it difficult to balance and almost impossible to pedal. Fortunately once we'd crossed the A343 the surface was better, allowing us to ride more than 10 yards without grinding to a stop. Breaking clear of the trees we stopped atop Sidown Hill, the highpoint of the ride, taking in the stunning views over North Hampshire and Berkshire. To the South the ridges of the South Downs stretched away, as far as the eye could see while looking East we could trace our intended route toward the Hannington mast.

Between here and there lay the A34 some 450 feet below. The descent provided a good mix, with a loose flint strewn track giving way to grassy pasture, farmland track and a fast flowing path with the odd rooty section and even a berm or two.

Passing the De Havilland flight memorial we regrouped before following the permissive detour under the A34. Our climb out through the rabbit warren was delayed by our only puncture of the day, but before long we were sweating under the afternoon sun as we climbed up to Ladle Hill.

From there it was over to Watership Down, and the short, sharp climb up to it. Another stop to admire the views. We could see beyond Reading to the North East, Didcot power station chimney piered the horizon to the North and as far as the mast at Membury to the West.

Our last 'real' off road climb took us to the top of Cottington's Hill and on to Hannington. A long lane descent had most of us hunched over the bars, bums up to try and gain as much speed as possible without pedaling...for almost three kilometers. Payback tie came in the short steep granny grind up to Ibworth where we rejoined the track we had left earlier.

Our last off road section retraced the route back to the start, passing through Whitedown again and on to the trail end by the cemetery opposite Rooksdown Lane.