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Past Rides

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Sat Nov 3rd 2012

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 60-70km (38 - 45 miles) ride, with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-22km/h (13-14mph). Likely to visit distant destinations. Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. Route this month is northwards via Stanton Harcourt to a tea-stop in Witney. Returning via Curbridge and Buckland. Distance 65km with no major climbs. As the clocks will have gone back please bring lights as it will be approaching dusk by the time we return to Grove.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Smith Des Higgs Frank Schroer John Talbot Louis Hall Mark Shepley Neil Warner Richard Preece Richard Saunders Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Good turnout on a chilly and breezy autumnal afternoon. Welcome to Mark on his first ride with the club The breeze was behind us for much of the ride which was good and in the sunshine it was very pleasant. As we had a large group we diverted to the teashop at Cogges Farm rather than the smaller and busier cafés in Witney. Cogges is an excellent large venue for club rides and should be used more often A short cycle route over the Windrush bypassed much of Witney's busy streets and after Curbridge we joined the tiny lanes towards Yelford, through Cote and alongside the Great Brook. We all took our own pace up Buckland Hill (the only hill on route) and had a chilly return to Grove as the Sun was beginning to set. Great ride, great group. Thanks for coming along
Distance: 64.00 km (39.77 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1004520
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1842476"
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Tue Nov 6th 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, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report: A pub night, so we headed generally westward rather than east. First, to Wantage and it was clear straight away that the trails were very slippery indeed. Then up by Goddards Brook, left up to the RIdgeway and back on ourselves past Baron Wantage. We then headed west and then down to Letcombes Bassett and Regis. We tried an unfamiliar bit of trail between there and the B4507, but it was just as muddy and slippery as the rest. And going down Cornhill Lane, I think all of us slipped off at some point. I certainly put one foot into a deep muddy puddle. After that, we were on the road, and with beer in mind we dialled in our energy reserves and went into peloton mode for the few miles to Denchworth and the Fox.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Tue Nov 6th 2012

Winter Evening Ride incl Social Evening	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 hours covering around 30km. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Please also consider riding with mudguards for the comfort of other riders, as roads are often damp on winter evenings. This week we will have a slightly shorter ride, finishing at the Fox in Denchworth for some liquid refreshment at 20:30, where other club members are invited to join us for a social.
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs Frank Schroer Geoff Covey Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Steve Burr Ursula Hallam Riders = 12 Weather: Report: The roads were a little damp, but we still mustered twelve riders for tonight's ride. Well done to Steve Burr, completing his first 2* ride on his shiny new road bike, and a special thank-you to Richard for being a great sweep tonight and for the last couple of weeks two. Arriving back at the Fox, it was nice to be welcomed by the Talbots and also the off-road riders for a natter and a noggin.
Distance: 32.60 km (20.26 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1010878
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821689"
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Tue Nov 6th 2012

Winter Social Evening

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:30 pm	Start Location: The Fox, Denchworth
Description: To continue the summer post-ride social evenings, we'll be meeting at 20:30 on the first Tuesday of each month at the Fox public house in Denchworth, coinciding with when the 2* winter ride finishes. All club members welcome!
Riders: Jasmine Talbot John Talbot Matthew Talbot Tracey Talbot Riders = 4 Report:
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Thu Nov 8th 2012

Turbo Session

Leader: Amanda Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The first block of 8 sessions begins on 8th Nov and ends on 3rd Jan. There will be no session on 15th Nov as the hall is unavailable. Turbo sessions Expect to have an hour of intensive cycling, with a prepared programme of cycling each week. We will have intervals (where you repeatedly go hard for a period of time followed by light spinning), steady state riding and maybe even a mix on each evening. Some evenings we will be following videos that direct the activity, synchronised with music and bike racing footage, other evenings will be led without video assistance. What you need to bring - A bike. - A rug/mat/towel to put the bike on. This is mandatory. It is a requirement of our hire agreement that we protect the flooring. No rug/mat/towel = no ride. - A turbo trainer (or rollers) if you have one. The club has a very limited number that can be loaned on the evening. If you have a spare turbo you are willing to lend on the night bring that too! - The correct skewer for your back wheel! - Drinks. - A fan and extension cable if you wish. - A small towel for use whilst riding (you will sweat!). - Gloves. - A change of clothes. Costs You may pay a one off subscription* of £20 for each block of 8 sessions and attend all or as many as you wish. Or £3 per evening on the door. Please bring the correct change! * Subscriptions are only available for CTC Members bringing their own turbo trainer. Logistics - The session will start promptly at 7.00pm, please turn up from 6.30pm and give enough time to set the bikes and equipment up. Late admission may be refused. - DO NOT enter the hall with wet and/or dirty bikes. - Please be careful entering and leaving the hall with your equipment so that you do not damage doors or walls. - There will be a "ride leader" for each evening responsible for planning and organising the session. Please help them by following their instructions. - Enjoy!
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Chris Walters Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Riders = 7 Report: Good to see everyone back on the turbos and a warm welcome to new starters. Everyone did really well and looked suitably tired at the end of the session.
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Sat Nov 10th 2012

CTC Oxfordshire AGM

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Hinton Waldrist Village Hall
Description: The CTC Oxfordshire AGM is being held on Saturday 10 November at 11 am in Hinton Waldrist village hall, SN7 8RN (SU 377 987). This is your chance to hear about the activities of all CTC groups in Oxfordshire and to help shape what we do in the future. The agenda can be downloaded from the CTC Oxfordshire website at www.oxonctc.org.uk as well as the minutes from the 2011 AGM. After the formal business Jo and Richard from City group will be giving a short demo of the new Oxford City website. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch if you'd like to linger for a natter at the end.
Riders: Eve Thornton Helen Beane James Dawton John Bridgman Kevin Hickman Neil Warner Pat Hurt Robin Tucker Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Vera Friend Riders = 11 Report: A good turnout of 15 members representing all the Oxfordshire groups. The meeting went without incident until the election of officers, when for the first time in 20-odd years we had an election for the post of chairman: Steve narrowly defeating James. The new CTC Oxfordshire committee comprises: Chairman - Steve Swanton Secretary - Richard Morris Treasurer - Peter Hallowell Membership - Pat Hurt Publicity - Richard Morris Welfare - Phil Wray Right to Ride Rep. - James Dawton Oxford City Rep - James Dawton Midweek Rep - Peter Hallowell Wantage Rep - Neil Warner Witney Rep - Jon Gammage Ordinary member - Robin Tucker The webmaster (Jo Munt) and deputy webmaster (Stephen Lee) are co-opted positions. Steve stood down from being Secretary after 3 years and passed the baton on to Richard Morris, who is also Rides Secretary of Oxford City group. Robin joins the committee for the first time. Events for 2013 were discussed, in particular our hosting a CTC Tri-ennial veteran's ride in June (preferred date 9 June) starting from Islip. There are also plans for a Century ride 3 weeks before it, a round the County Boundary ride in early July and a Pot Luck Supper as the main summer social. The full minutes of the meeting and the Officers' Reports will be posted on the CTC Oxfordshire website in due course.
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Tue Nov 13th 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, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown Richard Anstis Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report: Not raining but very muddy again. And, unusually Richards outnumbered Davids on the ride tonight. We started with the longest wait to cross the A338 I can remember. Several minutes I'm sure we watched cars go by, very well spaced with no tailgating I have to say. Then we launched into the mud. Literally. We hadn't reached Crab Hill proper before slip-sliding and putting a few feet into muddy puddles. Then my front wheel went out and I went head-first into some nettles. Soft but painful. The theme continued through the night - all 4 of us tipped over at some point. Must remember for next time: 1. MUD TYRES! 2. Look at the map for a more weatherproof route. High point: belting down "Sheep Hill" aka Middlehill Down. No sheep. Grassy all the way with no obstacles (apart from a few cones to mark a notional path). We all let it fly! Route: Crab Hill, Sustrans, up to Ridgeway at Betterton (waterproof but steep), down over the other side, turn right and up 'Ice Valley'. Then Left along the Ridgeway past Baron Wantage and at the carpark turn right down the big grassy hill.
Distance: 21.40 km (13.30 mi)
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Tue Nov 13th 2012

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Please also consider riding with mudguards for the comfort of other riders, as roads are often damp on winter evenings. On the first Tuesday of every month we will have a slightly shorter ride, finishing at the Fox in Denchworth for some liquid refreshment at 20:30, where other club members are invited to join us for a social.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Bryan Charleston Chris Walters Des Higgs Janet Charleston John Tranter Nicole Pethybridge Richard Delacour Richard Preece Steve Burr Riders = 11 Weather: Report: I'd like to report an uneventful ride this evening, but at least it started out that way in mild dry conditions. Out via Charney Bassett and Longcot, we did the circuit of Shrivenham before heading down to Uffington. Light comments about the infamy of Tranter's Bridge were exchanged, when further along the same stretch going towards Uffington, John unfortunately found himself riding into a chasm alongside the road and went down with a thud and clatter. We fixed the puncture that ensued and having established that the flow of blood was probably not life-threatening, we got going again, arriving back in Grove a bit later and tenderer than planned. Thank you to everyone for helping out with the aftermath of the mishap and also to Andy for sweeping on the ride. Hopefully, no damage done to our Chairman.
Distance: 46.30 km (28.77 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1017146
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Sat Nov 17th 2012

Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A gentle ride this time of about 18 miles (high tech "ruler on map" measurement) at about 10mph. Set out to Wantage, West Lockinge, Ginge, East Hendred, Steventon, East/West Hanney, Denchworth and back to Grove for tea/coffee/naughty cakes to undo the good work, and can relax before it gets dark (Note start time of 1pm).
Riders: Brian Hipwell Callum Preece Frank Schroer Henry Hall Jane Pearson Judith Agnew Kerry Tucker Louis Hall Matthew Quartermain Phil Jeffery Richard Preece Robin Tucker Sara Smith Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tracey Oakden Riders = 17 Weather: Report: A fantastic turn out of 17 riders what what was a very pleasant ride. Original plan, due to "nights drawing in" was to have the tea stop at the end. However, got word that the planned cafe closed at 3pm. Debate ensued, and was concluded that we stop at Q Gardens at Steventon (well, we did pass it en route!!). Always a nice place to stop. We were also forewarned of a potential necessary diversion near West Hanney (Mud ont' Road) but this was successfully negotiated after dutifully ignoring the "Road Closed" signs! A nice leisurely pace, of course, enjoying the wonderful Autumn colours. Thank you to everybody for a very enjoyable ride
Distance: 30.09 km (18.70 mi)	Ride Details: http://app.strava.com/activities/28052977
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Sun Nov 18th 2012

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Semi-winter conditions likely now, so will keep this chiefly on good roads. Full circuit is 97km but we can cut a few corners if conditions and/or ride composition demand. No major hills although a couple of stiff climbs en route. Average speed c. 20 k.p.h. Lights essential. Back in Wantage no later than 4.30 p.m. for hot chocolate @ Costa. Leave Wantage eastbound on A417, Grove Park Drive, Haneys, Southmoor, Kingston Bagpuize, Appleton, Cumnor, Wooton, Abingdon [optional coffee stop], Sutton Courtenay, Appleford, Long Wittenham, Clifton Hampden, Golden Balls, Chiselhampton, Stadhampton, Newington [lunch @ garden centre], Warborough, Shillingford, Wallingford, South Morton, Aston Upthorpe, Blewbury, Upton, Chilton, Rowstock, and back along the A417 or Ginge back-route depending on time & conditions
Riders: Andy Cowan David Talboys Louis Hall Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Paul Jarvis Richard Pethybridge Richard Preece Riders = 8 Weather: Report: We were very lucky with weather: bright sunshine for most of the day with a little mist around Cumnor; cold for the first hour but we soon warmed up. Even the off-road sections were dry after a week without rain. A well-matched group of riders enabled us to keep a good average 3* speed. Back in Wantage at 3.40. We took coffee at Java in Abingdon, sitting in the sunshine in the square. The proposed lunch stop at Newington Nurseries now only does roasts on Sunday so we pushed on to Wallingford where Paul took us for a Brazilian. [Bloc Brazilian coffee shop: excellent coffee, sandwiches & paninis, and they probably pay their taxes! Recommended.] No mishaps, despite a resident of Cumnor who was towing an extra wide trailer trying to dismount Richard P.
Distance: 97.50 km (60.58 mi)	Ride Details: http://app.strava.com/rides/28290681
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Tue Nov 20th 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, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Desperate times call for desperate measures. In this case, the times are those after several weeks of rain. The measures were the need for a new and drier way out of Grove. So, we went went north. Up North Drive in fact, and a path beyond. And then turned right on a path that doesn't show on the 1:25k map but oddly does on the 1:50k. Across the road near tha Vauxhall/Jet garage and out past Tulwick and along the road by Lain's barn. This took us eventually to Lockinge and up Goddards Brook to the Ridgeway. Then we headed East past Scutchamer's knob and down the steep hill to the corner of Harwell campus. The descent was slippery, but as we all know, slipperiness is a state of mind. My mind was in a good state for the first half, but then got increasingly nervous as I realised I was approaching the two posts at the bottom at fairly high speed. It all ended well though. We then climbed along the track on the west of Harwell, headed left and along the Sustrans to the Ginges, then across the field at Maypole clump, turning left and picking up the road to Ardington, and back the way we came out. So despite the water underneath, a much less muddy night. It certainly took me less time to spray the bike down afterwards!
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Tue Nov 20th 2012

Winter Evening Ride - CANCELLED	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE: The weather forecast for this week is really poor, so at this stage please assume the ride is cancelled. If by some miracle the weather perks up on Tuesday morning, I may reinstate the ride - keep your eyes on the website. Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Please also consider riding with mudguards for the comfort of other riders, as roads are often damp on winter evenings. On the first Tuesday of every month we will have a slightly shorter ride, finishing at the Fox in Denchworth for some liquid refreshment at 20:30, where other club members are invited to join us for a social.
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Thu Nov 22nd 2012

Turbo Session

Leader: Amanda Seddon	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The first block of 8 sessions begins on 8th Nov and ends on 3rd Jan. There will be no session on 15th Nov as the hall is unavailable. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Riders = 5 Report: Another good session. Well done everyone for pushing through the race intervals.
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Sat Nov 24th 2012

CANCELLED - Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: FINAL UPDATE: Due to the weather warnings from the Met Office we have decided to cancel this ride.
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Tue Nov 27th 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, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: The rains have stopped! It was getting cold though - I think down to 5C. And there were only 2 of us due to various family and mechanical reasons. The ground was pretty wet and tough going in places - having to decide between slippery mud and energy-sapping grass. As Richard didn't come last week, I thought I'd save a route and re-use the same one as last week. So a peculiar mix of efficiency and inefficiency! This time my mileometer only registered 14. The battery must be running flat because last week the same route was 18!
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Tue Nov 27th 2012

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE 12:45 27/11/2012 - The ride is on, everyone welcome but the decision to ride is yours. A shorter route of around 33km tonight owing to the conditions and this being my first evening lead! We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Please check the website after 13:00 on the day of the ride in case of cancellation. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Please also consider riding with mudguards for the comfort of other riders, as roads are often damp on winter evenings.
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton David Smith Frank Schroer Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Steve Burr Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: It was an encouraging turnout on a cold, windy evening. We had to stop to adjust a rubbing brake and later on to change modes on a light with a switch that was far too clever for its owner! Otherwise a very enjoyable ride on quiet roads that were remarkably dry considering the recent weather. Thanks to Andy for sweeping and everyone else for coming along.
Distance: 33.40 km (20.75 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1035544
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=481776"
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Thu Nov 29th 2012

Turbo Session

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The first block of 8 sessions begins on 8th Nov and ends on 3rd Jan. There will be no session on 15th Nov as the hall is unavailable.
Riders: Chris Walters Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Riders = 5 Report: A small and select but nonetheless committed group this evening, we "enjoyed" the Sufferfest training video "A Very Dark Place". Only 50 minutes, but everyone was glad when it finished!
Proposed Route: http://www.thesufferfest.com/video-sufferfests/details-fight-club/"
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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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