Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Jun 2nd 2007

Cycling 4 Women Introductory Ride

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This will be a gentle, hour-long ride into the Vale for women riders. Those new to or returning to cycling will be particularly welcome. Part of CTC's Cycling 4 Women weekend. Pre-Bike Week Event. Please visit www.fivemilestofabulous.com for more info.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Eve Thornton Jane Bruffell Jane Pearson Janet Charleston Marion Jones Riders = 7 Report: Five miles to fabulous we did a little more than this. It was disappionting that we only attracted one new lady out for a ride. Thanks to Jane B Jane P Eve and Marian for supporting the ride we manage a short ride around the vale enjoying Tea and cake at the Corner Stone coffee shop.
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Sat Jun 2nd 2007

Regular Saturday Moderate Ride from Grove

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This one will be a challenge, so be sure to be well fed and stocked! Up (theme of the day) to the A338 via the Letcombes and Court Hill, across to Farnborough and then over to West Ilsley, East Ilsley, Stanmore and Beedon to the tea stop at Hillers Garden Centre at Hermitage. Then Curridge to Winterbourne, Boxford,Leckhampstead and Brightwalton before dropping back to Grove via Chain Hill. Total distance 69 km, and expect best part of 800m of climbing. Probably back near to 6pm.
Riders: Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Dean Douglas Derek Boutle Jo Bindloss-Gibb Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: Glorious weather made for an excellent ride. Lots of sweat pouring off as we summitted Court Hill, and then dropping down for a series of rollercoasters as we made our way over to and along the Downs Road... it was a welcome respite to have a downhill run into the cafe at Hilliers Garden Centre for a well-earned stop. The route back was more consistent - it was uphill most of the way, save for the plummet back down Chain Hill into Wantage. 70 kilometers at a rolling average of 21km/h, with a grand total of 790m of ascent and a top speed of 76km/h - what a great ride! Chris W
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Tue Jun 5th 2007

Tuesday Evening Ride Special

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This week will be slightly different and hopefully some fun. The intention is to work on group riding skills and awareness on the road by following a twisty-turney route from here to there. Riders of all levels of experience are encouraged to come along.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Chris Lea Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Jane Bruffell Jo Bindloss-Gibb Lorna Howard Neil Warner Philip Thornton-Evison Sorrel Williams Steve Swanton Riders = 13 Report: A sunny evening saw 12 riders join me for our special. It was very nice to see Jane out again on a Tuesday. The idea was to have a sort of role-play to practice co-operative riding and group awareness. I played the role of the "inconsiderate ride leader", who only kept tabs on those immediately behind. It was the job of those following to ensure that those behind them kept in touch and knew which way to go, and to rein me in and stop the group if necessary by passing messages up the group if the group became too stretched out or there was a mechanical, etc. I gave no details of the route and made some of it up as we went along... I started off by making an intricate tour of the older (East) side of Grove. Going around Hawthorn Crescent twice and putting on a spurt, I didn't quite manage to catch up with the tail - everyone was trying too hard to keep up. Henk was doing the hard work here, dropping back to keep those following in sight rather than keeping on my tail (which meant that I couldn't increase the pace further). Geoff took over this role on the round-Charlton leg and by the time we reached Ardington second-timers Sorrell and Chris were marshalling the gap between Geoff and Edith, who was leading a peloton at the back. We stopped for a breather in Ardington and folk seemed to be enjoying the "chase", so we continued in the same vein back around Lockinge and then to the top of the Lains Barn road. Having regrouped at the top of the hill, I found myself with a group of faster riders after the descent. It was very interesting to note that on this stretch, where everyone knew that we had no turnings for a mile or so, that those at the back of the front group, relaxed, switched off and allowed some of the slower riders to drop some way behind. This, is one of the causes of the recurring difficulties we are having in keeping the group together on our rides. So has the lesson been learned???? As it was, I was only reined in twice, once when 2 riders were held up at the Toucan crossing on the A338 and once on the descent past Lains Barn, when someone shouted out STOP for the fun of it (we did). At the junction with the A338 the group split, Neil leading an extra loop back via the Hanneys while I came back directly to Grove. Folk seemed to enjoy it and it was great fun to lead. Thanks to everyone that came along and entered into the spirit. If you came along, I would welcome some feedback. Is this worth repeating again next year? Steve S.
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Sat Jun 9th 2007

Easy Off-road Ride

Leader: Geoff Neill	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: An easy ride of about 20 miles along off-road routes in the Vale. The plan is to ride some of the tracks between Charney Bassett, Stanford and Buckland. Pre-Bike Week Event.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Barry Baker Chris Lea Chris Walters David Bridge Dean Douglas Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Neil Mowforth Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Riders = 11 Report: Eight riders set off just after 1 p.m. from Grove Old Mill Hall heading to Charney Bassett. The day was very warm and rather humid making the ride a sweaty one but all appeared to take this in their stride. Distance was about 22 miles with about 60% off road covering in and around Buckland. The off road bit started the other side of Charney Bassett off the Buckland road some 4 miles into the ride. The most pleasant part being the wood adjacent to the B4508 at Gainfield where a Deer was spotted and the ride passed Rhododendrons still in flower. The route went through Buckland before looping round and returning again to the wood at Gainfield with the off road section finishing at Hatford. The ride passed on through Stanford in the Vale where Geoff suggested returning by way of a bridle way to Charney Bassett, adding a further 2.5 miles to the off road section. He pointed out there were 6 gates to go through with an overgrown area of nettles to negotiate at the Charney end. At the mention of nettles most were not keen and the journey back to Grove via Park Lane was selected. Arrival at Grove at 3:15 all were satisfied with the afternoons ride and 4 of the party finished a pleasant afternoon with a pint in the Bay Tree. Geoff Neill
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Sun Jun 10th 2007

CTC Tri-Vets Century Ride

Leader: Eve Thornton	Start Time: TBC	Start Location: From 08:00 Islip
Description: Oxfordshire DA will once again be hosting a Triennial Century ride for CTC members over 50. Start and finish at Islip Village Hall, lunch at North Leigh, tea at Steventon. Booking forms will appear in April-May edition of Cycle magazine. Riders will be divided into groups of about 10 with a leader and sweeper for each group. This is where non-vets can join in: - we are looking for volunteer rides/leaders and sweepers for all or part of the ride and stewards at the start/finish and stops. If you are willing to help please contact Ellen.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Catherine Hickman Edith Hipwell Eileen Johnson Ellen Lee Eve Thornton Helen Beane James Dawton John Holding Kevin Hickman Robert Bley Stephen Lee Steve Davies Steve Swanton Vera Friend Riders = 15 Report:
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Tue Jun 12th 2007

Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for leisurely and sporty options.
Riders: Andrew Robertson Belinda Gordon Bob Wyatt Brian Hipwell Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Chris Wyatt Derek Boutle Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb Neil Warner Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Sid Liddiard Riders = 17 Report: All cyclists except Brian and myself were out to enjoy a fast ride as there were none of the less accomplished riders out we decided to do one ride led by Geoff. We set off at quite a fast pace heading for Letcombe Regis and Letcombe Bassett. I felt that the cyclists had forgotten about the lesson in group cycling from the previous week. Cyclists ignored the call that cars were following and to let them past. Brian and myself were left behind quite early in the ride, which was fine for us we knew the roads and the suggested route, however if it had been someone who did not it would have been quite different. However we all arrived back at Grove safely with no mishaps. Edith
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Sat Jun 16th 2007

Dr Bike in Wantage Market Place - CANCELLED

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description:
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Sat Jun 16th 2007 to Sun Jun 24th 2007

Bike Week 2007

Leader:	Start Time: TBC	Start Location:
Description: We are planning a busy week of rides and events to mark this year's Bike Week. Please see events outline below, with more details to come soon. For more information about Bike Week, please visit www.bikeweek.org.uk. To see pictures of the Faringdon Folly Ride held during last year's Bike Week, please click here.
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Sun Jun 17th 2007

Midsummer Morning Ride to Avebury

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 4:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: The return of an old favourite... Start in the dark at 4am to see the dawn from the top of Hackpen Hill - lights required. We will follow the 'traditional' route via Lambourn and Baydon to Aldbourne (for a pre-breakfast stop), then over Snap to the Ogbournes and up onto the Downs above Manton. Breakfast in the Red Lion at 8:30. Back via the Marlborough-Swindon railway path with coffee stop at the Baker's Arms Badbury. Returning to Wantage at about 1:30-2pm for a pint at the Bear. ~70 miles. Please be prepared for about 10 miles of off-road riding on (mostly)good quality tracks (suitable for 25mm tyres). Bring enough food to keep you going in the early hours. Numbers limited to 20 for breakfast on first-come first-served basis, so please book with Steve by Sun 10 Jun. If you'd like to know what's happened in previous years, please click here. Bike Week Event
Riders: Angela Sanders Belinda Gordon Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Ian Murray Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Report: A great day out. We saw the sunrise through a slither of clear sky on the horizon at 4:50 then enjoyed the traffic-free roads to Aldbourne and on... It stayed dry throughout and the sun came out for periods (rats, I really shouldn't have put that suncream on...) Full report to come when I'm more awake. Steve
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Tue Jun 19th 2007

Bike Week Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for leisurely and sporty options. Bike Week Event
Riders: Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Des Higgs Henk Altmann (deceased) Sorrel Williams Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: The wet weather put off all but 6 riders who were ready to brave the elements. The route went through Charney Bassett, Hatford, Fernham, Uffington, Kingston Lisle, Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, West Challow and Wantage. A hefty shower soon after the start was wisely ignored as a reason to abandon the ride and the rest of the outing remained dry. The gravel track between Childrey and Challow did for one of the Chairman's tyres, leading to a pit stop in Ham Rd. Henk, Ride Leader
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Thu Jun 21st 2007

DA Midsummer Pub Night

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Ride with us from Grove or meet us at the Rose Revived, Newbridge from 20:00 for an all-sections pub meet. Bike Week Event
Riders: Belinda Gordon Derek Boutle Ian Murray Matt Chambers Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: I don't know whether the message had not got around, but no-one joined me for the ride to the pub on a pleasant if cool evening. I had an enjoyable spin out to Pusey via the bridleway from Charney Bassett and on to Hinton Wildrist. With time to spare I decided to drop down to the ford at Duxford to inspect the state of the Thames. In fact the water was almost low enough to cycle across, but being on my own decided not to risk it. Arrived at the Rose Revived in good time and had a bit of a wait before the hordes (well Belinda) arrived. Matt and newcomer Rob arrived on bikes from Didcot a little later and then Ian from Sutton Courtenay and Paul from Witney to push the number on 2 wheels to 5. Derek made up the crowd. After a enjoyable evening, some good food and ale, had a very pleasant ride back as far as West Hanney with Ian, Matt and Rob. Thanks for your company to those that turned up. Steve S
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Sat Jun 23rd 2007

'Easy Rider' Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove

Leader: Richard Divall	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Leisurely-paced 45-55km ride with tea stop. Bike Week Event
Riders: Geoff Neill Richard Divall Riders = 2 Report: The continuing unsettled weather kept the punters away with just Geoff joining Richard for our monthly easy ride. This was a shortish ride around the Vale to tea at Q-gardens on Milton Hill. The heavens opened on the way back so the direct route of Featherbed Lane and A417 was taken.
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Sun Jun 24th 2007

DA Cycle Treasure Hunt

Leader: James Dawton	Start Time: 11:45 am	Start Location:
Description: Routes of 10ml/16km or 17ml/28km starting from Standlake Village Hall (OS164 GR 403031). Hall open from 11:45 to 4pm for refreshments (bring picnic to start if you would like). Entry, Adults
Riders: James Dawton Mavis Rose Steve Davies Sue King Teresa Belcher Riders = 5 Report:
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Tue Jun 26th 2007

Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Two rides leaders for leisurely and sporty options.
Riders: Angela Sanders Brian Hipwell Callum Preece Chris Walters Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Jo Bindloss-Gibb Neil Mowforth Neil Warner Nigel Stuckey Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Richard Preece Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Riders = 15 Report:
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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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