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Past Rides

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Tue May 1st 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Frank Schroer	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Out via Grove Park Drive (past Lains Barn), crossing over A417, pass through Ardington, Ginges and West Hendred. Here we can decide to follow one or more sections of the Sustrans 44 onto East Hendred or even onto the Harwell Business centre. If not, we take the A417from West Hendred to Rowstock where we turn right onto the A4185, which we follow (crossing over the A34) until the turn for Upton. From Upton we ride a part of the Sustrans route (traffic free with goods views) to Didcot. Then after cycling through Didcot, depending on time, weather etc. there is the option to ride a bit more of a Sustrans route to Sutton Courtenay and get a real close view of the Didcot power station's cooling towers (before part of them are being taken down in a few years time) or otherwise take the road straight into Milton Park. Then via the Milton interchange and Steventon we put a few more miles in heading towards East Hanney. There again there are options: either go straight back to Grove on the A338 or do the additional (traffic-wise quiter) West Hanney-Denchworth loop to Grove. Maybe advisable to have lights for the last section. 29/04/12 I will decide on the day if the above (or a ride at all?) is feasable at all given the recent rain as floods can make part of the route impassable and also it might be hard to get decent averages if it's windy. More rain is forecast for Monday evening so we might not be able to tell what it's like until the evening itself - if it looks grim weather or roadwise we can do something shorter perhaps.
Riders: Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith Frank Schroer Phil Stubbings Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Report: 7 of us did set off for the planned route, taking advance of a decent weather window. At East Ginge the option to ride the Sustrans route 44 was chosen (avoiding the section of the A417 that has to be taken otherwise). Sustrans 44 was then followed all the way down the Harwell Business Centre as well (few muddy sections, but nothing road bikes could not handle). Upon suggesting we could carry on at the sustrans 44, rather than doing the loop past Chilton, this option was picked, providing us with great views. At Upton we continued on this route over the disused railway providing brilliant long shadows - sharing the last part of the route with some runners from Didcot running club. After the link-up section through Didcot past the train station we picked up Sustrans route number 5. In the section around the power station, an obstacle by means of the path covered in floodwater was encountered. The ride leader volunteered to see how deep the water actually got (wet feet indeed!) and was surprised to see everyone followed. By way of Sutton Courtenay, Milton Park and Steventon we headed to East Hanney were it was decided to do the West Hanney-Denchworth loop. The road between West Hanney and Denchworth was heavily flooded but all of us went for it and yes it was a proper flood - we don't often get the opportunity to cycle through (at least) knee-deep floodwater after all and it was hard going at the deepest point. A few more, relatively less spectacular, flooded sections were passed on the way to Grove, where we arrived in the twilight. The ride was a bit of a change as it had a bit of everything and it was well received, which was pleasing as it was the first one I did lead for CTC Wantage
Distance: 47.48 km (29.50 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/624219
Spot the road....(sorry, camera did not handle the level of light well)
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Tue May 1st 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Talbot	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. Flat 30km loop to Southmoor and back via Stanford-in-the-Vale.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill John Stamp John Talbot Luke Smith Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Paula Tansley Sara Smith Riders = 15 Report: It was nice to have a pleasant dry evening with no wind after the last week's deluge. However, the rain had left its mark with some large floods to negotiate which made the ride even more fun A large group this evening on a longish (but flat) route. All did very well and we kept a decent steady pace throughout finishing just after 8pm. Adrian unluckily picked up a puncture just before Grove and walked the last few hundred yards. Other than that the ride passed without incident except there were lots of wet feet!!
Distance: 31.70 km (19.70 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/622644
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1131393"
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Tue May 1st 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: If the rain clears by 6:30, we'll head out through Denchworth to Charney Bassett and Lyford, a flat round trip of about 9 miles. 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.
Riders: Catherine Mann John Hogston Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 4 Report: After all the rain, bright sunshine, but a quick change of plan in view of the flooding on the roads around the "island villages" of the Vale (-ey = island). So 4 riders headed South instead, through the backstreets of Grove, along the cycletrack to Charlton and then out on route 44 to Lockinge, where we were overtaken by the mudslingers (aka Robin & David). There was a lot of water about not least on the back road at Betterton and we rode through a few large puddles/small lakes en route to the Ardington turn. We stopped at the top of the hill to enjoy the view before sweeping down to Ardington. On the way down we passed the strange sight of a herd of cattle standing in a small lake in a neighbouring field! We decided to come back via Lains Barn, so after the steady climb to the A417 X-roads, we enjoyed our second long descent down into the Vale. All about the fields were dotted with ponds. An enjoyable evening's ride - a warm welcome to Catherine and return to John. We'll head to Charney next week - floods permitting...
Distance: 15.29 km (9.50 mi)
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Tue May 1st 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 Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report: The three musketeers ride again! Up to the Ridgeway, along a bit, and down again
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Sat May 5th 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: I feel it's about time we did some hills. So - through Wantage to Letcombe Regis and up Court Hill. A bit of the A338 before the up and down across from Fawler to Brightwalton. Down the other side to Boxford, before the notorious climb of the dreaded Winterbourne Alp (which, frankly, sounds worse than it is, really...). A possible refuelling stop at the village shop in Chieveley, followed by the gradual climb to the slightly worryingly named World's End and Beedon. Then the reasonably challenging roller coaster across to Farnborough before the swooping descent of Chain Hill into Wantage and home. Note how the careful use of language makes things sound better... About 40 miles!
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters John Tranter Nick Dunton Richard Preece Riders = 5 Report: Remarkably, reasonable weather! Four of us set off from Grove and were met by Adrian at Fawler. The route was in good shape, and my concerns about floods and debris were not realised. Essentially, all went according to plan. We stopped for refuelling at Chieveley village shop and apart from that it was all up and down! A total of 2,200 feet of climbing confirmed the fact that this was a challenging ride - well done in particular to Richard Preece for a strong effort. 37 miles in total.
Distance: 59.55 km (37.00 mi)
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Sun May 6th 2012

Classic Oxfordshire	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Harwell
Description: Local charity ride around the Vale - good chance to ride in a larger group at a solid pace. Please let Chris know if you plan to do this ride and would like to join up to ride together. The plan is to be ready to ride at 08:00 (this means you will need to have paid beforehand) and setting off (depending on the groups around us) no later than 08:15. If you're not there and ready by 08:00, you may well miss the group. You will need to be comfortable riding at 30km/h on the flat for extended periods.
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Andy Cowan Chris Walters Ginny Henderson John Talbot Paul Jarvis Tony Smith Riders = 8 Report: It was a cold, but dry start. 5 club riders were planning to start together, but Andy and Paul were delayed, leaving Chris, John and Adrian to blaze the trail. We set off at a solid pace, making the most of the flatlands. Adrian decided to peel off at Sutton Courtenay to do the 30 mile ride, leaving a team of two - not really enough to make for a fast time although we gave it a go, eventually slowing down a little after Hanney. The final 1/3 of the ride was hard - into the wind and undulating, so the tucker on offer at the end was most welcome for empty stomachs and light heads. Andy and Paul got around a little later too, as did Tony separately, and Ginny and Amanda did the 30 mile version. Sitting down and munching on hotdogs, still breathing steam, the sun poked it's head out just to let everyone know it's still there.
Distance: 96.60 km (60.02 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/175795428
Proposed Route: http://bike-events.com/Ride.aspx?id=312"
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Tue May 8th 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. Lights are highly recommended.
Riders: Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith Frank Schroer Geoff Covey Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: A very strong group tonight made the most of the flat terrain and the hill! My computer gave a moving average of 15.8 MPH. The weather was kind being warmer than the last few days. Thanks to all for turning out.
Distance: 41.84 km (26.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/635242
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=391131"
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Tue May 8th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	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. This week, we'll be going all lumpy - out via the Letcombes and up Hackpen Hill, then down through Childrey and Goosey. Time blow the cobwebs away!
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Beth Kennedy Brian Hipwell Catherine Mann Chris Walters Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Geoff Neill John Stamp Luke Smith Michael Tayler Paul Watson Paula Tansley Riders = 14 Report: A good turnout tonight with 14 riders up for a hilly escapade, and a warm welcome to Paul. It was a pleasant warm evening, if a little overcast. No great dramas through Wantage and to the Letcombes although Des did treat us to a comedy "forgot to unclip" moment at the bottom of Hackpen Hill. Everyone did very well on the climb, and before long we were enjoying the superb descent back down towards Sparsholt. A final dash down the hill to the A417 followed before we took things at a more gentle pace through Goosey and Denchworth back to Grove. Everyone did really well on the hills, so I would anticipate another good evening for my next 2* in June, when weather permitting we'll be looking to tame the dragon of White Horse Hill! Incidentally, for anyone wondering whether the New Forest 2* ride on the 9th June would be suitable, on tonight's showing, everyone from tonight's ride would cope easily!
Distance: 27.80 km (17.27 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/176274767
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=225732"
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Tue May 8th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: After the change of plan last Tuesday, floods permitting, we'll head for Charney Bassett this week, returning via Lyford and Denchworth, a flat 9 miles with the occasional stop to enjoy the views and points of interest along the way. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome. These rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence.
Riders: John Hogston Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: Another dry evening saw 5 of us on the 1* ride heading out to Charney Bassett by way of Denchworth. As it was fine and everyone was feeling in good fettle, we agreed to extend the ride by taking the long way round to Lyford by way of Sheephouse Farm and Ock Bridge. We had a brief rest by the almshouses at Lyford before continuing back to Grove getting back just before 8 and slightly ahead of the other groups.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Tue May 8th 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 Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Report: Up to the Ridgeway, and back down again. Richard's last Tuesday before his Riga to Berlin epic
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sun May 13th 2012

Wiltshire White Horses	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Marlborough - Hilliers Yard Car Park
Description: Saddle up for all 8 Wiltshire white horses in one day! Out of the gates at Marlborough, we'll warm up by heading north to Broad Hinton, passing horse #1, the Hackpen horse, onto Broad Town for horse #2. Turning south to Cherhill, horse #3 and over the hill to Devizes, horse #4, the youngest of them all. A nosebag or 2 for lunch and then we need to gallop out west to #5, the most famous of the herd at Westbury. On to Pewsey, horse #6, spurred on by the thought of afternoon tea (sugar lump anyone?). Then just a (relatively) short trot to Alton Barnes, #7, and the final furlong to Marlborough via Preshute, #8. Yee haa! Climbs of note: #1 out of Marlborough, #2 after Cherhill, #3 out of Alton Barnes. It'll be a challenge (120 km) but it's all doable at a steady pace to stay the course. Please let me know if you are up for it by early Saturday evening. Leaving at 9:30 from Hilliers Yard Car Park, free on Sundays - http://g.co/maps/pfh5v Lunch at The Raven, Poulshot - selection of baguettes, pub grub, full-on roast if you can handle the ride afterwards! Afternoon tea most likely at Woodborough Garden Centre. Please note: bridleway section from Bratton to Westbury - metalled but potholed - option to use B3008 instead and retrace steps after. Also, tiny section of bridleway into Marlborough - hard surface - option to return on A4 otherwise.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Johnson Chris Walters David Smith John Tranter Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Robin Tucker Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Report: The Magnificent Ten rode out of Marlborough in brilliant sunshine and white horses #1 & #2 were soon dispatched. There was a bit of head-wind on the way to horse #3 at Cherhill, nothing too serious. The long climb up to and past North Wilts Golf Course was quickly overcome only to be met by what seemed an eternity waiting for the man with the stop/go board at road works on the A361 junction. We skirted around Devizes for horse #4 but as we stopped for a photo opportunity at the bottom of Caen Hill Locks, Nick decided to put a little extra air in his rear tyre only for the valve to disintegrate and require a new tube fitting. Not a problem, we were soon sitting in the garden of The Raven at Poulshot enjoying a well-earned rest and delicious food, shame we couldn't really take advantage of the real-ales straight from the barrels behind the bar! Cruising from The Raven to Westbury we met another cyclist who turned out to be an ex-PR man for the CTC some years ago. As he headed off up the hill to the top of the Westbury white horse, we chose to take the potholed track along to the viewpoint car park for it instead before heading towards Pewsey. Luckily we now had a bit of a tailwind along the undulating section to Market Lavington. We were just in time for a much needed break at Woodborough Garden Centre where we were served excellent tea and cakes, two pieces for some of us! From Woodborough we headed towards Pewsey for a short distance to catch a glimpse of the Pewsey white horse through the trees before heading to the last real climb of the day at Alton Barnes which was effortlessly surmounted by the whole group. We then made great time back to Marlborough and the last (off-)white horse and the car park. Thanks to everyone for coming along and helping to make it an enjoyable day. We enjoyed setting the route...look forward to The Magnificent Ten Ride Again!
Distance: 122.00 km (75.81 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/642363
#1 - Hackpen #2 - Broad Town - on the skyline, just to the left of Robin's head #3 - Cherhill #4 - Devizes Caen Hill locks #5 - Westbury #5 - Two impersonators and the real McCoy #6 - Pewsey - squint and you might see it #7 - Alton Barnes #8 - Marlborough - more of a foal than a horse
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=391078"
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Tue May 15th 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: No fixed route in mind – we’ll vary depending on conditions and group composition. Generally fast & furious out through Hanneys towards Steventon & Didcot, do a few loops to build-up the miles, and home via a couple of hills for a sting in the tail. Lights advised in case of delays en route. Nick Dunton 01235-848580 07774-838310 nick.dunton@tiscali.co.uk
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Johnson David Smith Geoff Covey Janet Charleston John Talbot Nick Dunton Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Report: A surprisingly pleasant evening, given the rain earlier, although still a cold wind. Out via the Hanneys to Steventon, up Steventon Hill, past Harwell Campus, over Hagbourne Hill, Hagbourne to Didcot, Harwell, Featherbed Lane and home via Laing Barn road. Back 8.20, average speed 25.1 km/h
Distance: 42.60 km (26.47 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/646401
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Tue May 15th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We will go out to Denchworth and Hanney, then across Cow Common to Steventon, up Steventon Hill, then Featherbed Lane, a brief burst of the A417, some cunning wiggles through East and West Hendred and then home via Ginge, Lockinge and either Lains Barn or Charlton, depending on how we are feeling by then. This route is cunningly optimised to take advantage of the prevailing wind (watch that go horribly wrong...) About 18 miles.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Edith Hipwell Ian Howland John Stamp John Tranter Steve Boreham Riders = 7 Report: Well, the hailstorm 30 minutes beforehand didn't inspire much confidence, but in the end the weather was just about OK. Route went according to plan, with a bit of adjustment to the choice of tracks between East and West Hendred. Well done to everyone for turning out on an unpromising evening!
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Tue May 15th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride to Childrey this evening taking in some easy off-road tracks, but also two short stretches on the A417 with right turns. We'll head out via Denchworth, up to the A417 and up to West Challow. We'll follow the bridleway up to Childrey and then the track backl to East Challow. We'll return to Grove along the canal towpath to Stockham. A round trip of about 10 miles. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome. These rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence.
Riders: Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Report: Perhaps if the hail and rain had finished half an hour earlier we would have had a larger turnout. As it was the weather cleared and after a few raindrops on the way to Denchworth it turned into a lovely sunny (if chilly) evening. The views were superb due to the calrity of the air both of the Downs from the top of the railway bridge by Circourt Farm, and across the Vale from the Childrey to East Challow track. We followed the route to Childrey as planned. The good news is that they have just retarmaced the bridleway from West Challow up to Childrey giving a nice smooth surface. Due to the rain we didn't drop down to the canal at East Challow but continued on the A417 to Stockham, from where we took the track down to the Technology Park and Downsview Road. Back in Grove at 7:50pm after about 10 miles.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Tue May 15th 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: Riders = 0 Report: No other takers, so I joined the road ride.
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Sun May 20th 2012

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	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. [STOP PRESS: If the weather is poor we can choose an alternative route on the day, still heading out to Ashbury, but staying closer to home with lunch at Aston - the alternative route is here: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1192125] The original plan is a long one at 118km, heading out via Ashbury and Wroughton around the bottom of Swindon to lunch at South Cerney visitor centre, just south of Cirencester, a total of 64 hilly km before a 13:00 lunch, so make sure you are well stocked with energy bars. Returning around Highworth and Watchfield on a much flatter route, with an option of a cup of coffee in Wantage at the end of the ride.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Chris Walters Des Higgs Nick Robinson Paul Jarvis Steven Rogers Riders = 7 Report: Following on from last Sunday's ride, this was meant to be the Magnificent 7. Nick from Wisconsin (the cycle manufacturing centre of the USA), visiting relatives in Wantage, turned up on a Trek bike, and just happened to be a Trek employee - nice to meet you Nick! We headed out towards Ashbury, dropping Adrian along the way - he was not having a great day so decided to drop out before we got too far. We managed to pick up Des just before Ashbury, but lost him by Fox Hill, sounding a bit like an asthmatic hoover! So just like the movie, the seven were being whittled down, also losing Nick by Liddington so he could head back for lunch. Onwards and upwards for the remaining 4, especially out of Wroughton, and we got a better view of the Broadtown white horse that so disappointed in the distance last weekend. At the lunch stop a customary long wait for food was actually quite a welcome (or would have been had we not been so hungry) reprise, before we fought the wind most of the way back, saying farewells to Steve near to Highworth. Legs were definitely aching as the three stalwarts made it back to Wantage in reasonable time - 118km in 5:15 of cycling time - pretty good considering the hills and the wind. As a post scriptum, I note that on ITV3 at 20:00 tonight was the film: "The Magnificent Seven Ride Again" - you couldn't make it up!
Distance: 117.80 km (73.20 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/656866
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1094725"
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Tue May 22nd 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Tonight we'll be having a dash round the flat Fast and Furious route in a figure of eight out to Shrivenham - 46km at a good pace.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Chris Walters Geoff Covey Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Simon Cox Riders = 8 Report: Wecome to Simon who joined us tonight for his first ride with Wantage! So, summer has finally made it. There was a bit of a breeze tonight so the journey out to Watchfield was hard work - thanks to Nick and Simon for sharing duties at the front - it was much appreciated. We caught up with 2* at Denchworth railway bridge, just before the customary high spirits with the added spice of potholes to dodge. A good pace, so well done everyone.
Distance: 46.40 km (28.83 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/660594
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=6038"
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Tue May 22nd 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.
Riders: Beth Kennedy Bob Wyatt Catherine Mann David Smith David Yearley Des Higgs Ian Howland Luke Smith Maurice Bawden Sara Smith Simon Cousins Steve Boreham Riders = 12 Report: It was a lovely evening for a bike ride with a great turnout of riders. Hope everyone enjoyed the route and the pace. No technical incidents and plenty of good conversations. Interesting to ride the little section of road out of West Hanney as last time I rode it there was 2 foot of water covering it. Welcome to Simon on his first ride with us.
Distance: 29.20 km (18.14 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/661060
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=375878"
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Tue May 22nd 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The Hanney Explorer. Providing the tracks have dried out after the recent rain we'll follow a couple of bridleways, one around East Hanney, the other from West Hanney back to Denchworth. A trip of about 10 miles. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome. These rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Daniel Quinn Graham Quinn Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Report: At last a warm and sunny Tuesday evening! And the sunshine brought the welcome return of Alvaro, Daniel and Graham. We followed the route as planned to the north end of East Hanney without incident. An exploration of the track around the playing fields found that it was still rather muddy under the trees, so we retraced our steps to West Hanney. We stopped briefly to look at the Archimedes Screw generator that has been installed by the side of the other mill in East Hanney. Apparently its the first in the UK for domestic use. At West Hanney we turned off-road. The track behind the village was rather bumpy from tractor tracks; however, the bridleway across to Denchworth was smoother. We stopped at the top of the rise to enjoy the views (it really does feel like the middle of nowhere) before continuing on to Denchworth. Back in Grove at 8:10 arriving at the same time as the other two groups. Thanks everyone for an enjoyable ride.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Tue May 22nd 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 Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Report: A beautiful evening and a trio of enthusiastic riders. SO we went a bit further than usual. Over the Ridgeway and up the other side, then back again.
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)
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Sat May 26th 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This is a slight reworking of last year's special route into the centre of Oxford. Nice, easy pace through Charney Bassett, Appleton and Cumnor, down the hill to Botley. Then the cunning car-free entry to Oxford via bike tracks and beautiful river sides (suitable for all bikes). Private venue tea stop courtesy of St Aldates church in the very heart of the city, opposite Christchurch. Then along the river path to Iffley, Kennington and back via Sunningwell and Fyfield. 40 miles - a longer 2* ride, but easy terrain and an easy pace. Don't miss this one!
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Des Higgs Frank Schroer Geoff Neill John Talbot John Tranter Liz Buckle Mila Yearley Nicole Pethybridge Phil Stubbings Philippa Goodfellow Richard Pethybridge Steve Boreham Tracey Talbot Riders = 17 Report: A wonderful turn-out on just about the most perfect day of the year. 16 riders set off, and a big welcome to Richard, Nicole and Philippa, all joining us for the first time. Steve Boreham then joined us in Oxford as well. The route went well and the secret entry to the heart of Oxford seemed particularly appreciated. Thanks also to the verger staff of St Aldates church for a great tea stop and to Carin for the home made fruit cake. We then encountered an unexpected problem as the towpath towards Sandford Lock was packed with people and cycling became impossible. It turned out to be the culmination of Eights week and therefore the most important afternoon in the bitter rivalry between Oxford colleges for rowing bragging rights. All very exciting and there was a lot of testosterone coming from the toned men in the boats (that's a quote from Mila, incidentally...). We did lose some time as a result and so took the decision to split the ride into a faster and a more leisurely group, which helped. A longer than normal 2* ride was a challenge for some, but everyone made it well - all in all, a wonderful afternoon!
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)
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Tue May 29th 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. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride. A fairly long ride tonight of 47km ridden at a decent 3* pace. Out via a short stretch of A338 to East Hanney. Followed by West Hanney, Fyfield, Appleton, Bessels Leigh, Wootton. Up the quiet back road to Boars Hill (one of my favourite climbs in the area). Great views across Oxford from the top, hopefully basking in golden evening sunshine, and then down Foxcombe Hill. Back via Cothill, Marcham, Garford, Lyford and Denchworth. Optional stop at the pub in Denchworth. Lights may be required for the ride back to Grove from the pub.
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Andrew Johnson Bob Wyatt Bryan Charleston David Smith Geoff Covey Janet Charleston John Talbot Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Riders = 12 Report: Great group riding this evening. We kept a good pace throughout the ride and averaged 26.6 kph (16.5 mph). Perfect weather too, not too humid and lovely evening sunshine in a clear sky. The back road up to Boar's Hill is brilliant and the fantastic descent down Foxcombe Hill is smooth and fast. We were in the pub by 8.15pm which is really good going. Thanks everyone for a great ride.
Distance: 47.20 km (29.33 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/678789
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1209004"
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Tue May 29th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	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.
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Tue May 29th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A hillier ride this evening heading to the Letcombes and Childrey. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome. These rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Lorna Swanton Sean Butler Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 6 Report: A glorious evening saw 6 riders on the 1* ride including newcomer Sean - welcome. We followed the route as planned to the Letcombes and stopped for a brief rest in Letcombe Bassett before tackling Holborn Hill. Everyone made it up and then enjoyed the descent into Childrey and on to the A417. We came back to Denchworth through Goosey reaching the pub at 7:55. 3 of us stayed for a drink, while 3 continued back to Grove.
Distance: 20.12 km (12.50 mi)
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Tue May 29th 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 Mila Yearley Riders = 2 Report: Grove to Lockinge, up Goddards Brook to the Ridgeway, down the Ginge singletrack, over the Bridge of Doom, and back to Grove.
Distance: 23.50 km (14.60 mi)
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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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