Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Apr 3rd 2010

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Bryan Charleston	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 71km, 400m of climbing... this ride goes out via the flatlands north of Didcot, to the Moretons, Cholsey and Wallingford to Streatley for the climb up Streatley Hill and back via the Ilsleys to Grove. Better get that low gear ready...
Riders: Bryan Charleston Dean Douglas John Tranter Philip Thornton-Evison Sorrel Williams Steve Swanton Thomas Charleston Riders = 7 Report: Seven riders turned up for the ride today, a good number considering the likelihood of it being a challenging no stop ride in the rain. Steve wasn't feeling too well so left us at Steventon. John suffered an impact puncture due to a pot hole just outside Harwell. We met a fractious horse, or was it the owner, riding through the Hagbournes. This resulted in a small tumble for Tom which bent the rear mech hanger so he couldn't access the lower ratios. Consequently, he left us before the climb up Streatley Hill. Everyone else rose to the challenge of the big climb. It then started to rain, but it wasn't cold or windy so not too unpleasant. The rollercoaster ride to the top of chain hill followed by a quick descent completed the ride. The ride stats can be found on the link below, but nearly 43 miles at a moving average of approximately 14 mph, including nearly 500m of climbing is not a bad effort for the start of the season. Well done everyone.
Distance: 69.20 km (43.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/28849716
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=92111"
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Tue Apr 6th 2010

Tuesday Evening 3* ride	3*

Leader: Sorrel Williams	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our popular Tuesday evening rides start again! Shortish ride to start the season - lights are recommended.
Riders: Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Janet Charleston John Tranter Maurice Bawden Peter Busby Shirley Punshon Sorrel Williams Steve Joyce Tony Smith Riders = 10 Report: A rather cool refreshing first ride out with some 2* riders from last year joining the 3* ride (welcome!). We set off through Denchworth and then up to West Hanney and Southmoor. Some of us have obviously been doing a bit of winter training!! Turning left in Southmoor we then went through to Charney Bassett and back to Denchworth. A great ride for the first night out.
Distance: 24.35 km (15.13 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29208020
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Tue Apr 6th 2010

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. Lights are recommended
Riders: Brian Hipwell Colin Appleton Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill Ginny Henderson Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb Kevin Fairs Michael Tayler Philip Thornton-Evison Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tom Millar Wenfeng Yang Riders = 14 Report: First Tuesday evening ride of the year. Weather was fair. We had 14 cyclists out on the 2*ride - it was good to see so many old faces turn out for the first Tuesday evening ride. we headed out of grove towards Denchworth what a surprise. We managed to do 15 miles with an average speed of 13.5. We completed a round trip through Denchworth ,Lyford Charney Bassett, Gainfield, Stanford in the Vale , Park lane , Asti stud road back into Denchworth and home to Grove; a very pleasant evening ride.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sat Apr 10th 2010

Away day 100km - 3*	3*

Leader: Sorrel Williams	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Wyevale Garden Centre, A4, Nr Twyford - RG10 9SW
Description: The plan is to cycle from Twyford to Hampton Court via Windsor, Staines and Sunbury, coming back through Weybridge, Chertsey and Binfield. We will find suitable stops along the way - the route is on-road. The ride is 3* by virtue of the distance - we won't be either racing or dawdling. The ride is a touch over 100km. Please contact Sorrel by Wednesday 7th April if you intend to come.
Riders: Chris Lea Chris Walters Dean Douglas Janet Charleston John Tranter Neil Mowforth Sorrel Williams Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Report: What a great ride - and one that should be repeated. We set off from the garden centre down towards Paley Street and then onto Windsor, where we skirted round the town centre. We followed the route all the way down to Runnymede (where the Magna Carta was signed for all you history fans) where we stopped at the country park for a coffee. After the pitstop, we then went onto Staines and Hampton Court via some fantastic back roads along the Thames. Plenty of cyclists on the route in the other direction nodded or waved hello. Hampton Court was a real treat with views of the palace and the gardens from the cycle path that we were using. The cycle path took us all the way along the Thames to Kingston on Thames where we stopped for lunch. After sandwiches and pasties on the riverside, we headed back via Chertsey and Weybridge and then up the side of Great Windsor park where we stopped for a quick rest/drink. As legs were getting tired at this point (and people getting a bit hot!), we carried on back to Twyford. Calls for ice-cream stops were politely ignored as we started passing signs for Twyford telling us that it was only 6 miles to go. All in all a fantastic day of cycling, helped out a lot by the wonderful weather and some great company. Just over 65 miles and we finished at 4.30pm. Marvellous.
Distance: 105.30 km (65.43 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29659227
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=113976"
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Sun Apr 11th 2010

Abingdon Freewheeling Cycling Festival

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Abingdon Market Place
Description: Abingdon's first Freewheeling Cycling Festival will be taking place on Sunday 11 April 2010. The event is being run by enthusiastic cyclists in Abingdon supported by CTC Oxfordshire, Sustrans, Bikeability, Get Oxfordshire Active, Behind Bars Cycles and Abingdon Carbon Cutters among others. The main objectives of the day are to get more people in Abingdon cycling and to bring the local cycling community together with a view to establishing a cycling group in the town. The idea is to welcome everyone from beginners to more experienced riders to come out, get together and sample the pleasures of cycling around Abingdon. Things will be kicking off in Abingdon Market Place from 9.30am and will continue through to about 3pm. There will be three led rides of 4, 10 and 27 miles leaving the Market Place at approximately 30 minute intervals between 10am and 12 noon. Each ride will follow cycle paths and quiet country lanes. The emphasis of the day is on riding with a friendly group. Participants will be treated to a snack stop on each ride and can even get a rub-down from a qualified masseuse at the end. Behind bars cycles will be providing a repair service and providing mountain bikes for loan. Thames Valley Police will be giving advice on cycle security and undertaking bike postcoding. CTC, Sustrans, Bikeability and Get Oxfordshire Active will all have stalls. Bike films and live music will give the day a festival feel. The event is free to enter and suitable for all the family, although under-16s must be accompanied by an adult. All local CTC members, friends and families are very welcome and encouraged to come along to support and be part of the day. For more information please visit www.abingdonfreewheeling.org.uk , email abingdonfreewheeling@yahoo.co.uk or phone Emily on 01235 524960. You can register online or just turn up on Sunday.
Riders: Ellen Lee Eve Thornton Glen Savegar Lou Rose Mavis Rose Robert Shaw Ros Hallowell Sorrel Williams Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Report: Wow! What a fantastic day! Good dry (albeit cool) conditions meant that all the publicity effort paid off and Abingdon cyclists turned out in droves - a wonderful turnout and support for all of the rides. It was an amazing sight to see Abingdon Maket place full of cyclists and bikes. There must have been over 200 out of all ages on the rides. Many had never been on an organised ride before. CTC members helped to lead and sweep on the five 10-mile rides. These proved to be the most popular and were all over-subscribed with about 20 riders on each. Emily's route was just perfect to give Abingdon folk a taste of the countryside on their doorstep. Thanks to all those listed for helping to make today such a success. Steve S
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 13th 2010

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Lights are recommended. After last week's easy start we'll have a few more hilly bits in this ride, and a little longer (but not much!) with the option to extend slightly via Denchworth, depending upon time and daylight. We'll be collecting £5 voluntary donations from riders over the next few weeks to cover our costs for the AGM buffet and the website. Bring your wallets if you'd like to donate - it's the only source of income the club has.
Riders: Alex Gaberscik Angela Sanders Chris Walters Dean Douglas Frank Schroer Janet Charleston John Tranter Maurice Bawden Peter Busby Sorrel Williams Tony Smith Riders = 11 Report: Eleven riders set off through Lains Barn, Ardington and Ginge to Steventon, the Hanneys and Denchworth. It was neither warm nor cold, and we managed to stay pretty sheltered from the wind. A much harder pace than last week, including the obligatory dash across Cow Lane - that should have blown the cobwebs well and truly away! Along the way we saw Neil and David, both on their way back from work. Join in next time chaps!
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/29972579
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=116281"
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Tue Apr 13th 2010

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. Lights are recommended. We'll be collecting £5 voluntary donations from riders over the next few weeks to cover our costs for the AGM buffet and the website. Bring your wallets if you'd like to donate - it's the only source of income the club has.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Gareth Smith Geoff Neill Ginny Henderson Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb John Stamp Michael Tayler Michelle Smallcombe Philip Thornton-Evison Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 13 Report: 13 cyclists joined the 2* ride - it was nice to welcome back some of the cyclists from last years rides. We completed 15 miles this evening heading out into the wind via Denchworth, Charney Bassett, Southmoor and completing the loop with a push from the wind heading back to Hanney, Denchworth and Grove. Great ride enjoyed by all.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sat Apr 17th 2010

Back On Yer Bike - 1*	1*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A chance to blow away the cobwebs and get your bike out for a gentle and sociable start to the riding season.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Eve Thornton Kevin Fairs Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 8 Report: Enjoyable ride around the vale in good weather. Picnic on the Green at West Hanney.
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
Rest stop at Charney Bassett [by Steve] Sue and Lorna enjoying the sun [by Steve] Picnic on West Hanney green [by Steve]
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Sun Apr 18th 2010

Regular Wantage Ride - 3*	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: 100km ride out via Ashbury and some "lumps" near Aldbourne for lunch at Chilton Foliat, returning via Little Bedwyn, Ham, Kintbury and Brightwalton , riding pace 18-22km/h (11-14mph). No tea stop planned.
Riders: Andrew Watson Chris Walters Derek Boutle Jan McCabe Lyn Taylor Mavis Rose Neil Mowforth Pat Hurt Rex Belcher Steve Swanton Sue King Teresa Belcher Riders = 12 Report: Well, I said it would be "lumpy" and I wasn't wrong! 11 of us set out from Wantage in glorious sunshine, picking Andrew up in Bishopstone. The climbs from Bishopstone to Hinton Parva and Aldbourne slowed the chatter down to a babble, but not so much that we took the decision to add in an extra loop to get a couple of fantastic downhills in coming into Ramsbury. Lunch in the garden at the Wheatsheaf was a nice leisurely affair, but maybe not ideal for the climb that followed, up past Littlecote Manor. Dropping down to Froxfield, we said our goodbyes to some of the team, who having already cycled to the start from Lambourn, had decided to take a more direct route home. The rest? Well, we headed over to Little Bedwyn, Ham and Inkpen - very undulating and nice quiet lanes. Having negotiated the metropolis of Kintbury, the "little hill" into Wickham brought silence, save for wheezing, to the group. On the home stretch now, through Boxford and up to Brightwalton, we took a much-needed break before the final push to the top of Chain Hill, and the glorious swoop back down to Wantage. A super ride, in super company. Definitely "lumpy " though, and one of those rides that firmly sits in the "fell asleep in the bath afterwards" category.
Distance: 102.00 km (63.38 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/30546398
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=111056"
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Tue Apr 20th 2010

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Peter Busby	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Lights are recommended. We'll be collecting £5 voluntary donations from riders over the next few weeks to cover our costs for the AGM buffet and the website. Bring your wallets if you'd like to donate - it's the only source of income the club has. The route I am suggesting is to go out through the Letcombs and carry on to the T junction. Left up Hagpen hill and down into Childrey. From there make our way to the 417 and then head to Goosey. Depending on how we feel either down past Asti stud or we can go on and do a small loop back to Denchworth.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Robertson Angela Sanders David Ryan Maurice Bawden Paul Ryan Peter Busby Sorrel Williams Steve Sanders Riders = 9 Report: 3* Ride A fairly small group set off on time and we met Paul and David Ryan who turned round and joined us. Had to blow a few cobwebs climbing the hill out of Letcome Bassett and we waietd to compose ouselves before attempting the summit of Hagpen hill. We all made it except the leader had to take a breather. Rest of the course was down hill or on the flat and at Goosey we lost the Faringdon and Stanford riders and did put a small loop so we didn't go down past Asti Stud. A total of 19.5 miles with an average of 14.2.
Distance: 31.38 km (19.50 mi)
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Tue Apr 20th 2010

10-mile club restarts 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our season of easy evening rides aimed at newcomers, irregular cyclists and families will open with a gentle ride out to Goosey and back via Denchworth, a distance of about 8 miles. All welcome, although under-18s must be accompanied or have parental consent.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Kym Murray Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 5 Report: Although we had some sun, it was a coolish evening for our first 10-mile club ride of the season. [Tip of the day: remember to bring an extra layer as it can get cold towards dusk at this time of year.] A warm welcome to Kym on her first ride and welcome back to Alvaro. We had a very pleasant ride out to Goosey, stopped for a few minutes to enjoy the evening light and the green and then, as everyone was doing well, came back the slightly longer way via the Charney Bassett Road.
Distance: 14.48 km (9.00 mi)
Chilling out (literally) on Goosey Green [by Steve]
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Tue Apr 20th 2010

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. Lights are recommended. We'll be collecting £5 voluntary donations from riders over the next few weeks to cover our costs for the AGM buffet and the website. Bring your wallets if you'd like to donate - it's the only source of income the club has.
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Wynn (deceased) Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb Michael Tayler Philip Thornton-Evison Steve Boreham Steve Bruffell Val Smith Riders = 9 Report: Brian lead this ride which headed out of Grove to Denchworth then left towards Challow Station. From Challow Station they climbed up into Childrey and onto Letcombe Bassett, Letcombe Regis, Wantage and back into Grove. A slight drama when Val decided to head on Home at Childrey through the track to East Challow, Steve B went in search of Val and reported back to Brian that Val had arrived home safely.
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Sat Apr 24th 2010

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove - 2* - Joint ride with CTC Oxfordshire	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: a fairly leisurely ride, out via Denchworth, Goosey and Stanford to Fernham. Over the hill to Faringdon, down the hill to Clanfield and along to Aston for a tea stop at the Pottery, joining up with other CTC groups from around Oxfordshire. Home via Buckland, Charney Bassett and Denchworth. 35 miles and we will aim to average 12 mph.
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Wynn (deceased) Derek Boutle Des Higgs Edith Hipwell John Talbot John Tranter Liz Buckle Maurice Bawden Neil Mowforth Philip Thornton-Evison Richard Divall Steve Boreham Riders = 13 Report: A beautiful day. My first ride in shorts this year and there were quite a few white limbs on display. A pretty straightforward ride, according to plan. A good tea stop at the Aston Pottery and a chance to meet up with 3 riders from the Oxford group. A bit of a niggling headwind home, but no great problem. As planned, exactly 35 miles, and exactly 12 mph average. The award for coolness goes to Neil, who is running the Stratford Marathon tomorrow but still decided to fit in a quick bike ride today by way of gentle preparation!
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.gps-sport.net/trainings/cycling_274325
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Sun Apr 25th 2010

Sunday afternoon ride from Grove - 1*	1*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A gentle tour around the local lanes - very suitable for new or irregular riders - all welcome
Riders: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Susan Holdroyd Riders = 3 Report: a lovely afternoon ride out to Q gardens for tea and back to grove via Steventon and Cow lane , hanney and home a little bit faster than a one star ride but Susan was up for it .
Distance: 30.66 km (19.05 mi)
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Tue Apr 27th 2010

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Lights are recommended - this ride will be a hilly one!
Riders: Amanda Seddon Bryan Charleston Chris Walters David Ryan Dean Douglas Frank Schroer Janet Charleston John Tranter Nick Dunton Paul Ryan Peter Busby Tony Smith Riders = 12 Report: It was a hilly one! 11 set out and picked Frank up along the wa -, a few normal 3* "regulars" hearing it was hilly, decided to do the 2* ride. Out through Wantage where the first hill was met head on - Court Hill. The descent down to Woolley Cross wasn't quite so good, into the wind, but we all managed to have a good roll off the Ridgeway. The little (but hard) climb towards Brightwalton followed, with the glorious little descent down past Woolley Barns - lovely bends just asking to be taken at speed. We regrouped and then climbed up to the B4494, finishing off with the Chain Hill descent, with a little tailwind. My computer showed a touch under 80 km/h on the descent - loads of fun! Top marks to the Ryan boys for showing everyone else how to climb, and to Peter for really digging deep on his first hilly ride of the season.
Distance: 28.00 km (17.40 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/31484918
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=123372"
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Tue Apr 27th 2010

10-mile club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The second of our easy evening rides aimed at newcomers, irregular cyclists and families will be a gentle ride out to West Hanney and Lyford via Denchworth, a distance of about 10 miles. All welcome, although under-18s must be accompanied or have parental consent.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Barbara Lambers Jane Bruffell Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 6 Report: A glorious evening to be out on the bike. We followed the plan and had two leisurely stops, one outside the church in West Hanney, the second outside the almshouses in Lyford. We made the most of being out in the evening sunshine and were the last ride back. A warm welcome to Barbara returning to ride with us after several years.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 27th 2010

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Edith Hipwell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. Lights are recommended
Riders: Andy Belcher Barry Baker Brian Hipwell Colin Appleton Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Ginny Henderson Henk Altmann (deceased) Jo Bindloss-Gibb Liz Buckle Matthew Bawden Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Philip Thornton-Evison Sara Smith Shirley Punshon Steve Bruffell Riders = 17 Report: A very pleasant evening with a large amount of cyclists out and about. We cycled out through Denchworth, Charney Bassett, Stanford in the Vale and then down Park Lane, past Asti Stud and back into Wantage. It was nice to see some more faces from last year back out for a ride.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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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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