Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Oct 1st 2011

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A trip to the Black Cat cafe in Lechlade, heading out via Uffington, Watchfield and Coleshill. Returning via Clanfield, Bampton & Buckland. About 66 km, not too hilly pace to suit the group. Bike Route Toaster route not quite accurate around Watchfield but it gives the overall idea.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Newell Andy Titcombe David Smith Gez Cornish Jenny Williamson Mila Yearley Richard Abbot Steve Joyce Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: A wonderful sunny afternoon (who'd have thought suncream required in October!) with generally quiet roads, what more could you ask? Good company of course, which we had too. All went well till Watchfield... In order to avoid a short stretch of the A420 near Watchfield I took us on a tour of the Business Park, complete with a wander through some undergrowth trying to find the foot crossing of the A420, all that remains of the old road junction. We regrouped on the other side of the A420 and stopped to discuss the wind farm and large solar panel array in the field. The remainder of the route to Lechlade went without incident and arrived safely at The Black Cat which was as good as I remembered it to be. After another slight detour in Lechlade we found ourselves on the road to Clanfield, Bampton and home. Everyone enjoyed the hill up towards Buckland, at least they said they did. At the end of the ride several of us decided to go to Tesco in Grove for an Ice Cream and we stood chatting and enjoying the sun until Ursula & I had to head home. A warm welcome to Gez, Richard and Andy Titcombe, hope you enjoyed your first outing with Wantage CTC.
Distance: 67.98 km (42.24 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=314528"
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Sun Oct 2nd 2011

1* / 2* Afternoon ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A leisurely afternoon ride to tea at Q-gardens, Milton Hill, and back. A round trip of about 20 miles at a pace of about 10 miles per hour. We'll head out via Denchworth and the Hanneys to Steventon. We'll make a gentle tour of this pretty village before climbing Steventon Hill to reach our tea stop. We'll return to Grove by way of East Hanney, the Ginge farm track, Lockinge and Charlton.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Chloe Tucker Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Robin Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Report: Little did I know when proposing this ride that it would fall on the hottest October weekend since records began. I've never before known riders searching for shade in October! A thoroughly enjoyable relaxed ride....
Distance: 31.78 km (19.75 mi)
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Tue Oct 4th 2011

Turbo training

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: East Hanney
Description: 1 Hour, warm up, main set, cool down. Do as much or little as you like. Followed by optional core work, drinks , fruit and biscuits. This sociable session maintains or improves fitness. Some go very hard, some go easy, so you won't be left out if you're nunfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info.
Riders: Catherine Wainwright Dean Douglas Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Maurice Bawden Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tessa Darley Tony Smith Riders = 9 Report: We had a good session tonight . Well done to Catherine for having a go . You did very well . Thanks for the nosh Dean.
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Tue Oct 4th 2011

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Smith David Yearley Ursula Hallam Riders = 3 Report: A great ride led by David Yearley in Robin's absence. We headed from Grove to Lockinge and up to the Ridgeway where we headed East for a while before a great stretch of fast single-track and on to the "Bridge of Doom" which was successfully negotiated by all. We then made our way back to Lockinge and Grove. A great first off-road night ride and thanks to David Y. for the loan of a light.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Fri Oct 7th 2011 to Sun Oct 9th 2011

CTC Oxfordshire weekend away in the New Forest 2* and 3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Lymington
Description: A weekend away in the New Forest based at Lymington. There will be a choice of rides on both Saturday and Sunday at 2* and 3* grades, investigating the quiet lanes and off-road trails through the New Forest National Park. On Saturday, there will be rides of about 28 miles and 50 miles both starting at 10am from Lymington. On the Sunday there will be a ride of 35-40 miles exploring more New Forest tracks or the opportunity to ride the famous Gridiron (100km) ride organised by CTC Wessex (see http://www.wessexctc.org/grdetail.htm). The gridiron gets its name from the many cattlegrids crossed en route. An information sheet on the weekend and an accommodation list for Lymington and the surrounding area can both be downloaded from the CTC Oxfordshire website (link below). Please contact Steve if you are interested in coming for either the whole or part of the weekend. Early booking of accommodation is recommended. Update 2 Oct: Now up to 25 riders for all or part of the weekend (including Gridiron only on Sunday). I have made a provisional booking for 18 at Prezzo's (Italian) for 7:30pm on Saturday evening. If you are thinking of coming and would like to join the Saturday meal please let me know by 9pm tomorrow (Monday). Final details will be distributed in the next couple of days.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: A highly enjoyable weekend was spent in the New Forest with 22 riders participating in at least one of the four group rides on offer over the two days. There was good representation from Wantage and City groups plus Peter and Ros from Midweek and Jane from Isis. 7 of us met up for a meal and/or drink in the Angel Hotel in the centre of Lymington on friday evening. The food was reasonably prticed and surprisingly good bar fare. 14 of us enjoyed an excellent meal in Prezzo's on Saturday evening. Some photos to come.... My thanks to Richard Morris for leading the 3* ride on Saturday and the alternative to the gridiron on Sunday. Steve S
Proposed Route: http://www.oxonctc.org.uk/"
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Sat Oct 8th 2011

New Forest - Beaulieu & Brockenhurst	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Lymington
Description: 28 mile - anti clockwise route to Beaulieu (coffee) and Brockenhurst (The Buttery) for late lunch. About 6 miles of easy off-road on forest tracks between Beaulieu and Brock.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Chloe Tucker James Dawton Kerry Tucker Liz Buckle Lorna Swanton Nick Tucker Robin Tucker Ros Hallowell Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Report:
Distance: 45.06 km (28.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 8th 2011

New Forest - 3*	3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Lymington
Description: 84km
Riders: Andy Belcher Helen Beane Michael Tayler Peter Hallowell Riders = 4 Report: This ride was led by Richard Morris from Oxford City group (including Jo from Oxford). 6 riders rode an anti-clockwise route from Lymington with a coffee stop in Brockenhurst and lunch at a pub somewhere deep in the Forest near Burley. Congratulations to Andy and Michael who completed their first 50-mile rides.
Distance: 80.47 km (50.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 9th 2011

New Forest - 2*	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Lymington
Description: 35 miles.
Riders: Chloe Tucker Helen Beane James Dawton Kerry Tucker Nick Tucker Peter Hallowell Ros Hallowell Riders = 7 Report:
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 9th 2011

New Forest Gridiron	3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Boldre
Description: 95km
Riders: Andy Cowan Paul Jarvis Robin Tucker Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Report:
Distance: 96.56 km (60.00 mi)
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Tue Oct 11th 2011

Turbo training

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: East Hanney
Description: 1 Hour, warm up, main set, cool down. Do as much or little as you like. Followed by optional core work, drinks , fruit and biscuits. This sociable session maintains or improves fitness. Some go very hard, some go easy, so you won't be left out if you're nunfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info.
Riders: Dean Douglas Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Neil Warner Tony Smith Riders = 5 Report: A select bunch tonight . Steady State session .....sooooo we had a bit of chat about how we might structure a cadence competition . Top mark for Jon and Tony for their long commutes to get here . Top marks for every one else too ! Thanks Jon for the grub. Shame not to see Paul, Maurice .Tessa and Catherine who were all busy (does holiday in Jordan count as busy?)
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Tue Oct 11th 2011

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Barry Baker Jenny Williamson Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report: A dry day in October - how great is that? And a practically full moon, so when we got on to the Ridgeway (having climbed by Goddard's Brook) we switched off our lights and glided along silently in the darkness for a couple of miles. Spooky but fun. Then full power on for the Ginge singletrack descent. It's running really smoothly and the only worrying thing is when you go through a big bunch of fallen leaves, not knowing what is underneath. Nothing bad was, and we all made it down safely. It was so much fun that we turned round, climbed back to the Ridgeway and did it again! The back via the road through Lockinge, Sustrans to Charlton and Crab Hill. If anyone does the same route, please look out for Jenny's light and Richard's pump - both probably lost while hooning down the hill.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 16th 2011

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: 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. Climbing almost inevitable. Hopefully something a little different for this month. My plan is to follow the NCN route from Wantage as far as East Hendred, and then navigate our way to Oxford via Steventon, Drayton, Sustrans route 5 from Abingdon to Radley and Kennington, following the river bank opposite Christ Church meadows to Folly bridge and St Aldates, followed by a gentle zig zag of the historic streets of Oxford to St Giles, and finally to Wolvercote for lunch at The Trout Inn. (We have several good options close by if very busy on the day) After lunch our journey will take in Wytham village, a very brief traverse of the Botley interchange, Cumnor hill, Wootton (option of a short loop to Boars Hill..lovely views..), Cothill, Frilford (maybe tea at millets farm?), to end the day following the quiet lanes back home. Nothing too strenuous, and total distance a little short of 50 miles (80 km approx)
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Derek Boutle Glen Savegar Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: Something I'd been hoping to do with the club for quite some time. A cycle to Oxford using mostly quiet tracks, and the Thames towpath. Once clear of Wantage, a quiet traffic free route followed to Hendred, and onto Drayton to pick up with NCN 5. Still not quite sure how we managed to join the Abingdon marathon, but it made for an interesting diversion. I actually felt a little guilty gently overtaking the weary runners from the relative comfort of my bike saddle... Following the excellent path from the Abbey Meadows to Radley, it suddenly felt very chilly as we rode close to the river and lakes. Onwards to Kennington to join the Thames path for Oxford Folly Bridge, St Aldates, High Street, turning left for a gentle meander along the lovely historical winding Queens Lane to Hertford bridge (Bridge of Sighs). Broad Street led to St Giles, and a slightly speedier pace along the Woodstock Road, and onto The Trout Wolvercote. Arriving a little after midday we were able to secure a riverside table very easily before the pub became busy. A fabulous location, but food a bit on the pricey side...much studying of the menu...Pizza duly ordered... Anyway... A very pleasant 45 mins or so sitting in the warming autumn sun. Some famous clients to have graced The Trout...Lewis Carroll, CS Lewis, and...Inspector Morse... Post lunch and Wytham Village, Cumnor, Wootton, and the only mammoth climb of the day to Boars Hill for a well earned water break, followed by a grand swoop of Foxcombe hill. A stiff head breeze and quiet back lanes led us back to Wantage. Sorry for my snails pace lead of the final few miles home, when my weary legs seemed to run out of steam for some reason... Excellent company, and a ride I would love to repeat another time... Thank's everyone ! Glen S
Distance: 78.86 km (49.00 mi)
Hertford Bridge (Bridge of Sighs) Hertford Bridge, and Sheldonian Theatre. Is there anything on the menu for less than a tenner? Inspector Morse enjoyed a pint in here...:-)
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Mon Oct 17th 2011

CTC Wantage AGM

Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis.
Description: Our AGM will again be held at The Greyhound Inn, Letcombe Regis, starting at 7.30pm. Following formal proceedings and club trophy presentations, there will be ample time to enjoy the (free) buffet and a relaxed chat. You are all very welcome. Contact Glen for further details.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Andy Cowan Brian Hipwell David Bridge David Smith Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Glen Savegar John Stamp John Talbot John Tranter John Vandore Lorna Swanton Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Neil Warner Pat Hurt Peter Busby Peter Hallowell Richard Ryan Robin Tucker Sara Smith Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 25 Report: A very swift and efficient meeting expertly chaired by John Tranter. The new committee voted in for the 2011/2012 season are- Chairman- John Tranter. Secretary- Glenn Savegar. Treasurer- Steve Quartermain. Membership- John Tranter. Rides Secretary/Programme- John Talbot. Publicity and Development- Steve Boreham. CTC Oxfordshire Representative- Neil Warner. General Committee Member- Robin Tucker. After formal business we moved onto the annual presentation of the club awards. This years "Rider of The Year" trophy was much deserved and presented to Adrian West. The "Clubman Of The Year" trophy was presented as a joint award to Ursula Hallam, and David Smith. Well done to you both... There followed a thankyou from CTC Oxfordshire Secretary Steve Swanton to the outgoing 2010/2011 Committee. The evening was nicely concluded with a buffet and social.
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Tue Oct 18th 2011

Turbo training

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: East Hanney
Description: 1 Hour, warm up, main set, cool down. Do as much or little as you like. Followed by optional core work, drinks , fruit and biscuits. This sociable session maintains or improves fitness. Some go very hard, some go easy, so you won't be left out if you're nunfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info.
Riders: Catherine Wainwright Dean Douglas Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Maurice Bawden Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tessa Darley Tony Smith Riders = 9 Report: Yet another good session . We are Going well this season. Didn't scare off Cath as she came back . Well done to her . Grub from Neil and Tony so we did well tonight .Thank you both .
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Tue Oct 18th 2011

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Report: Only two of us, so we decided to explore the dark recesses west of Wantage on and around the old airfield, trying to make sense of the bridleways on the map. We were able to find a route through, though we weren't always on the marked track and it did require some creativity. And the trails weren't that great, so we're in no rush to return. After that, we climbed up to the Ridgeway through Letcombe Bassett, headed East and enjoyed a great descent down "Sheep Hill" as my kids call it. No sheep tonight, but pelting down a grassy slope, knowing there are no obstacles but going slightly too fast to stop within the range of your lights is quite exhilarating!
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 22nd 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. A good opportunity to sample the autumn gold of the vale before winter takes hold. A ride taking in the quiet roads and villages west of Wantage, before heading north for tea at Faringdon. Out- OMH, Letcombe Regis, Letcombe Bassett, Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot, Kingston Lisle, Uffington, Woolstone, Fernham, Great Coxwell (passing Tythe Barn), Faringdon, (Tea stop). Return- Fernham, Baulking, Goosey, Denchworth, OMH. We should be back well before sunset, but please carry lights in case of delays along the way...
Riders: Adrian West Catherine Wainwright Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith Geoff Neill Gez Cornish Glen Savegar Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Neil McColl Sarah Shackleton Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Ursula Hallam Riders = 16 Report: A lovely crisp sunny autumn afternoon, and a very fine turnout. I'd actually under estimated numbers slightly when phoning the cafe on Friday, so a quick call was in order to check they would be ok with 15 of us arriving en masse. A fabulous day to be out, and a good steady pace saw us arriving at Great Coxwell 30 mins or so before our ETA at Faringdon. A golden opportunity to spend a little time exploring the magnificent 13th Century Tythe Barn. It was very nice to be sat in the autumn sun at the coffee house, and we were soon served by the friendly staff. Chilly though, and I'm guessing we may well be sat inside on our next ride out.... Post tea and a shorter return on virtually traffic free roads via Baulking and Goosey. Even the A420 crossing was faff free... Arriving back to OMH for about 5.00 (ish), with Chris leading a short 3* style breakaway for our more athletic riders... Thanks everyone for an excellent afternoon... Glen S
Distance: 57.94 km (36.00 mi)
Gathering breath, Holborn hill. Great Coxwell, Tythe Barn. Actually chillier than it appears...Now where are the cakes?
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Tue Oct 25th 2011

Turbo training

Leader: Ginny Henderson	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: East Hanney
Description: 1 Hour, warm up, main set, cool down. Do as much or little as you like. Followed by optional core work, drinks , fruit and biscuits. This sociable session maintains or improves fitness. Some go very hard, some go easy, so you won't be left out if you're nunfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info.
Riders: Catherine Wainwright Dean Douglas Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Maurice Bawden Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tessa Darley Tony Smith Riders = 9 Report: Quite a hard session today ,well done everyone.
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Tue Oct 25th 2011

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Yearley Jenny Williamson John Tranter Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Report: Dark and wet, but only a little bit cold, so we were on again. Special guest star was John Tranter, who was doing well until his Californian summer tyres started slipping on the mud and roots. Making a final appearance (for a while at least) was Jenny. She's now off to Wales - hopefully to scout out some trails for us... This time we went out to Ardington, then on to East GInge farm and up the zig-zag to the Ridgeway. By then the drizzle had stopped and it was getting colder, so we didn't hang around. Came back down Goddards Brook and back the usual way into Grove.
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 29th 2011

CTC Oxfordshire AGM

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Hinton Waldrist Village Hall
Description: Your chance to hear about the activities of all CTC groups in Oxfordshire and to help shape what we do in the future. A draft agenda has been posted on the CTC Oxfordshire website at www.oxonctc.org.uk . As well as the usual items of business, there will be a motion proposing an extended area of operation for CTC Oxfordshire. There will also be a discussion on "What can CTC Oxfordshire do for you?". This is intended to kick off a process of reviewing the structure and focus of CTC Oxfordshire in 2011/12. Additional motions to the meeting to be received by Steve Swanton in writing not later than 9pm Monday 10 October please. All motions require a proposer and seconder. Please give Steve a call if there are any burning issues you would like to raise at the meeting or discuss beforehand.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Eve Thornton Helen Beane James Dawton John Holding John Tranter Neil Warner Pat Hurt Peter Hallowell Ros Hallowell Steve Swanton Riders = 11 Report:
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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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