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Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 3* |
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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.Eastwards route via Wittenham Clumps and circling Didcot. Tea stop at Q Gardens at Milton Hill towards the end of the ride. Fairly flat 62km ride, the short climb up to Wittenham Clumps is the only hill of note. Lights required for the final section back to Grove and wrap up warm! |
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Riders:Andy PixtonChris Walters Derek Boutle Frank Schroer John Talbot Louis Hall Richard Preece Riders = 7 Weather:Report:Seven riders braved the rather raw conditions, we started in fine drizzle but the Sun soon broke through which accompanied us most of the way.We kept a good 3* pace to Long Wittenham and the start of the lumpy section. We stopped at the top of the climb to Wittenham Clumps and admired the views across to the Berkshire Downs which looked magnificent in the watery winter sunshine. After Aston Tirrold we had a rather niggly headwind to Harwell which was quite sapping. Grove Road out of Harwell was closed to motor vehicles as it was flooded. It wasn't too bad for bikes though and most of us kept our feet dry! Frank and Louis went back to Wantage and Richard decided to say his farewells at the tea stop so four of us enjoyed a hot drink, cake and a natter. The Sun had set as we headed back across Cow Common and there was a nip in the air but we were soon back in Grove right on my estimated finish of 4.30pm. A good winter afternoon ride. Thanks for coming along! | ||
Distance:61.70 km (38.34 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1038309 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1959510" | ||
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Winter Social Evening |
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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! |
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CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Sorry - due to the forecast for icy roads, the ride tonight has been cancelled. The social will still run at the Fox, 20:30.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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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:I'd planned this one to check out the route for the Mince Pie ride, plus it was pub night so we could check that out too! So first, we zipped over to Wantage via the cycle path for speed. Then up Lark Hill, right across to the A338 and up to the Ridgeway.Along the Ridgeway we soon found that the rains had made the trail squishy and in places it was badly chewed up by vehicles. We made steady but not fast progress and it was clear we weren't going to make it all the way to the White Horse. We got to Collett Bush and turned right down Sparsholt Field hill. Then, made our way to Sparsholt and Childrey and headed up the bridleway to West Challow. Seeing a 'flood - road closed' sign, we of course carried on and were almost disappointed to see only some big puddles. Then a short spin up the A417 and across to Denchworth for a beer at the Fox. After the beer (and DY's large portion of gammon) we headed back to Wantage. It was sub-zero by this time and the road was getting slippy. David Y slipped off at slow speed on the bend after the railway bridge, but he was fine. | ||
Distance:28.97 km (18.00 mi) | ||
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Turbo Session |
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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. |
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Proposed Route: http://www.thesufferfest.com/video-sufferfests/hell-hath-no-fury/" | ||
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Annual Mince Pie Ride to White Horse Hill |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 10:00 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1*, 2* and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - please see separate ride entries for route details. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. There will be a short briefing at 10 am. The 3* ride will set off soon after, the 2* ride 5 mins after that and the 1* at about 10:15. Afterwards the rides will continue to the Fox at Denchworth for a pub lunch (at 13:15). There will also be a ride directly back to Wantage . We have 20 lunch places booked at the Fox- To reserve a place, contact Glenn by Wednesday 5th December latest please! * Tel- 01235 768428, or email- secretary@ctcwantage.org.uk *Latest 6/12/12- Lunch now fully booked. |
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Riders:Carin TranterChris Walters Eve Thornton James Dawton Jane Pearson John Tranter Kerry Tucker Kevin Fairs Neil Warner Nicole Pethybridge Pat Hurt Richard Pethybridge Sue King Riders = 13 Report:An epic turn-out, our biggest ever on the hill. By the trusted method of counting cups consumed, we served 140 + people with mulled wine and mince pies!Carin's secret recipes for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic variants were very well received, and Neil's mince pastries were also a great hit. Thanks to Carin and Kerry for being a brilliant serving team. (and an honourable mention to Neil and Chris for arriving by car, but for good reasons! And a number of other members who made their own way to the hill from various directions.) | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - 1* | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:10:15 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry.The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at about 10:15 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. We'll follow the most direct route (about 8 miles) along the foot of the Downs through East Challow on to Childrey (via the track and bridleway), Sparsholt, Westcot and Kingston Lisle. Everyone will be able to have a go cycling over Dragon Hill. Even if you get off and push, it's worth it for the fantastic views over the Manger and the Vale below. There will be a led ride retracing our tyre tracks back to Wantage after the meet for mince pies and mulled wine in the main NT car park. |
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Riders:David BridgeJanet Hammonds Judith Agnew Matthew Quartermain Peter Hallowell Phil Jeffery Ros Hallowell Sara Smith Stephen Quartermain Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather:Report:10 of us on the 1* ride, Steve and Matthew just arriving as we were setting off. We followed the direct route as planned, stopping briefly to regroup in East Challow before joining the bridleway to Childrey, and then again for a scenic stop by the pond in Childrey. Here the 2*(?) group came flashing past...After a very grey start, the sky was starting to clear and the sun even came out. We continued on steadily to the bottom of Dragon hill and then turned up. Everyone took the climb at their own pace, some walking after a bit, others stopping to catch their breath before carrying on. There had been a breeze in our faces on the way and this seemed to be funnelled through the gap between Dragon and White Horse hill, the steepest part of the climb, requiring extra effort to cross. After that it was easier up to the crest, from which the views as always were magnificent and clear. I've never seen as many cyclists in the NT car park on a mince pie ride. Lots of familiar and some old faces, many new. The mulled wine was excellent (thanks to Carin, Kerry and John). After half an hours imbibing and convivial conversation, I led a group of 8 back to Wantage including Andrew and Lyn who'd cycled out on the 2* ride. It was much easier going back with more downhill than up and a good tailwind. Back in town just before 1pm. Thanks everyone for your convivial company and a warm welcome to Janet. Steve S | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - 2* | 2* |
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Leader:Glen Savegar |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince pie ride" entry.The 2* ride will leave after the 3* group at about 10:00 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Our route will take us from Wantage Market Place and onto Letcombe Regis, Letcombe Bassett, Childrey, Sparsholt and Westcot, before beginning the ascent of White Horse Hill, (Everyone climbs at their own comfortable pace!) where we will gather for mince pies and mulled wine in the NT car park. I will be leading a ride back to the Fox Inn after the event, departing White Horse Hill at approx 12.15. |
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Riders:Andrew MooreAndy Cowan Angela Sanders Audrey Hellar Barry Gillott Brian Hipwell David Berger David Roberts David White Des Higgs Elenol Georgak Father Christmas Gillian Parry Glen Savegar J Blythe Janet Charleston John Rushton Katherine Boyce Lucia Singer Lynn Moore Matt Swabey Maurice Allsworth Peter Burgess Sarah Gilbert Sarah Matthews Steve Burr Tim Smith Tom Froud Tom Headon Vicky Lawson Riders = 30 Weather:Report:A quite staggering number! I'm still not certain I managed to capture everyones name, but do contact me if I have missed you from the riders list!An enjoyable ride, and a group at least the length of Wantage market place (and more!) headed out with a chilling breeze for company. On reaching the outskirts of Letcombe Bassett however the group had depleted somewhat, with the more energetic members opting to ride off the front at a brisker rate whilst the rest of us continued at a 2* pace. Thanks Brian for your excellent sweeping! A fabulous turnout at White Horse Hill NT car park. A big thankyou to John, Carin, and Kerry for the real hard work of the day, preparing and co-ordinating the excellent mulled wine and mince pies, and most importantly collecting donations for the childrens mobility charity WhizzKidz ! Same time next year? Glen S | ||
Distance:25.75 km (16.00 mi) | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - 3* | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince pie ride" entry.The 3* ride will leave at about 9:55 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Route out via the Letcombes, HackPen Hill, Sparsholt, Kingston Lisle and Uffington. Route back via Uffington, Baulking, Denchworth (pub lunch for some) and Grove. |
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Riders:Bill FlocktonBryan Charleston David Emms David Ryan David Smith David Talboys Frank Schroer Geoff Covey Iain Kent John Talbot Ken Tombs Kevin Stopps Kevin Thompson Louis Hall Matt Chambers Michael Brooke Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Richard Saunders Steve Sanders Tom Willemsen Ursula Hallam Riders = 22 Weather:Report:Thankfully the weather was slightly warmer than recently so there wasn't any ice risk.A huge turnout of 44 riders for the 3* ride! Good to see so many of our friends from Didcot Phoenix arriving to support the ride. There were also groups of riders from Abingdon Freewheelers and Faringdon. A rather strong headwind made Hackpen Hill much tougher than usual and was actually made harder than Whitehorse Hill! The ride went smoothly despite the big group. There was one puncture and a broken chain near the rear of the peloton I hear. We were the first group to the carpark and the Mulled Wine and Mince Pies. After a natter and a munch small groups of riders made their way back in various directions. Thank you one and all for supporting the ride. Merry Christmas!! | ||
Distance:22.10 km (13.73 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1046296 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1969387" | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - 2* Off Road | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince pie ride" entry.The 2* off road ride will leave after the 3* group at about 10:00 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. |
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Report:6 of us for the off-road ride to the mince pies. Good to see Karen again, and her son went on a road ride. 3 newcomers to CTC rides: Andrew McKeegan, Matthew Phillips and Kevin Woodley. Plus David B and myself.Having checked out the route on Tuesday, I knew we didn't have time to go up Lark Hill, so we went out on the road to Letcombe Regis, then up to Letcombe Bassett and up the big climb of Gramps Hill. Phew - at least we were on the Ridgeway now. I was glad to find out that the track had dried out a bit since Tuesday. It was still against the wind though, and up and down before climbing gradually to White Horse Hill. Then down the other side and into the carpark for mulled wine and mince pies. After a heathy portion of each, way set off back up the Ridgeway, until Collett Bush where we turned left and down to Sparsholt, along the road to Childrey and the bridleway to East Challow. Just before Challow, I peeled of left to head for the Fox. The others headed back into Wantage. | ||
Distance:28.97 km (18.00 mi) | ||
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CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Sorry to have to cancel again - forecast is for sub-zero temperatures and mist / fog, which together with the already-lying surface water, means we have to err on the side of safety.Hopefully, next week.... |
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CANCELLED Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:CANCELLED due to freezing and fog.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. |
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Riders:Riders = 0Report:CANCELLED - due to freezing and fog. Even us off-roaders have to draw the line somewhere! | ||
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Turbo Session |
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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. 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. |
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Riders:Chris WaltersMaurice Bawden Richard Preece Riders = 3 Report: | ||
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Winter Evening Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:The weather is much better, so this ride is definitely happening!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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Riders:Adrian WestChris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Tranter Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather:Report:Yep, it was cold. The route was slightly modified to keep off the really minor roads. Can't write any more of a trip report because my hands are still cold. | ||
Distance:33.30 km (20.69 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1057686 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821664" | ||
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:It had been dry for a while, so I thought we'd chance Crab Hill. That was a mistake - it was sticky and slippery, and churned up by vehicles that had been digging out the ditch on one side. Maybe that ditch will help it drain?We rode into the edge of Wantage, then up by Goddard's Brook. Of the back of the Ridgeway down 'ice valley' - the grassy descent wasn't as fast as usual. On a couple of occasions our continual riding of these tracks meant that David and I know the right ruts to choose, where the Richards picked the muddier route! RIchard A didn't mind though as it gave him frequent opportunities to remind us of his waterproof socks. We did a u-turn at the bottom, climbed back up to the Ridgeway and straight over down to Betterton. Then to Lockinge and the road back iva Lains Barn to avoid the worst of the mud. Actually, it was only that first section that was really mucky. So not a bad ride at all. | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
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Turbo Session |
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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. |
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Report:Last session before Christmas; it was good to have John join us for the first time!Some over-unders and climbing intervals tonight - a good, solid workout. The good news is that we're going to book another block of 8 sessions to take us through to the Spring - thank you to the people who have committed their subscriptions in advance, without that commitment, we wouldn't have been able to continue. | ||
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CANCELLED- Saturday afternoon ride from Grove. | 2* |
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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.*Latest 22/12/12 1000 hrs- RIDE CANCELLED* Due to the extreme forecast from the Met Office, and with the safety and comfort of the group of highest importance, I have decided to cancel this ride. My sincere apologies! A Very Happy Christmas! Glenn |
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Turbo Session |
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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. 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. |
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Report:Sufferfest's "Wretched" seemed to live up to its' title... | ||
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CANCELLED - Santa Special | 2* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:Wallingford Market Place |
Description:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------UPDATE @ 17:00 Friday With 40mm of rain and winds gusting to 45mph forecast by the Met Office for tomorrow, and with the safety and comfort of the riders of highest importance, there is no option but to cancel the ride unfortunately. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An opportunity to burn off some Xmas pud! We will start from Wallingford Market Place (SU 6073 8941). I recommend parking in Goldsmith's Lane carpark nearby which charges £3.30 for up to 8 hours on Saturdays. Plan is to cycle for about 2-3 hours to a lunchstop and then a short hop back to Wallingford well before it gets dark. Lights are strongly recommended though. Distance will be about 35-40 miles (50-60km) and there will be one moderate hill and a couple of smaller rises (nothing very demanding though). Easy touring pace of around 10-12mph average. Route will head up to Christmas Common and along the Chiltern ridge before dropping back down at Kingston Blount. We will return through small villages to Benson and back to Wallingford. Just turn up ready to start at 10:00am in Wallingford if you would like to join the ride. UPDATE :- The forecast for Saturday at the moment (Tuesday) is very poor. Please check the website in case the ride has to be cancelled. |
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Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/235793" | ||
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SPAM Winter Challenge | 3* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:Erlestoke (but lift shares being organised) |
Description:Organised by the Salisbury Plain Area Mountainbikers, the SPAM Winter Challenge is a Mountain Bike Enduro event held on the hard pack – all weather trails of Salisbury Plain.A number of us off-roaders are already planning to go, and happy to add more and share lifts. Call me or email robin-dot-tucker1-at-yahoo-dot-co-dot-uk and I'll attempt to co-ordinate us. You will need to enter yourself for the event (and pay). You can do this on the website link above, or in person on the day. The Challenge is a relaxed event and the riding isn't particularly technical. You can blast around or take it easy, it's up to you. There are three distances to choose from: 25km, 35km and 50km. It might be called a Plain, but the edges of Salisbury Plain are not flat, providing plenty of up & down sections. It can be cold and mucky, or very cold and frozen rock hard. But a great way to work off your Christmas dinner and build up a thirst for the New Year celebrations. |
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Report:Wow! What a ride. There was plenty of mud, despite the promise that this ride was to be run on the all-weather hard pack tracks of Salisbury Plain. After the first climb there were many riders to be seen scraping the sticky mud from their wheels, mechanisms and brakes - I was one of them.The rain held off for most of the ride, but managed to arrive in a very heavy shower at one point. The rain was horizontal, and due to the force of the wind was actually quite painful on exposed skin. It didn't last too long though, which left us to 'enjoy' the rest of the ride in relative comfort. The ride was an up and down affair, consisting of 8 climbs/descents spread evenly across the distance, with the biggest single climb - 122 vertical metres over a distance of less than 1 km - coming just 5 km from the finish. Some basic facts: Distance: 50 km Vertical Climb: 875 metres My climb time: 2:29 My descent time: 1:17 My flat time: 0:06 (!) David Yearley | ||
Distance:50.00 km (31.07 mi) | Ride Details:http://www.spamwinterchallenge.co.uk | |
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