Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Aug 2nd 2011

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The Ridgeway Trio - 39km with some lumpy bits! Out via Letcombes, Hackpen, Seven Barrows and Blowingstone, back up Hackpen from Sparsholt and return via the Letcombes. Three ascents up to the Ridgeway - bring plenty of water - it's going to be a hot one!
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Ryan Frank Schroer Jenny Williamson John Tranter Paul Jarvis Paul Ryan Robert Ryan Sarah Shackleton Riders = 10 Report: Driving over the Ridgeway, it was clear that the sultry conditions earlier in the day were not going to last. We hadn't got out of Old Mill Hall before the heavens opened. And once you're wet, it doesn't matter any more, so we ploughed on through deep standing water and streams flowing down the side of the road. Just before the Letcombes we had the first of the Ryan punctures with Paul dropping out with a flat, only to get as far as the base of Hackpen Hill with David suffering a similar fate. Richard and the sag wagon were summoned. By now the rain was pretty much over and the roads were dry - a quick conflab changed the route as going down Blowingstone Hill with wet brakes and grit on the road isn't a great idea. Did I mention the intensity of the rain in Wantage? I've never before cycled in such a sudden and solid downpour, but at least it wasn't cold too! A trouble-free ascent of Hackpen followed by the fantastic descent towards Childrey went off without incident, and we took the call to head back via Park Lane as the weather was actually quite pleasant by now. True to form, there were a few spots of rain just outside Grove, where funnily enough, there was not much appetite to stop and chat. I'm betting that there will be a few orange chains emerging over the next few days...
Distance: 30.30 km (18.83 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/103706069
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=288975"
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Tue Aug 2nd 2011

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. 25 - 40km. May be hills on some weeks
Riders: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Catherine Wainwright Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill Ginny Henderson Lucy Heneghan Sara Smith Steve Boreham Susan Holdroyd Riders = 10 Report: Our wettest ride so far this season. However it warm we did not need our wet weathert gear.It was quite a refeshing ride however the conensus was to cut the ride short. We managed just over 12 miles with a new rider jioning for the first time.
Distance: 19.96 km (12.40 mi)
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Tue Aug 2nd 2011

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This will be one of the longest 1* rides of the season and is designed to be a slightly harder ride for those who would like to try an easier 2* ride next week. We will head north via Denchworth, Goosey and Charney Bassett to Southmoor, returning via West Hanney and Denchworth, a distance of about 16 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: Daniel Quinn David Smith Graham Quinn Michael Tayler Val Smith Riders = 5 Report: I picked a great night for the longest Tuesday 1* this season! The heavens opened as we were heading towards the railway bridge on the way to Denchworth and rained solidly for a good 15 minutes. We passed most of the 2* group sheltering under a hedge. The rest of the ride passed off without incident but we did pause to watch a deer bounding through the crops and to look at the full arch of a rainbow. Welcome to Daniel & Graham an excellent effort on your first outing with us. Thanks to Michael for sweeping.
Distance: 26.15 km (16.25 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=284968"
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Sat Aug 6th 2011

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quite hilly - 68km. Denchworth, Goosey, Kingston Lisle, Bishopstone, Shrivenham, Sevenhampton, TEA STOP TWELVE OAKS GOLF COURSE. Return via Coleshill, Faringdon, Thrupp, Littleworth,Hatford, SITV, Denchworth, Grove.
Riders: Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith Derek Boutle Des Higgs Frank Schroer Ginny Henderson Iain Kent Jan McCabe John Talbot Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Tony Smith Ursula Hallam Riders = 14 Report:
Distance: 79.30 km (49.27 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/104452717
Twelve Oaks Golf Club
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=288996"
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Tue Aug 9th 2011

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Iain Kent	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A simple out and back route to Bampton tonight with a loop via Aston for added interest. Heading out and returning via Denchworth, Charney Bassett, Gainfield and Buckland. Only one climb around Buckland so the pace should be reasonably fast, hoping to finish with an average of 16-17mph depending on the group. Slightly longer than usual (26 miles) so hope to get a prompt start.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith David Yearley Des Higgs Frank Schroer Iain Kent Jenny Williamson John Tranter Mike Pinches Mila Yearley Phil Stubbings Riders = 13 Report: 13 riders headed out to Bampton on a warm and sunny evening. The gradual climb up to Buckland was longer than I remembered it and facing a reasonable North Westerly the pace had to ease off slightly. Following this the descent into Bampton was enjoyed by all! The loop via Aston explored little visited single track lanes (hence the potholes!) which were car free. Several riders attacked the hill back towards Buckland and a good pace with a compact group was achieved back into Denchworth. The usual fun was had with the sprint back into Grove with Chris, Frank and Mike on excellent form! 15.7mph average tonight over 26 miles which is so far the longest of the Tuesday night series. Well done to Adrian making it back into the 3* fold and to Mila for hanging on!
Distance: 41.84 km (26.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/105262626
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/574785"
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Tue Aug 9th 2011

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. 25 - 40km. May be hills on some weeks
Riders: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Ginny Henderson Lucy Heneghan Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Paula Tansley Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Report: we welcomed a vistor from Germany on the 2 *ride this evening a colleauge of Andy Cowan by the name of Daniel Malhke. He was an accomplished cyclist and enjoyed the ride. We completed 22.6 miles this evening weaving under a tunnel by the A420 between Oxford and Kingston Bagpuize and then back over the bridge from Longcott to Southmoor and heading back to Grove through Charney Bassett and Denchworth. A fairly fast ride with a fair wind to help us.
Distance: 36.37 km (22.60 mi)
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Tue Aug 9th 2011

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: John Stamp	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A pleasant 9 mile ride generally on the level incorporating tarmac and farmer’s track. Leave Grove on A338, left after railway bridge, towards Grove sewage works; track to West Hanney. Loop around East Hanney and back via Denchworth. - all welcome! 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: Daniel Quinn Graham Quinn John Stamp Luke Smith Steve Burr Riders = 5 Report: It was a lovely evening for a bike ride. No blackberries were spotted on route so good time was made despite travelling a good proportion of the route on farm tracks. By popular request took the track from Hanney to Denchworth; then took the righthand track at the cross roads to rejoin the Hanney to Denchworth Road. A longer ride was requested for next week. Av speed 9mph.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Wed Aug 10th 2011

CTC Oxfordshire Aunt Sally evening

Leader:	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: The Black Horse, Gozzards Ford nr Abingdon
Description: A social evening for members of all CTC groups in Oxfordshire. Good bar food available. No experience necessary! If you've never played before, a chance to have a go at this traditional local game. Please contact Helen Beane on 01865 726750 if you'd like to come along.
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Sat Aug 13th 2011

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A gentle tour, aiming to be useful as well by showing the way to Didcot and back using mostly Sustrans routes. We'll go out via Lockinge, the Harwell Campus and Upton - going into Didcot on a converted railway track with several interesting seats. We'll stop for a drink and snack in Didcot. Then we'll ride round the back of the power station (more pleasant than it sounds!) and back to Grove via Steventon. About 22 miles at a gentle pace. If it is really hot and tiring, I will shorten the route. Bring a drink and small snack (I can carry these if you don't have a bottleholder or bag).
Riders: Chloe Tucker Guy Yeates John Tranter Kerry Tucker Luke Smith Robin Tucker Steve Burr Susan Holdroyd Wendy Yates Riders = 9 Report: I set myself a challenge to introduce people to some new routes with this ride, and I think I succeeded. We left Wantage by a familiar route, on Sustrans 44 through Lockinge and to Harwell. From there it was less well known - climbing Hagborne Hill, with good views, then down into Upton and on to a former railway line into Didcot, punctuated with interesting seats. We meandered up to the Cornerstone Centre and punctuated our own ride with tea and cakes from the cafe there. Although cloudy it was warm enough to sit outside. Then we continued on Sustrans 5 round past Didcot Station. At the top of the windy cyclepath we encountered a dozen plus cyclists coming the other way on an eclectic collection of bikes: Bromptons, Moultons and even a recumbent - the rider of that bike and Guy were both surprised to see another recumbent. This turned out to be the Folding Bike Society on their 'Origami Ride'. (www.foldsoc.co.uk - and based in Steventon which I didn't know despite living there!) We continued past the back of the power station, where I learned that the cooling towers would be coming down when the station closes in 2015. We'll lose a navigation landmark to some and an eyesore to others. We left Sustrans routes at Sutton Courtenay, turning towards Milton Manor and heading into Steventon via a twisty and cobbled bridleway, with a couple of large holes near a stream. This was a tough handling test, particularly for Guy on his recumbent and there was a bit of pushing to see us safely past. After we emerged in Steventon, we took the familiar Hanney Road and A338 back to Grove. A bit of a slog to be honest, with some headwind, I should probably have put in another pause in this section although time was pressing on. But we did make it back at about 6pm for a 25 mile total. For Steve, his longest ride ever - a great achievement!
Distance: 40.23 km (25.00 mi)
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Sun Aug 14th 2011

Tour of Salisbury Plain 115km	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Pewsey Wharf - SN9 5NU - SU 158 610
Description: Hilly ride which will be run at a 3* pace (20-22km/h, 13-14mph) around the perimeter of Salisbury Plain. We will stop for lunch on the way. You'll need to park and then cycle to Pewsey Wharf to start the ride at 09:00 prompt (it is possible to park at Pewsey Wharf, but it is not free). Please contact Chris in advance if you plan to join the ride - it will not be run without support.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters Derek Boutle Des Higgs Paul Jarvis Riders = 5 Report: We started off from Pewsey Wharf into the westerly breeze, noting the white horse at Alton Barnes. It was a pretty uneventful ride, past the white horse at Westbury and down into the beautiful Wylye valley. Lunch was taken in the Royal Oak at Great Wishford - very welcome after 3+ hours riding over pretty undulating terrain. On leaving we found that Des had a puncture, so a quick change happened and we were on our way. The afternoon started with the obligatory hill and then seemed to go upwards nost of the time into a northerly headwind. The last 15km were quite energy-sapping, so arrival back at Pewsey Wharf for a cuppa and cake was not a moment too soon. Special mention to Andy who did his longest ever distance by quite a way - well done. He will sleep sopundly tonight (or even sooner!)
Distance: 115.60 km (71.83 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/106483414
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=71976"
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Tue Aug 16th 2011

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Long, hilly, quick - or any combination! - 35-45km Boars Hill and back. Denchworth, Garford, Marcham, Wootton, Boars Hill, Dry Sandford, Tubney, Fyfield Wick, West Hanney, Denchworth 47km so prompt 6.30pm start please.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan Andy Newell David Ryan David Yearley Des Higgs Jenny Williamson John Talbot Mike Pinches Paul Jarvis Paul Ryan Phil Stubbings Robert Ryan Riders = 14 Report: Fast ride tonight to make the most of the daylight. We had a lovely tailwind out to Wootton so were flying along. Young Robbie Ryan was King of the Mountains up Boar's Hill and got to the top first. Great view across to Oxford bathed in golden evening sunshine before the fast descent back down Foxcombe Hill. A slightly different route back to vary the ride and the wind had completely died away so the feared headwind heading back didn't really materialise. Great riding from the group to keep up the pace over exactly 30 miles distance at 16.7mph average.
Distance: 48.31 km (30.02 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/357594
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/640980"
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Tue Aug 16th 2011

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Geoff Neill	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. 25 - 40km. May be hills on some weeks
Riders: Andy Belcher Geoff Neill Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Val Smith Riders = 6 Report: The ride was 22 miles and went via Denchworth, Goosey up Kingston Lisle hill down the other side to Uffington. Through Uffington and along the B4508 and back to Grove via Charney Bassett.
Distance: 35.41 km (22.00 mi)
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Tue Aug 16th 2011

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A longer but flat ride this week exploring the back lanes to the north-west of Grove. We'll head north to Lyford and Charney Bassett via Denchworth then return back via Park Lane, Goosey and Asti stud. There will be about 1 mile along the A338 but with left-hand turns only. Distance about 13.5 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: Daniel Quinn Graham Quinn John Stamp Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: A lovely bright summer's evening saw 5 of us on the 1* ride. We followed the route as planned, with several stops in the sunshine for refreshments and to enjoy our surroundings. Daniel was having some problems with his chain, which on inspection appeared to be too long. So I have promised to shorten it if he comes along to the Dr Bike session on Saturday... Towards the end of the ride it was starting to cool off as the lanes fell into shadow - a reminder that the evenings are starting to shorten. We got back just before sunset at 8:15 a minute before the 2* and 3* groups. There was a lovely friendly buzz in the air as the groups came together and shared achievements before heading our separate ways. Steve
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Sat Aug 20th 2011

Dr Bike session in Wantage

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Kings Walk, Wantage (outside Sainsbury's)
Description: We'll be offering free bicycle safety checks outside Sainsbury's. Joint event with Sustainable Wantage.
Riders: Des Higgs Geoff Neill Lorna Swanton Neil Warner Nigel Stuckey Robin Tucker Sara Smith Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Report: It was a fine sunny morning when we arrived at 9:45 to find Allan from Sustainable Wantage erecting their large gazebo on the corner of Sainsbury's forecourt opposite Smiths - something we were to appreciate fully later.... Once we'd got ourselves organised, we had a bit of a wait for our first few bikes. But as the town became busier, we started to have a steady stream and by 11:00 had built-up a back-log. We had two inspection teams, Neil and Nigel on one stand and Des and Geoff on the other, using a standard checklist as a basis for a comprehensive safety check. Lorna, Mim (from SW) and I talked with those taking an interest and gently persuaded previously unsuspecting shoppers with bikes to leave their steeds with us for a free check. A number brought their bikes along specially having heard about the event, including 10-year old Harry, the Quinn family, Mim’s family and Adrian with his new Dawes road bike. Neil fulfilled my promise to Daniel from Tuesday by shortening his chain and sorting out his gears. By noon the sky was starting to darken and Robin arrived just as the first drops of rain fell. We just managed to get the stands and our display table under cover before a short downpour. Sara joined shortly after to team up with Robin, relieving Geoff and Nigel. They managed to persuade four young lads to have their stunt bikes tested and Neil had a long conversation with another lad about the best bike lubricants and how to fix disk brakes. Having relented for a while, the rain came back more heavily after 1pm and we only had one bike to check during the last hour (a number who’d said they would come back with their bikes later were evidently put off by the weather). Nevertheless, we inspected 21 bikes, talked to a few dozen folk and gave away most of our CTC ride lists. We all felt that it had been a worthwhile event both for us and Sustainable Wantage. Thanks everyone for your help and enthusiasm. Steve S
Our stand and inspection teams up and running Bike no. 1 One of several Raleigh Twentys we checked Des checked while Geoff recorded Nigel and Neil checking the drive chain Bike no. 21 - with Mim from SW acting as scribe
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Sun Aug 21st 2011

Regular Wantage Ride - note earlier start time	3*

Leader: Neil Warner	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: 100km ride out to the Bike Bleheim Palace 2011 event. An all day event but a nice long rest at the show to enjoy the event. Food is often scarce, so please be self sufficient! You can register for a discounted day pass in advance (£9) at the link below.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Neil Warner Pat Hurt Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: A move to August saw some better weather. Steve came with us as far as Cassington and the rest trolleyed on to the Palace. A much changed clientèle this year little less left field but a great atmosphere non the less. The Brompton World Champs had a record entry and the food and drink was better planned with more smaller stalls spreading the load. We rode back into a headwind and diverted to Millets Farm for tea.
Distance: 86.90 km (54.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5090187
Proposed Route: http://www.bikeblenheimpalace.com/index.html"
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Tue Aug 23rd 2011

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Lights are highly recommended and wet weather gear may be advisable! Generally flat outing with one hill towards the end. Grove, Denchworth, Charney Basset, Gainfield and out to Longcot. Then back via Uffington and Kingston Lisle, Baulking, Goosey, Denchworth & Grove.
Riders: Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith David Yearley Frank Schroer Iain Kent John Talbot John Tranter Mila Yearley Paul Jarvis Robin Tucker Sarah Shackleton Riders = 12 Report: A very impressive turnout for what could have been a very wet evening. There were a few spots of rain as we left the car park at Grove but it didn't last to the first roundabout. The rest of the evening was dry with very little wind. We made a very good pace until we approached Kingston Lisle, where the little climb came as a bit of a shock to the system! Whose idea was that? The descent past the Blowing Stone made up for it and the remainder of the ride was again at a good pace until the traditional sprint back to Grove from the railway bridge. I'm not sure who won, I was nowhere near the front!
Distance: 42.21 km (26.23 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/366795
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=300497"
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Tue Aug 23rd 2011

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. 25 - 40km. May be hills on some weeks
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Tue Aug 23rd 2011

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This week we'll headup to Betterton following Sustrans route 44. We'll follow some cycle paths through Grove and Charlton en route to the Nelson, continue to Lockinge and then climb gently up to Betterton. From the top of the hill there is a fine view and then a great long descent to Ardington. If the evening is fine we may do part of the climb and descent again. We'll return to Grove via Charlton (9 or 12 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: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell John Stamp Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 8 Report: After a wet and dreary day, a grey but at least a dry evening. With a relatively low turnout for both 1* and 2* offerings, Edith was easily pursuaded to have a night off leading and came with us for a change. We followed the route as planned to Lockinge where we stopped briefly to look at the old fire engine (which some hadn't noticed before). We continued steadily up the hill past Best Mate's statue and the Betterton Rhino before turning sharply left to the top of the hill above Ardington. On the climb thorugh the tree-lined lane, it was noticeably autumnal.... After completing the long descent to Ardington, Edith and Brian decided to head home while the rest of us decided to do part of the Betterton loop again, this time taking the steep Estate road behind the offices at Lockinge as a short-cut to rejoin the Ardington descent on the bend before the final long straight. As everyone was heading to Grove, we returned by way of Lains Barn, getting back at 8:05 just before sunset. Thanks everyone for your company.
Distance: 18.91 km (11.75 mi)
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Sat Aug 27th 2011

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. Today we plan to head eastwards, calling off for tea at Blewbury garden centre. Our route will take in Steventon, Drayton, Sutton Courtenay, Appleford, Moreton, Aston Upthorpe, and Aston Tirrold. After tea we will head for Upton, followed by a short climb of Chilton hill to pick up with the NCN path to Ginge, Ardington, and Old Mill Hall, via Lains Barn. Route may be subject to slight changes nearer the day. Please check website for latest.
Riders: Andrew Johnson Chris Walters David Yearley Des Higgs Geoff Neill Glen Savegar Iain Kent Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Report: Sunny skies and gathering clouds gave a distinctly early Autumn feel to the day as we set off, pushed along nicely by the strong south westerly. Very soon we arrived at Steventon green where we said goodbye to Lorna and Steve and were joined by Michael. The climb to Wittenham was a breeze (literally), with little effort required to reach the summit for a water stop and Photo take. A quick tour around the pretty village of Aston Tirrold, including a short break to repair a (very audible :-0) puncture to Steve's rear tyre. A nice co-operative effort and we were up and running (riding?) again, and soon sitting in the sun enjoying tea at Blewbury garden centre. Post tea and a final climb of Chilton hill, this time heading into the breeze. It's not often you have to make a conscious effort to coast downhill is it?... Stopping at Harwell campus the group split into 2. The main group taking the planned NCN track, whilst Steve and myself nursed the battle weary rear tyre on the not quite so appealing, but slightly less abrasive A417. With perfectly synchronized (unplanned!..) timing we were very soon reunited with Chris and the rest of the group at the Lains Barn Junction, for the final stretch back home... Thanks everyone for a fine afternoon on the bike Glen S
Distance: 60.04 km (37.31 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/110310986
Welcome break at the summit...:o
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Mon Aug 29th 2011

Mountain Bike Away Day

Leader: Sorrel Williams	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Cwm Carn Trail Centre, Newport Wales
Description: Away day to the purpose built mountain bike trail centre just off the M4 in Newport (see link below). The plan is to arrange to start together but with emphasis on doing our own thing in your own time. The centre is likely to be busy so an earlier start is advisable. Please let me know if you will be intending on coming so that we can sort out some car sharing from Wantage and start times. The car park is pay and display and of course, the obligatory entrance fee into Wales too!
Riders: Chris Lea David Yearley Mila Yearley Robin Tucker Sorrel Williams Riders = 5 Report: What a fantastic day....no rain, great trails that really weren't very busy at all and great company. We did the trail twice (most of us choosing the easy route up after lunch, apart from Robin 'hard man' Tucker). The trails had everything you could possibly want (or not as the case may be!), switchbacks, berms, swooping downhills, technical uphills and rocks....lots of rocks. The terrain varied between routes in forests, to open land downhills and uphills, and beautiful singletrack downhills. Judging by the smiles at the end of the day (and the number of bruises on my legs), everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. We all had our little moments of 'off-piste' action (read: lack of talent or as Chris kept pointing out, the wrong tyres) but the only real drama was me losing my sunglasses at some point. The cafe is great, the facilities even better, you don't have to pay for the carpark....and the nice lady at the visitors centre handed me over my sunglasses after some kind soul had picked them up. I won't write on here what I actually said about the day....but the sentence did feature the word awesome. Very awesome, indeed. Next stop: FODCA trail at the Pedalaway Centre in the Forest of Dean.
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
A spot of downhill A bit of downhill action..... ...guess what. Robin 'hard man' Tucker
Proposed Route: http://mbwales.com/en/content/cms/Centres/Cwmcarn/Cwmcarn.aspx"
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Tue Aug 30th 2011

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 35km out via Letcombes, Childrey and back via Uffington and Baulking. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride. Lights suggested.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Chris Walters David Yearley John Tranter Paul Jarvis Riders = 6 Report: The 3* ride had it all tonight! We started off through the Letcombes, keeping up a good pace through Childrey and Westcot to the top of Fawler Hill. Just to spice things upa little, we staged the inaugural CTC Wantage Rolling Championships - the rules are simple - start at the top, no pedalling, and the winner is the one that gets the furthest. No great surprises on the winners - the fat boys proved Newtons physics postulates, with one exception - el Chairman (literally) rolling in last... more of that later! From Baulking we did a good bit of "through and off" with an ideal group size getting the hang of it the further we went, ending up at The Fox rather refreshed despite keeping a very healthy 20mph up from Baulking! Back to the bit I promised earlier... out in the beer garden, whilst perched on the bench supping refreshment (ahem), there was a cracking sound, with the the bench disintegrating beneath our erstwhile Chairman. And that is how CTC Wantage disproved the long-standing physics of Sir Isaac Newton - the (allegedly) lightest member of the group doing the most damage to the bench. An enlightening evening in so many respects.
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/111080287
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=304029"
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Tue Aug 30th 2011

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. 25 - 40km. May be hills on some weeks. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Lucy Heneghan Michael Tayler Paula Tansley Steve Boreham Riders = 7 Report: A pleasant cycle ride mearanding around the vale completing 19.1 mile arriving back at The Fox for 8.00 pm.
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Tue Aug 30th 2011

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A flattish ride around the Vale this evening, visting West Hanney, Lyford and (potentially) Asti stud (to make a figure of eight). 10 to 13 miles. There's the opportunity to stop at the Fox, Denchworth and enjoy a drink with members of the other groups towards the end of the ride We'll bring any that don't wish to stop back to Grove before dusk . As evenings are shortening, lights will be required if you decide to stop at the pub. 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 Ginny Henderson Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Luke Smith Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: Five of us set off from Grove, with Kerry on her brand new bike. As we approached the railway bridge we were also joined by Ginny, who was also sporting a new off-road machine. We followed the route as planned stopping for a rest outside the church in West Hanney and then again towards the end of the first loop. As it was overcast and the light fading and no-one was desperate to do the second loop, we cycled straight back to Denchworth (dropping Ginny by the pub) and on to Grove. Back at 7:50pm just before scheduled sunset. After saying goodbye to Chloe, Kerry and Luke, Lorna and I cycled back to the pub for the social. It was just about warm enough to sit outside in the garden, with a fleece or jacket on. We'd all just settled down with our beers when the publican gave us a great pile of sandwiches - they were good. Dinner solved... Later we cycled back to Grove in the dark with Steve B and Lucy after another enjoyable evening. Ginny has suggested keeping the monthly social going on a Tuesday after the turbotraining sessions. Sounds like a nice idea. Look out for details....
Distance: 14.48 km (9.00 mi)
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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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