Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Oct 2nd 2010

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 60-70km (38 - 45 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-22km/h (13-14mph). Likely to visit distant destinations. Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. This months ride will head to Lechlade for tea, with Faringdon as a shorter option if the weather is not so good ! Planned route leaving 0ld Mill Hall will be Letcombe Regis and Letcombe Bassett, Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot, Kingston Lisle, Fawler, Uffington, Fernham, Coxwells, Coleshill, Lechlade, (Black Cat Tearoom) . Return will follow a direct route via Buscot to Faringdon, then Fernham, Baulking, Goosey, Denchworth, returning to Old Mill Hall. A little short of 43 miles (69 kms approx)
Riders: Amanda Seddon David Bridge David Smith Glen Savegar John Talbot John Tranter Richard Preece Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: Well I do seem to have had a fair share of luck with the weather on all of the rides I have led so far this season ! Setting out from Old Mill Hall into a strong breeze and negotiating the randomly positioned delights of the cycle path/main road to camel crossroads, we were soon in the lovely downland countryside and navigating through the Letcombes. Climbing Coleshill from Great Coxwell Tythe Barn somehow felt much easier than the usual Highworth approach. Certainly to these legs anyway Arriving at Lechlade just a little after 3.00pm as planned, we were soon enjoying a welcome break at the Black Cat Tearooms. Having tackled most of the hilly bits on the outward journey, all that remained was an easy and direct 6 or so miles back to Faringdon, followed by a very pleasant final leg on peaceful lanes with fab views across to White Horse Hill, saying goodbye at the Baulking junction to Amanda for Stanford in the Vale. A gentle final stretch followed through Goosey and Denchworth, arriving back to Old Mill Hall for 5.15pm. A lovely afternoon on the bike ! Thanks everyone for your excellent company Glen S
Distance: 68.43 km (42.52 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/51377521
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Sun Oct 3rd 2010

Bike Blenheim Palace 2010 - CANCELLED	2*

Leader: Neil Warner	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Ride out to the Bike Bleheim Palace 2010 event . An all day event but a nice long rest at the show to enjoy the event. Food available at Blenheim but it can involve long queues. Veggie options v limited and they ran out of tea last year! I will be taking a picnic. Usually cheaper to book tickets online here:http://regonline.activeeurope.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?eventid=802540
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: Sadly, Neil's bad weather jinx hit again!
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Tue Oct 5th 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: Andrew Robertson Ginny Henderson Neil Warner Tony Smith Riders = 4 Report: Ginny, Tony, Andy, Neil (Maurice ill, Des recovering, Jon and Amanda away and Richard fallen by the wayside with family commitments - we miss him !).
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?id=523"
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Fri Oct 8th 2010 to Sun Oct 10th 2010

Weekend in Wales - Brecon Beacons

Leader: Angela Sanders	Start Time: 8:00 pm	Start Location: Danywenallt YHA, Talybont on Usk
Description: Sign up now for a weekend of cycling and enjoyment of the beautiful Welsh countryside. Staying at Danywenallt YHA, Talybont on Usk, Nr Brecon a beautiful converted Welsh farm house set in the rolling Brecon Beacons. Arrive Friday night for a 9.30 am start on Saturday to ride 52 miles/83km to Llanthony Priory and Gospel Pass (542m) and Hay on Wye. Details of the routes can be downloaded from: http://tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk/cyclebreakswales/ALLMaps/BreconMapE.pdf Saturday evening there will be a 3 course meal at the hostel. On Sunday we will do the hilly 4 Castles ride 32 miles (50km) on a circular route starting at Abergavenny. The route links Abergavenny Castle, Skenfrith Castle, Grosmont Castle and White Castle together. There are 12 places available for this weekend and booking need to be made with payment in full by Friday 3 September 2010. The cost of the weekend for 2 night bed and breakfast and one evening meal is UKP 55.00. To book your place contact Angela Sanders 01235 765059 or 07901 543054
Proposed Route: http://tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk/cyclebreakswales/ALLMaps/BreconMapE.pdf"
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Sat Oct 9th 2010

Brecons - Day 1	3*

Leader: Angela Sanders	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Talybont on Usk
Description: TBC
Riders: Angela Sanders Bryan Charleston Carin Tranter Chris Walters David Bridge Derek Boutle Janet Charleston John Tranter Steve Sanders Riders = 9 Report: Thanks to Angela for arranging this wonderful weekend away, I am sure Steve made a significant contribution too. The weather forecast looked promising for a mid-October weekend, so buoyed with optimism we arranged to meet at Talybont youth hostel on Friday night. During the course of the weekend we started to wonder whether the theme was murder mystery rather than a cycling trip, numbers dwindled for a range of reasons. The first to drop out through injury was Des, who didn’t even attempt the trip to Wales. Tony made it to within 20 miles of the venue on Friday night, then his car decided to die and they were both repatriated to Oxfordshire. This left 7 riders and Carin to settle down for the evening on Friday night. The next morning Chris joined us for the 9.30 start, it must have been an early start from Hungerford. It wasn’t raining but we started the ride in heavy mist with threats of high winds on top of the mountain. A gentle downhill to Crickhowell was followed by a stiff warm up climb, followed by undulations to Llanthony Priory. We initially planned to stop at the priory for lunch but it was only 10.30 so we stopped for tea, took some photos and decided we may extend the route to Hay-on-Wye for a lunch stop. The climb up to Hay bluff from Chapel-Y-Ffin is always challenging with the gradient approaching 20%, however the wind was behind us and gaining in strength as we climbed. There was no view from the top, we were in cloud and very fast moving cloud. The side wind was quite strong as we descended to the point where Chris decided to stick to the original route and leave us. From then on, along the ridge, the wind was ferocious, strange watching the rider ahead leaning at 30 degrees yet still moving forward. We turned left off the ridge, downhill with a 50 mph wind behind, we literally flew down to Hay in no time. John arranged a lunch time rendezvous with Carin who was shopping for books. Lunch was great and good value. Afterwards we continued to head south over a few up and downs. At the top of one hill we finally had a splendid view over Llangorse Lake. Fast moving shafts of sunlight penetrated the thick cloud and illuminated patches of the valley like a scene from the film “Close encounters of the third kind”. Riders going missing, alien space ships, spooky. We arrived back at the youth hostel just before 4.00pm, a good days riding, some people spent time cleaning, fettling and lubricating their bikes. The sensible ones had a shower, cup of tea and cake. The pre-ordered dinner at the youth hostel in the evening was excellent, washed down with a very reasonably priced Malbec or Rioja. The conversation was lively, swapping tales and gentle banter. During dessert Angela recounted an overheard conversation between a bishop and a thespian “this tart takes some getting into”. Everyone was understandably tired and bid their farewells for the evening by 10.00pm.
Distance: 93.34 km (58.00 mi)
David cresting the first hill Steve and derek approach the priory Followed by Chris and John, Angela, David and Janet Group photo at the Priory
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Sun Oct 10th 2010

Brecons - Day 2	3*

Leader: Angela Sanders	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Talybont on Usk
Description: Another attempt at the Four Castles circular ride out of Abergavenny. Last year this was a wash out as torrential rain forced us to cut it short. Even then, we had a strong idea that the rather low-key leaflet from Tourist Information was seriously underestimating the severity of the ride. We will see...
Riders: Angela Sanders Bryan Charleston David Bridge Derek Boutle Janet Charleston John Tranter Steve Sanders Riders = 7 Report: A much better day than last year (and the day before) - the early fog burnt off and conditions were very pleasant. However, our suspicions about the leaflet (extract attached) were confirmed. What Monmouthshire County Council calls "not particularly difficult" turned out to be one of the hardest 30 mile rides any of us could remember! Constant sharp hills meant we completed 3,000 feet of climbing. We can only assume they got Geraint Thomas to assess the route. True to the overall theme of the weekend (strange diminishing of numbers) see attached series of photos taken at each of the Castles in question. Clearly keeping the Welsh under control was a serious business back in the day... Thanks to all for a thoroughly enjoyable and pleasant weekend away - a true CTC touring experience!
Distance: 54.72 km (34.00 mi)
A misleading leaflet... Catle 1 - White Castle Mysterious wood carving Castle 2 - Skenfrith (with bike rack) Castle 2 - Skenfrith Castle 3 - Grosmont Castle 3 - Grosmont (Steve leads an assault over the drawbridge) Castle 4 - Abergavenny
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Tue Oct 12th 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 Neil Warner Tony Smith Riders = 7 Report: We are all still having a nice time.
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?id=523"
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Sun Oct 17th 2010

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Des Higgs	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. Downsroad to Shrivenham, Sevenhampton, Stanton Fitzwarren, Hannington, Castle Eaton, Down Ampney, Cerney Wick, Ashton Keynes to CRICKLADE LUNCH. Latton, Down Ampney, Meysey, Hampton, Quennington, Lechlade, Coleshill, Great Coxwell, Little Coxwell, Fernham, Baulking, Goosey, Denchworth, Grove, Wantage.
Riders: Adrian West Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Neil Warner Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: A glorious day to be out on the bike and a lovely route. It was a long one... Well done to Adrian on completing his first 3* ride and his first 100km ride in the process.
Distance: 112.65 km (70.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=185310"
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Written by : Adrian West

Posted on : October 18, 2010 at 2:28 PM

I really enjoyed this ride and it is the longest ride I have ever done, roughly 70 miles I think?
A nice route through 3 counties stopping for lunch at a lovely cafe in Cricklade.
I thoroughly enjoyed the day, even when fatigued and will do it again. Thanks to Des for leading the ride and the good company with the other riders.

Written by : Owen Killmister

Posted on : November 3, 2010 at 10:39 PM

I got to the market square at before 9:35, having driven through 15 mins earlier. Nobody was there on either occasion. Was there a different meeting time, or did you meet and set off very, very punctually? Would have loved to join you!

Written by : Chris Walters

Posted on : November 12, 2010 at 9:43 AM

Hi Owen, I've checked with Des, and you may have got the location wrong - the riders were definitely there until 09:35 before setting off, and there will have been someone there from around 09:20 too. Get in touch via the contact tab if I can help further.

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: The Greyhound, Letcombe Bassett
Description: AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence. 2. Minutes of the last AGM, held on 19th October 2009. (Glenn) 3. Matters arising from the minutes of the last AGM. 4. Chairperson’s report for the year. (John) 5. Rides Secretary’s report for the year. (Chris) 6. Treasurer’s report for the year. (Peter) 7. Membership report for the year. (John) 8. CTC Oxfordshire report. (Steve S) 9. Election of officers. ROLE - NOMINEES Chairman/Welfare - John Tranter Secretary - Glenn Savegar Treasurer - Peter Busby Membership - John Tranter Rides Secretary/Programme - Chris Walters Publicity and Development - Steve Boreham CTC Oxfordshire Representative - Open for nomination 10. AOB. 11. Date and time of next (new) Committee meeting. 12. Buffet and Social.
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Bridge Des Higgs Ginny Henderson Glen Savegar Henk Altmann (deceased) John Stamp John Talbot John Tranter Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Neil Warner Pat Hurt Paul Ryan Peter Busby Richard Preece Richard Ryan Robert Ryan Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tony Smith Riders = 22 Report:
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/CTC-Wantage-AGM-Agenda-2010.pdf"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Hinton Waldrist Village Hall
Description: This year's CTC Oxfordshire AGM is being held on Saturday 30 October, starting at 11:00 at the Village Hall, High Street, Hinton Waldrist , SN7 8RN (Grid Ref SU 377987). This is your chance to hear about CTC activities in Oxfordshire over the last year, influence plans for next year, have your say about how CTC Oxfordshire is run and potentially to get involved. All CTC members in Oxfordshire including members of City, Isis, Midweek, Wantage and Witney groups are very welcome to attend. Coffee & tea will be available; please bring a picnic if you would like to stay for a chat over lunch afterwards.
Riders: Eve Thornton Helen Beane John Bridgman John Holding Mavis Rose Pat Hurt Peter Hallowell Phil Wray Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Vera Friend Riders = 11 Report: 14 members from across the Oxfordshire groups attended this year's AGM. We were pleased to welcome our local (Oxford-based) CTC Councillor, Graham Smith. There was a healthy level of discussion over the various Officer's reports, all of which will be posted on the Oxfordshire website in due course. In particular, concerning the star-rating system adopted by Wantage and its applicability to other groups. The new CTC Oxfordshire committee is as follows: Chairman/Right to ride rep/City rep - James Dawton Secretary - Steve Swanton Treasurer/Midweek Rep - Peter Hallowell Registrar/Minutes taker - Helen Beane Welfare Officer - Phil Wray Promotions Officer/Webmaster - Richard Morris Wantage rep - Neil Warner Witney rep - Jon Gammage plus Deputy webmaster - Stephen Lee (non-committee) Thanks to all of those who came along. Everyone contributed - much appreciated.
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