Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Nov 2nd 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Louis Hall	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. A flat ride with one hill taking in a not quite so familiar tea stop. We will go out to Denchworth, then along Park Lane, through Stanford, up Sandy Lane and down through Thrupp. We will cross the Thames at Radcot and then have the opportunity to stretch our legs on the floodplain through Grafton, Langford and Clandon. Tea will be taken in Bampton. Refueled, we will recross the Thames at Tadpole Bridge, rise up the little hill into Buckland and take the direct route back through Charney Bassett and Denchworth. The boy and girl racers then have the opportunity to compete in the Denchworth Dash before returning to Old Mill Hall. All being well we should be back around 4:15, however, for those who then have a long journey home, note that sunset is at 4:35, so lights may be required. A 58k daylight saving special.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs Janet Charleston Katherine Boyce Lizzie Gorton Louis Hall Nick Dunton Peter Cowan Richard Saunders Ursula Hallam Riders = 13 Weather: Report: It was clear what kind of ride was in store when the riders huddled under Old Mill Hall to keep out of the wind. We set off in a fine mist which turned into a downpour before Denchworth. The strong southerly, veering to south-westerly, spread the group out as the shower passed and the sun came out at Hatford. We negotiated the A420 safely and then were rewarded with the descent to Thrupp. Then Dave got a puncture - no-one complained while he repaired it as it gave a rest from the demanding headwind. After Radcott Bridge the group's formation riding improved, taking advantage of the slipstream and shelter from the wind. Nick chose to to skip the stop at Bampton Coffee House and press on home. He missed some outstanding chocolate cake! The ride home was straightforward. We were back at 4:23 - bang on time after allowing 8 minutes for the puncture.
Distance: 61.16 km (38.00 mi)
Single file please Red light... spells danger... Buckland bridge
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3600203"
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Tue Nov 5th 2013

Autumn 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 hours covering around 30km. We will not ride quite 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. 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: Chris Walters Dave Martin David Talboys Des Higgs John Tranter Maurice Bawden Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Must be getting colder - only 6 riders tonight. Very evenly matched, so we rode at a comfortable pace and the unforecast wind became a challenge at times (at least for those on the front). Maurice peeled off before the end, and the Famous Five had a very nice scoff, drink and natter at the Fox.
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/93434863/
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821689"
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Tue Nov 5th 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: Allen Stacey David Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: There were fireworks tonight! But most of the pops, bangs and fizzing was coming from our tyres. 7 punctures between the 5 of us! The culprit was whoever trimmed all the hawthorn hedges up on the Ridgeway. The effect was that we didn't get to the pub until 9:30, when the kitchen had closed David Y tried to convince me that a pint of Guinness was the equivalent of a full meal, but my stomach didn't agree and i skulked off into the night leaving 3 at the bar. Our route: Lark Hill, then left past the gallops up through the woods to the Ridgeway. Then West past Baron Wantage and due to punctures we turned down the road to Sparsholt instead of the farm track. We then weaved through Childrey accidentally splitting in two groups. But then reuniting at the next puncture stop!
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)
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Tue Nov 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: Riders = 0 Report: No non-riders tonight.
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Thu Nov 7th 2013

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 10 sessions begins on 3rd October and ends on 12th December. Nb. There will be no session on 17th October 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 Chris Walters Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Report: A longer one tonight. 85 minutes really is just about as much as you can take in one sitting! Accounts below:
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Sat Nov 9th 2013

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 9 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. This year's agenda includes a motion for CTC Oxfordshire to put on a programme of 'Explorer rides' to reach those parts of the County (and West Berkshire) not covered by existing CTC groups. The agenda is available for download from the CTC Oxfordshire website at www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk as well as the minutes from the 2012 AGM. 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: Helen Beane James Dawton Jo Munt John Bridgman Lorna Swanton Neil Warner Pat Hurt Richard Morris Robin Tucker Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Riders = 11 Report: A good turnout of 17 members for this years Oxfordshire AGM, including a few new faces: Paul and Ros from Bicester were attracted by the motion proposing Explorer rides. Both motions were passed and so Oxfordshire will be planning a programme of rides across the County (and into West Berkshire) from starting points away from our local centres - we'll definitely have a ride starting in Bicester. The new Oxfordshire committee is as follows: Chair: Steve Swanton Secretary & Publicity Officer: Robin Tucker Treasurer & Midweek rep: Peter Hallowell Registrar: Pat Hurt Welfare: Phil Wray Right 2 Ride and Oxford City rep : James Dawton Wantage rep: Neil Warner Wallingford rep: Dan Hart Witney rep: Jon Gammage A full set of reports and draft minutes should appear shortly on the Oxfordshire website.
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events/ctc-oxfordshire-annual-general-meeting-2013"
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Tue Nov 12th 2013

Autumn 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 quite 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. It's the Uffington route this week... forecast looking OK as of Monday 11th, but the roads are likely to be wet!
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters Dave Martin David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Yep, a cold one tonight. Hugely impressed to still be getting as many as we do turning out on chilly nights. By consensus, it was around Baulking by the time our hands were warmed sufficiently, and the slight but constant headwind both cooled and made progress hard work. Other than that, nothing to report.... apart from it being my 400th ride with the club!
Distance: 40.60 km (25.23 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/94750439/
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1814979"
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Tue Nov 12th 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 Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Not actually raining, but certainly a mucky night. For a change we decided to go 'clockwise'. We slithered our way over Crab Hill then into Ardington and up to more slippery ruts heading towards the bridge of doom. We never really indented to go up it - instead we peeled off right then dog-legged back to get to the other side. Then MORE slippery ruts to Park Hill. The big climb up to the Ridgeway came from the corner of the Harwell campus and up what is normally a great descent! At the top it was moonlit enough to switch the lights off and progress by natural light alone. Then West on the Ridgeway until it was down by Goddards Brook, and back by Crab Hill.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Thu Nov 14th 2013

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 10 sessions begins on 3rd October and ends on 12th December. Nb. There will be no session on 17th October 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: Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: Welcome to "new boy" David - tonight's "Angels" was not the easiest of Sufferfests to start with. Accounts below:
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Sat Nov 16th 2013

Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Sara Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A shorter ride, around 10 miles due to the short day, riding pace of 12-16km/h (8-10mph). Out to Betterton via Wantage and along to West Hendred. Returning home via a tea stop in Ardington and Lains Barn.
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Bridge Michael Tayler Sara Smith Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A damp ride with the added adventure of extra cars as the A34 was shut. Great flapjacks at the Grocer's Chef
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sun Nov 17th 2013

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: David Smith	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. This months all-day adventure will take us to Barbury Castle, renowned iron-age hill fort on the Ridgeway with splendid views of... Swindon... and, on a clear day, back to Uffington Castle. A hilly'ish morning out of Wantage via Hackpen Hill, Lambourn and Aldbourne culminating in the climb up to Barbury Castle itself. An easier afternoon back via Chiseldon, Shrivenham and Uffington. Pub lunch options either side of Chiseldon or we can go to the cafe at the Three Trees Farm Shop. Afternoon tea/coffee/cake back in Wantage. Circa 85km - draft route below - may get tweaked. Bring lights in case of gloomy weather or unexpected delay.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Smith Derek Boutle Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Despite the weather not looking particularly enticing, a few other hardy souls ventured to Wantage marketplace wrapped up warm and raring to go. A moment of astonishment (or was it fear? ) crossed a few faces as a friendly member of Didcot Phoenix stopped for a chat but it transpired he’d done his ride already and was popping to Costa for a coffee not joining us on the ride. And so it was that 7 of us rode out through the mist and drizzle. The Letcombes and Hackpen Hill quickly dispatched, we were soon ‘enjoying’ the descent to Lambourn. It wasn’t really raining and there was no wind to speak of but the mist on our lenses and the wet tarmac prevented us from breaking any speed records! The ride towards Barbury followed a similar pattern – some steady climbing followed by some steady’ish descending - until we reached the Old Ridgeway. Des and Derek, professing to have climbed Barbury more times than they have had hot dinners, opted to go onto the café for a long lunch. The rest of us stormed the castle…the single-track road was surprisingly busy with cars given that there would be no view from the top but after we stopped to let a skittish horse go by, most drivers gave way to let us get up in one big push to the top. Another hill conquered! The warmth and grub at Three Trees farm shop café were welcome. By the time we emerged and got on our way following a puncture incident the cloud had lifted and the views of Swindon that we had not been rewarded with at the top of Barbury finally appeared. A peaceful ride back to Wantage punctuated only by the mild sting of Fawler Hill saw us in Costas around 3 for coffee, chocolate cakes and some ghostly knocking from haberdashers long departed. Definitely one of those days when you are reluctant to get out but glad you did! Thanks to everyone for turning out.
Distance: 86.90 km (54.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2016921
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3622671"
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Tue Nov 19th 2013

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: * Update 19/11/2013 - ride is on as planned. We may take a different route on bigger roads if it's icy. Wrap up warm! * Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride quite 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. Planning to do the route through Abingdon tonight.
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters Dave Martin David Talboys Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Nicole Pethybridge Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Cold! The roads were just fine and apart from a slight sugar crisis just outside Abingdon, we all survived. If it's this cold next time, we'll shorten the ride a little to protect our poor little piggies from frostbite.
Distance: 41.70 km (25.91 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/96223154
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821669"
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Tue Nov 19th 2013

Off-road Ride – Wallingford	3*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:45 pm	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: It's a 3rd Tuesday, so an 'away fixture' at Wallingford. Dan Hart will actually lead the ride. You can contact him at Rides on Air: 01491 836289 Off-roading in the dark is an experience you must try for your cycling life to be complete! Knobbly tyres and lights required.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Riders = 2 Weather: Report: We joined Dan and two others for a chilly ride in the Chilterns. Out and back along the Thames and Grim's ditch, working our way to Stoke Rowe and back. It was tough going through the woods with squelchy mud covered by a thin layer of fallen leaves - pedal too slowly and you quickly come to a standstill and sink. The mud was particularly attracted to the chainset, and a few 'manual by hand' gear changes were required when front derailleurs became so clogged up they wouldn't work by the lever. One snapped chain, one broken light bracket and lots of cold hands and feet, but a great ride nonetheless.
Distance: 25.43 km (15.80 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.ctcwallingford.org.uk/
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Thu Nov 21st 2013

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 10 sessions begins on 3rd October and ends on 12th December. Nb. There will be no session on 17th October 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 Chris Walters David Talboys Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Maurice Bawden Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Report: Another good one tonight - Downward Spiral. Aptly named, of course. Accounts below:
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Sat Nov 23rd 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: David Bridge	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. Grove Steventon Appleford Round Didcot to North Moreton Aston Tirrold Hagbourne Chilton (Tea at Garden Centre) Pathway back to Ginge -- faster riders may wish to avoid this by using the A417 to West Hendred Lockinge Lains Barn road Grove We should get back by 16:30 -> 17:00 so lights will be required. We could shortcut through Didcot if we run short of time and may use the cycle pathways to do so.
Riders: Chris Walters David Bridge David Talboys John Davies John Talbot Mark Austin Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Robin Tucker Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Riders = 11 Weather: Report: We started off from Grove 9 in number and met up with a couple more at Steventon. After a pleasant cycle to the north of Didcot we arrived at North Moreton where we lost Robin & Steve B to a puncture. We carried on, worked our way round to Hagbourne where Steve Q & Michael left for home. Chris left soon afterwards and Maurice left us at the garden centre. Then we were 5. However Robin & Steve rejoined us there and Adrian West met us by car as he had had a problem with his bike. After the tea stop it was getting dark. We avoided the path to East Hendred by using the A417 to W Hendred and made our way back to Grove via Lains Barn.
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2031419
Golden sunshine near Appleford Waiting at North Moreton to see what has happened to Steve B At the top of Sires Hill Advanced cycling telemetry technology descends on CTC Wantage as CTC Wantage ascend Shires Hill.
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3687005"
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1

Written by : Ursula

Posted on : November 25, 2013 at 11:07 AM

Loving the music to the vids - very motivational - how about launching a CTC Wantage turbo training DVD for the Thursday night sessions? :)

Tue Nov 26th 2013

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE 25/11/2013: The weather looks to be good, maybe a little warmer than last week, so we're heading out to Charney, Fernham, Longcot and back via Uffington and Goosey. Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 2 hours covering around 40km. We will not ride quite 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.
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys John Talbot Maurice Bawden Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Nice evening for a ride! Not too cold tonight and the cloud cover made sure it was dark out there. We lost Adrian to "returntostartitis" at Gainfield and carried on with what was quite a spirited ride into the wind until Longcot, after which it became plain sailing.
Distance: 38.90 km (24.17 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/97252067/overview
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3715166"
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Tue Nov 26th 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: Out via Crab Hill, Ardington, Ginge, then up and over the ridgeway to Old Down. Back via Lands End, Betterton, Lockinge, and cycle track from Wantage to Grove.
Distance: 28.65 km (17.80 mi)
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Thu Nov 28th 2013

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 10 sessions begins on 3rd October and ends on 12th December. Nb. There will be no session on 17th October 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 Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Report: A depleted group worked their way through Revolver tonight - lots of sweat and very little talking! Accounts:
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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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