Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Mar 2nd 2013

Ramsbury Revisited!	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A hilly route of just under 42 miles (65 km) heading out of Grove to Wantage and Chain Hill, just past Farnborough we head across to Great Shefford, East Garston, Chilton Foliat and Ramsbury where we can restore our strength with tea & cake at Cafe Bella in Ramsbury (http://www.thebellramsbury.com/cafe-bella.html) before returning to Grove via Lambourn. Pace will be to suit the group but will likly be at the lower end of 3* as this is a hilly route. The intention is to be back in Grove before 17:00 and although the evenings are getting lighter, bringing lights would still be sensible, just in case mechanical problems lead to a delay.
Riders: Chris Gray David Smith David Talboys John Tranter Louis Hall Richard Preece Robin Tucker Stephen Quartermain Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The conditions were chilly but dry with light winds and a promise of sun later in the afternoon. The annual dog show was on at Old Mill Hall again, so the car park was pretty busy when I arrived. Eight of us set off towards Chain Hill via Newlands Road and through Wantage market place. The ascent of Chain Hill split the group markedly as it usually does, but with light Northerly winds we had slight assistance to the top. The descent through Farnborough Copse to the A338 was enjoyable but not long enough! We quickly passed through Great Shefford and on to East Garston where we again turned South to enjoy the rolling climbs to The Goodings and across the M4. We reached Ramsbury and the Café Bella about 15:00 where we all enjoyed excellent tea and cakes; OK some of us had coffee! The return journey was up almost from the door of the Café with just a short descent to the B4192 before the ascent to Whittonditch, the re-crossing of the M4 and the enjoyable descent in to Lambourn. The long ascent of the B4001 from Lambourn to the top of Hackpen Hill was enjoyed by all, probably because of the promise of the descent down the other side which proved a little slower than normal as we had a headwind against us. We swiftly passed through the Letcombe's and back to Grove 43.62 miles, 738 metres of climbing and no punctures later!
Distance: 68.70 km (42.69 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1160989
Proposed Route: http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=356959"
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Tue Mar 5th 2013

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: Chris Walters Richard Preece Riders = 2 Report:
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Tue Mar 5th 2013

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	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 Richard Pethybridge Riders = 4 Report: Tonight's ride, when compared with last week's, showed what a few days of relatively dry weather can do. The tracks were mostly quite dry and enabled us to make good progress. This was all to come crashing down towards the end of the ride, but more on that later! We rode from Old Mill Hall out of Grove via Crab Hill Lane. This is now fairly dry and quite passable. From Charlton we took Lark Hill up towards the Ridgeway, turning right across the road to take the Ridgeway westwards. Dropping down into Letcombe Bassett on Smith's Hill, leading to Gramps Hill provided for a good, firm and fast downhill section. We took the road towards Letcombe Regis, turning off to the left along the bridleway that heads north-north-west. This joins the track that is notorious for being muddy and rutted, but we decided to take it anyway, as it looked promising. The promise lasted only for a couple of hundred metres whereupon we were up to our ankles in the quagmire and deep ruts from 4x4 vehicles. This is where our good progress came to a halt. This continued, with numerous little 'offs' from several of us until the track meets Windmill Hill at the top of Letcombe Regis. From here we took Cornhill Lane down through the edge of East Challow before it comes out onto the A417 Faringdon Road. The rest was easy, taking the road to join the Social gathering at The Fox in Denchworth for much needed dinner and beer! Next week looks promising - do join us!
Distance: 25.00 km (15.53 mi)
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Thu Mar 7th 2013

Turbo Session

Leader: Amanda Seddon	Start Time: 7:00 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 second block of 8 sessions begins on 10th Jan and ends on 7th Mar. There will be no session on 24th Jan 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 Richard Preece Riders = 3 Report:
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Tue Mar 12th 2013

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 Weather: Report: A windy night, and blowing icily from the northeast so I reversed the normal pattern to go outward east at low level, then climb up to the Ridgeway and be blown back to Wantage. We went out via Crab Hill, Charlton, Lockinge, Ardington and a muddy slippery rooty approach to GInge Brook. Then picked up the Sustrans route and headed over to Harwell Campus. It was then the steep and chalky climb up to the Ridgeway. The wind seemed more sideways than behind us, but at least it wasn't directly against us. David B spotted he had a couple of flat tyres (just after beating me up the hill!) He patched one and reinflated the other, during which the Upton ladies MTB crew (only two this night) passed us. The winter had taken the toll on my transmission too - my middle chainring had succumbed to old age with almost no teeth and the chain kept slipping. But by using just the small and big rings I could keep it going. So we decided on a gentle return to Grove - using the road and cycle paths. All in all another enjoyable night if you like that kind of thing!
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Sat Mar 16th 2013

North by Southmoor - Easy Saturday ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: We'll be heading north this month through Southmoor to the villages beyond the A420 - Longworth and Hinton Waldrist. If the undertyre conditions are firm we'll take a scenic bridleway between the two passing Longworth manor on the way. We'll stop for a drink at the Lamb & Flag, Southmoor, on the way back. The ride will be about 20 miles at a relaxed pace of about 10mph, suitable for all.
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Bridge Jane Pearson Judith Agnew Lorna Swanton Phil Jeffery Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Weather: Report: After rain in the morning, it was a pleasant surprise to be starting in dry conditions. 8 riders headed out via Denchworth and Lyford to Southmoor at a steady but gentle pace. We crossed the A420 by way of the overbridge and continued through Longworth village to the pond by the church and manor house to take in the views (it's pretty there). We didn't take the bridleway on this occasion and returned through the village to the back road to Hinton Waldrist. Massing ahead of us were grey clouds, so on reaching HW we turned left into Lamb Lane (now a dead-end road) down to the A420 and the shelter of the lamb and Flag. It's a nice pub with comfortable armchairs and a pleasant ambience. They serve tea in a pot and nice coffee too. Sad to say it waited until we set out again to rain. Lightly at first as we rode towards Charney Bassett, it steadily grew heavier and quite unpleasant for some. Then Phil and Judith's tandem suffered a front wheel puncture at the North Denchworth junction. So, while the others battled on into the rain, I stopped to lend a hand. Fortunately, we found shelter behind the farm hedge and the rain eased a little. A small thorn it was. Once tube had been changed we continued on to be met by hail (remember last year's back-on-your-bike ride?). Degraggled, we were back in Grove before 4 at which point the rain stopped. Despite the rain it was an enjoyable ride, thanks everyone for your company. Steve
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Sun Mar 17th 2013

CANCELLED - Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE, Sunday 09.00: RIDE IS CANCELLED. If anything, the snow is falling harder now and even the main roads are covered. Sorry! UPDATE, Sunday 08.15: Unbelievable - heavy snow in Grove! if it persists or settles, I will have to cancel. However, it is not forecast to, so for now I will plan to continue the ride. *UPDATE, Saturday 22.30: roads a bit soggy, but still planning to ride. Will update again at 09.00 tomorrow. NB: start at Old Mill Hall, Grove. Another of my Oxford special rides, this is a fairly gentle ride, only really designated 3 by the total distance (around 100km / 65 miles). It is a variation of a ride we did last year. We will go out via Hanney, Steventon & Sutton Courtenay to Long Wittenham, then cross the Thames at Clifton Hampden and go through the Baldons to Garsington and Horspath. Then a cunning wiggle past the Mini factory into Headington, past the house with a shark in the roof, down Headington Hill, right into the heart of Oxford for lunch - which will be something special at the Mitre on the High, courtesy of the amazing Andy Cowan who happens to be the manager. Then a few historical reference points to note amongst the dreaming spires before we head north to Wolvercote and round Port Meadow to Botley and Cumnor, followed by a gentle run home via Fyfield and Charney Bassett. Easy riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph).
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1

Written by : Robin Tucker

Posted on : March 17, 2013 at 9:40 AM

Wise move John - the snow is still coming and the only chance of reprieve in the forecast is that it may turn to heavy rain!

Tue Mar 19th 2013

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: Cold, wet and dark - tonight it was all 3, but we still made it out for a ride. We did decide to keep it short and sweet (?) though. We started out on the road by Lains Barn. Then up to the Ridgeway via Betterton hill. Back West and down by Goddards Brook - and by this time the track was turning into a brook too! The rainwater had washed most of the mud off as quickly as it accumulated, so to avoid getting our bikes muddy just before the end, we went back to Grove on the road and cycle path.
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Thu Mar 21st 2013

France holiday - planning meeting

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:00 pm	Start Location: The Fox, Denchworth
Description: For people who have indicated an interest in taking part in the France holiday in September, this is an initial meeting to have a look at logistics. Please let Chris Walters know if you're interested in joining the holiday - more details can be found here.
Riders: Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Report:
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/rides.php?date=2013-09-14&yearID=2013&monthID=09&dayID=14"
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Sat Mar 23rd 2013

CANCELLED - Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE: 8.00 Saturday. Snowing. Forecast to have lots more snow. Standing water will be hiding serious potholes. RIDE CANCELLED. Sorry! UPDATE: Friday evening. Forecast looks terrible for tomorrow. Heavy snow expected. Not looking good. Ride still on, but I will update again at 8.00 tomorrow. This is a fairly leisurely ride with only one hill, but I think it is worth us stretching our legs on Boar's Hill. Out from Grove through Denchworth to Frilford, along to Cumnor, across to Wootton and up the aforementioned hill. Hopefully stonking views of the dreaming spires before the big descent to Sunningwell and across to Abingdon for a tea stop at the Throwing Buns. Then the riverside cut through to Sutton Courtenay and Drayton and home via Steventon and Hanney. About 40 miles altogether.
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1

Written by : Ursula

Posted on : March 23, 2013 at 1:22 PM

This South of France trip is looking more 'n more attractive every day at the moment :)

Tue Mar 26th 2013

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 Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Not raining tonight, but windy and cold, cold, cold! 5 of us set off via Crab Hill, up Lark Hill and headed West. But on the track between Chain Hill and Hungerford road both DB and RP had their freehubs froze up within a hundred yards of each other, spinning uselessly. The normal solution to this involves pouring warm liquid on the free hub. But no-one had a thermos flask and they were both unwilling to try the 'natural remedy'. So instead they turned off and rolled down the hill back into Wantage. The remaining 3 of us headed up to Court Hill and left onto the Ridgeway. Heading East along the ridge, temperatures fell and we were soon slogging through foot-deep snow drifts. It eased up after a while and we kept it going to the top of Betterton, where we came down the hill, and headed back to Grove past Lain's Barn.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
Snow drifts on the Ridgeway don't stop the off-road crew - late March 2013
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Sat Mar 30th 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: David Bridge	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: As the forecast looks good and we have no rides scheduled over Easter we are going to run the ride that was cancelled last Saturday due to bad weather. This is a fairly leisurely ride with only one hill, but I think it is worth us stretching our legs on Boar's Hill. Out from Grove through Denchworth to Frilford, along to Cumnor, across to Wootton and up the aforementioned hill. Hopefully stonking views of the dreaming spires before the big descent to Sunningwell and across to Abingdon for a tea stop at the Throwing Buns. Then the riverside cut through to Sutton Courtenay and Drayton and home via Steventon and Hanney. About 40 miles altogether.
Riders: David Bridge Peter Cowan Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Report: Rode the route more or less as planned. Weather too windy & cold to want to stop. 3 riders Average speed 12.7 mph
Distance: 48.28 km (30.00 mi)
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Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information

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