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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: For our second 10-mile club ride of the year, we'll be riding to Lyford, where we'll stop to look at the church, before continuing on to West Hanney. We'll return to Grove via Denchworth, a total distance of about 10 miles. These rides are designed to be sociable and leisurely at a riding pace of about 10 miles per hour, suitable for newcomers to cycling, irregular cyclists and families and for those who just fancy a gentle ride . We'll stop to admire the scenery and anything that takes our eye, and no-one will be left behind. All are welcome although U-13s should be accompanied by a responsible adult .
Riders: Glen Savegar Helen Box Lorna Swanton Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: A gloriously sunny and clear evening saw 5 out on the 10-mile club ride. After a brief stop in Denchworth to pump up a flagging tyre, we continued according to plan to Lyford, turning off the main through-road to the centre of the village and the small church. We found the church to be open and spent 10 minutes or so investigating the interior. Continuing to West Hanney, there were lovely views southwards to the Downs. We stopped briefly on the village green and admired the blossom on the surrounding trees, before pedalling gently back to Grove.
Distance: 16.90 km (10.50 mi)
The Green, West Hanney. Time to pause and enjoy the moment !
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Leader: Adrian West	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 60-70km (38 - 45 miles) 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.
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Bridge David Roberts David Smith Frank Schroer Ginny Henderson Jenny Williamson John Tranter Lucia Singer Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Tony Smith Riders = 13 Report: My first trip out as ride leader for a Saturday afternoon 3* ride and what a ride it was! A very good turnout and the weather was kind to us with no rain and a mild headwind in places. Due to my limited local knowledge there were one or 2 slight deviations from the planned route, but other riders were very helpful in getting the ride going in the right direction. After an hour or two of riding we arrived at our tea stop at Newington Nurseries near Stadhampton, which was very pleasnt in semi tropical surroundings. After a nice long break we undewent the final journey back towards Grove, where we were unlucky enough to encounter quite a lot of idiot drivers. They were all out on this ride At Steventon the group split into two different rides after some local riders made their way home. One slower to accompany Steve who unfortuately had knee pain and a smaller faster group who participated in a little group ride/ in and out/ pace training via the scenic route from Hanney through Denchworth and then back to Grove. Thanks to everyone who came on this ride, I enjoyed it very much and I hope everyone else did too.
Distance: 82.90 km (51.51 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/84105263
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=225252"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: Stoke Row (SU 678 841)
Description: Or maybe it should be " Spot the last of the bluebells" as everything has been so early this year... This will be a 1*/2* easy-paced ride of about 23 miles with some ups and downs, a refreshment stop and a stroll in Cowleaze Wood (site of the former Chilterns Sculpture Trail) to see (any remaining) bluebells there We'll meet in front of the Maharajah's Well in Stoke Row and first make a loop southwards through the woodland around Checkendon before riding northwards through Nuffield, Cookley Green, past Christmas Common and on to Cowleaze Wood (15 miles). We'll stop for refreshments (please bring your own) and spend some time exploring the woods. We'll return by the same route to Cookley Green and complete a more easterly loop back to Stoke Row via Nettlebed. We should be back before 5pm. Please let Steve know you are planning to come. On the day his mobile no. will be 07857 527990.
Riders: David Bridge Lorna Swanton Mavis Rose Michael Tayler Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 7 Report: The Quiet Lanes through the Chiltern beechwoods made for a refreshing change from cycling the open spaces of Vale, although in places the road surfaces were rather poor. However, we were not hurrying and there was time to take in our surroundings and avoid the potholes. After stopping briefly to admire the Maharajah’s Well, we first headed south, descending steadily through the woods towards Gallowtree Common. Inevitably there followed a climb, but a steady gentle one, back up to Checkendon. When the sun came out, it even felt warm. It stayed dry on our outward leg, although beyond Christmas Common the road was wet from a recent shower. We stopped as planned on the picnic area at the north end of Cowleaze Wood, for a picnic without tea (we forgot the thermos). While some had a rest, others had a brief stroll in the woods to see what remained of the bluebells – there were still a few. If only they hadn’t been 2 weeks early! After our stop, the temperature had dropped and we could see rain approaching from the west. We were unable to avoid it, but managed to pull off at a convenient junction to don our cagoules just as the heavens opened. Cycling towards Nettlebed on the B481, there were dark dry tunnels under the trees between (very) wet light open stretches. Steve Q, who’d cycled to the start, decided to turn off towards Wallingford and Didcot from Nettlebed, while the rest of us continued downhill to Highmoor Cross. With wet hands and open-fingered gloves, the descent was perishing! The sting in the tail of the ride was the final climb back up to Stoke Row from the bottom of Witheridge Hill, but everyone took it steadily in low gear, the rain stopped and it warmed us up. Back to Stoke Row slightly later than planned at 5:20, it had been an enjoyable ride and afternoon out. Thanks to all for coming. Steve P.S. Michael discovered that there is a very convenient car park behind the village hall in Stoke Row, almost opposite the well, which makes a good starting point for a car-assisted ride. P.P.S. Ironically, after a year since coming this way, like London buses, Nick’s ride the following day also passed through Stoke Row...
Distance: 37.82 km (23.50 mi)
The Maharajah's Well at Stoke Row Inspecting the workings... The last of the bluebells Our picnic
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Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This will be our longest ride of the season so far - a flat ride of about 14 miles to Stanford in the Vale. We'll head out via Denchworth, Charney Bassett and Gainfield and return, after a short stretch along A417 with left turns only, via Park Lane... The ride is longer this week to allow those that want to try an easy 2* ride next week to build up to it. These rides are designed to be sociable and leisurely at a riding pace of about 10 miles per hour, suitable for newcomers to cycling, irregular cyclists and families and for those who just fancy a gentle ride . We'll stop to admire the scenery and anything that takes our eye, and no-one will be left behind. All are welcome although U-13s should be accompanied by a responsible adult .
Riders: Chloe Tucker David Smith John Stamp Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: An excellent ride with a strong performance from our youngest rider. We stopped to discuss what we thought was a spiders web covered hedgerow between Charney Basset & Gainfield, but it seems we were wrong: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/natureuk/2010/06/can-you-explain-this-web-pheno.shtml
Distance: 22.30 km (13.86 mi)
Web on the hedge Admiring the web
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=243709"
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Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 2* off-road ride - knobbly tyres required. The plan is a gentle 14 mile (22km) loop, up to The Ridgeway and back down again. But, the ride will be tailored to those who come and to the weather.
Riders: David Yearley Helen Box John Tranter Mila Yearley Olly Swadling Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Report: The first ride I've led, so we were a bit later than the other groups starting. We crossed the A338 and went along Crabhill Lane to Charlton. Then through the Lockinges and Ardington to East Ginge where we made the biggest climb of the ride up to the Ridgeway. A couple of miles back west and we were ready for the descent we'd earned - along Goddard's Brook 'as fast as you like'. The dry weather made this a great run. Then back the way we came. I think all 7 of us enjoyed it - I had several requests to do similar routes on future Tuesdays. And look out for some weekend off-road rides too. Robin
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
Up on the Ridgeway - just after the climb ... and some more.
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Benson
Description: An opportunity to ride 100 miles taking in some less familiar territory in West Berkshire and North Hampshire (and we'll just touch Wiltshire too). Riders are very welcome to join us for some or all of the ride by prior arrangement and to make up their own personal century if they wish. We'll maintain a steady pace of 12-13mph. The main stops with approximate timings are: Start: Benson village hall 8am (prompt please) Coffee: Hilliers Garden centre, Hermitage (27.5 miles) 10:15-11:00 Lunch: Crown & Garter, Inkpen Common (52.7 miles) 13:30-14:30 Tea: Chez Swanton, Grove (76 miles) 16:30-17:15 End: Benson (102 miles) 19:15-19:30 The plan is to follow a clockwise route through the Chilterns, dropping down to the Thames at Pangbourne and following the Pang Valley up to Hermitage. We'll ride around Thatcham, down to Kingslere and cycle west along the foot of Watership Down and the North Downs to Inkpen. From Inkpen we'll turn north-ish returning to Oxfordshire by way of Hungerford , Chilton Foliat and Lambourn. From Grove, the last stretch is across the Vale via East Hendred, Milton, Culham and Chiselhampton. Be preapared for a long day in the saddle and something approaching 1000m of ups and downs.
Riders: Adrian West David Smith Des Higgs Iain Kent James Wigmore Peter Hallowell Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: Epic! Five hardy riders completed the century. Due to the windy conditions it was one of the toughest club rides I've ever done and one of the most satisfying to have led. Thanks to Adrian, Dave, Des and Peter for their excellent company during the day. It was good to have Ursula, Iain and James along on the first part as well. Some pictures of the day below. Fuller report (and stats) to follow.
Distance: 164.15 km (102.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/clickThrough/embed/88413984
Nearing the top of the climb into the Chilterns Adrian eating banana in the shelter of a tree Half-way and still smiling ...and still a long way to go! Catching up with Team Lambourn en route to Crooked Soley A rest on the railway embankment at Upton
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Written by : John Tranter Posted on : May 23, 2011 at 6:22 PM

Wow! I am in awe of this achievement - well done to the centurians. In that wind, that was a great ride.

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The Hanney Explorer - about 11 miles. Tonight we'll explore some hidden corners of East Hanney and if conditions permit we'll follow some easy off-road tracks as well. We'll ride out to West Hanney by way of Denchworth and continue on to the beautiful village of East Hanney. We'll explore some of the quiet backlanes and if dry complete a circuit of the village by way of a track. We'll return to Denchworth from West Hanney following a track across the fields with fantastic views all around. These rides are designed to be sociable and leisurely at a riding pace of about 10 miles per hour, suitable for newcomers to cycling, irregular cyclists and families and for those who just fancy a gentle ride . We'll stop to admire the scenery and anything that takes our eye, and no-one will be left behind. All are welcome although U-13s should be accompanied by a responsible adult .
Riders: Camilla Romaine Helen Box Jasmine Tucker John Stamp Kerry Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: A warm welcome to Jasmine and Camilla on their first evening rides. We set off with the 2* group and it was great to be part of a large 'peleton' heading out to Denchworth. The groups split there and our ride then carried on to West Hanney, where we stopped for a breather by the church. We continued on to East Hanney and wound our way through the village to the old mill. Here we picked up the first bridleway - bone dry and a little lumpy in one or two places but easily manageable by all. It was then back to West Hanney and onto the second track, across the fields to Denchworth. This is a lovely route and now pleasant to ride again (most ofthe hardcore that was put down last summer has now compacted down under the farm vehicles that use it). We stopped at the crest of the climb to enjoy the views . We saw the 3* group flash past as we arrived in Denchworth; we enjoyed a more leisurely ride back in the evening sunshine. Back at 8pm, thanks to all for an enjoyable ride.
Distance: 16.58 km (10.30 mi)
A rest by Hanney mill The full 10-miler(s) Some easy off-road On the Hanney-Denchworth track
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Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: It has been my ambition for some time to work out a route into the centre of Oxford - finally, this is it! Thanks to Kevin Fairs for some breakthrough advice. Nice, easy pace through Charney Bassett, Appleton and Cumnor, down the hill to Botley. Then the cunning entry to Oxford via underpasses and bike tracks (suitable for all bikes - I recce'd it on my carbon super-bike). Tea stop in the heart of the city, opposite Christchurch on St Aldates. Then along the river path to Iffley, Kennington and back via Sunningwell and Fyfield. 40 miles - a longer 2* ride, but easy terrain and an easy pace. Don't miss this one!
Riders: Adrian West Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Iain Kent John Tranter Michael Tayler Paula Tansley Richard Divall Richard Shackleton Sarah Shackleton Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 14 Report: The weather was threatening as we set off, but apart from a bit of misty drizzle early on, we were able to stay dry. The ride went according to plan and I think the secret entry to Oxford city centre was a great success. Thanks to the verger team of St Aldates church and to Carin's cake making skills for a fun tea stop at the church. Congratulations to all the riders - I was a little worried that the distance combined with the windy conditions would be challenging, but you all proved more than capable. Look out for some more cunning Oxford specials later in the summer.
Distance: 67.59 km (42.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/89320924
About to enter Oxford... Largest cafe ever! On St Aldates Cycling out of Oxford On the Thames towpath NCN route 5 at Kennington
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Written by : Iain Kent Posted on : May 29, 2011 at 9:53 PM

Very interesting route into Oxford, just got to try and remember it now! Great Tea stop and thank you to Carin for the Cakes! All in all a very enjoyable ride. Iain

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: A big offroad ride - 35 to 40 miles (~60km) with plenty of ups and downs (if it is raining we can shorten it). Proper offroad bikes with knobbly tyres will be needed, and be sure to bring snacks, some lunch and plenty to drink. We won't rush of do anything crazy though, so as long as you enjoy a long ride, you'll have a great time! We'll climb out of Wantage onto the Ridgeway, going first West then South to Lambourn. Then we'll undulate our way East, taking in some favourite tracks, stopping for lunch at some point and eventually climbing back to the Ridgeway near the A34. Then down to Chilton and a mix of bridleways and quiet roads back to Wantage.
Riders: Robert Shaw Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Report: Maybe it was the weather (grey clouds and wind) maybe it was the Bank Holiday or maybe it was the distance, but only Rob came to accompany me on this one. That did make it easy to keep track of everyone though. On the way to Lambourn it was slightly against the wind, but not really a problem. Then we headed West and it was up and down, up and down, up and down. Good fun but tiring. We stopped for lunch and noted several very nice houses - the kind that are passed on rather than sold. Then my favourite part of the ride - two sections of slightly downhill singletrack, one mostly straight with a few obstacles and puddles to avoid and the other very twisty-turny (start at 458804 end at 48581. The trails were dry and last week's rain had removed the dust - so rolling was easy and grip plentiful. Climbed back to the Ridgeway for a second lunch: "after all, it isn't a race" we agreed. Then down again through Chilton, on to the Sustrans route and the straight on. Against the wind now, but it wasn't as bad as we feared, and though the clouds were still dark they hadn't delivered more than a few drops of rain. We got back to Wantage at 2:30, with tired legs and a certain amount of smugness for having called the weather's bluff to enjoy a great ride.
Distance: 61.16 km (38.00 mi)
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WMP
Wantage Market Place

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Old Mill Hall, Grove

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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.

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