Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Sep 4th 2010

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Stephen Quartermain	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 43 mile route with teastop at the riverside cafe at Benson. The route is quite flat. Route: Grove, Denchworth,West Hanney, Steventon, Didcot, South Moreton, Wallingford, Crowmarsh, Benson River side cafe, Wallingford, Brightwell cum Sotwell, Appleford, Sutton Courtenay, Drayton, Steventon, Grove This is a cycle path near the river side cafe that I will use after going to the cafe instead of A- road.
Riders: Chris Walters Derek Boutle Des Higgs John Talbot John Tranter Nigel Stuckey Richard Preece Stephen Quartermain Steve Greene Tony Smith Riders = 10 Report: average speed of ride 15 mph, weather sunny & warm Fairly uneventful but pleasant ride to the Waterside Cafe at Benson . Des had a slow puncture that we stopped to fix near the top of Milton Hill on route to Harwell. Going through Didcot town centre was not that easy due to the volume of traffic. We had to stop to regroup near the Orchard Centre. I was grateful for John Talbots help in finding a better route through Wallingford and avoiding the town centre. The cafe stop was great being as it was sunny & warm. Everyone was able to enjoy there refreshments outside. We all had a bit of a race in the final stage of the ride on A338 going into Grove which was fun. Hope everyone enjoyed the ride and a different cafe stop.
Distance: 69.20 km (43.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=174166"
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Tue Sep 7th 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.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Barry Baker Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Michael Tayler Riders = 6 Report: Headed west tonight rain threated but it remained dry a fast ride tonight average of 14.9 mile per hour. out Denchworth Rt turn left turn heading for Charney Bassett passed some runneron the way into Charney straight through the village . Right at the next T junction straight over the cross roads heading for the old A420 at the T junction a left turn for Southmoor. Left at the Garage heading for Hanney. Right at the 2nd T junction heading for Charney. next left for Lyford cycling through the village and back onto Hanney Dench worth road turning right heading home through Denchworth into Grove . Back before 8pm. 16 miles in total. a very fast pleasant last ride of the season.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Tue Sep 7th 2010

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Peter Busby	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Long, hilly, quick - or any combination!
Riders: Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Peter Busby Philip Thornton-Evison Richard Preece Tony Smith Riders = 6 Report: Bit of a boring final Tuesday Ride. Out to Denchworth, on to Lyford, then to Fifield Wick, and crosed the A420 to Fyfield. Back along through Longworth and to cut the loop short by crossing the A420 again and headed towards Charney and then back home. About 19 miles with an average of 15 mph and based on my weight and excertion was 1000 calories. Everybody took turns driving us forward so it was the group who set the speed. An enjoyable last ride.
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 11th 2010

Round the Isle of Wight	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Lymington Pier
Description: We will be following the Round the Island Cycle Route anti-clockwise from Yarmouth Harbour. Distance is 105 km (65 miles). Catching the ferry from Lymington Pier. We will travel as day return foot passengers, bikes are carried free of charge. The crossing takes 30 minutes. We will take refreshments on the ferry (and late morning if required). Lunch stop will be near Bembridge. We'll aim to stop for afternoon tea at Cowes and/or we will take refreshments on the return ferry. The route is undulating with a couple of climbs but is very scenic. John did the route in August 2009 (http://www.gps-sport.net/trainings/cycling_159388 and took about 6.5hrs. We've got all day so we'll take it at a leisurely touring pace.
Riders: David Bridge David Smith John Talbot Neil Mowforth Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Report: Five of us drove through heavy rain on the A34 with trepidation at what lay in wait for us on the Isle of Wight. Luckily when we all arrived in good time for the ferry it was dull and damp but not raining. The ferry journey was all on time and we arrived in Yarmouth to set off following the white island on blue signs leading us anticlockwise around the island. After a brief offroad section on the old railway line from Yarmouth to Freshwater the first long climb started on the old military road which is close to the cliff edge (and over the cliff edge at one point). The route turns inland on extremely quiet lanes with sea views to our right. In fact there was barely a call of "Car Up" or "Car Down" all day on the lanes as they are virtually unused by vehicles. When we rejoined the military road at Chale, David B picked up a flint the size of a small axe in his front tyre which gave us a bit of time for a breather before the longest and biggest climb of the day at Blackgang Chine. This was rather exciting as we ascended into the clouds and it was full lights on as visibility dropped dramatically. A sweeping descent followed and we cycled parallel to the sea above the landslip coastline of Ventnor. A really tough up and down section followed and tummies were rumbling as we got to Bembridge for lunch at the CTC friendly Toll Gate Café. After filling up (and drinking coffee that threatened to keep us awake for days) we continued our journey. The next section past Ryde and through Wootton Bridge is easily the busiest and least interesting section of the route. It's best just to get clear of the traffic as quickly as possible and push on to Cowes. Which was made easier by the heavy rain shower we suffered shortly after lunch, it was heads down and pedal. The traffic makes it easy to miss a turning near Ryde and I did it for the 2nd year running unfortunately, but we only had a short return back. The sun came out as we took the chain ferry over the River Medina (free for cyclists). It took us close to the town but bizarrely the route makes you climb uphill away from it to drop down to the esplanade on the other side. Maybe pushing bikes through the pedestrian area might be more interesting. We realised we weren't going to get back to Yarmouth for the 17:15 ferry so we took a 15 minute breather on the beach for a teabreak and/or ice cream/cake. One final steep section at Gurnard and one more up and down and we had the quick rural run back to Yarmouth in time for the 17:55 ferry. Ursula had a second wind which left most of us panting at the back to keep up! It's a real good route but it is a tough 65 miles with over 4000ft of climbing and there aren't many flat sections. It's easy to see why it's used as a charity challenge route. Well done to everyone for achieving a full circuit of the island in an average speed in excess of 12mph. And thanks for supporting the ride and for your great company!
Distance: 107.33 km (66.69 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/103460
Where's the rest of the car park gone? David B about to be lost to coastal erosion Removing the flint axe Neil emerges from the mist Ursula and David S are down there somewhere! Toll Gate Café in Bembridge Bembridge Harbour Time for a quick ice cream in Cowes The Old Town Hall in Newtown The ferry home bathed in sunshine
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/112425"
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Tue Sep 14th 2010

Turbo Session

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: 17 The Causeway, East Hanney, OX12 0JN
Description: Group turbo trainer sessions to try to maintain those fitness levels. There are two club turbo trainers that club members can use for the session. You can expect the cycling time, including warm-up and cool-down, to last 60 minutes, and that you'll get a very good workout to keep your body ticking over during the winter period. Space is limited so please contact Ginny directly if you'd like to find out more about the sessions or to book a slot.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Robertson Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Maurice Bawden Neil Warner Richard Preece Tony Smith Riders = 9 Report: The first two sessions got off to a flying start with nine of us all finding our "turbo legs". We are gradually getting used to our new venue and working out how to best manage it. So far so good. We are particularly missing Marc (whose father is ill ) and "The Boys" we hope they will return at some point. Also where have Michael and Adrian gone they seemed enthusiatic to join us?
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?id=523"
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Sun Sep 19th 2010

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Monthly 80-100km all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, riding pace 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Our traditional all-day touring ride, this month meeting with CTC Oxford City and Witney for a joint ride. Flattish route with coffee at Aston Pottery (dep 11am) and pub lunch at the Victoria in Eastleach (dep 1:30pm-ish). We'll be taking the direct route to Aston via Buckland, Tadpole Bridge and along Great Brook. On to Black Bourton, Alvescot and Filkins. Returning from Eastleach via Southrop - with final route back to be decided on the day. Distance will be about 50 miles. Riders welcome to ride with us to or meet us at coffee.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Helen Beane John Holding Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Robert Shaw Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Steven Rogers Tony Smith Riders = 12 Report: 8 of us set out from the Market Place on an overcast and breezy Autumnal morning. We took the direct route to Aston Pottery, via Charney Bassett, Buckland and the great brook, making good speed into the wind. We arrived in just under an hour to find 10 bikes already lined up outside the cafe; 8 from Oxford and 2 independent riders had already arrived for coffee. After a leisurely break, 2 Oxford riders and Maurice headed home while 15 of us continued into the Cotswolds. Helen took a fairly direct route to Eastleach through Bampton, Black Bourton, Alvescot and Filkins. We arrived at the Victoria at 12:10 and received very prompt service for lunch. The food was excellent and the terrace was sufficiently sheltered for us to sit outside, despite the breeze. Tony phoned from Rowstock at 11:45 to say he was on his way and managed to reach us by 1:30 just as we were preparing to leave. We gave him just enough time to use the facilities and refill his water bottles before we set off. I led the afternoon stretch. We had decided to ride together as far as Hatford. One rider decided to lead off in the wrong direction leading to some confusion, but eventually we all regrouped and continued together. We took a more southerly loop back via Little Faringdon, Langford and Grafton to cross the Thames at Radcot Bridge (shortly after we met Brian). Then it was up into the Vale via Thrupp to Littleworth and over the hideaway to Hatford. Here we said our goodbyes, with Oxford folk turning left while Wantage folk turned right towards Shellingford. It was hard work into the wind and I was more than happy to tuck in behind Tony’s wheel as he and Ginny led the group westwards as far as Fernham. Then relief as we turned north to Uffington and tea. We enjoyed the excellent tea and cake (including gluten-free biscuits) in the church and then the tailwind back across the Vale to Grove. It was an excellent day out and a successful joint ride, 21 riders in all. There was a good balance between the two groups and it was nice to meet some new faces from Oxford. Steve S
Distance: 88.51 km (55.00 mi)
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Tue Sep 21st 2010

Turbo Session

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: 17 The Causeway, East Hanney, OX12 0JN
Description: Group turbo trainer sessions to try to maintain those fitness levels. There are two club turbo trainers that club members can use for the session. You can expect the cycling time, including warm-up and cool-down, to last 60 minutes, and that you'll get a very good workout to keep your body ticking over during the winter period. Space is limited so please contact Ginny directly if you'd like to find out more about the sessions or to book a slot.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Robertson Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Maurice Bawden Neil Warner Richard Preece Tony Smith Riders = 9 Report: The first two sessions got off to a flying start with nine of us all finding our "turbo legs". We are gradually getting used to our new venue and working out how to best manage it. So far so good. We are particularly missing Marc (whose father is ill ) and "The Boys" we hope they will return at some point. Also where have Michael and Adrian gone they seemed enthusiatic to join us?
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?id=523"
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Sat Sep 25th 2010

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 45-55km (30 - 40 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, at a riding pace of ~18km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. This months ride will head out to Lockinge via Lains Barn, picking up NCN 44 to Ginge, East Hendred, Steventon, East and West Hanney, Fyfield, Netherton, Hinton Waldrist, Pusey, Charney Bassett, Lyford, Denchworth, Old Mill Hall. Choice of tea stop at Q Gardens Milton Hill, or Cornerstone Coffee Shop at the end of ride. We can decide on the day ! Distance approx 32 miles (52 kms)
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cullen Barry Gills Brian Hipwell David Smith Glen Savegar Liz Buckle Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Mitchell Purvis Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 14 Report: Firstly my apologies for deciding (last minute !) to ride the route in reverse to that advertised. Really glad I did though A very enjoyable gentle pace heading north to Hinton Waldrist, before a 180 degree turn to Hanney and Cow Lane to Steventon. Having made good time and running a little early for tea, a short detour of Steventon village seemed like a nice idea. Stopping at the railway crossing (twice !) to watch the trains whizz by gave everyone a chance to gather breath and look forward to the excellent tea at Q Gardens. Before and during tea the puncture pixies decided to pay a visit to 2 seperate tyres. After a short delay we were re-grouped and climbing the hill through Hendred village to pick up with the cycle route to Ginge and Lockinge, pausing for a photo on the green. All that remained now was a gentle return home by way of Lains Barn. A very pleasant afternoon ! Thanks everyone. Glen S
Distance: 51.50 km (32.00 mi)
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Tue Sep 28th 2010

Turbo Session

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: 17 The Causeway, East Hanney, OX12 0JN
Description: Group turbo trainer sessions to try to maintain those fitness levels. There are two club turbo trainers that club members can use for the session. You can expect the cycling time, including warm-up and cool-down, to last 60 minutes, and that you'll get a very good workout to keep your body ticking over during the winter period. Space is limited so please contact Ginny directly if you'd like to find out more about the sessions or to book a slot.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Robertson Maurice Bawden Riders = 3 Report: Somewhat diminished crew tonight! Well done Amanda, Andy and Maurice for riding. Ginny and Des on their feet but at least present with Richard also in sick bay. Neil busy but dropped in to deliver the fans and goodies (thank you), Tony in bed (!) and Jon on a jolly in London – well I never! Let's hope we do better next week.
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?id=523"
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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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