Greenham Common Runway

We are cycling along the runway at Greenham Common. Well, the concrete has been removed in favour of a gravel path.
Those of you old enough will remember this as the base for the US air force and their nuclear missiles, during the 1970/80's. You will also, no doubt, remember the protest movement, which camped outside the base for 19 years.
Since 1997 it has been a nature reserve and is open to the public for leisure activities including walking, cycling, exercising dogs etc.
It seemed a very benign and peaceful place this morning in the bright sunshine, but also a little strange to think that not too long ago had such a lethal purpose.
http://www.greenham-common.org.uk/ixbin/hixclient.exe?a=file&p=greenham&f=greenham.htm
Incidentally, I understand that you need to be getting up to a speed of 180 mph for take off........not enough gears on my bike.