Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Apr 3rd 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Long, hilly, quick - or any combination! - 35-45km We'll keep the first 3* ride of the season fairly short and easy. Just a simple 27km loop on flat roads.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith Geoff Covey Paul Jarvis Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Report: 6 riders for the first one of the season - welcome to new rider Geoff! The weather threatened, but it only really managed a feeble drizzle, so we had a quick blast around the Vale, the only incident being a rear light that abandoned ship. We passed Janet out by Asti, she was trying to find us, and tried to hop on to the back of the group for the ride back to Grove - we were going quite quickly though, apparently.
Distance: 26.40 km (16.40 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/164494696
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1013696"
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Tue Apr 3rd 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A fairly leisurely start to the new season - suitable for anyone with some previous riding experience. Out to Denchworth (past the sad remains of the Brook Lane Barns), then Hanney, Lyford and Charney Bassett before returning home through Denchworth again. About 12 miles (20km) and an average speed of around 12 miles per hour. No hills!
Riders: David Wynn (deceased) Janet Charleston John Stamp John Tranter Luke Smith Michael Tayler Richard Preece Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 10 Report: Well, not the best of weather but a very good turn-out. Nine of us set off from Old Mill Hall and then Janet shot past in an endeavour to catch the 3* group. I don't think she succeeded as we saw here again later - therefore I have made her an honourary member of this ride! A fairly uneventful loop that went according to plan, until we came across a barn owl in the gathering gloom which set off along the road ahead of us at the same pace. We must have followed it for nearly a mile - impressive pace making! It seemed to know the way, as at one point it even turned left correctly...
Distance: 20.92 km (13.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 3rd 2012

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks.
Riders: David Yearley Richard Anstis Riders = 2 Report: Distance 13 miles / 21 kilometres An old favourite route tonight, with just the two of us enjoying good tracks, despite the rain before riding. From Grove to Charlton, via Crab Lane and then straight up Larkhill. Past the gallops and up to The Ridgeway. Then, heading eastwards, we noted that the track has dried out compared with previous, recent rides. This allowed for a good, fast pace along the top, before encountering our favourite drop down the Ginge Singletrack. The Bridge of Doom was next, over Ginge Brook, followed by the road back to Lockinge. Then onto Grove via Crab Lane again. Most of the ride was in good daylight and this is likely to be the case for all of this season's rides from now on. So, if you are not keen on riding in the dark then do not worry; we're back on track for enlightening rides full of excitement, challenge and fun.
Distance: 21.00 km (13.05 mi)
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Tue Apr 3rd 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* and 3* Rides Restart

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our popular Tuesday Evening cycle rides will start again on Tuesday 3rd April through to September. There will be led rides of 15-40+ km, starting promptly at 18.30, from Old Mill Hall, Grove. We will have 2, 3 and off-road rides each week to cater for all abilities. In addition, the Tuesday evening rides will include a 1* "10 Mile Club" starting later in April, offering relaxed and easy ride of about 10 miles at 10 mph to enjoy the countryside and get some exercise. We have a lot of riders out on a Tuesday evening; please follow instructions from the rides leaders to ensure we get away promptly and safely.
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Sat Apr 7th 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Iain Kent	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A trip to Lechlade Garden Centre. Out via Bampton and Clanfield and back via Faringdon. A mostly flat route with a couple of climbs near Buckland and Faringdon. 43 miles in all at approx 15 mph, depending on the group. A lock may be a good idea as the bikes are not in sight from the Cafe.
Riders: Chris Walters David Smith Frank Schroer Iain Kent Janet Charleston John Talbot John Tranter Richard Preece Sarah Shackleton Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: I was expecting a lonely ride today being the Easter weekend so I was pleasantly surprised by the good turnout. It was a bit grey and damp as we set off and we had the occasional shower along the way but nothing worth putting a coat on for. We made good progress out to Lechlade and we all seemed to enjoy the many single track roads and being away from the traffic. A slight headwind on our return but generally conditions were good today. The sun came out just as I got home! A very enjoyable ride and good exercise. Well done to Richard and Sarah who coped very well with the challenge. Thanks to all.
Distance: 69.39 km (43.12 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/165610216
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/885523"
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Sun Apr 8th 2012

Joint CTC Oxfordshire Ride	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: A 2* joint ride with Oxford City and Isis cyclists groups of about 45 miles. We'll head out via Charney Bassett and Southmoor to Millet's Farm to meet the other groups for coffee then together loop south via Garford to the Hanneys and on to Abingdon for lunch at the Old Anchor. The Wantage party will return via Sustrans routes 5 and 44 through Sutton Courtenay, Didcot, Upton and Harwell (some easy off-road sections). Riders are very welcome to come just for a morning ride to coffee or meet us there.
Riders: Andy Cowan Helen Beane James Dawton John Holding Paul Jarvis Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: An enjoyable ride on a grey day. 3 of us from Wantage met 8 from Oxford at Millets. Full report to come.
Distance: 74.03 km (46.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 10th 2012

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 Slightly hillier and longer route than last week but nothing very taxing. Out via the Letcombes and down to Sparsholt. Dropping off the ridge at Kingston Lisle to return via Goosey and Denchworth. About 30km. Lights are strongly recommended as it may be dusk towards the end of the ride.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters Frank Schroer Geoff Covey John Talbot John Tranter Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: With heavy showers all around a good sized group set off with some trepidation. Richard decided the pace was too hot and set off in search of the 2* ride early on. The rest pushed on around a lovely loop with only one climb of note in the Letcombes but two good descents. We made good time and managed to steer around all of the showers and kept completely dry returning to Grove at 7.50pm whilst it was still pretty light.
Distance: 29.80 km (18.52 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/587588
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1069806"
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Tue Apr 10th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: An easy-paced ride around the local lanes about 30.5km (18 miles). Grove Denchworth, Charney Basset, Southmoor and back to Grove via Fyfiled, West Hanney & Denchworth. Lights maybe required for the later part of the route.
Riders: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell David Smith Edith Hipwell John Stamp Luke Smith Riders = 6 Report: An invigorating ride through a few showers and due to the cold we decided to cut the route short a little, missing out the loop around Kingston Bagpuize.
Distance: 23.82 km (14.80 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=375878"
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Tue Apr 10th 2012

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks.
Riders: David Yearley Riders = 1 Report: Report by David Yearley: It was a solo ride tonight, so I opted for a moderate distance, but at a faster than usual pace. It turned out to be a most enjoyable ride, taking in some new tracks along the way. Starting at Old Mill Hall, Grove, I took the usual route across Crab Lane to Charlton. Up Lark Hill, but turning immediately left along the track (past Tugwell) to West Lockinge. From there I climbed the Goddard's Brook track to the point-to-point course. A hard climb through the long grass of the Middlehill Down field saw me join the Ridgeway heading Westwards, with the wind and low sun in my face. Westwards past White House Farm and Black Bushes Barn, a quick hop across the A338 Manor Road, and along the Ridgeway further. Travelling past the top of Segsbury (Letcombe) Castle, I found the grassy downhill path before Smith's Hill (this was new to me). This provided a fantastic, super fast downhill grass route; an alternative to the metalled road of Smith's Hill. The path (then bridleway) was punctuated by 5 or so stiles, but the steepness of the descent led to some brake fade at the bottom! Into Letcombe Regis, I came out where The Sparrow pub used to be, and then through the village, before taking the track to the right of the village hall, to take the single track climb up past Antwicks Stud. I turned right along the mud track to the top of Windmill Hill. From there there was the decent drop down Cornhill Lane, picking up the route of the disused canal into Grove and back to the start point. The riding time was only 1hr15mins, giving an average speed of 12 mph.
Distance: 24.13 km (14.99 mi)
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Sat Apr 14th 2012

Southern Cotswolds - circuit of Cirencester	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: South Cerney - car park next to Cotswold Outdoor
Description: UPDATE 13/04/2012 - ride confirmed as taking place - check weather forecast for temperatures - may be chilly! Morning ride in the Cotswolds. Out via Kemble and Daglingworth and back via Bibury and Fairford. It's quite a hilly 70km ride and we will ride at 3* pace. Lunch can be taken at the finish, where there is a nice cafe. Start point postcode: GL7 5TL Start Point location: http://g.co/maps/3sba6 Please contact Chris if you intend to come - the ride will not run without support.
Riders: Chris Walters David Smith Debbie Dawes Iain Kent John Tranter Paul Jarvis Steve Dawes Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: Torrential rain on the M4 was rather contrary to the weather forecast, so I was most surprised to see 8 people turn out, including two new riders, Debbie and Steve. It was nearly 7 though, as we waited in the drizzle for Paul, and had just decided to go without him when he arrived, condemning us to a further 10 minutes in the wet before setting off - Paul, you need to sort your routefinding out! As we went round it got brighter and brighter, and with no incidents for us (although we did find a white transit parked half way up a tree with some yoofs standing around wondering how they were going to explain that to the rental company!) we transitioned from flat country to undulating with a couple of worthwhile hills and then back to the flat for the run back. Well done everyone for keeping the pace reasonable, and my utmost apologies to John for making him pant a little on the run in from Fairford.
Distance: 69.50 km (43.19 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/598975
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=11909"
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Sun Apr 15th 2012

Spring Cycling Festival

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Abingdon Market Place
Description: For the last two years Abingdon Freewheeling have held a Spring Cycling Festival in Abingdon Market Square with escorted rides for all ages & abilities, on & off road, and they will be be doing it again this year!! Rides programme: 50 miles road-ride starts 10:00 27 miles road-rides start 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00 10 miles easy rides start 10:15, 11:15 and 12:15 4 miles family rides start 10:30 and 11:30 22 miles MTB start 10:00 and 11:30 12 miles MTB start 10:30 and 12:00 There are going to be lots of other things going on the day with the Kings Head & Bell providing food and drinks, Behind Bars Cycles providing top quality road and off-road bikes to borrow and Thames Valley Police advising on bike security. CTC Wantage riders are welcome to join in the fun! Follow the link below for more details and on-line rides registration form.
Riders: Andy Cowan Matthew Quartermain Peter Burgess Stan Cowan Stephen Quartermain Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: It was fine in the sun but a biting northerly when in exposed country. There were large crowds in the Market Place at 10am for the first rides although numbers tailed off later on. I met several Wantage folk in the square (and apologies if I missed others - please let me know). Steve Burr went off-road for the 12-miler while Andy and his son Stan took the 4-mile family ride to Radley. I joined Steve and Matthew (on tag-along) for the 11:15 10-mile ride as far as Radley, before diving back to Abingdon to lead my own ride at 12:15. Sadly there were only 3 of us, but we still had an enjoyable and sociable ride in the sunshine via Radley, Sunnigwell and back via Shippon. Overall, a successful event, about 100 people took part and it was good to catch up with Freewheeling folk, especially Kevin who organised the rides and Peter, recovering from the flu. Steve S P.s. 10 miles is a fair weighted average!
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://groupspaces.com/AbingdonFreewheeling/pages/spring-cycle-festival"
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Tue Apr 17th 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This week we'll go out of Grove towards Lains Barn, down to the Lockinges and Ginge, then West Hendred, Featherbed Lane, Steventon, the Cow Common route back to the Hanney's, then round to Denchworth and home. There'll be a short cut option from East Hanney up the main road if a) the weather is bad and/or b) we are worn out by then! About 20 miles/32km.
Riders: Andy Cowan Geoff Covey John Tranter Richard Preece Riders = 4 Report: Another evening where the weather forecast looked dire, but we ended up OK! A stiff wind to start, which died down as the ride progressed. Good solid riding, particularly from a very strong Richard P.
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 17th 2012

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: Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell John Stamp Luke Smith Steve Boreham Riders = 5 Report: heading West out of Grove to Wantage , Letcombe regis,Letcombe Bassett Down the hill to Childrey h following the road out to Challow StationTurning right and then left through Goosey. Everyone was doing very well so we added on a few miles going to Charney Bassett and lyford then heading back through Denhworth and home. We reached home just before the Rain started to fall
Distance: 35.41 km (22.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 17th 2012

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks.
Riders: Richard Anstis Riders = 1 Report: A solo effort by Richard on a wet Tuesday evening.
Distance: 22.00 km (13.67 mi)
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Sat Apr 21st 2012

Back On Yer Bike Ride 2012	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our traditional Spring introductory ride for friends, families, new cyclists and those who haven't been out on their bike over the winter. This will be a leisurely 2-hour ride of about 15 miles around the Vale of White Horse visiting the scenic villages of Lyford, Charney Bassett and Stanford-in-the-Vale. Optional ice cream stop, but please bring refreshments. Accompanied children welcome.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Chloe Tucker David Bridge Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine Helen Box Ian Howland John Tranter Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Matthew Quartermain Richard Preece Robin Tucker Sara Smith Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 20 Report: A fantastic turn out! Report and pictures to come...
Distance: 24.94 km (15.50 mi)
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Tue Apr 24th 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Flat 30km ride tonight - includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride. Lights required for the ride back to Grove.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith Geoff Covey John Talbot Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Richard Law Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 11 Report: Very quick group this evening. We kept up a fast and furious pace throughout! Averaging 27kph (16.8mph). Welcome to Rich on his first ride with the club. Beautiful spring evening if a bit chilly. Several of us stopped for refreshments in the pub on the way back. Good ride everyone
Distance: 29.30 km (18.21 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/609466
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1106607"
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Tue Apr 24th 2012

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 Ian Howland John Stamp Luke Smith Mila Yearley Sara Smith Riders = 8 Report: Grove, Wantage, Childery following thre road through to Sparshot , Westcott ,Kingston Lisle down common hill turnig right and following the road out the Faringdon road right again then left to Goosey. everyone was doing really well. We managed to be the first group back at the Fox.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 24th 2012

10 Mile Club 1* restarts	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The first of our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides of the season will be a gentle 8-mile ride to the green at Goosey and back following quiet country lanes. Please bring refreshments and an extra layer to keep you warm (as it can get cold in the lanes towards dusk). Newcomers to cycling and accompanied children very welcome. Optional stop with the other groups at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Report: After the rain during the day, only 3 riders for our first 10-mile club ride of the season, but we were rewarded with a gorgeous sunny evening. We rode out to Goosey as planned and stopped by the church, but as it was locked we were unable to go in. As it was so nice, we decided to extend the ride by taking the longer route back to Denchworth, where we were the first group to reach the pub. An enjoyable social in the Fox with riders from the other groups before cycling back to Grove just before dusk.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Tue Apr 24th 2012

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: David Yearley Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report: Up to the Ridgeway, and back down again
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Sat Apr 28th 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 64km (39 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop at Aston Pottery. Some hills but nothing strenuous. Note (26/04/2012): The route has been revised and at 39 miles is now a little longer than initially planned.
Riders: David Smith Des Higgs John Tranter Ursula Hallam Riders = 4 Report: An intrepid 4 set off from Grove in very unpromising conditions. We had strong headwinds on the way to Fyfield, but it didn't really rain all afternoon. Apparently my original route involved swimming the Thames at Bablock Hythe, so I extended it around Farmoor Reservoir to the outskirts of Eynsham. Rather than do a short section on the A415 near Standlake we took a path between the lakes, it was a little muddy but no problem otherwise. Tea & cake at Aston Pottery were very welcome, by that point we were 3/4 of the way round and ready for a break. the return to Grove via Buckland was uneventful but enjoyable. Thanks to John & Des for turning out on such an unpromising day, really good to see Des on a ride again.
Distance: 64.50 km (40.08 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=385486"
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Sun Apr 29th 2012

The Harlequin Hack 110km Audax	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Northmoor Village Hall
Description: This Audax is right on CTC Wantage's doorstep. I will be riding this event. If you would like to experience an organised event and the relaxed nature of Audaxing then join me! "A modest excursion into the Cotswold hills followed by a gentle wander through the watery lanes of the upper Thames, the Evenlode and the Windrush." We won't be riding hard as the idea is to complete the course and not race it! The ride will be ridden more at a 2* pace. You can enter the event via the Audax UK website in advance. Or you can enter 'on the line' but you will need to arrive at Northmoor by 9am latest to sign up. It will cost £5 for CTC members (remember your membership card) or £7 for non-members. I will likely cycle to the start from home aiming to arrive at Northmoor at 9am to sign in but I can coordinate a ride via OMH to and from the start. Contact me if you're interested in riding the Audax as part of a CTC Wantage group.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: I got to the start at 9am as planned. Of the 50-odd starters on the list about half a dozen had turned up. Driving to Northmoor the roads were pretty bad, lots of small branches down and some flooding. The organiser had gone off to recce the route. I got changed ready to start only to be told that the organiser had phoned through to say the roads were impassable due to flooding and fallen trees. The sensible decision to abandon the event before it started was taken. Shame but it might have been quite dangerous in the wind. Next year then?!
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1098575"
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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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