Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Jun 2nd 2009

10-mile Club (*)

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A flatter ride through the Vale this evening will take us to Charney Bassett and Lyford, where we will stop to visit the church. Given good weather, all riders are invited to stop for a drink at the Fox PH in Denchworth on the way back to Grove.
Riders: Amelia Preece Diane Stuckey Jane Bruffell Lorna Swanton Richard Preece Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 7 Report: What a gorgeous summer evening, perfect for a leisurely cycle ride and a relaxed pub stop. Delightful to have Diane along too. Most of the 10-mile clubbers didn't know of the church's existence in Lyford (bear left into the village on the right hand bend) and everyone seemed to enjoy the 10-minute break to look around this delightful and very well kept building. We learned too of the tragedy of the Lancaster bomber that crashed near the village in 1945, killing all of the crew. We continued on to Charney Bassett where we were caught up by a lady cyclist who asked "are you a cycling club?" After brief introductions, she joined us for the rest of the ride to Denchworth. Given the lovely evening the ride was extended via Asti Stud, but we were still the first at the Fox. Four of us stayed for a pint of shandy or lager, meeting a new CTC member in the garden too (just signed up to do the End-2-End). Soon we were joined by Henk, Kevin and then 6 from the Moderate group for a very pleasant chat in the pub garden. All this was rounded-off by a gentle ride back to Grove in late-evening sunshine. Bliss. Steve S
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Tue Jun 2nd 2009

Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for 2* and 3* options. Given good weather, all riders are invited to stop for a drink at the Fox PH in Denchworth on the way back to Grove.
Riders: Andrew Robertson Angela Sanders Baz Munday Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Colin Appleton David Ryan Dean Douglas Des Higgs Diane Stuckey Edith Hipwell Frank Schroer Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Janet Charleston Jo Bindloss-Gibb John Tranter Kevin Fairs Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Mike Bailey Paul Sanders Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Sorrel Williams Val Smith Riders = 26 Report: A grand total 33^ cyclists left Grove this evening for one of the three rides in and around the Vale with a promise of a beer at the Fox in Denchworth on the return journey. The 2* ride did its longest ride so far this year a total of 18 miles to Southmoor over 1hr 30 mins. The riders in this group seem to be getting fitter and faster quicker this year. ^ A new club record for a Tuesday evening. The 3* ride went through Wantage to the Letcombes and then up the hill towards LAmbourn (and yes, some of the group decided it was too easy, so did that hill twice, must be something to do with the heat!). We then rode on to Lambourn and turned right up to Seven Barrows to take the very gentle climb to the top of Blowingstone Hill. We all whizzed down to the bottom (a record 51mph for someone....) and then through Kingston Lisle, Baulking, Goosey and Denchworth for some much needed refreshment. Well done to all - it was quite warm, but very pleasant indeed. Note: I must apologise to Richard and Millie, I reported that they turned back on the very wet ride...they were in fact, not as 'sensible' as I quoted them and carried on in the pouring rain, but at their own pace. They finished just before dark - Chapeau!!!
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Sat Jun 6th 2009

Saturday afternoon ride 3*	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A 35 mile (55km) hill climbing special! Out of Wantage up Chain Hill, looping around Wooley back to the descent of Court Hill into the Letcombes. Then out via Childrey to conquer the great Uffington White Horse Hill! Ice cream in the car park a definite possibility before the big descent into the Vale and mercifully flat roads back to Grove for tea at the Cornerstone Coffee Shop.
Riders: Angela Sanders Dean Douglas John Tranter Maurice Bawden Steve Sanders Riders = 5 Report: Well, definitely not optimum weather - the rain lashed down to start with but eased off as we went along. A stirling effort by all concerned - all hills conquered and good group riding.
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Sun Jun 7th 2009

1* Welcome Ride	1*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Anyone is welcome on our 1* rides. Dust down your bike from the back of the garage and join us on a gentle potter around the local villages.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Mike Bailey Robin Tucker Susan Holdroyd Riders = 5 Report: The weather was kind to us on Sunday we enjoyed an 18 mile ride out from Grove through Wantage , Ardington. Taking the top road above West Hendred and through the metal road to East Hendred, Feather bed lane to Q gardens for a welcome cup of tea. We then headed down th ehill to Steveton back through Cow Lane to Hanney where susan and myself exchanged bikes for Susan to see the difference between riding her Sons bike and a womens specific she was really amazed at the difference. I say she manages to ride her sons bike very well. we completed the ride through Hanney into Denchworth and home brfore the rain came back in the evening.
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Sun Jun 7th 2009

CTC Oxfordshire ride to Newbridge The Rose Revived

Leader: John Holding	Start Time: 12:00 pm	Start Location: TBC
Description: CTC Oxfordshire are planning a meet at the Rose Revived (changed venue), Newbridge at 12:00 - 12:30. If you would like to ride out to join in the lunch and pedalo racing (yes really!), please firstly make contact with the organiser and secondly consider leading a more formal CTC Wantage ride out to Newbridge that others could join in on - Let Chris Walters know if you're able to do the latter.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: No Wantage riders took part.
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Tue Jun 9th 2009

Tuesday Evening Ride / Fast and Furious

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for 2* and 3* options. In addition, there will be a "Fast and Furious" ride this evening - please only consider joining in if you are comfortable riding at 25km/h in a group - route is http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=6038.
Riders: Alan Price Andrew Robertson Brian Hipwell Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Colin Appleton David Ryan Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Gareth Smith Geoff Neill Ginny Henderson Henk Altmann (deceased) Janet Charleston John Stamp Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Paul Ryan Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Sid Liddiard Riders = 21 Report: the 2* ride collected a few defecters feom the fast and furious ride this evening. we had a lovely ride. Heading through Denchworth heading South to climbe up from the faringdon road backup through Childrey to Letcombe Bassett and Letcombe Regis. We meet the 1* ride at the top of the Hilat Letcombe Bassett. By the time we meet the 1* ride the defecters from the 3* ride was at the front and leading the way home. A good training ride for our London to Brighton riders.
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Tue Jun 9th 2009

10-mile Club (*)

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our hilliest ride so far, will take us to the Letcombes with a short stop to admire the cress beds at Letcombe Bassett (Cresscombe in Jude the Obscure). We'll return via Childrey, the bridleway to West Challow, Circourt farm and Denchworth.
Riders: Amelia Preece Callum Preece Liz Buckle Lorna Swanton Richard Preece Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 7 Report: Our longest ride (in duration)on what turned into a very pleasant evening. Once we had got through Grove and Wantage, we were able to relax on the road through the Letcombes. I dropped to the back to allow everyone to find their own pace, which all seemed to enjoy. Most riders managed to climb Holborn Hill above Letcombe Bassett - in particular Callum, on his return. While recovering at the top, we were met by the large Leisurely group who stopped for a brief natter. After that the return was mostly downhill (excepting 2 railway bridges). The fast and furious riders overtook us between Denchworth and Grove. Well done to all for coping with the hills. Steve S
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Sat Jun 13th 2009 to Sun Jun 21st 2009

Bike Week 13-21 June 2009

Leader:	Start Time: TBC	Start Location:
Description: Bike Week is the UK's largest mass participation cycling event and provides an annual opportunity to promote cycling as a source of fitness and fun, not to mention an alternative form of transport. This year, Bike Week 2009 is encouraging everyone to 'get more out of life'- by getting on your bikes, exploring your local community and finding out just how convenient cycling is for all those short trips we make each day. We will be running a range of activities this week to support Bike Week - see details below... For more information about bike week visit www.bikeweek.org.uk.
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Sat Jun 13th 2009

Off Road 2*	2*

Leader: Geoff Neill	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A Flattish Off Road ride of 24Kms between the Hendreds and the Harwell site area with tea stop. Mountain Bike or Hybrid recommended.
Riders: Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 4 Report: At last a sunny day for an OffRoad ride! In addition two new riders came, Jill from Oxford CTC and Susan S, being her first experience of Off road cycling. The route followed the Sustran route to Harwell but a deversion was added, going towards Rowstock and coming back along the rather grand named Hungerford Road(track). Crossing the A4185 and looping round towards Chilton the riders saw a huge display of white poppies in the fields. Returning pass the Chilton garden centre (there was some discussion as to taking tea there) and round the edge of the Harwell site to take tea outside at the general store in Ardington.
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Sun Jun 14th 2009

1* Welcome Ride - Picnic ride, Bike Week event	1*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Anyone is welcome on our 1* rides. Dust down your bike from the back of the garage and join us on a gentle potter around the local villages. This ride will be going via Hendred and then stopping in Ardington at the Stones for a picnic. Please feel free to join us at the start or the picnic spot
Riders: Amelia Preece Brian Hipwell Callum Preece David Bridge Edith Hipwell Lorna Swanton Mike Bailey Richard Preece Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 10 Report: We had a pleasant ride of about 12 miles from Grovewe travelled towards wantage turning left at the trafic lights an d heading out through Charlton. Millie grew tried of climbing up the Hill and needed a short walk. she caught us up and managed the ride very well with a few walks on the hills. we headed out on the the track to Ardington and out round Ginge and West Hendred. i never heard any complaints from Millie during the whole ride she managed very well. we headed back down the Main road turning back into Ardington and the Millenium were we stopped for a pinic . Steve and Lorna joined us at the stones for the pinic. After the pinic we headed back to wantage and back to Brian and Edith house for an ice lollie and a few quick up grades on Millie Bike. great fun was had by all.
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Tue Jun 16th 2009

10-mile club *

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A flat ride through the Vale this evening with a return visit to West Hanney via Denchworth. Bike Week Event - open to all, accompanied children welcome
Riders: Amelia Preece Jane Bruffell Liz Buckle Lorna Swanton Richard Preece Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: Brian's replacement of Millie's freewheel to a six speed with lower ratios after Sundays ride had immediate effect - Millie was whizzing along at the front of the group tonight. It was another lovely evening to be out on the bike. We were all enjoying it sufficiently to extend the ride by 2-miles and continue past Lyford and on to Charney Bassett. Happy days! Steve S
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Tue Jun 16th 2009

Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for 2* and 3* options.
Riders: Andrew Robertson Brian Hipwell Colin Appleton David Ryan Dean Douglas Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Frank Schroer Gareth Smith Janet Charleston John Stamp John Tranter Kevin Fairs Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Paul Ryan Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Shirley Punshon Sorrel Williams Steve Joyce Susan Holdroyd Val Smith Riders = 23 Report: 3* star ride went through Charlton Village and up Chain Hill to Farnborough. We all took distinct advantage of the downwards gradient to West Ilsey after the stirling efforts of all going up Chain Hill. Well done to those that had never done it before. We then climbed right at the cricket pitch in Ilsey to take the undulating road to Catmore and then turned right for the gradual climb back up to the Ridgeway and home via Chain Hill. The road has recently been resurfaced, so some caution (but not much!) was exercised. 13.5 mph average and about 24 miles in total. Despite the threats to strike me off the Christmas card list and the newly formed 'We hate Sorrel because she makes us climb hills' club - I think everyone enjoyed it by the smiles at the end of the ride. It was a great 3* ride so well done to all. 2* ride We took advantage of the lovely evening ten cyclists headed out to Denchworth with our goal set to climb Silver Lane as part of the London to Brighton training climb, we were joined by Susan and Shirley a cyclist who had joined our first Tuesday ride back in May. Everyone managed the climb really well John did a bit of complaining so I told him that if he had breath to talk he had breath to continue on the ride, he took the jest in the spirit it was given and we continued the ride.We headed down through Childrey, left and headed for Sparsholt, right into Westcott right again on the Ashbury road turning right again towards Kingston Lisle. We then headed down the hill to Baulking common with a promise off hearing the Nighting Gales sing, But we were disappionted as a tractor was working near the the woodland where the are said to sing.We then headed back through Goosey, Denchworth and back to Grove arriving back at abount 8.30. covering 18 miles the longest ride yet but very appropriate as it was bike week everyone said that they had enjoyed the challenge. John promised he would still ride with us even through his training for the London to brighton ride would be over this weekend. edith
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Sun Jun 21st 2009

Regular Wantage Ride (**)

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: This will be a relaxed all-day ride as an introduction to traditional CTC touring with a bit of everything - ups, downs, a few miles of rough stuff, coffee, pub lunch and tea stops and some glorious scenery. (I'll try to fix the weather too, but no promises ...) We'll be heading north-west to the Cotswolds, via Aston pottery for coffee (14 miles, dep @11:30), Kencot, Langford and Southrop with lunch in Lechlade (28 miles). We'll return (dep @2pm) via Inglesham and Coleshill with a stretch of about 2 miles of off-road through the Coleshill Estate (mostly easy and well worth it - there will be a longer road alternative). We'll stop for tea at Uffington village hall (40 miles, dep @4pm) and then back to Wantage via Kingston Lisle. 48 miles total. Please feel free to join us for all or part of the ride. Bike Week Event - club ride open to non-members (and newcomers are always welcome)
Riders: Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Robert Shaw Sibel Dyer Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: Four riders left Wantage including newcomer Sibel, who wanted to try out a touring ride. Sibel stayed with us to Gainfield but then decided to enjoy the countryside at her own pace. Des, Rob and I continued on into a slight headwind to Aston Pottery where we were the first arrivals in the cafe at 11:00, shortly followed by 3 Swindon Wheelers. The weather remained overcast and cool for our second leg through Bampton, Black Bourton, Alvescot and then South through the picturesque villages of Kencott, Broadwell and Langford. We enjoyed a good chat as we weaved through the lovely (and quiet - was everyone watching the British Grand Prix?) Cotswold lanes to Southrop and on to Lechlade. Lunch was taken at the Black Cat cafe - recommended by Des; we received quick service and excellent value for our jacket spuds. After a short stretch on the busy A361 to Inglesham, we were back in the lanes to Buscot Wick and then on the undulating road to Coleshill. From the top of the first rise we had our first view of the wind turbines at Watchfield. Both Rob and Des were up for the off-road through Coleshill Park. But as we started the track, light rain steadily grew heavier, eventually causing us to don jackets for a while. With care (Rob on 26mms tyres), the track was negotiated without incident. The final stretch climbed up towards the base of the wind turbines giving an impressive view of these rotating giants. We stopped to admire them and the fantastic panoramic view back across the park to Coleshill, Badbury Hill and Faringdon to the north. Having crested the hill, the views over the Vale of White Horse to the south were equally good as we continued on (now on rough tarmac) towards Watchfield. Being somewhat ahead of schedule, we decided to add an extra loop to the route, heading through Watchfield to Shrivenham, south towards Ashbury, left through Kingstone Winslow, along the foot-of-the-Downs road to Woolstone at a fair pace,to eventually arrive in Uffington at about 3:10. Brian joined us for tea and cakes (having tried but failed to catch us on the road) and the ride back to Wantage, while Des headed home. Back in Wantage at 4:35 after 53 miles. Thanks to Des and Rob for your excellent company - a really good day out. Steve S
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Tue Jun 23rd 2009

10-mile Club * (Midsummer Special)

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a midsummer special, our longest ride of the season, about 15-16 miles, but still at a relaxed pice (about 10 mph). We'll be heading out to Kingston Lisle by way of East Challow, Childrey and Sparshot and back via Goosey and Denchworth. There will be two stretches along the A417, 3/4 mile along the Wantage-Ashbury road and some easy off-road on the track and bridleway from East Challow to Childrey.
Riders: Amelia Preece Lorna Swanton Richard Preece Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Report: A select group of four set off on another glorious summer's evening. Heading towards Wantage we turned right at the airfield roundabout along Downsview Road and up to Segsbury on the track past CMB. Here Millie decided that she was feeling rather too tired for a long ride and so Richard and Millie opted to have their own shorter ride home. Lorna and I continued along the route as planned, following the track from East Challow to Childrey and then on to Sparsholt and Wescot. The views were superb and we took time to enjoy them. We stopped briefly by the church in Kingston Lisle, which sadly was locked up. The grass on Goosey green had just been cut as we passed through, so the annual display of wild flowers there is now at an end... Steve S.
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Tue Jun 23rd 2009

Tuesday Evening Rides

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for 2* and 3* options.
Riders: Andrew Robertson Andy Cowan Angela Sanders Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Colin Appleton David Ryan Dean Douglas Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Frank Schroer Gareth Smith Geoff Neill Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb John Stamp Kevin Fairs Maurice Bawden Mike Bailey Paul Ryan Paul Sanders Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Steve Joyce Steve Sanders Val Smith Wenfeng Yang Riders = 27 Report:
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Sat Jun 27th 2009

Saturday afternoon ride 2*	2*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our newly titled 2* ride, covering 45-55km including a tea stop. Covering a fair amount of distance, the pace will be more relaxed with plenty of time for chatting on the way. This months ride will head west,passing through the picturesque springline villages of the Downs,before heading north for tea at Faringdon.
Riders: Glen Savegar Henk Altmann (deceased) John Talbot Kevin Fairs Neil Mowforth Neil Warner Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Wenfeng Yang Yu Yang Riders = 11 Report: The weather forecast didn't look too promising I have to admit, but by Saturday afternoon the sun was shining as we headed off into a glorious summers day, the surrounding countryside at it's most lovely. Neil was completely right. Why travel overseas at this time of year when we have everything (and much more !) on our doorstep? Stopping to catch our breath and take a few photo's at the top of the hill at Compton Beauchamp, it was plain sailing to Faringdon via the Coxwells. Crossing the A420 is always a bit of a pain, and it's a shame there's not an underpass or even a footbridge ! Tea at Faringdon Coffee house was enjoyed outside under the huge umbrella. It had been a busy day for the cafe, and many cakes had already disappeared from the menu. Service was fast and friendly though, and everyone was fed and watered nicely. Kevin and Wen opted for very impressive looking ice cream sundaes ! After tea all that remained was a gentle ride home on quiet roads. Perfect !.. Thanks everyone ! Glen S.
Distance: 57.50 km (35.73 mi)	Ride Details: http://app.strava.com/activities/35340561
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Tue Jun 30th 2009

Tuesday Evening Ride / Fast and Furious

Leader: Geoff Neill	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will aim to have two rides leaders for 2* and 3* options. In addition, there will be a "Fast and Furious" ride this evening - please only consider joining in if you are comfortable riding at 25km/h in a group - route is http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=6038.
Riders: Colin Appleton Elaine Opara Geoff Neill Michael Tayler Peter Busby Riders = 5 Report: The 2* ride went very well with all managing the climb up Kingston Lisle hill with no problems. A very warm humid evening with plently of insects.
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Tue Jun 30th 2009

10-mile Club *

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: An easy-paced social ride at about 10mph. This week we'll be heading out westwards on a flat ride to Stanford-in-the-Vale via Charney Bassett and Gainfield, returning via Park Lane, Asti stud and Denchworth, about 13 miles. There is a short stretch along the A417 coming out of Stanford.
Riders: Amelia Preece Liz Buckle Lorna Swanton Richard Preece Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: It was still in high 20s (degrees) and muggy when we met in the car park and it was great to get on the bike and create one's own breeze. We followed the route as planned at a potter with regular stops for water. The bells were ringing out for us as we cycled into Stanford and we found a convenient bench in the shade on the village green for a snack and a short rest. Returning via Park Lane, the evening light was just gorgeous, casting long shadows across teh road in front of us. Back at 8:30. Steve S
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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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