Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sun Jun 1st 2003

Midsummer Ride to Avebury - ride now full

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 4:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Our annual pilgrimage to the Avebury stones. Start in the dark (lights required) to see the sunrise. Hilly 70 mile ride with two off-road sections on reasonable quality tracks. Breakfast at Red Lion in Avebury and coffee at Baker's Arms, Badbury during return. Back in Wantage about 1:45pm. For more details click here. Due to demand this year numbers have had to be limited.
Riders: Barry Chapman Dave Gribble Derek Boutle Diane Stuckey Gary Woodhead Giles Biddle Ginny Henderson James Dawton Jan McCabe John Holding Jonathan Powell Kevin Fairs Nigel Stuckey Richard Divall Roger Payn Stephen Quartermain Steve Bruffell Steve Swanton Riders = 18 Report: The 9th Avebury ride was a good one. 15 riders gathered in the Market Place at 4 am for our annual early-morning ride, including 4 Avebury virgins - 5 if you count Jan (who only made it to Lambourn last time). John, James and Roger had already put miles in from Kidlington, Kennington and Faringdon respectively. Good to have Jonathan out for his 3rd Avebury ride and to see Dave on his 50th Birthday too (I hope you enjoyed the surprise party later on!). Alas, Giles hit a pothole and punctured before leaving Wantage. He rushed home and picked up the car to get ahead of us at the top of Hackpen hill while he carried out repairs. After repairing the rear he discovered a flat front tyre as well - he eventually caught up with us in Aldbourne (we having taken an extra loop from Baydon towards Fox Hill as we were in good time). Unfortunately, there was no sunrise due to cloud this year and it wasn't until we were on the Downs approaching Snap that the sun finally appeared. But we had sunshine for the best part of the ride. The fast descent of Snap, the Ogbourne Valley, the climb from Ogbourne Maizey, the gallops above Manton, the swooping descent into the Kennett Valley and the final approach to Avebury. The track on the gallops had been re-graded and was much smoother than in previous years. Unfortunately, the last part of the climb to the reservoir has been resanded making a very hard end to the ascent. We rode into Avebury on schedule at 8:30. Coffee, tea and fruit juice, plus Diane and Nigel, awaited us in the Red Lion. Toast came before the wopping fried breakfasts. Great value at only
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Tue Jun 3rd 2003

Regular Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Two Ride leaders for gentle and faster rides.
Riders: Andrew Moore Angela Douglas (dec) Brian Hipwell Christine Phillips Diane Stuckey Edith Hipwell Gary Woodhead Glen Paterson (deceased) Helen Dorsett Hilary OShea Jane Phillips Kevin Fairs Mike ODonnell Neil Warner Nick Box Philip Thornton-Evison Ron Dawson Vicky Fox Riders = 18 Report: We left Grove in the usual direction and was hijacked by an airman taking a short cut through a footpath,well Neil joined us in the Denchworth road.we headed towards Wantage and out to Letcombe Bassett at the bottom of Simcombe Hill Kevin took the faster riders up the hill and way. while seven riders headed back to Grove via Childrey, Challow Station, Goosey, Denchworth and Home.
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Sat Jun 7th 2003

Regular Saturday Ride from Grove

Leader: Jan McCabe	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Meet at Grove at 13:00
Riders: Brian Hipwell Christine Phillips Edith Hipwell Gary Woodhead Helen Dorsett Jan McCabe Kevin Fairs Rex Belcher Richard Divall Richard Jenkinson Richard Page Robert Shaw Robert Wyatt Ron Dawson Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Teresa Belcher Riders = 17 Report: 17 of us left Grove for a ride to Aston Pottery. We split into two groups just before Goosey, Brian Edith, Christine, Helen, Rob and Gary, took the longer route via Uffington, whilst the rest of us took the shorter option (Stanford, Gainfield, Buckland) to the pottery where it was sunny enough to sit out side and enjoy our Coffee Tea and Cakes. We d finished and were wondering what had happened to the hard riders, when they turned up explaining they d been delayed as Gary had been unfortunate and got a puncture from a drawing pin! But sitting in the sun waiting whilst the others had their refreshments was no problem! We all left as one group for the return trip via Standlake, then a stretch of main road before returning to the lanes via Longworth, Southmoor, passing Lyford (I meant to turn and go through Lyford, but was busy talking as we went past the junction and it was nice weather so I decided a few more miles would be fine rather than admitting my mistake! - no problem Jan we'll keep it to ourselves... S) and onto Hanney, before returning via Denchworth. Returned to Grove having done about 34 miles (39 for the fit group!) Jan Good also to meet Dave Free at tea. Steve
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Tue Jun 10th 2003

Regular Tuesday Evening Ride

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Two ride leaders for gentle and faster rides.
Riders: Alan Green Christine Phillips Edith Hipwell Gary Woodhead Helen Dorsett Jane Bruffell Kevin Fairs Norman Trevatt Philip Thornton-Evison Richard Jenkinson Ron Dawson Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 13 Report: With a strong head wind 13 cyclist headed southwest toward Denchworth,Goosey, onto common hill and into Kinston Lisle,we seemed to be an even matched group of cyclists for a change everyone keep together.From Kinston Lilse we headed through Westcott, Sparshot, Childrey through the track past Chawllow shcool, down the hill to the Goodlake Arms back up the hill past KA school turned left into the housing estate and back to Grove via the airfield, we completed 17 miles.
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Sat Jun 14th 2003 to Sun Jun 22nd 2003

Bike Week and Bike to Work Week 2003

Leader:	Start Time: TBC	Start Location:
Description: Full details of Section and DA Bike Week Events below... Visit www.bikeweek.org.uk for details of what's going on nationwide.
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Sat Jun 14th 2003

Dr Bike in Grove

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: GMS
Description: Free bicycle safety checks from 10-2pm. Bike Week Event. Click here for more details
Riders: Amanda Seddon Diane Stuckey Gary Woodhead Helen Dorsett Jon Seddon Kevin Fairs Marion Jones Mavis Rose Nigel Stuckey Richard Divall Ron Dawson Stephen Quartermain Steve Bruffell Steve Swanton Tom Millar Riders = 15 Report: Our first Dr Bike event in Grove was blessed with a warm and sultry day. Between us, 10 section members carried out safety checks on 23 bikes in varying states of repair, including 7 children's bikes. It was good to see Marion with grandson Joseph, and to meet Phil Beckett who has been on our mailing list for years but I don't recall riding with us. Hope you will soon Phil. Several 'patients' were interested in Tuesday rides too. Steve S
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Sun Jun 15th 2003

Regular Wantage Ride - Buscot Park Special

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: WMS
Description: Wantage hosted joint DA ride. Note the earlier than normal start time. Ride to Aston Pottery for coffee & meet up with other Sections. Lechlade for lunch then spend the afternoon at Buscot Park. Entry fee
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barbara Muritu Diane Stuckey Ellen Lee Eve Thornton Gary Woodhead Helen Beane Helen Dorsett James Dawton Jane Bruffell John Holding Kevin Fairs Marion Jones Martin Cresdee Mavis Rose Nick Box Nigel Stuckey Rex Belcher Richard Divall Robert Bley Roger Payn Stephen Lee Stephen Quartermain Steve Bruffell Steve Swanton Teresa Belcher Riders = 26 Report: Today's ride was the fifth of our Section-hosted DA rides to a place of interest, and was undoubtedly the most successful to date. 30 riders took part (those on left plus Andrew, David, Andrew & partner from Oxford) on what was the hottest and most glorious day of the summer so far. 12 riders assembled for the early start in the Market Place and we picked up Steve B and Diane, on tandem, plus Jane, as we passed through Grove. Helen was joining us for her first Sunday ride with her newly upgraded gears (which she didn't need, as this was one of the flattest rides of the year!). We took the direct route to Aston Pottery via Charney Bassett and Buckland, arriving just as they were opening up and just before City Section. We were soon getting through the cafetieres of coffee and the pots of tea. We split into 2 groups for the ride to Lechlade, James taking the first and I the second. We actually succeeded in mixing everyone up! We looped out through Alvescot and Kencot to Filkins then on to Fyfield and Southrop. It was just gorgeous. Despite our early arrival in Lechlade, the Riverside Inn was already filling up so a group of us headed to the New Inn for lunch. So we were spared the heart-stopping spectacle of the lads diving off the bridge into the Thames. From lunch it was a short ride to Buscot Park. Cycling up into the shaded driveway flanked by an avenue of mature trees was a definite highlight of the day. Some decided to head home, but most stayed to wander around the gardens, much of it in welcome shade. Most paused to "observe" the fountain in the middle of the walled-garden, before heading down to the water garden and lake beyond. Marion cycled out from Wantage to join us for tea which we took in the frescoed tearoom (the cakes were excellent) and then cycled back part of the way with us. After an enjoyable 2-hour visit, we headed back to Faringdon along the A417. Steve & Diane now up to speed on the tandem shot off into the distance pursued by David (a newcomer with City Section) and Kev. The remnant of the City contingent left us at Fernham and just 7 die-hards completed the led ride back to the Market Place. We took in our first hill en route at Kingston Lisle. Steve B and Diane were found gulping for air but smiling at the top, having been unable to engage the small chain ring until they reached the top. (Two more hooked on this tandem lark!). Steve S. What a way to start Cycle week! My first ride on a tandem and 80 kilometres covered as stoker to Steve B, who did most of the hard work on the front. Thanks Steve for a great ride; I am totally hooked. Jane, Nigel you have no idea what you are missing. Diane
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Tue Jun 17th 2003

Bike Week Tuesday Evening Ride

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Two ride leaders for gentle and faster rides.
Riders: Alan Green Alice Robson Amanda Seddon Andrew Moore Brian Hipwell Craig Watson Des Higgs Diane Stuckey Edith Hipwell Fiona Hunter Gary Woodhead Geoff Neill Helen Dorsett Henk Altmann (deceased) Jane Bruffell Jon Seddon Kevin Fairs Mike ODonnell Nigel Stuckey Norman Trevatt Peter Clayton Piers Mortimer Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 24 Report: We split the ride a Gainfield, having followed the Denchworth/Lyford/Charney route, the fast and furious heading off into the wind to Fernham and Uffington Station. The regular group were expected to return via Baulking, so we thought we could do the hill to Kingston Lisle and catch them before the finish. As it turned out we didn't catch them, despite some newcommers with a serious amount of energy and turn of speed. Edith said they had been back 20 minutes, probably more like five, some of us still catching their breath 15 minutes later. Best part of 40Km.
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Wed Jun 18th 2003

Extra Bike Week Off Road Ride

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: A short (10 kms) introduction to off road riding on and around The Ridgeway. Helmets required.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Jim Gross Jon Seddon Mike Stead Pete Warwick Rachael Grant Rob McFadyan Riders = 7 Report: A short ride up to the top of The Ridgeway at Lockinge, down the other side and then back again. 2 new riders joined us as did Brian who'd only come to the square to send us off.
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Thu Jun 19th 2003

Midsummers Pub Night

Leader: Kevin Fairs	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Ride with us to the Rose Revived, Newbridge, for a meal,a pint and a chat with good company, or meet us there at 20:00. Lights required. DA Bike Week Event
Riders: Amanda Seddon Derek Boutle Des Higgs Diana Sellman Diane Stuckey Ellen Lee Gary Woodhead James Dawton Jan McCabe Jane Bruffell Jon Seddon Kevin Fairs Richard Divall Stephen Lee Stephen Quartermain Steve Bruffell Steve Swanton Riders = 17 Report: A gentle pace after over doing it on Tuesday, out through Charney and taking the bridle path to Pusey, then across the A420 to a short diversion around Longworth as we were a bit early. Returned via Southmoor where I picked up a thorn in my Thorn, but luckily managed to keep it topped up till I got home. Kev
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Sat Jun 21st 2003 to Sun Jun 22nd 2003

CTC York Rally

Leader:	Start Time: TBC	Start Location:
Description: The largest cycling event of CTC's 125th year. Knavesmire, York. Led rides, arena events, trade stands, saddlebag & bike auction sales. Rally programme
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Sun Jun 22nd 2003

Cycle Treasure Hunt

Leader: Ellen Lee	Start Time: 12:00 pm	Start Location: N. Hinksey
Description: Starting from North Hinksey WI Hall, North Hinksey Lane, GR SP490059. About 1/2 mile from Seacourt Park & Ride. Bring a picnic then tackle either the 9-mile route through the byways and lanes of Oxford or the longer 15-mile route over Boar's Hill. Parking available. In aid of 6 counties Kidney Patients Association. Entry 1 pound adults, 50p children, 2 pounds family. Please note that children must be accompanied. DA Bike Week Event.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Diane Stuckey Edith Hipwell Ellen Lee Helen Beane James Dawton John Holding Karen Fisher Pat Hurt Richard Divall Stephen Lee Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Sue King Riders = 14 Report:
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Tue Jun 24th 2003

Regular Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: GMS
Description: Two ride leaders for gentle and faster rides.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Angela Douglas (dec) Christine Phillips Des Higgs Diane Stuckey Fiona Hunter Gary Woodhead Helen Dorsett Henk Altmann (deceased) Jane Phillips Jon Seddon Kevin Fairs Mike ODonnell Neil Warner Peter Clayton Philip Thornton-Evison Richard Jenkinson Ronnie Tarry Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Vicky Fox Riders = 21 Report: All together to Letcombe where 17 intrepid hill-climbers set off for Court Hill, The Monument, Bright Walton and a final loop through Farnborough before descending Chain Hill. The remainder had a very social ride through the Letcombes down the B4507 to Kingston Lisle and back through Goosey and Denchworth. Thanks Steve, it was very enjoyable ride.
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Sat Jun 28th 2003

A Bit of Rough

Leader: Jon Seddon	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Off Road Ride. Discover some of the best descents off The Ridgeway. Helmet required. Bring refreshments.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Martin Halliwell Mike ODonnell Nick Stokell Pete Warwick Riders = 7 Report: A decent sunny Saturday for a change! We headed off in search of singletrack via East Lockinge, Wether Down and Lands End (Why do they call it Lands End)? After the exciting singletrack at West Ilsley it was back over The Ridgeway to pick up The Icknield Way at Upton and followed this back before deviating back up to The Ridgeway at Scutchamer Knob (good to get one more climb in)
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Sun Jun 29th 2003

To the Beech

Leader: Kevin Fairs	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: A 75-mile Kev Special to the beech woods in the Chilterns. Note the earlier start time.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barry Eastwood Des Higgs Diane Stuckey Gary Woodhead Ginny Henderson Jan McCabe Jon Seddon Kevin Fairs Lou Rose Nigel Stuckey Pat Hurt Robert Shaw Sue King Riders = 14 Report: A healthy pace to Wallingford where Diane and Nigel turned back (but went on to complete 70Km), but everyone was out of time so we didn't stop for coffee! Then up the hill via Ewlme to Cookley Green, and onto Christmas Common, where a couple of us got fed up waiting for Lou and took him the quick way to the pub at Fingest, the main group following Barry via Kingston Blount and Ibstone. The Chequers at Fingest is an excellent pub, but be there by 12:45 regardless of whether you have booked! Having decended the Hill with Lou that we were to return on I decided not to return that way and extended the route via Turville Heath, Stonor, Maidens Green and Russel Water, to finally decend to Britwell Salome, where a few mad uns tried to exceed their downhill PBs. If anyone finds the missing sunglasses, bits of gearchanger and map please return to..... A shortcut to my old stomping ground of Chalgrove, then onto Dorchester for tea and cakes at the abbey, where we were met by Mavis with a rescue vehicle for the knackered. We voted not to cross the river by the footpath, but instead followed the road to cross at Cliften Hambden then followed Sustrans Route 5 all the way to the centre of Didcot, then onto Harwell, Steventon and a mad dash across Cow Lane (of the 38-42kmph variety - where did this bust of energy come from?) to a refreshment stop at Ginnys. The remaining few by this stage then decided to drop the leader on the main road back to Wantage. 121km, add another 10 or so for those who went to Kinston Blount.
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Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information

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