Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Dec 3rd 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: Andy Pixton Riders = 1 Report: Andy was the sole non-riding socialite.
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Tue Dec 3rd 2013

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 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. Tonight, we end 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 Smith David Talboys John Talbot John Tranter Maurice Bawden Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The weather was kind yet again, and eight of us made very good time around the regular short route, with some good pulls, including a slightly-under-the-weather JT the younger. The Fox was a welcome sight at the end.
Distance: 37.40 km (23.24 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/98529677/overview
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821689"
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Tue Dec 3rd 2013

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	4*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: The Lord Nelson pub, Wantage
Description: There will be no formal CTC Off-road ride tonight. However a non-CTC affiliated fast paced off-road ride will depart from the Nelson in Wantage at 18:30 sharp.
Riders: David Brown Richard Anstis Riders = 2 Report: Due to low turnout, Richard and I opted to join Mark (from Ridgeway Cycles) on his regular Tuesday 'fast' off-road ride. Whilst technically not a CTC ride, after 24.3 miles (plus a couple more from our normal start of OMH to the Nelson in Wantage), at an average pace of 13.4mph, I'd be a shame not to record it. I'm sure we'll join Mark again in the future when we have low/no takers for our Tuesday ride.
Distance: 39.11 km (24.30 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.facebook.com/ridgewaycycles
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Thu Dec 5th 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 Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: Sufferfest "Fight Club" tonight - I never want to hear the sound of a pistol ever again. Accounts:
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Sat Dec 7th 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Slightly shorter than usual at 49.7km due to the shorter days this time of year. Out via the Letcoombes and Court Hill to Brightwalton, Chaddleworth, Leckhampstead, Peasemore, East & West Illsey to the Saddleback Farm Shop and Cafe at Farnbrough before the descent of Chain Hill and back to Grove. Good front and rear lights are essential this time of year. The route may change depending upon the conditions.
Riders: Ashley Brown Brian Hipwell Cathy Brown Chris Walters David Smith John Tranter Louis Hall Mark Austin Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Another great turnout on a coldish afternoon. Chris met us at the top of Court Hill and we had an uneventful but very enjoyable ride to the Saddleback Farm Shop & Cafe. I think this was the first club run to visit the café and we can highly recommend it, along with the farm shop! We met Brian in the cafe and he joined us for the descent of Chain Hill. The group split in to 2 at the bottom of Chain Hill, John said he would show us a nicer way to get back to Grove than the main road, but just as the group was moving off Kath & Andy walked past so several of us stopped for a quick chat before heading back along the main road to Grove.
Distance: 47.30 km (29.39 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2066003
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3716495"
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Sun Dec 8th 2013

Annual Mince Pie Ride to White Horse Hill

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 10:00 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 - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards the rides will continue for an optional pub lunch at the Black Horse, East Hanney. Please book places via john@tranters.net. There will also be a ride directly back to Wantage .
Riders: Carin Tranter Diane Stuckey James Dawton Jo Munt John Tranter Kevin Fairs Mandy Wassell Mavis Rose Nigel Stuckey Pat Hurt Richard Morris Steve Boreham Sue King Wenfeng Yang Riders = 14 Weather: Report: Another great success for the Mince Pie Ride. This year we had the additional benefit of unusually nice weather. 7 or 8 degrees and the sun even came out once or twice! Around 105 riders from a variety of local clubs came through for the mince pies, the excellent mulled wine and to donate to the Whizz Kidz charity. Kay Aslett of the charity very kindly came out to join us this year. We even had some late arrivals from Reading, who just made it before we packed away. The Black Horse at East Hanney then looked after 20 or so of us extremely well for the post-ride lunch.
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Sun Dec 8th 2013

Mince Pie Ride - 1*	1*

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.
Riders: Jane Pearson Judith Agnew Neil Warner Peter Burgess Peter Hallowell Phil Jeffery Ros Hallowell Sara Smith Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather: Report: 16 riders set off on the 1* ride, our numbers swelled by 5 mud-spattered late arrivals from Abingdon Freewheeling. We also welcomed David and Sarah on their tandem making it 3 tandems in all. As we headed out west, the weather was clearing and eventually the sun came out, lighting up wonderful views across the Vale. While resting by Childrey Pond we were passed by the 2* group, and several of the Freewheelers elected to join them. We were to be passed again at the very bottom of the climb up Dragon Hill. On the climb out of Kingston Lisle, Jane's chain came off and became trapped between chainring and bottom bracket. Neil and Peter B assisted her and sent the rest of us on to avoid getting cold. Fortunately, they were able to fix it (after breaking the chain) and they all joined us atop the hill later. The climb as ever was tough, made tougher by the westerly breeze funnelling through the gap between Dragon and White Horse hills. Some rode all the way and others did as much as they could, all enjoying the views. A great throng awaited us in the car park and it was good to see some old faces and meet riders from other groups. The mulled wine was excellent. Many thanks to John, Carin, Steve and Mandy for doing the catering, and for all those who donated wine or mince pies. Five of us returned by the same route to Wantage; it's a lot easier heading back, particularly with the wind behind us and we made good time back to the Market Place. Neil and I then continued on to the Black Horse at East Hanney for lunch. After being well fed and watered, it was a very mellow ride back to Grove riding into the sunset. A lovely end to a memorable day. Thanks to all for your company and thanks to Neil for sweeping. Some pictures to come...
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Sun Dec 8th 2013

Mince Pie Ride - 2*	2*

Leader: David Smith	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. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. The 2* ride will head out to the Letcombes with a short climb of Holborn hill to get the climbing muscles working. We'll then drop down to Childrey and continue through Sparsholt and Westcot to Kingston Lisle. Time permitting, we'll drop down to Uffington before ascending back up to cross the B4507 and continue up over dragon hill below the White horse. We'll join the other cycling groups for minced pies and mulled wine (in aid of Whizz Kidz) in the main NT car park. (about 13 miles) Afterwards we'll be heading back to Wantage via a loop through the Vale.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andy Pixton Angela Sanders Brian Hipwell Chris Young David Smith Derek Boutle Des Higgs Glen Savegar Janet Charleston John Vandore Katherine Boyce Mark Austin Maurice Allsworth Nicole Pethybridge Steve Sanders Susan Holdroyd Ursula Hallam Riders = 18 Weather: Report: Another great turnout with 22 2* riders leaving Wantage Market Place and we seemed to pick up a few more riders en-route as well! The group kept together well all the way to the foot of Dragon Hill where it was a case of every rider for themselves up the climb. The cattle grids seemed particularly slippy this year and we had a slight headwind, but the sun was shining and, I think, everyone enjoyed the climb. The car park with its promise of mulled wine and mince pies was a welcome sight and the chance to chat with riders from the other groups was a bonus. A much smaller 2* group left the car park for a loop around the Vale and back to Wantage, with several groups making their own way home or joining the group heading for the meal in East Hanney. Unfortunately the Puncture Fairy was out on the approach to Woolstone, a large thorn was quickly removed and a new tube installed and we were on our way. Various people dropped off as we passed close to their homes and 3 of us returned safely back to Wantage Market Place. Thanks to Glen for sweeping and thanks to all the riders for coming out and helping to raise money for a great cause. A special welcome to Chris on his first group ride, hopefully we will see you again soon. I apologise that the GPS track doesn’t start until Letcombe Regis, operator error! The distance was actually 39.6 km or 24.6 miles.
Distance: 39.60 km (24.61 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2068055
Arriving at the top of Dragon Hill. Janet, Peter & Ros make it to the top!
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3748577"
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Sun Dec 8th 2013

Mince Pie Ride - 3*	3*

Leader: Louis Hall	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. Usual 3* route out via the Letcombes and up Hackpen Hill. Dropping down to Sparsholt and again at Kingston Lisle before the full climb of White Horse Hill from Uffington. One return route option (as shown below) for those going back to Wantage will be via Uffington, Baulking, Goosey and Grove. As is usual though, smaller groups tend to head off after the mulled wine and mince pies to the pub or more directly back to Wantage as they see fit.
Riders: Ashley Brown Cathy Brown David Ryan David Talboys Louis Hall Richard Saunders Robert Ryan Riders = 7 Weather: Report: On a mild, very mild for December, morning we gathered in Wantage Market Place. The publicity obviously worked since we had four new riders. Welcome to Tom and Jon Willemsen, Samuel Cannell and Connor Thorneycroft. We were a mixed group: some keen teenagers, a dynamic tandem and some older regulars. The roads were still a bit slippery and mucky following overnight rain as we set off through the Letcombes. The new boys certainly demonstrated their pace on Holcombe Hill. We regrouped at the top of Hackpen Hill and admired the crystal clear views before whizzing down towards Childrey. We meandered through Kingston Lisle and Uffington before coming to the hill. It remains a demanding climb, made more so today by a solid westerly breeze, which caused us to spread out on the ascent. The mince pies were great. Smaller groups rode back to their various destinations.
Distance: 48.28 km (30.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1969387"
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Sun Dec 8th 2013

Mince Pie Ride - Off-road	2*

Leader: David Brown	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 at about 10:00 (about the same time as the 3* ride) - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register.
Riders: Barry Gillott David Brown Frank Schroer John Davies Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A respectable turnout of seven took part in the off-road ride. It didn't take a genius to work out the route - up to the Ridgeway, turn right then keep on going until you reach the White Horse. The only choice was in which hill to use to ascend the Ridgeway and we opted for Gramp's as it seemed the most direct, and offered us the most 'off road' route. In an unusual twist we arrived at the car park in a far less muddy state than the majority of road riders. After a responsible measure of mulled wine we reversed our route and returned to Wantage.
Distance: 30.90 km (19.20 mi)
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Tue Dec 10th 2013

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride 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 David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Another good evening for riding! The first "incident" was a puncture, fortunately right outside La Fontana in East Hanney. So while David did the Formula 1 tyre change routine in good light conditions, the rest of us could chuckle at the men in tartan skirts standing outside the restaurant... and then David Bridge came out of the restaurant (not in a skirt, I'm pleased to report) to have a quick chat. Onwards we went, setting a pretty decent pace. "Incident" number 2 occurred at Lyford. JT and I were nattering as we went round a 90 degree bend. Or at least I did. Went around it that is. JT managed to stop just before the looming ditch, and we discovered at that point just how greasy a muddy road at 3 degrees Celsius is. No harm done, but maybe the speed dropped just a little henceforth, especially on the corners. Tuesday rides start again on January 7th.
Distance: 43.00 km (26.72 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/99615074
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Tue Dec 10th 2013

Tuesday Evening 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 Nick Stokell Richard Anstis Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A dry day in a wet season. Though certainly damp and slippery under-wheel on the Crab Hill section. We then headed up to the Ridgeway via Goddards Brook. Unfortunately Nick was struck by a slow puncture and decided to turn back rather than work on a muddy wheel. The remaining 4 of us continued the climb and worked our way too the Ginge singletrack descent - some choosing the straight line and some (er, me) choosing a more winding route. Feeling like a bit more distance this time, we turned right and headed up the Sustrans path East, turning off and down into East Hendred and wiggling our way through the village before emerging at Ardington and heading back to Grove. All good mucky fun, and helped to clear the last bits of cold out of my system!
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Thu Dec 12th 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 Maurice Bawden Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Report: As there were only 5 of us, there was a risk the last session of this season might fizzle out. Des, however, was determined to up our heart rates by pedalling so hard that his rear tyre exploded. After that, the 5 intervals of 4 minutes were more than enough excitement for the rest of the evening. The next season is now booking, at the reduced rate of £15 for 10 sessions, and £3 per session for casual attendees. We need to get 5 subscribers to break even across the year.... Accounts:
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Sun Dec 15th 2013

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Glen Savegar	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. UPDATE 2045 hrs SATURDAY- Weather forecast for Sunday is not looking great, with heavy rain and 34mph gusts from 1200 hrs onwards. For the safety and comfort of the group I may opt for a shorter alternative route, with a late morning/midday brunch stop. Will decide Sunday morning! This months ride will head out through the Letcombes, Childrey, Westcot, Sparsholt, Kingston Lisle, dropping down to Uffington, Woolstone, Watchfield, passing the wind farm before climbing to Coleshill, where we will take the mostly quiet back lanes to Lechlade for lunch at the Black Cat Cafe. After lunch we will explore one or two of the pretty villages just north of Lechlade, before returning home via Bampton, Buckland, Gainfield, and Charney Bassett. We will pass through Aston on route with the option of a tea stop at the pottery. We can decide on the day... Important...Lights are essential for the early fading afternoon light ! Distance approx 80 kms (49 miles) at a pace to suit all.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Young Glen Savegar Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Well!...The afternoon forecast wasn't looking too good, but a pleasant enough morning and a southerly breeze made for an easy journey out to Lechlade. A select group (plus me!) enjoyed an uneventful ride and a nice lunch at the cafe. By this point the weather was definitely taking a turn for the worse, and judging by the surface water on the return it was clear we had been spared a good soaking...Result !... A shorter homeward route than originally planned into a strong headwind retraced our tyre tracks back to Coleshill, before dropping down to Coxwell Tythe Barn and the back roads to Wantage for 3.00pm. Big welcome to Chris, on his first regular ride with Wantage! Glen S
Distance: 74.83 km (46.50 mi)
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Tue Dec 17th 2013

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride – Wallingford	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:45 pm	Start Location: Wallingford Market Square
Description: It's the 3rd Tuesday, so we'll be riding from Wallingford. 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 normally. 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 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 Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Only two of us, but that's enough for a ride! We went out via Grim's Ditch then south-ish past the King William pub and down to Well Place and up to the road at the top of the hill. Then down through Mongewell Woods which was entertainingly bumpy. We returned to Grim's Ditch, but by this time it was drizzling and getting slippery. I had a wobble and then slipped over on a combination of wet roots and chalk. Only at walking speed though, so no damage done.
Distance: 20.92 km (13.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcwallingford.org.uk"
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Sat Dec 21st 2013

CTC Wallingford - Saturday Afternoon Ride	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 1:30 pm	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: I'm leading this ride for CTC Wallingford. This is their regular 3* Saturday afternoon ride starting at Wallingford Market Place. CTC Wantage riders are more than welcome to join me! Pay and Display parking available in Goldsmith's Lane (it is the last Saturday before Christmas so allow time for finding alternative parking if it is busy). It wouldn't be right to have a ride at this time of year that didn't go via Christmas Common so that's what we'll do. We might even stop off briefly at The Tree Barn to get into the Christmas spirit! We do need to go up onto the Chiltern ridge to get there (via Britwell Hill) but we'll have the descent of Aston Hill to make up for it! Tea-stop will most likely be at The Bread Bin café in Watlington towards the end of the ride. Lights essential at this time of year (it is the shortest day of the year after all!) and we'll aim to get back to Wallingford around sunset. Distance 46km (28 miles) at riding pace of 19-22kph (12-14 mph).
Riders: John Talbot Mark Austin Nick Dunton Robin Tucker Steve Ellwood Riders = 5 Weather: Report: After a horrid morning I was half expecting nobody to turn up. The weather had begun to brighten at lunchtime although it was still breezy and five brave riders gathered under the Christmas tree in Wallingford market square. We set off via Ewelme to the big climb of the day up Britwell Hill. There are no surprises with this hill, it's visible from a long way away and goes straight as an arrow up the Chiltern ridge. It's probably the hardest on-road way of getting up there so it was a slow grind to the top. Once we were up we continued along the ridge with mostly a tailwind through Christmas Common to the summit of Kingston Hill. We had occasional light rain/drizzle but nothing too bad. The road was wet so we took it fairly steady round the curves down the steep hill and we knew a headwind was in store once we turned left at the bottom. A few hundred metres of very strong gusts by Lewknor and the M40 bridge was the worst we had as it happens. Unfortunately Mark suffered a puncture here too. But this was efficiently fixed and we were soon on our way to Watlington. This was expected to be the hardest stretch into the wind but it actually wasn't too bad at all, I've cycled in MUCH worse! The Bread Bin café looked a bit odd as the seating area appeared to be a hairdressers. A second glance confirmed that the other half was a gift shop! OK, plan B then. Luckily a few doors down we spotted a new café, The Granary, which was very welcoming and excellent value and comes highly recommended for future rides. Filled with cake and tea/coffee, it was lights on for the final leg as it was getting very dark even at 4pm. We kept off the busier roads to Benson, and we made good time to Wallingford and finished around 4.45pm. Our fears of a hideous headwind and heavy rain never materialised and it was a pretty pleasant ride for mid-December!
Distance: 46.00 km (28.58 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2092932
Wallingford Market Square
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3691804"
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Sat Dec 28th 2013

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 53km afternoon ride to blow the festive cobwebs away - out to Stanton Harcourt and tea at Aston Pottery before returning up the only noticable hill of the day at Buckland. Bring lights for the tail end of the journey.
Riders: Andy Pixton Ashley Brown Cathy Brown Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Mark Austin Nick Dunton Steve Boreham Ursula Hallam Riders = 13 Weather: Report: A bit nippy, but otherwise looked good for an afternoon to start to burn up the mince-pie calories. Turn-out was 13 - as good as you can expect at this time of the year. We'd not got out of Grove before we had the day's first "moment" - one rider had to go back and pump their tyres up. Serious point to all riders - turn up on time (i.e. 10 minutes before departure) with a bike that is fit to ride. Sermon over. The Thames Valley was particularly damp-looking - we were lucky to be able to turn right at the Rose Revived and we enjoyed the potter ('scuse the pun!) right through to Aston... even with a couple of punctures to attend to along the way. Epic Eccles cakes. That is all I can say about the tea stop. Mince pies for real men! It got a little interesting after tea. The Great Brook didn't look too bad - to start with. We got through the first two puddles at barely bottom bracket depth. David chose to attempt the next section. We all watched. We watched the bottom light submerge, and a quick phone call confirmed that it was "thigh deep". David elected to continue, the rest went back via Bampton. Just as well really as the following puddle (surely by now a euphemism) was "just below the top tube". No further issues as we headed back, save for the tyre that got pumped up at the start of the day finally running out of puff in Grove. David greeted us back at Old Mill Hall - expeditionist extraordinaire!
Distance: 62.00 km (38.53 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/102470560
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3792198"
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1

Written by : Nick Dunton

Posted on : December 29, 2013 at 2:50 PM

Like the video. Perhaps Talking Heads' "Take me to the River" a better soundtrack?

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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