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Past Rides

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Sun Sep 1st 2013

Wallingford Cycle Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 1:30 pm	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: A ride of about 26 miles, at a gentle pace, with a stop for tea. We'll go further southeast this time and try out a new tea stop. The route is Southeast on quiet roads from Wallingford to Woodcote and Goring Heath. Then up to Sonning Common to test out a new tea and cake location: at Daisy's Coffee Shop. We then return to Wallingford via Stoke Row and Nuffield. BunkFest is on in Wallingford this weekend (www.bunkfest.co.uk. It's a free-access festival of music, dance and beer. So you could go on there after the ride. Wallingford is a great place for a bike ride, but has not recently had many rides for the local leisure cyclist. Even if you haven't done much cycling recently, 25 miles can be surprisingly easy to cover with good company and a suitable refreshment half way. These rides will be at at sociable rather than sporty pace, about 11-13 mph on the road. Some hills are inevitable, but they will be kept to a few. The rides will be led by experienced leaders, and follow CTC guidelines to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. Non-CTC members are welcome, but we ask that you join the CTC if you intend to ride more than 5 times with us. The rides will start from Wallingford Market Place, just outside the Tourist Information Centre at 1:30pm on the first Sunday of each month. (The nearby Goldsmiths Lane car park is currently free on Sundays.) They will normally arrive back at 4:30 to 5pm.
Riders: Alice Robson Jasmine Talbot John Talbot Kerry Tucker Richard Preece Robin Tucker Riders = 6 Weather: Report: I was a bit nervous about the start of the ride as it was Bunkfest, and on Saturday the maker place was full of performers, food stalls and people enjoying it. Fortunately, on Sunday the action had focused on the Kinecroft and the 11 of us were able to assemble easily. John T led us out through the back streets, then we left Wallingford over the river and through Crowmarsh. Turning south, we went over xx Hill and on to Ipsden. We turned right at Braziers Park over the A4074 past the airfield, then left and up the hill to Woodcote. It was a long steady climb, but after wiggling through Woodcote we were on a long run down past Goring Heath to French Green. Then left and a into Sonning Common for tea at Daisy's Coffee Shop in the Herb Farm. This proved a delightful location, and they were well prepared for us. In minutes, we had our cakes and 3 large pots of tea. After tea, we headed back through Sonning Common and gradually climbed to Stoke Row and Nuffield. Then it was down the fast long Brixton Hill and back into Wallingford. The sun stayed with us all the way. Note that we have added another Wallingford ride on Sunday 6th October. As usual, 1:30pm in the Market Place. Look for more details on this website.
Distance: 44.10 km (27.40 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1732329
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3222850"
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Tue Sep 3rd 2013

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. Newcomers and returnees to cycling, and accompanied children very welcome. Last Tuesday of the season will culminate with an optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Des Higgs Ian Mackay John Hogston Steve Boreham Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Another wonderful evening for cycling. Route was Denchworth, Lyford, Charney Bassett, Asti Stud lane, Denchworth and home to Grove. Good ride with good company and Steve on a shiny new bike (Huge thanks to Des for stepping in at the very last minute to lead this ride - Rides Secretary)
Distance: 17.33 km (10.77 mi)
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Tue Sep 3rd 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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley John Davies Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A fleeting return by Richard P between trips to Libya. And we had more sunshine for him! We followed the canal out of Grove, then up between Challow and Childrey. THere unfortunately RP was struck by a puncture. He fixed it quickly enough, with the help a a CO2 squirt, but then discovered his other tyre was a bit soft. This was a slow puncture however and he opted to 'blow and go', in the end pumping up about 3 times on the rest of the ride. We climbed to Letcombe Bassett and Gramps Hill. Hard work! Then along the Ridgeway, right into the blinding sun. The run down Sparsholt Field is a pub night regular - it's as fast as you dare and I was on the scary side of that what i clipped a bush a bit too heavily and wobbled before righting and carrying on down. From the bottom it was a few swift road miles to the Fox, and well earned beer & food. Shame the rains are now coming. I'll have to be changing my tyres...
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Tue Sep 3rd 2013

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. Simple ride tonight out via Lains Barn and Ginge, and back via Steventon and Hanney. Last Tuesday of the season will culminate with an optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth (aiming for 20:00) at the end of the ride. Lights will be needed for the latter part of the ride and the journey back to Grove.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Charlotte Styles Chris Walters Dave Cox Janet Hammonds John Stamp Kerry Tucker Maurice Bawden Mila Yearley Richard Preece Sara Smith Steve Joyce Vicky Fox Vyvyan Hazell Riders = 15 Weather: Report: Beautiful evening for the last ride of the summer season! We lost Des before we left the car-park as he gallantly stepped in to lead the leaderless 1* ride. And then we picked up Sara half way up Lains Barn. Quite a mixed ability group, so we had frequent stops to regroup at the tops of hills and the suchlike. It was a very sociable group though, and hugely enjoyable for that reason. We made it back to The Fox for drinkies with the other groups pretty much before the light went. Well done everyone - don't forget the Winter rides start again in October!
Distance: 28.30 km (17.58 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1768856
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3248591"
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Tue Sep 3rd 2013

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Last Tuesday evening ride of the season! As Louis is doing big hills the previous week, we'll keep this flatish but still with a few lumps. We can add White Horse Hill if we are feeling frisky. As it's a pub night, well keep it short! Over to Wantage, out through to Vale to Woolstone, Uffington, Kinston Lisle, Goosey, Denchworth - c. 30 km. Lights essential. Culminate with an optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Ryan David Talboys George Anstis Hugo Pile Janet Charleston John Talbot Mark Austin Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Phil Stubbings Richard Anstis Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Another blissful September evening with good views over the Vale. Welcome to Richard Anstis’ son, George, on his first ride with the Group. We added the White Horse Hill circuit in the full spirit of 3* riding. Some fast riding after the last climb to Kingston Lisle got us to the pub by 8.15. I’m going to miss this next week!
Distance: 39.11 km (24.30 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1746527
The Fox packed with CTC Wantage riders White Horse Hill Nick poses in the club shirt in front of the inspiration
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Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : September 8, 2013 at 10:25 PM

Great final regular ride of the season. We've had a fantastic run of weather this year :)

Sat Sep 7th 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Heading north for an arc round Witney, dipping a cleat into the Windrush and Evenload valleys. A mix of small country lanes and some larger roads where we can stretch our legs. A few hills as we flirt with the fringes of the Cotswolds – plus the climb from Tadpole Bridge to Buckland – but nothing serious. Small section of bridle path. Tea stop at Bampton or Aston. 80km. Back c. 5.30 Route: Grove, Denchworth, West Hanney, Southmoor, Appleton, Cumnor, Farmoor, Swinford Bridge, Enysham, Cuckoo Lane, East End, Ashford Bridge, Wilcote, Delly End, Hailey, Priest Hill Lane, Crawley, Brize Norton, Bampton, Aston and Great Brook lane, Tadpole Bridge, Buckland, Charney Bassett, Denchworth, Grove.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Newell Chris Walters Des Higgs Jan McCabe John Tranter Louis Hall Mark Austin Nick Dunton Richard Preece Riders = 10 Report: A closely matched group meant that we made good progress throughout. We started on a summer afternoon and finished in an autumn evening - the interesting selection of clothing on display at the start demonstrating the changing seasons. We took a slightly shorter route option after Curbridge [Yelford Lane], avoiding Brize & Bampton, owing to the strong headwinds expected in the latter section - although surprisingly this only saved about 3km. This is probably a better option for future runs on this route as the roads are less busy. Tea at Aston Pottery after 60km was very welcome. There was a little rain just as we got to Denchworth on the homeward leg: some stopped for waterproofs, some dashed for the carpark. [Needless to say, I was absolutely drenched cycling home in the downpour that came 20 minutes after the ride finished! Nice rainbows though.]
Distance: 77.38 km (48.08 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1768872
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Tue Sep 10th 2013

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any two. 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 Talboys John Davies Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: This looked like it might be the last dry ride for a while. We went up to the Ridgeway and down the back (Ice Valley). Then swung sharp left and up the track to the Ridgeway above Betterton. Over to the Ginge descent. By this time it was getting dark, so the lights came out. David T's came off on the way down and he had to back track a bit. But it was a nice run down all told. We returned via Roundabout hill, as we haven't done that for a while. By then, John's light had cut out - later diagnosed as not having charged it since the last ride. So others rode alongside or in front to share their photons.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 14th 2013 to Sat Sep 21st 2013

Club Trip to Languedoc

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: TBC	Start Location: Languedoc, France
Description: Languedoc is in the South of France and is perfect cycling country. From the foothills of the Cevennes to the historic Roman remains (including the Nimes and World Heritage Site, the Pont du Gard) to the vineyards of Chateauneuf du Pape, there are lots of places to visit on quiet roads and the weather is pretty good too, dry with temperatures generally in the mid-20s.
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Sat Sep 14th 2013

Saturday morning off-road ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: 3mi East of Wallingford Grid Ref 656890
Description: Off-road ride of about 25 miles around local trails. This ride will start at "Goblin's Glen" about 3 miles East of Wallingford. It will involve quite a bit of climbing and some favourite twisty trails and swoopy descents. Nothing scary that can't be taken at a gentle pace though, and we won't be rushing. A well-maintained mountain bike with knobbly tyres is required. Please let the leader know if you are coming in case the ride needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. URL for start location is below. On the right bend, turn left off the A4130 and almost back on yourself. Drive past a few houses on your left and stop on the grass verge with hedge just beyond them.
Riders: David Brown Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Only 2 of us today - I think the drizzle may have had a lot to do with that! (Although I'm pretty sure that David Y and Richard A would have come if they weren't pre-booked). Even then, we almost decided not to start and to return to the warmth of our homes. But somehow, mutual pressure got us to get the bikes out and suit up. The route looped north from Goblin's Glen up to the M40 and round Christmas Common. It was slippery and I did come a cropper on the side of a rut. No damage done though - my landing was more one of sliding across wet grass than a full impact. We continued gingerly, shortening the route, and getting back mud spattered and smiling that we'd fully earned an afternoon with our feet up!
Distance: 35.41 km (22.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://goo.gl/maps/8lwiF"
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Sun Sep 15th 2013

Languedoc Day 1	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Pont du Gard
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A gentle start to the holiday, following an early morning cloudburst that woke everyone up. All made it to the start point which was a good sign and we headed out down the hill and skirting St Quentin la Poterie prior to the first hills at St Siffert. At Collias, we dropped down through the narrow streets to the Gardon river back for the first bit of offroad down to the bridge at Collias. Team photos on the bridge were taken and we headed off to the second bit of offroad, not too dissimilar to the Strada Bianchi you see on the Adriano Tirratica race. The final morning hill was somewhat of a brute before we dropped down to the World Heritage Site at Pont du Gard for a little lunch and some French bureaucracy... why couldn't we park our bikes there? After a bunch of oohs and aahs looking at this remarkable feat of Roman engineering and a bunch of photos to accompany, the drag up to Ledenon woke us up somehwat, before the spectacular sweeping descent down to Pont St Nicolas, where on September 9th 2002 the floods were well over the bridge, according to the plaque on the wall. More climbs and undulations, sampling of grapes on the vine (Syrah variety) and the threat of rain saw us push on back to Uzes for a well-deserved grande biere. Great start to the week....
Distance: 75.80 km (47.10 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1802853
Phil carries his bike up the steps Posing on Pont de Collias Andy makes sure Pont du Gard stands for another 1,000 years The ascent before the fabulous descent To think, this was built 2000 years ago... Pont du Gard
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Sun Sep 15th 2013

Regular Wantage Ride - 100k to Bibury	3*

Leader: Louis Hall	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: 80-100km all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, riding pace 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable. Meander out to Bibury in the Cotswolds and back with almost no hills! Warm up on the B4507, eschewing the temptations of Blowingstone and Dragon Hill. Turn right at Ashbury zooming down through Shrivenham and on to Highworth and Fairford. Take lunch in Bibury. Then a gentle return through Lechlade, Radcot and Stanford back to the Market Square.
Riders: Derek Boutle Des Higgs Louis Hall Mark Austin Nick Dunton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: The predominant theme on this ride was WINDY. Yes, wet at times, but WINDY. Wind speed 19 mph, gusting to 31 mph. Not a consistent cross head wind out and cross tail wind back either but veering to cross head back too. How often does it do that? Five of us set out in bright conditions along the undulating B road to Ashbury into the wind. As Des remarked, it felt as if someone had left the gate open. Having done the most challenging part of the ride, Des left us. We caped up before Bibury, where we stopped at the Trout Farm cafe for cakes. When I say cakes, Nick only had one cake. It was quite wet for a while as we rode towards Lechlade, then it brightened up. We did well, riding 63 miles and climbing 2,500 feet at an average speed of 14 mph. And back in time to see the final stage of La Vuelta. Did I mention the WIND?
Distance: 101.39 km (63.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2865951"
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Mon Sep 16th 2013

Languedoc Day 2	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Montclus
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The day was planned to be a long one - up to Montclus, north of Uzes. We started by fighting with the routes programmed into Garmins, which seemed to consist of some serious fieldwork, and then Katherine fought with some gravel... A quick visit to the boulangerie and the pharmacie sorted matters out and soon we were making away up the most deceptive false flat in the world, onto the Garrigue. Lussan provided the first place of interest, a 16th century village on a hill, with stunning panoramic views to the Cevennes, the Ardeche, the Alpes and monts Bouquet and Ventoux. From there the second optional excursion down to the gorge at les Concluses proved popular, and all agreed that the climb back up the road was not as bad as they'd feared. The sinuous descent to Verfueil created eight Cheshire Cat grins on the way to Goudargues for our lunch and coffee stop under some rather large tree canopies that kept most of the spots of rain off. Montclus is a medieval village complete with a portcullis and a submersible bridge, which got Andy rather nervous due to its' narrowness and camber. We all survived. Back past the Citroen enthusiast's house with two iconic DS Safaris outside, the next port of call was the cascades at Roque Sur Ceze - delightful, before a series of climbs up to Valligueres for a well-earned coke, and then we only had a couple of climbs before the descent to Uzes. I honestly didn't remember those climbs being too tough... Big props to Katherine, who despite being a walking wounded gravel victim completed her hardest ever bike ride.
Distance: 114.00 km (70.84 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1810138
The advance party climb to Lussan Chris with Mont Ventoux in the distance Taking a breather at Lussan Bridge with no parapet at Montclus David at Cascades du Sautadet Nearly the last hill of the day
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Tue Sep 17th 2013

Languedoc Day 3	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Tavel
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Doug Stoddart John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Today was billed as a recovery ride after yesterday's exertions. 60-ish kilometers in a rectangular circuit East of Uzes. Spiced up by the appearance of local cycling celebrity (owns a bike rental shop locally) Doug Stoddart, we set off du bonne heure. A fantastic meandering route with a few hills on the way (so much for recovery I heard muttered more than once) preceded a great view of the legendary Mont Ventoux and down into the Rhone Valley, and the speedy descent for coffee and patisserie in Tavel (you can't have patisserie on a serious ride, so it must have been a recovery ride). Post break we said au revior to Doug (who, being a good French businessman, has to show willing and open his shop up for at least a bit of the day) and headed up to Lirac and then up the fantastic gorge ascent to Pouzilhac. After most good climbs comes good descending, so we were exhilarated but hungry arriving at St Quentin la Poterie for a bit of supermarket sarnie lunch. A very leisurely break ensued... Final cultural highlights of the day were a tour around the pottery shops, and then onwards to Doug's bike shop and then to the source of the Roman aqueduct in Uzes that watered Nimes some 60km away, only dropping 25cm per kilometer! Both Phil and Katherine managed to comically fall off on this last side excursion So, I think everyone has now recovered. Time for another beasting then...
Distance: 68.00 km (42.25 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1813313
Phil and Chris on the final hairpin John cycles past Pouzhilac DIY Lunch in St Quentin la Poterie Doug's Village Vélo The Epic Eight Roman aqueduct which leads to Pont du Gard
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Tue Sep 17th 2013

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any two. 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 Riders = 3 Report:
Distance: 26.10 km (16.22 mi)
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Wed Sep 18th 2013

Languedoc Day 4	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Ventoux!
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters Colin Maxwell David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather: Report: The big day! When cycling in Languedoc, you can’t help but notive the omnipresent Mont Ventoux towering in the distance – the “windy mountain” which is an erratic of the geology of the Alps, somewhat misplaced in Provence. An early start as there was a drive to get out there, we picked up new rider Colin in the Carrefour car park in Uzes. I say “new” with caveats as he upped the average age of the group a bit, and also has ridden up Ventoux every year since 2005. Traffic in Avignon was bad so was lost a little time, but made up for it by having a tour around the perimeter of the papal palace. From Bedoin (the hard route), Ventoux starts benignly enough with a gentle uphill through some meadows. Then it hits the forest. Then it goes uphill. And doesn’t stop until the sanctuary of Chalet Reynard is reached, some 10km at 10% further on. Knowing this we stopped for photos by the Ventoux sign in Bedoin before setting off. Once in the forest, adjectives abounded. Brutal. Relentless. Demoralising. When-does-it-end. Other words that can’t be printed on a family website. On that note, I was overtaken in the forest by a very attractive young Dutch lady, who literally swore her way up the mountain! Every now and again a tactical breather was necessary for some, mainly because it was too steep to safely eat and drink. Chalet Reynard appeared and provided brief respite for some (the slower ones) and somewhat longer recovery time for the whippets, as that’s where we’d agreed to regroup. Above Chalet Reynard, it could be a different mountain. Gone is the green, to be replaced by shattered white limestone reflecting the heat from the sun whenever it poked its’ head through the clouds. Slightly easier (for now), there are constant switchbacks either into the wind or back out of it. You’ve never seen so many cyclists on a stretch of public road with no event going on. Ventoux IS the event! The wind got stronger, past the Simpson memorial (no time to stop on the way up) and at the Col du Tempetes was brutal, and gusting for good measure. Beyond that, the final 800m of road felt like it was in slow motion. Cadence dropped down to silly levels (28 for John Talbot), and the battle was on. The final hairpin before the finish saw some riders being blown off their bikes (not us thankfully) and we had all made it to the top – congratulatory handshakes, obligatory photos and the chill of the summit were the order of the day. Descending to a late lunch was interesting to say the least. And rather quicker than the climb. Cyclists, cars, wind, 10% gradient. The omelettes were rather grand though and a few souvenir Ventoux shirts were added to l’addition… The road down to Sault was just awesome. 5-7%, and freshly relaid, the 20km of sweeping bends, forest, lavender fields and the very odd car or cyclist made it the descent of a lifetime. Ursula found her descending mojo and came to a rest at the bottom with a king-sized Cheshire cat grin! Next stage was the Gorges de la Nesque. Stopping at the bottom of the Sault descent was a tiny bridge with a tiny ditch called la Nesque. In 10kms time we were clinging on to the edges of the deep gorge (think halfway between Cheddar and the Grand Canyon) on a gently dropping sinuous road that went on forever… and ever… and ever… (there was a bonus climb at the start which was appreciated by everyone). I’ve never been on such a fantastic cycling road – it even made the Alps descents from last year seem second rate. At the bottom of the gorge, it was a short and steady climb back to the cars at Flassan, where the magical ride leader even managed to conjure up a toilet for our Chairman at a few minutes notice, in the middle of nowhere in rural France… we were on a roll! A truly magical day on the bike. Recovery ride tomorrow, methinks…
Distance: 86.20 km (53.56 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1817138
Smiling at the bottom in Bedoin Regrouping at Le Chalet Reynard Colin gets to the top Phil makes it to the summit Katherine and John summit together Chris on the final ramp up to the summit Mont Ventoux conquered Shut Up Legs New club shirts in Gorge de la Nesque Colin "stayin' alive" on the summit of Ventoux. In 2012, the sign said 1912m... clearly the wind has blown the top off.
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Written by : Glenn

Posted on : September 19, 2013 at 4:37 PM

Wow!...Fantastic!...Well done all!
Makes my huff and puff up Dragon Hill at the weekend seem a bit tame now!...Enjoy :-)

Thu Sep 19th 2013

Languedoc Day 5	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Moussac
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: An incongruous start to the day, with the exit to Uzes being somewhat misplaced. Finally on the right road, we struggled to descend straight into a Mistral wind. Normally not a major problem, but "the day after Ventoux" there are certainly some sore legs. This ride is a classic touring ride in the best CTC tradition. Quiet roads, some climbs and descents, and absolutely fantastic scenery to take in. The descent down to Brignon provided an early highlight with a fast, wide, smooth and empty road. We got some good views of Mt Bouquet, the local test piece, on the way, together with a few "how hard could it be" comments... Moussac provided the coffee stop of the week, with fantastic coffee, very welcome ice-cream, and some awesome service and banter from the owners - bon! Returning via Russan (St Anastasie) we took a quick detour to the bridge over the Gardon to get a feel for the level of the 2002 floods - scary. After a final push back into the wind, the climb into Uzes had one last go at aching legs. Did I mention it was really hot today?
Distance: 54.30 km (33.74 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1832576
Lunch on the terrace in Uzès before the ride Les Amis The September 2002 flood line is scarily high
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Fri Sep 20th 2013

Languedoc Day 6	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Uzes
Description: Mt Bouquet
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Last ride of the holiday! Despite yesterday being a recovery ride (no matter how much our Chairman protests at that description!), there were still some tired legs today, mine included. We managed to get out of Uzes without any trouble this morning, despite a couple of incorrect challenges to the ride leader. The journey over to Bouquet (or, the Bucket, as it's affectionally known for sinister reasons) was quite uneventful until we started the climb over the Garrigue, when a few calls of "ow!" were heard from tight thighs. Bouquet is an ever-present in this landscape with its' distinctive shape and lack of surrounding lumps, and we gradually reeled in the base ready for our ascent. Stopwatches started and we were off. The really brutal bit (20+% and narrow road, in the full and unshaded heat of the day) created a couple of walkers who valued their knees for 50 metres, and also created a few blue words. This climb doesn't really let up, apart from the depressing downhill stretch where you lose some hard-won altitude. As ever, John made it to the top first, closely followed by Andy, and the rest of us trickled up, some still swearing, for the "top of the world lunch stop". Alas, there was no ice-cream van. The views over to the Alps (you could make out Mont Blanc and la Meije glacier), Ventoux, the Med and also the Cevennes mountains really do make this a gem of a mountain to climb. Sadly, it's not the best to descend, being steep, winding and narrow but we all got down in one piece. The return journey to Uzes was punctuated by a drink and ice-cream stop in Belvezet, which involved gatecrashing a biodiversity conference in the middle of nowhere. The lady in the cafe was mortified when Andy asked for a coffee... The final descent of the day back off the Garrigue was awesome. In fact it was so awesome that Phil and David carried on and missed the turning, so instead of stopping for a beer in Uzes, they went back to their lodgings and had to swim in the pool in bib shorts (Ursula-with-the-key had wisely chosen the beer option). A great end to a great holiday with absolutely fantastic people - thank you one and all!
Distance: 55.00 km (34.18 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/1832578
There was plenty of Pains by the final day! Phil contemplates the challenge ahead Yes Andy, we're going up there! Du pain, du montagne Wyndy 'Phil' Milla Panorama 1 from the summit of Mt Bouquet Panorama 2 from the summit of Mt Bouquet Mont Bouquet and no bucket required It's been a tough day... The Bouquet Leaderboard at Village Velo The Bouquet Bucket John and Ventoux
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Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : September 22, 2013 at 6:23 PM

An awesome week with awesome people. Huge thanks to Chris for triggering the idea, planning the trip, organising the participants, creating the routes and breaking our legs!

Written by : Ursula

Posted on : September 22, 2013 at 7:27 PM

A fabulous end to a fabulous week! Mt Bouquet sounded so idyllic but was no bed of roses - tougher than any part of Ventoux even if shorter. Second the thanks to Chris as director sportif and to Phil for being super-domestique in sorting out Davids and my transport and accommodation and everyone else for a brilliant holiday.

Sat Sep 21st 2013

Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Slightly longer ride (nearly 25 miles) but a gentle ride, with a tea stop, riding pace of 12-16km/h (8-10mph). Suitable for all, including families. Plan is to head out via Denchworth, then near Goosey, and Stanford and up to Hinton Waldrist, before "descending" back south through Fyfield and on to tea stop at Milletts. (outdoors if weather OK....?). Then potter back via Fyfield Wick & West Hanney. Lights advisable if weather is "iffy" and therefore a bit dark on the way back.
Riders: Andy Cowan Frank Schroer Henry Hall Janet Hammonds Lorna Swanton Louis Hall Richard Preece Stan Cowan Steve Boreham Steve Burr Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Tracey Oakden Riders = 13 Weather: Report: A good turn out today - all arriving promptly, ie ride leader alone in car park, just 10 mins before "kick off" and wondering.... Seriously though, set off at a good pace, with the ride leader probably (inadvertently) stretching the 1* pace a little, so at times was 2* pace. Everybody seemed comfortable with this, as it was a fairly flat ride throughout. I overshot a turn, but realised immediately - well I was just testing everybody's reactions! Weather fairly warm although the forecast sunshine did not really materialise until late in the ride. Two riders, Steve & Lorna, left us early taking a different route back (& nearly confusing some of the others as to where to turn, no doubt influenced by the ride leader's earlier "faux pas", with the the remaining 11 carrying on to the tea stop at Millets, and, yes we sat outside(!) Two went on to get back, so nine of us then had a steady ride back via Fyfield Wick & West Hanney. Well done all for a good 1.5* ride!
Distance: 41.84 km (26.00 mi)
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Tue Sep 24th 2013

Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required. About 15 miles up to the Ridgeway and back down again. Sometimes, by agreement on the night, we might go a bit further. Bright lights are required for off-road riding in the dark, and a rear light for getting home. I have 2 spare ones that I can lend so you can see if you like it before buying your own. Contact me so I know to bring them. Dark, cold and wet – we'll ride in any two. 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 Talboys David Yearley John Davies Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Tonight we decided to investigate whether the Cornhill Lane byway (East Challow) had reopened after it was closed at the beginning of the month for much needed surface repairs. The signs still show it's officially closed for up to 6 months... but after seeing a few dog walkers on the track we had to check on progress - so far so good . We then crossed over the top road and were going to take a right onto Green Lane, but this was also closed, and with evidence of recent Caterpillar tracks, we opted for a road detour. Then on up to Letcombe castle where the evening sunshine started giving way to a cool evening mist. Working our way East we crossed the A338 and B4494 to our reward for the slog up from Letcombe; downhill almost all the way home, from the top of Middlehill Down all the way to West Lockinge and back to Grove via Wantage, Charlton and Crabhill.
Distance: 20.92 km (13.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 28th 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Sara Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 39 miles at the slower end of 2* . Route is Letcombes, Hackpen Hill, Lambourn, Faringdon and home. Refueling in Shrivenham.
Riders: Adrian West Brian Hipwell Chris Walters David Bridge David Talboys Des Higgs John Stamp Lorna Swanton Maurice Bawden Ron Cutler Sara Smith Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 15 Weather: Report: After a slightly chaotic start everyone made it up Hackpen Hill. Despite a strong easterly wind we zoomed down into Lambourn (Des managed to get up to 37 mph). A glorious run into Ashbury past Weathercock Hill and Ashdown house slipping into Shrivenham for refueling. Legs aching we managed another two hills (Fernham to the A420 and up to the Faringdon Folly) before returning home.
Distance: 62.76 km (39.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 28th 2013

South Oxfordshire Off-road Tour	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Kidmore End War Memorial Hall
Description: Our neighbours Reading CTC have invited members of CTC Wantage to join them for this special 50km off-road ride in aid of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Full details can be found by following the link below. Reading CTC off-road section presents: An opportunity to explore the trails of south Oxfordshire: 50km of off-road tracks in the Chiltern woodlands, plus a few quiet roads. Navigate yourself round using GPS or our detailed paper routecard. The off-road sections use a mixture of bridleways, restricted byways and byways. Hopefully it will be dry, but the trails could be muddy after rain, and so be both slippery and softer to ride on as a result (the Chilterns has a special kind of mud!). Some of them are also narrow and steep in places. The tarmac sections are generally on quiet rural roads. The route does cross the A4074 at two points, so particular care will be needed here. The event is not a race, and participants should give way to walkers, horse riders and other trail users. Start time: 10am (registration from 9.15am) The start is from Kidmore End War Memorial Hall on Reades Lane. This is opposite Chiltern Edge school, where there is car parking available for the event. Note that a road event will depart at 9am from the same location (so don’t get worried!). An overview of the route, with the start/finish marked, is here. The Hall itself does not have a postcode, however the postcode for Chiltern Edge school (entrance opposite the Hall) is RG4 9LN. Tea / coffee available at the finish, local shops available en-route. There are toilets, but no showers at the start/finish NB: You are responsible for navigating yourself based on the routecard or GPS. There will be flour “blobs” to mark the off-road sections of the route, but not the on-road parts. If you are not confident of following a routecard, you may also wish to bring a map to assist you – OS Landranger number 175 (Reading & Windsor) covers the route. In addition you may want to have the routecard mounted onto your handlebars to make navigation quicker. Entry: £4 (pre-entry strongly preferred. Availability of entries on the day will be dependent on the number of pre-entries) All profits from the event will be donated to Thames Valley Air Ambulance http://www.tvacaa.org/ The entry form can be downloaded here: SOOT entry form Please complete and return the form together with a cheque made payable to Reading CTC for £4.00 to: Soot, c/o 29 Princes Street, Reading, RG1 4EG. Entries will be acknowledged by email. For any queries, please email: offroad@readingctc.co.uk
Riders: Nick Stokell Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Two CTC Wantage people (that i'm aware of) on this event organised by CTC Reading, out of a total of about 35 riders. A great route, taking in some great tracks in the southern part of the Chilterns - several of which I hadn't done before. We started in small groups and met others along the way, chatting as we did. Quite a few were on cyclocross bikes, which seemed a good choice, though I was quite happy on my MTB. Tea & cake afterwards too!
Distance: 53.00 km (32.93 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.readingctc.co.uk/soot/"
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Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : September 30, 2013 at 11:54 PM

I did the 100km on-road audax from the same start point. We set off an hour earlier. I met a few of the off-roaders back in the hall at the end.

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