Past Rides
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Sat Dec 3rd 2011
| Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 3* |
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Leader:Iain Kent |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A winter warmer with plenty of ups and downs! Straight out to Ashbury along the undulating B4507 then turning left (up steep hill at first) on the B4000 to Lambourn. The route continues on to Boxford where we turn North and begin the gradual climb home via Brightwalton, Woolley and joining the A338 up to Court Hill for coffee stop if needed. 42 miles at 14-15 mph plus stops should see us back by 5pm if not before! Lights essential. |
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Riders:Barry GillsBryan Charleston Chris Walters Iain Kent Janet Charleston John Talbot Riders = 6 Report:Six riders set off in dry and cool conditions today. We headed into a strong westerly wind out to Ashbury. Bryan did a loop around White Horse Hill to get some training in for next weekend and caught up with us again at the Ashbury turn! We enjoyed the wind on our backs all the way to Boxford and made better progress on this section. Chris left us and headed back to Great Shefford as we turned for Brightwalton. Shortly after this we found ourselves in the midst of a Pheasant shoot with the beaters driving the birds from one side of the road and the shooters on the other! Luckily we emerged unscathed but a little deafened! Bryan and Janet headed off back home as we turned for Woolley. We did not stop for a break (arrived 2 minutes before closing time!) and the three of us left were able instead to complete the course in the remaining daylight. All in all a very enjoyable ride and quite a good work out with some great views in really fine weather for the time of year. | ||
Distance:67.59 km (42.00 mi) | Ride Details:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/132427209 | |
| Proposed Route: http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=326152" | ||
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Tue Dec 6th 2011
| Turbo training |
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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 unfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info. |
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Riders:Ginny HendersonJon Seddon Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tony Smith Riders = 5 Report:Still not much voice (amen you say) so thank again Tony,Thanks for food Jon, Thanks for coming all and by the way we are getting better at our core stuff.Maurice ill/busy we send him our best Des off -we send him our best too, Tessa on a train and so it goes on | ||
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Tue Dec 6th 2011
| Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:Just the two of us tonight, and we weren't in a great hurry.Up to the Ridgeway via Goddards Brook. Down via Betterton. Then, in a new section for this ride, across the fields to Ardington. | ||
Distance:22.53 km (14.00 mi) | ||
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Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Annual Mince Pie Ride to White Horse Hill |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 10:00 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1*, 2* and 3* grades and two off-road rides to choose from - please see separate ride entries for route details (there is an earlier off-road option starting from the Lord Nelson at 9:30). This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. There will be a short briefing at 10 am. The 3* ride will set off soon after, the 2* ride 5 mins after that and the 1* at about 10:15. |
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Riders:Adrian WestBen Szulc David Paine David Yearley Derek Boutle Des Higgs Eve Thornton John Tranter Kevin Fairs Lou Rose Mavis Rose Pat Hurt Richard Ryan Steve Boreham Steve Burr Wenfeng Yang Riders = 16 Report:Well, another amazing success. Records were broken for total numbers of riders attending at the National Trust car park (approx 100) and for money raised by those riders' generous contributions for the Whizz Kidz charity (£550).Many thanks to the leaders of the 5 different rides (another record) and to all who helped out with the other aspects of the day. Even the weather was about as good as could be expected for the time of year! The names logged here are those members who were on the hill, who either made their own way there or were not riding for one reason or another. | ||
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Written by : Alasdair Worsley. Posted on : July 6, 2012 at 11:45 PM |
It is so nice to see that the mince pie run my parents and I started many moons ago with clubs some of which gone and others like want age still around. Goes on and still attracts good turnout. Alasdair with the trike. |
Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Mince Pie Ride - 1* | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:10:15 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince pie ride" entry above.The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at about 10:15 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. We'll take the direct route to White Horse hill (about 7 miles)following the A417 out of the Market Place to East Challow, across the track and (metalled) bridleway to Childrey, through Sparsholt, Westcot and then rejoin the Downs road to White Horse hill. There will be the opportunity to climb (or push) up the road beside Dragon hill and beneath the White Horse to enjoy the fantastic views across the manger and the vale. We'll then drop down to the main NT car park for mince pies and mulled wine (all in aid of Whizz Kidz, the disabled children's mobility charity). After the meet, the ride will return to Wantage (by about 12:45) by a similar route and continue on through Grove to Denchworth for those coming for lunch at the Fox. |
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Riders:Barbara LambersChloe Tucker Jasmine Tucker John Stamp Kerry Tucker Sara Smith Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report:There were 8 riders in the 1* group, including newcomer Angela, and John, from Northampton (who was visiting a member of Abingdon Freewheeling). We were the last to head off from the Market Place and followed the route as planned. Barbara joined us in Childrey.We enjoyed a relaxed ride, stopping several times after the ups along the way to regroup and enjoy the views. The 2* group came past us while we were resting on the corner at Westcot. On turning the corner by Britchcombe Farm we had our first view of Dragon Hill and could see an impressively long chain of cyclists slowly climbing up. Several chose to walk up Dragon Hill from the bottom while others gave it a go until they ran out of gears or puff. If Kerry had had lower gears, I’m sure she would have made it all the way. We regrouped near the top by the footpath, where Mavis caught us up. Once we’d all caught our breaths, we carried on over the top to drop down to the car park, by then a milling throng of cyclists. Excellent mulled wine (with a bit of kick) and a lovely convivial atmosphere, made for a thoroughly enjoyable meet. Gradually the various groups drifted away. Half of the group joined Glenn to head directly to the Fox, while Barbara, John S and I headed back to Childrey and then on to Grove. My thanks to John S for acting as sweeper. I arrived at the Fox just as it came on to rain. How lucky we were with the weather! | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
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Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Mince Pie Ride - 2* | 2* |
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Leader:Glen Savegar |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage at 10am or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz kidz. A leisurely paced route, taking in the pretty villages of Letcombe Regis, Letcombe Bassett, Childrey, Sparsholt, and Westcot, before the grand ascent to White Horse Hill (some cycle, others walk up at their own pace...there's no rush..), where we will meet up with the other groups to enjoy a mulled wine, a mince pie, and a chat..  |
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Riders:Andy CowanBarry Gillott Brian Hipwell Chris Sykes David Bridge David Roberts Glen Savegar John Rushton John Vandore Kevin Stopps Lucia Singer Peter Burgess Richard Shackleton Sarah Shackleton Susan Holdroyd Tony Lewis Riders = 16 Report:Regardless of what the weather throws at us, the annual mince pie ride is always an enjoyable event. No freeze over this year, but a chilly morning with grey skies and a "not too good" forecast for rain in the early afternoon.Some neat forward planning and organisation into groups from Steve S using the four sides of the market place as reference points, meant we were soon on our way. Thanks Brian for acting as sweep. A very pleasant ride, and a steady pace ensured we were arriving at the foot of White Horse Hill at pretty much the same time as the other "on road" groups, before tackling the final ascent (everyone at their own pace) to enjoy the mince pies and exotic mulled wine. Big thanks to John T and Steve B. Some photo's, a chat, and even a choir bursting into seasonal song. So nice to see lot's of familiar faces. Des...do get well soon please? It will be lovely to see you out with the club again very soon A breeze assisted ride followed leading a group back for lunch at The Fox, and then home just as the first drops of rain began to fall...Result... Thanks everyone! Glen S | ||
Distance:25.75 km (16.00 mi) | ||
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Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Mince Pie Ride - 3* | 3* |
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Leader:Paul Jarvis |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage at 10am or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz kidz. |
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Riders:Andrew JohnsonAndy Newell Bill Flockton Bryan Charleston David Bridge David Ryan Dean Douglas Iain Kent Janet Charleston Kevin Thompson Martin Bate Matt Chambers Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tessa Darley Riders = 15 Report:A high turn out, with 18 riders' names taken which excluded riders from Didcot Phoenix and Swindon CTC which took the total numbers to 32. Thanks to Neil Warner who acted as my wing man and broom wagon for the ride!!! We headed out through the Letcombes and up Hackpen hill where we re-grouped, thankfully giving the leader a chance to catch up!!!Then dropping down to Sparsholt through Westcot and on to Kingston Lisle then dropping down to Uffington before ascending back up to cross the B4507 and up the climb over Dragon Hill below the White Horse. Having done that, we joined the gang for a well earned rest for minced pies and the odd glass of mulled wine!!! . Afterwards a much smaller group dropped down through Uffington, and through Baulking, Challow, finally arriving at the Fox at Denchworth for lunch. | ||
Distance:25.75 km (16.00 mi) | ||
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Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Mince Pie Ride - 2* Offroad | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage at 10am or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz kidz. |
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Report:The magnificent 7 rode out of Wantage, up through both Letcombes and got properly warmed up climbing Gramp's Hill.Then it was the Ridgeway all the way. It's an undulating section, but the worst bit was certainly the clay/chalk/mud in one dip. It packed around our tyres and we were foraging in the bushes for sticks to scrape it off. But, that did not of course stop us. We worked our way steadily along to the White Horse Hill, and descended to the car park. After fuelling up on mince pies and mulled wine, Frank showed us a different way to climb the hill - along a grassy track the other side of the hill. It wasn't any easier! Reaching the B4001, we zipped down that at high speed, but when the road turned left we carried straight on down the 'Green Road'. That too had some sticky mud in the bottom, very tricky to get across without dabbing a foot into the squelch! Then we turned left and down the bridleway to the A417. Half of us turned left to Denchworth, the other half turned right along the old canal back to Wantage and Grove. | ||
Distance:32.19 km (20.00 mi) | ||
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Sun Dec 11th 2011
| Mince Pie Ride - 2* Offroad (early start) | 2* |
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Leader:Ginny Henderson |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:Lord Nelson PH |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage at 10am or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz kidz. |
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Riders:Ginny HendersonLouis Hall Tony Smith Riders = 3 Report:Nice ride. Met up with Louis at Nelson and also came across Steve later, who was making good progress.Very gloopy in places. Overtaken by fast group as a result of involuntary dismount by Tony who carried on and then insisted on riding home after the mince pies but did eventually give in and accept a tarmac return after half way point. Picnic in casualty later..............(shoulder a/c separation, at least both shoulders match now!) Hey Ho | ||
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Tue Dec 13th 2011
| Turbo training |
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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 unfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info. |
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Riders:Amanda SeddonGinny Henderson Jon Seddon Neil Warner Riders = 4 Report:Well done us for doing it I say! Sick notes for Tony, Maurice, Des, Dean. Paul at school play. Tessa at work.We are off to the pub after session next week all TT folk welcome past and present. | ||
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Tue Dec 13th 2011
| Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Riders:Riders = 0Report:Ride cancelled due to rubbish weather | ||
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Sun Dec 18th 2011
| Not the Mince Pie Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Nick Dunton |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Almost the shortest day and late December conditions, so will keep this chiefly on good roads. Approx. 85-90 km. No major hills although a couple of stiff climbs en route. Average speed c. 20 k.p.h. Lights essential. Back in Wantage no later than 4.30 p.m. for hot chocolate @ Costa.Leave Wantage eastbound on A417, Grove Park Drive, Haneys, Southmoor, Kingston Bagpuize, Appleton, Cumnor, Wooton, Abingdon, Sutton Courtenay, Appleford, Long Wittenham, Clifton Hampden, lunch at Golden Balls garden centre, retrace to Clifton Hampden and Long Wittenham, over Wittenham Clumps, Mortons, Aston Upthorpe, Blewbury, Upton, Chilton, Rowstock and back along the A417, or Ginge back-route depending on time & conditions. |
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Riders:Riders = 0Report:Where were you all? Christmas shopping? Given the amount of road-ice on offer, I'm not surprised by the zero turnout. I went home to bed as well. | ||
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Tue Dec 20th 2011
| Turbo training |
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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 unfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info. |
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Riders:Amanda SeddonGinny Henderson Jon Seddon Neil Warner Paul Jarvis Tessa Darley Tony Smith Riders = 7 Report:Good session, last one of that block thank goodness! nicer sets after Christmas. Then we went to the pub for a jolly up so a good evening all round.Next weeks session is outdoors, daytime, off road. | ||
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Tue Dec 20th 2011
| Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Riders:Riders = 0Report:Ride cancelled due to hideous weather. | ||
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Sat Dec 24th 2011
| Christmas Eve afternoon ride from Grove | 2* |
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Leader:Glen Savegar |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A nice chance to burn off the Christmas pudding in advance, on our final ride of 2011. Not a long route, and not likely to be very hilly, so we should be home in good time to prepare the brussels sproutsA fairly direct route out for tea at Aston Pottery (15 miles) by way of Standlake, and returning via Buckland (13.5 miles). The Cafe closes at 3.30pm for Christmas Eve, so we will need to leave OMH fairly promptly. Please carry a snack and drink though in case delays prevent us stopping at Aston Pottery. Please check your lights are working for the homeward stretch. |
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Riders:Brian HipwellChris Walters David Bridge Derek Boutle Glen Savegar Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Riders = 7 Report:Really good to be out on the bike, on a nice dry day, if a little chilly with the brisk south westerly breeze. A steady pace and a nice detour via Shifford (thanks Derek), saw us arriving at Aston Pottery with plenty of time to spare, and in glorious winter sunshine to boot! The shop and cafe were bustling with Christmas shoppers but not over busy, and we were soon refreshed and back on the road for the homeward leg (great sunset looking west!), arriving back to OMH for 4.15pm.Thanks everyone for your company! A very happy Christmas, and most fab New Year to all at CTC Wantage ! Glen S | ||
Distance:48.28 km (30.00 mi) | Ride Details:http://connect.garmin.com/activity/136373514 | |
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Tue Dec 27th 2011
| Turbo training |
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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 unfit, don't want a whole session or are really good! 4 spare trainers. Phone for info. |
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Riders:Amanda SeddonCatherine Wainwright Ginny Henderson Jon Seddon Tony Smith Riders = 5 Report:Off Road Daytime substitute ride this week which we really enjoyed. Thanks to Jon and Amanda for devising a route and friend Peter for joining us. Back to the grindstone next week. | ||
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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.
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