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Sun Jul 1st 2012

CTC Oxfordshire Century (100-mile) ride	3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Eynsham
Description: A chance to ride a Century, starting at 8am from the Clover Lane car park in Eynsham (Grid Ref SP432094). We'll be heading northwards across the Cotswolds into Warwickshire and Worcestershire with stops for coffee at Wyatt's Garden Centre, Great Rollright (arr 10:15, 25 miles), lunch at the Cottage of Content, Barton near Bidford-on-Avon (51 miles, arr ~1pm) and tea in Bourton-on-the water (73 miles, arr ~4:15 pm). Expect to be back in Eynsham around 7pm. Steady pace 12-14mph. Expect some hills, with one big climb (~220m) from Broadway to Snowshill after lunch. As in previous years, riders will be very welcome to join us for just some of the ride, making it part of your own ride if you want to. N.B: Many thanks to David Smith for adding the Bike Route Toaster course.
Riders: Adrian West Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith Paul Jarvis Robin Tucker Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: 12 riders completed the century (8 on the left plus Trevor and Paul from Witney group and Steve and Janet from City). Well done to everyone and particularly to our 7 new "Centurions". All went to plan, with a few unexpected extras thrown in... Full report to come. Thanks everyone for making it a great day.
Distance: 162.54 km (101.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/750783
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=419466"
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1

Written by : Paul Read

Posted on : July 7, 2012 at 12:00 PM

Really enjoyed that and big thanks for helping me reach my first century!

Paul

2

Written by : Adrian west

Posted on : July 10, 2012 at 7:07 PM

Erm? Where did the route go, I want to see it on the map

Tue Jul 3rd 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Frank Schroer	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Good one to get some vertical meters in: 44k and 400 m of climbing We can take a shortcut in West Ilsley if we are up against time.
Riders: Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan Frank Schroer Janet Charleston Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Riders = 6 Report: Rain started just at the start of the ride and did not go away until after the ride. It did not get our spirits down though and we did the whole planned route - without stopping much. Well done everyone for coming out despite the weather and for sticking with the quite decent pace given the amount of climbing involved. What is it with the rides I lead and water ? If anyone has a ride report from a GPS, either please post (if you have access) or alternatively send it to us.
Distance: 44.00 km (27.34 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=412475"
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Tue Jul 3rd 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. This week we'll be taking in Hackpen Hill, the glorious ride up Seven Barrows (much easier than Hackpen) and then back through Goosey. 37km, lumpy, but we'll go at a pace to suit the whole group.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Des Higgs John Stamp Steve Boreham Riders = 5 Report: I had hoped nobody would turn up, as the weather forecast was poor and deteriorating... just like my back tyre, which was flat when I took it out of the car. A quick tube change later (thanks for the loan of the track pump, Phil!), and we were ready to go, with 5 riders who had been offered a shorter easier route, but turned it down for the planned climbing. There was a bit of breeze too, and it was good to be blown along uphill after Holborn Hill to the B4001. Hackpen Hill was climbed, and Brian left us to ride at a faster pace, so we were down to 4 for the wind-braked descent down towards Lambourn, and the wind-assisted climb back up past Seven Barrows. Blowingstone Hill descent was taken with care, and the route back via Kingston Lisle (bye, Des) and Goosey passed off without a hitch, except for the incessant and increasing rain. Well done to Steve and John - you rode really well on a long, lumpy 2* in awful weather conditions. It's really great to see the progress that some of our 2* riders are making!
Distance: 37.50 km (23.30 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/755362
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1373593"
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Tue Jul 3rd 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A slightly hillier ride this week to Ginge via Sustrans route 44 (with some easy off-road). Out through Charlton, Lockinge and Betterton. From Ginge there is a great descent to West Hendred. There is a 1-mile stretch along the A417 to Ardington, then back via Lains Barn and another great descent into the Vale. About 12 miles in total. 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. As the name suggests, we aim to cover about 10 miles at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, stopping to rest and look at interesting things on the way.
Riders: David Smith Steve Burr Riders = 2 Report: An enjoyable, if somewhat damp, ride to Ginge & West Hendred. For some reason route 44 was busy with runners heading in the opposite direction to us this evening. Due to the weather we didn’t take too much time to enjoy the sites and kept up a good steady pace throughout.
Distance: 18.40 km (11.43 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/753272
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=423408"
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Tue Jul 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: Riders = 0 Report: I (Robin) was away and I think too many others were too, so no ride.
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Sat Jul 7th 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: In honour of the Tour de France,, we will be tackling a local Hors Category climb - the Col de Boar's Hill. Out from Grove through Denchworth to Frilford, along to Cumnor, across to Wootton and up the great hill. Hopefully stonking views of the dreaming spires before the big descent to Sunningwell and across to Abingdon for a tea stop. Then the riverside cut through to Sutton Courtenay and Drayton and home via Steventon and Hanney. About 40 miles altogether.
Riders: David Bridge Frank Schroer John Talbot John Tranter Nick Dunton Riders = 5 Report: Yet another rain affected ride, but I was most impressed by the four hardy souls who still decided to come out and join me. All went according to plan, mostly not too bad rain until we entered Abingdon, at which point the heavens opened and we arrived like drowned rats at our tea stop (of course, 5 minutes later and we would have been inside the tea stop...). The Throwing Buns cafe was extremely good and is recommended for future rides. A little short in the end - 35 miles, but appropriate for the fairly dire conditions. Where is summer!?
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/760708
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Tue Jul 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 Out to Bampton via Denchworth, Charney Bassett and Buckland. Back via Clanfield, the seldom climbed hill at Littleworth and Stanford-in-the-Vale. There are a few hundred meters on the A420 but the right-turn into Barcote Lane can be taken safely by stopping in the wide entrance on the left opposite and crossing the road. 48km but almost entirely flat except for the drop at Buckland and the climb back up at Littleworth. UPDATE :- If the weather this evening is rubbish we'll probably do a shorter ride around the Vale.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Johnson Andy Cowan David Smith Janet Charleston John Talbot Louis Hall Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Simon Cox Ursula Hallam Riders = 11 Report: Despite my update the weather was so awful and we got so wet so early on it didn't seem worth cutting the ride short so we went the full distance anyway. It was good to see a large group on such a miserable evening. This summer really has been atrocious and the conditions this evening were some of the worst I've experienced on a bike. Driving torrential rain and flooded roads. The whole works. It did ease off as we got to Bampton and we made good time. Until I got a puncture at the top of the hill at Littleworth (my 3rd in a week). That delayed us for a few minutes. Then Phil had a tumble in a water filled hole on Park Lane and burst his tyre. The group split with half making their way back to Grove, the rest helping Phil repair. We arrived back at Grove bedraggled and filthy at 8.45pm. A bit later than planned but a good distance given the conditions at a good average speed over 16mph. Thanks for coming and enduring the ride
Distance: 48.00 km (29.83 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/768917
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1394035"
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Tue Jul 10th 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. No hills this week - we'll be going out via Steventon to Abingdon, Fyfield and back via Lyford. 37km - an opportunity to go a little quicker on easier terrain.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Chris Walters John Stamp Michael Tayler Paula Tansley Steve Boreham Riders = 6 Report: Even as late as 5pm, the weather forecast looked hopeful. By 6.29, it was clear that it was going to be yet another wet ride, so we set off anyway, down the A338 and up to Abingdon via Steventon. The worst of the rain was just before Abingdon, and it rather obligingly stopped raining around the Marcham area, with an uneventful return. Well done everyone for riding at a decent pace and putting up with the weather. It truly was awful, but it's amazing how a smile and a chuckle can overcome the worst of what gets thrown at us.
Distance: 36.80 km (22.87 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/779278
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1392292"
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Tue Jul 10th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Due to the weather, a change of plan. The 10-mile club rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence. As the name suggests, we aim to cover about 10 miles at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, stopping to rest and look at interesting things on the way. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Edith Hipwell Lorna Swanton Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Report: This was probably the wettest evening we've actually run a 1* ride, but there were four willing riders in Grove and one joined us en route. The rain had started just before six, lightly at first, then seemed to get heavier as we were gathering by the hall. So we set off in the wet. Fortunately it didn't rain all the time and it wasn't cold. But as we all wanted to keep moving we ended up having a longer ride. Due to the weather there was a change of plan. Instead of muddy tracks in the Vale we went for the firmer tracks to Childrey. Route out was via Downsview Road then left past Crown, Cork & Seal on the old airfield track and on up into Stockham. A short stretch along the A417 brought us to East Challow and the bridleway across to Childrey. Here the rain eased and there were amazing views from the bridleway of the rain clouds, in various hues of grey, swirling over the Vale and Downs. After a brief stop by Childrey pond, we cycled on through a short shower to Sparsholt and continued on to Westcot before turning round and retracing our steps. At Childrey again we turned left and enjoyed the descent on the B-road down to Challow Station. As it was raining again and getting very dark, Edith and Barbara decided to head home directly, while the remaining 3 of us continued on to Goosey and back via Denchworth. We were back in Grove at 8:15 after a surprisingly enjoyable ride, despite the wet.
Distance: 23.34 km (14.50 mi)
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Tue Jul 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 Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report: Up to the Ridgeway by Goddards Brook. Down the other side and back up for a second big climb. As the ground was sticky, we headed straight over the Ridgeway and down to Betterton, then home. When will the rain end?!?
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Sat Jul 14th 2012

CTC Oxfordshire Pot Luck Supper

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Steve and Lorna's in Grove
Description: 6:30 for 7pm at Steve and Lorna's in Grove - 3 minutes from Millbrook Square and the bus stop for Oxford and Abingdon. Come along for a sociable evening with members from all the local CTC groups; families welcome. Please bring a bottle and a dish for the pot-luck buffet - savoury, salad or sweet to cater for 4 people per person coming. Potatoes and bread will be provided. There will also be a quiz and raffle in aid of Whizz-kidz.
Riders: Andy Cowan Barbara Lambers Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter David Paine David Yearley Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine Helen Beane James Dawton John Stamp John Tranter Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Lou Rose Margaret Stamp Matthew Quartermain Mavis Rose Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Peter Hallowell Richard Divall Robin Tucker Ros Hallowell Sara Smith Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 28 Report: 33 members and families from across our 3 local groups joined in this year's Pot Luck supper. Sadly the rain gods were not kind; a deluge just after 6pm put paid to hopes that we might have a dry enough evening to spend outside. Nevertheless it did clear enough to give us a gorgeous sunset later. There was a good variety of dishes: savoury, salad and sweet, so that no-one went hungry - a big thank you to all the cooks. The photo quiz of places in Oxfordshire caused some lively debate as to likely locations; and the "water, water everywhere..." quiz tested everyone's guess work. Yet again Peter H won by just one point from James. Thanks to Lorna and Mavis, the raffle raised £64 for Whizz-kidz. Our thanks to everyone for contributing to a most convivial evening.
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Sun Jul 15th 2012

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Heading NE to Brill via Marcham, Sunningwell, Sandford, Garsington and Wheatley. Returning via Long Crendon, Great Milton, Stadhampton, Dorchester and Didcot. Lunch stop in Long Crendon after 68km and tea-stop at Dorchester Abbey after 95km. Mapped route is 124km (77 miles) but options to cut a few loops if necessary. Not especially hilly other than the short climb into Garsington and the one big hill of the day up to Brill. Riding pace 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. PLEASE NOTE :- There is a Wantage-Winchester cycling event leaving the Market Place at 10am with maybe 120 riders taking part. There will be a stage being set up from 8am. We should be out of each other's way but don't go to Winchester by mistake!!
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Barry Gills Chris Walters Derek Boutle Des Higgs John Talbot Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Riders = 10 Report: Really good relaxed ride around Oxon and Bucks in good weather. We made good progress to Brill with only the climb to Garsington to interrupt our pace. I do like Grenoble Road past Kassam Stadium on a Sunday, sweeping along around the roundabouts! I was too kind on the group and we took the easiest route up to Brill, a lot shorter and less steep than I remember approaching from Boarstall past the windmill. A long sweeping descent took us to Long Crendon and a lovely lunchstop at The Flowerpot Café, recommended for future rides. We were too quick after lunch getting to Dorchester Abbey tea-shop which didn't open until 3pm so we continued to Long Wittenham and the excellent value tea-shop at the Pendon Museum. Here we bumped into a fellow CTC cyclist from Huddersfield who was cycling to and from Watlington in two days! From the stop we cut along NCN5 to Appleford and chose the direct route along the Hanney Road from Steventon. I picked up a slow puncture near Sutton Courtenay, two pitstops for a pump up got me as far as Grove where I eventually succumbed and changed the tube. Thanks for coming on the ride, I really enjoyed it
Distance: 124.40 km (77.30 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/778402
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1313483"
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Tue Jul 17th 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 Looks like you've got me again! Can't remember the last time we went up the hill past Lain's Barn so that's what we shall do this evening. Then Ardington, Ginge, Hendreds, Steventon, Drayton, Sutton Courtenay, Culham, Abingdon, Drayton, Steventon, Hanneys, Denchworth. Distance 47km. Lumpy to start and then flat. Option to cut down A338 if time short at end. Couple of sprint opportunites as well
Riders: Andrew Johnson Chris Walters Frank Schroer Geoff Covey John Talbot Paul Jarvis Peter Greenfield Phil Stubbings Riders = 8 Report: OMG it didn't rain!!! But it did decide to blow a gale instead Nice lumpy section past Lain's Barn to Ardington, Ginge and the Hendreds. Phil decided to add a few km by missing the turning onto Featherbed Lane and going via Rowstock! Great tailwind to Sutton Courtenay and a very pleasant ride over the Thames twice through Abingdon. Nasty headwind on the Hanney Road which was quite hard work. I went for the early sprint on Denchworth Dash but Chris and Geoff got me just before the end. Great ride everyone!
Distance: 47.20 km (29.33 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/783863
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1436171"
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Tue Jul 17th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Enjoy an easy-paced ride around the local lanes. About 30km out to the Ginges, West Hendred, down Steventon Hill, the Hanney's and back to Grove via Denchworth.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Andy Cowan Brian Hipwell Dave Parry David Smith Des Higgs Edith Hipwell John Stamp Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Steve Joyce Riders = 12 Report: A great turnout of 2* riders were joined by the 1* group this evening. We had an enjoyable ride out of the wind to West Hendred where some of the 1* riders decided to head for home along the A417. A good run down Steventon Hill was followed by a very windy run along Hanney Road to East Hanney where Brian, Edith & Lorna decided to head along the A338 back to grove while the rest of us headed back to Grove via Denchworth. Welcome to Dave Parry on his first ride with Wantage CTC, hope to see you on other rides in the future.
Distance: 30.10 km (18.70 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=431232"
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Tue Jul 17th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A gentle ride around nearby villages - all welcome! These rides are designed to be a gentle and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence. As the name suggests, we aim to cover about 10 miles at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, stopping to rest and look at interesting things on the way. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome.
Riders: Luke Smith Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Report: The weather made a drastic improvement on recent Tuesdays (ie NO rain!) However, initially only 3 of us for the 10 Mile Club, so we tagged on to the 2* ride to begin with, being then joined at the start by Luke. (This saved me a bit as ride leader, especially as the 1* route was to be reinvented, the planned route for tonight was used last week due to the conditions (all forgiven Steve S!) Cycled as far as West Hendred with the 2* group, then three of us turned back for a shorter route back via Ardington and Lains Barn, with Lorna going on with the 2* group (Feeling fitter and with that new bike!) Very nice to have a dry ride after the dowsing of the last two Tuesdays!
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Tue Jul 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: David Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Ursula Hallam Riders = 4 Report: Tonight's ride welcomed Ursula back to the dark side (muddy side) for the first time for a while. From Grove we took a wet Crab Lane along to Charlton in Wantage, and from there along the track to Lockinge. The climb led us up Goddard's Brook and up to the Ridgeway. We turned West, past Lord Wantage's memorial and along the Ridgeway westwards towards the top of Letcombe Bassett. The steep descent down Gramp's Hill into Letcombe Bassett was clearly too much for Dave's brakes - a replacement set that he had to hand was swiftly installed. Through Letcombe Regis and up Windmill Hill, we then dropped down the muddy, wet and slippery track that runs past Challow school and the recreation ground. Towards the bottom Ursula lost the fight against gravity, but fortunately the mud stopped her from hitting the ground too hard. We carried on along the canal to Grove and back to Old Mill Hall.
Distance: 25.59 km (15.90 mi)
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Sat Jul 21st 2012

Off-road - Uffington to Avebury	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Uffington Castle
Description: A special off-road ride from Uffington Castle to Avebury. Heading west we'll follow the Ridgeway all the way, turning off just before reaching Overton Hill for lunch in Avebury. Fairly straightforward off-road riding. Returning by the same route where Barbury Hill is the only tricky/technical (for some of us anyway ) uphill bit but is followed by a nice grassy downhill. Meet in the Uffington White Horse car park for 9:30am start - http://goo.gl/maps/pmH7 Bring some snacks. Lunch at the National Trust cafe in Avebury. Potential to stop in Ogbourne on the way back. Route below is just one-way so double the distance, etc. UPDATE 19/07/12: Forecast for Saturday is fine, so ride is on. The Ridgeway itself on Tuesday night was OK so we will head out towards Avebury as planned and we will be leaving @ 09:30 prompt. If we get mud-locked then will consider taking the option of the shorter 'not the Ridgeway trail' rather than going around Ogborne St George. In short, come prepared with a few snacks and to be a bit flexible depending on conditions/group/time. Please let me know if you're intending to ride.
Riders: Andrew Johnson David Smith Frank Schroer Ursula Hallam Riders = 4 Report: With the weather looking up at last, the four of us set off in hazy sunshine, Frank relishing an extra challenge on his 'cult' single-speed bike! It was lovely and quiet on the Ridgeway and pretty easy going on firm chalky terrain to Fox Hill and the little bit of road crossing the M4. Suncream liberally applied, the first hill of the day was surmounted with relative ease and our journey continued over more grassy ground with lovely views to the west. Only a short rutted section and a lone cyclist who stopped to chat, interrupted our descent to Ogbourne St George. Crossing the Chiseldon-Marlborough railway path we then began our ascent up Smeathers Ridge but not before David let loose a swinging gate that nearly landed Ursula in the (cow) poo. Smeathers Ridge is a really lovely open part of the ride with views to the north (Swindon - ok, but it's a way away) and south (the Marlborough downs, I guess). Like the ancient attackers we arrived at Barbury hill fort, puffing a bit, but cycled through it and straight down the other steeper side of it. The last leg of the outward-bound journey continued above the Hackpen white horse, through a muddy rutted section (although nothing like the mud-baths of Grove) and then we turned right for a chalky descent into Avebury. The cafe was pretty busy with all tables taken so instead we enjoyed our lunch picnic-style sitting on the grass in the sunshine. Delayed by the realisation that David had lost his whale tail somewhere and a couple of punctures making themselves known, the return journey was simply taken in reverse despite offering up easier/shorter options via Chiseldon. On the way back, the muddy ruts seemed less muddy, the missing whale tail found, Barbury Hill not as stoney or technical as I recall and Smeathers Ridge not quite as fast downhill – more grass on both this year I think. The hardest bit turned out to be the climb back up Liddington Hill – bit of a slog up the side of a ploughed and planted field. Crossing back to the north side of the M4 it was all plain-cycling again to Waylands Smithy where Frank instigated a victory lap of the long barrow and we returned to the car park and the awaiting icecream van – 99’s all round. Thanks guys for turning out – really enjoyed getting the off-road legs working again.
Distance: 71.50 km (44.43 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/793405
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1405243"
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Sun Jul 22nd 2012

Sunday afternoon ride to Uffington	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A leisurely afternoon ride to Uffington for tea and cakes in St Mary's Church. If you've never been, it's a real treat - the perfect excuse for a Sunday afternoon ride.... Why not cycle with us from Grove or meet us there for tea. The ride will head out via Charney Bassett, Gainfield, Hatford and Fernham, returning via Baulking and Goosey, a round trip of about 20 miles. Riding pace about 10mph suitable for families. All welcome. Expect to be back in Grove about 5pm.
Riders: Andy Cowan Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Lorna Swanton Sarah Shackleton Stan Cowan Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 9 Report: Summer at last! A beautiful, warm and remarkably clear afternoon to be out on the bike. There was even a breeze to keep us cool. We followed the route as planned stopping several times along the way for drinks. Tea was taken in the churchyard at Uffington - to make the most of the sunshine tables had been put up outside. I recommend the cream tea - very good home-made scones as well as all the cakes. Stan had been tiring on the outward leg, but refuelled with chocolate cake and a tailwind behind, he found new energy to make good speed on the way home and complete his longest ride to date. Well done Stan. We were back in Grove just after 5pm after a lovely mellow ride - thanks everyone. A few pictures to come...
Distance: 34.60 km (21.50 mi)
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Tue Jul 24th 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 44km out via Steventon, Abingdon, Besselsleigh, Appleton and Charney Bassett. Generally flat, therefore fast.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andrew Johnson Bob Wyatt Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Peter Greenfield Phil Stubbings Riders = 10 Report: A sweltering evening was a good opportunity to give the new club shirts their first outing - 10 of us (3 with new shirts) set out to Steventon, through Abingdon and via Besselsleigh to Appleton. We had a bit of a play at getting a proper revolving pace line going with a modicum of success, and then decided to extend the route a little down through Pusey and back via Charney Bassett. The Denchworth Dash segment on Strava provided a little light entertainment until we arrived back in Grove the same time as the 2* ride.
Distance: 49.00 km (30.45 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/799792
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1392330"
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Tue Jul 24th 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Going north this week. A nice, flat ride in the sunshine! Out via Denchworth and Charney Bassett to Fyfield, along to Hinton Waldrist and back down via Pusey and Standford in the Vale. Home along Park Lane to Denchworth. Around 25 miles.
Riders: Andy Belcher Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Edith Hipwell John Tranter Luke Smith Michael Tayler Paul Watson Paula Tansley Steve Joyce Susan Holdroyd Riders = 11 Report: Possibly the best weather of the year so far. What a perfect summer evening! It was a very pleasant ride around the Vale which went according to plan. Thanks to everyone for a great ride.
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)
The new Club shirt!
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Tue Jul 24th 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: John Stamp	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A hillier ride this week will take us to the Letcombes, returning via Childrey, the bridleway to West Challow and Denchworth, a round trip of about 12 miles. These rides are designed to be a leisurely and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence. As the name suggests, we aim to cover about 10 miles at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, stopping to rest and look at interesting things on the way. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome.
Riders: Bethany Tranter Carin Tranter John Hogston John Stamp Lorna Swanton Matthew Quartermain Sara Smith Stephen Quartermain Steve Burr Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 11 Report: A glorious sunny evening made all the better by so many new 1 star riders tackling the 1 star ‘top of the range’ ride. Of course once you have gone up the hills at Letcombe one can enjoy coming down them, and some of us coasted into Childrey close to the speed limit, 3 star riders take note! One enforced stop to attend to a puncture and concern for Sarah who didn’t find swallowing a midge a good experience! Good views along most of the route. A little late getting back.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Tue Jul 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.
Riders: David Brown Karen Froud Ursula Hallam Riders = 3 Report: A beautiful dry summers eve! Out of Grove the usual way - Crab Lane (still a few muddy puddles) along to Charlton in Wantage, and from there Karen showed us a new route through a cornfield before the climb up onto the Ridgeway. Turning left along the Ridgeway we then took the lovely downhill of Old Street before climbing back up 'the chalky way' to the Ridgeway again and some lovely views . Return home was via a gravelly downhill to Betterton (with the sun in our eyes to make it more interesting!) and the Lockinges. Quite a few other mountain bikers out tonight...perhaps we can tempt a few more on this ride next week with the current dry conditions?
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Sat Jul 28th 2012

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. This month we will explore the Springline villages of the Vale, calling for tea close to White Horse Hill. A few climbs, but taken at a leisurely pace to suit the group, with time to enjoy the surroundings. Out- OMH, Denchworth, Goosey, Baulking, Uffington, Woolstone, Compton Beauchamp, Shrivenham, Ashbury, Tea at Britchcombe Farm. Returning- Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, Letcombes, Wantage, OMH. Approx 34 miles (55 kms)
Riders: Andy Pixton Barry Gills Brian Hipwell Chris Walters David Bridge Glen Savegar Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Susan Holdroyd Riders = 9 Weather: Report: A fine summers day with the temperature (thankfully!) a bit cooler than the previous few days, saw 9 of us head out to explore the villages and countryside west of Wantage. Heading into a strong head breeze ensured we would be nicely assisted on our slightly hillier return. The countryside today looked a real picture in the glorious sunshine. Lush and green following the prolonged rain of previous weeks, and the recent warm spell. We said bye to Chris at Ashbury as he headed back to Gt Shefford, whilst the remainder of us carried on for tea, but not before cutting a quick detour through the splendidly named Kingstone Winslow, complete with it's own water mill ! A very nice cream tea at Britchcombe Farm in the shadow of White Horse Hill, was followed by a gentle zig zag of Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, and the Letcombes, before heading our seperate ways as we arrived back to Wantage. A big welcome to Katherine and Andy on their first ride out with CTC Wantage. Thanks everyone for your company! Glen S
Distance: 55.00 km (34.18 mi)
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Sun Jul 29th 2012

Crofton Pumping Station	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Great Shefford - http://goo.gl/maps/oqOU
Description: Hilly morning ride from Great Shefford. 70km including coffee at Crofton Pumping Station. Park in Spring Meadows http://goo.gl/maps/oqOU ready to ride by 09:30. Please let Chris know if you intend to come - no support = no ride.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot Louis Hall Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: 6 riders set off from Shefford under the threat of a little light rain, which didn't really materialise. We picked up David and Ursula in Kintbury for the first major ascent of the day - Walbury Hill. The descent down into Hampshire from the top is suitable reward for the climb, but before long we were at the base of Linkenholt Hill, on which Louis managed to snare his chain and had a gentle tumble. A nice descent into Vernham Dene followed, with the inevitable 'what goes down must go up' Conholt Hill following. Quick tip to our newer riders - if you rush off the front and don't know the route, you might not take the all-important turning... Onwards along Chute Causeway and past the windmill at Wilton, we made it to Crofton with the rain starting to spit again. A decent cuppa was disturbed by torrential rain going on outside, so we battened down the hatches, summoned the reserve.. and then had another cuppa until the nasty rain had all gone away. Returning on damp roads, we climbed from Froxfield and again from Chilton Foliat down to Lambourn and then just after East Garston, Paul managed to get a flat. Quickly sorted, we finished the ride with a celebratory cuppa in the sun back at Shefford. Overall, quite a hard ride with over 900m of climbing.
Distance: 76.00 km (47.22 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/814005
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1392250"
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Tue Jul 31st 2012

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Geoff Covey	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This is my first time leading, fingers crossed it runs smoothly... The climbs are out of the way right at the start, leading to a flat ride thereafter. We start off riding to Wantage, through the market square and out the other side onto Newbury Street, straight over the traffic lights and up the hill. As we approach the summit we make a right, down towards Letcombe Regis. Then it's through the Letcombes and up Holborn Hill. We then turn left up Hackpen Hill. At the top of Hackpen we then turn right to go down towards the main road where we will turn left towards Kingston Lisle. We then go down Fawler Hill, out to Uffington where we turn off and head out to Fernham and Shellingford. It's straight over the A417 where we will pick up the Buckland Road to Charney Bassett. We turn left at Charney Bassett, and then right towards Garford, turning off at Lyford and then back through to Denchworth to the Fox for those who wish, or back to Grove .
Riders: Andy Cowan Frank Schroer Geoff Covey John Talbot John Tranter Louis Hall Phil Stubbings Richard Pethybridge Riders = 8 Report: A good ride tonight by everyone. Firstly, we tackled the Manor Road Hill, which for most people was new one, and one that certainly has a bite to it. After completing Hackpen we then rode a good pace all the way to Charney Bassett, with everyone taking turns at the front. I believe this ride saw us break the 50 km mark for a Tuesday night ride this season, which is excellent, especially given the two climbs that it included.
Distance: 51.70 km (32.12 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/818337
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1515213"
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Tue Jul 31st 2012

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A mixed bag of a ride tonight - out up a couple of lumps along Icknield Way to the 2* Rolling Championships at Fawler Hill and then back either via Fernham or Baulking depending upon time and inclination - either option is flat. 37 km in total. Includes social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Andy Belcher Andy Pixton Chris Walters Des Higgs John Stamp Matthew Quartermain Nicole Pethybridge Paula Tansley Richard Preece Stephen Quartermain Ursula Hallam Riders = 11 Report: At the start it looked as if we might get a few spots of rain, but fortunately it held off nicely. Matthew joined us for the first time on a 2* ride, providing the power to the Quartermain trailer bike combo. Everyone had a good go at the 2* Rolling Championships, but the slightly greasy roads made it hard to completely let go of the brakes on Fawler Hill. The genial pub stop was only marred by the complete and utter lack of crisps - so nuts it was. In the car park at the end of the ride, Matthew asked his dad if they could do 3* next week...
Distance: 30.60 km (19.01 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/818480
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1392390"
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Tue Jul 31st 2012

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A flatter ride around the Vale villages this evening including a social stop at the Fox, Denchworth at the end of the ride. Figure of 8 via Asti Stud to Goosey, Charney road to West Hanney, Ockbridge to Lyford and back to the Fox @ Denchworth. These rides are designed to be a leisurely and sociable introduction to group riding and to build rider confidence. As the name suggests, we aim to cover about 10 miles at a speed of about 10 miles per hour, stopping to rest and look at interesting things on the way. Accompanied children and newcomers very welcome.
Riders: David Smith Steve Burr Riders = 2 Report: Only 2 of us on the 1* tonight so at Steve's request we upped the pace a bit and made such good time that we would have been arriving at The Fox about 7:30 so we decided to add an extra loop on to the ride and ended up at The Fox about 10 minutes before the 2* group arrived.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=437131"
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Tue Jul 31st 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.
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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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