Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Feb 1st 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 42 miles in which we'll find out which parts of West Oxon are still flooded. Out to Fernham and Coleshill, then across the flat bit to Alvescot and Bampton for tea. Home via Buckland and Charney Bassett. A couple of sizeable hills, one after Fernham and the Buckland one. Bring lights for the journey home. 3*: 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.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Jan McCabe John Tranter Nicole Pethybridge Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Amazing to us all, it was actually sunny - albeit cold and windy - for this ride. 9 of us set off, into the strong wind to the West splashed through several puddles on the way, the first truly big one just after the A417 and before Balulking. We found a few others as we past past Fernham and on to Coleshill. Near Lechlade, a small navigational error (whoops) sent us down a narrow, muddy track (sorry) and Andy found a sharp edge to the road resulting in a puncture (sorry). I then discovered we would emerge next to The Trout pub, which we had passed 2 miles earlier (sorry again). However, for the next section the wind was behind us and we sped on to Lnagford, Kencot and Black Bourton. Half a mile before our tea stop in Bamford, there was another clonk-hiss, this time Nicole had hit a pothole. She told us to continue on to the cafe, which we did - and ordered her a cup of tea which arrived slightly after she did. She and I sorted the puncture while others quaffed their cakes and millionaire shortbread. All fixed and refuelled we set off back to Grove. The hill up to Buckland felt harder than usual - a bit of a headwind. But we only had about a dozen miles to cover, so the trip back was not too bad. Ten minutes later, as I drove home, it started raining - perfect timing!
Distance: 69.20 km (43.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://goo.gl/maps/HKzx3"
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Tue Feb 4th 2014

Winter Social Evening

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:00 pm	Start Location: The Fox, Denchworth
Description: To continue the summer post-ride social evenings, we'll be meeting tonight at 20:00 at the Fox public house in Denchworth, lamenting the poor weather lashing down on the windows.... All club members welcome!
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Smith Neil Warner Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Report: A most convivial evening, including a couple of dirty and wet mountain bikers taking shelter from the elements and seeking hop-derived sustenance... Topics of conversation were rather diverse, including congratulations to Neil on his new job, a pictorial segue between camels and MAMILs (you had to be there) and some hitherto unknown facts about Forrest Gump. Join us next time?
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Tue Feb 4th 2014

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 Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Only two of us, and not actually raining but certainly lots a wet ground, and a pub to go to. We went out along the canal, then decided on a mostly road climb up Gramps Hill. Then squelch along the Ridgeway. And a slippery whizz down Sparsholt Field. Mostly road from there to the Fox where we settled in with the non-riders of the road, a beer and a Thai curry. Ace.
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Tue Feb 4th 2014

CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride - Social still on	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE 4/2/2014 - Weather warning of strong winds, high gusts and heavy rain... ride cancelled, but the social is still on - see you at the Fox from 8:00 onwards.
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Thu Feb 6th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Downward Spiral tonight - see link.... The block of 10 sessions begins on 9th January and ends on 27th March. NB: There will be no sessions on 23rd January or 6th March 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 Riders = 4 Report: David's turn to puncture tonight....
Proposed Route: http://www.thesufferfest.com/video-sufferfests/details-downward-spiral/"
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Mon Feb 10th 2014

CTC Wantage Committee Meeting

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: Usual place
Description: Quarterly committee meeting. If any member has items they wish to be raised, please submit to Chris Walters by email before 19/01/2014.
Riders: Chris Walters John Talbot John Tranter Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Riders = 5 Report: Lots of discussion on the plans to deliver the AGM resolutions - watch this space for more details!
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Tue Feb 11th 2014

Tuesday Evening 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: Allen Stacey David Brown David Talboys David Yearley Riders = 4 Weather: Report: It takes more than floods and strong wind to cancel the off-road ride, although we did get dangerously close to the maximum number of Dave's per ride (CTC guideline 6.5.990b). We worked our way up to the Ridgeway via Gramps Hill (Letcombe Bassett) and back down via Betterton, with mainly roads at the beginning and end to avoid the excessively muddy tracks.
Distance: 25.59 km (15.90 mi)
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Tue Feb 11th 2014

CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Floods... need I say more?
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Thu Feb 13th 2014

Cancelled - Turbo Session

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back for the second season! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The block of 10 sessions begins on 9th January and ends on 27th March. NB: There will be no sessions on 23rd January or 6th March 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: Riders = 0 Report: Floods at Shefford meant no leader tonight. David and Des turned up and went home. At least there were no punctures tonight.
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Sat Feb 15th 2014

CANCELLED 1* ride	1*

Leader: Sara Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED Due to the strong winds and surface water flooding we're cancelling the ride.
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Sun Feb 16th 2014

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: A hilly 80km ride to Hungerford via Lambourn, Aldbourne, Ramsbury and Froxfield. After a short lunch stop in Hungerford, we will return to Wantage via Kintbury, Bagnor, Chieveley, Peasemore and finally Chain Hill. Hopefully there will be plenty of time for a coffee in Wantage Costa at the end. Pace will be to suit the group, but will probably be at the lower end of 3* pace. I may shorten the route a little on the day depending upon weather conditions. Lights may be required for the return journey.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Smith Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Amazingly, given the recent weather, the day's forecast was set bright, warmish, and not too windy! So, it was a tad surprising that there were only 5 of us raring to go from the marketplace at 9:30. Hopefully a relaxing day in store for the rest of you and not flood or storm induced. We set off in the sunshine towards the Letcombes. A moment of concern as a guy passed us with a canoe (on top of a car) but of course it wasn't long before we encountered the first little bit of flooding which we sailed through (but not literally). Hackpen Hill soon saw us overheating and then it was down to Lambourn where the road was a bit wetter again. Nothing too deep and the road surface was fine, although Kath got an unexpected wash from a 'friendly' passing 4x4! Another climb and descent to Aldbourne nearly saw our disobedient leader exterminated but he survived to 'lead' us up Spring Hill. Matching spring sunshine and snowdrops abounding made the ascent bearable! Refuelled with lunch at Azuza in Hungerford, we made our way through Kintbury and the back roads, over the canal, to the never-seen-before Hampstead Marshall falls! This was our third and final encounter with the recent record rainfalls. The water (not particularly deep) had caused the road to break up on both sides to be impassable by car. By bike, ok with care, without - a wonky handlebar - but no permanent damage. After that, plain sailing - the snowdrop-laden miles passed by in glorious sunshine culminating in crazy-grinned descents of Chain Hill and frothy-coffee chatter in Costa. Fab sun, fab day, cheers guys. P.s. Not sure why Andy's upside down below - he wasn't on the upload?
Distance: 80.50 km (50.02 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2244148
Exterminate Exterminate! Exterminate...
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4024599"
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Tue Feb 18th 2014

Wallingford - Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:45 pm	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: 3rd Tuesday so we will be riding from Wallingford with Dan Hart leading. (Sorry for late notice) 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, 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.
Riders: Allen Stacey David Brown David Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Ride led by Dan Hart. It was a muddy old night, and some of the climbs were hard. On one, I had terrible chain suck and had to push up. But then it sorted itself out and the Mongewell woods descent and Grim's Ditch more than made up for it!
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Tue Feb 18th 2014

CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Now the weather is becoming unreliable (and we're still awaiting the first freezing snap), we're cancelling these rides for the remainder of the season. We did well to get this far!
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Thu Feb 20th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back for the second season! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The block of 10 sessions begins on 9th January and ends on 27th March. NB: There will be no sessions on 23rd January or 6th March 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 Riders = 2 Report: A very select group took on Violator tonight. Boy - that was tough! 64 sprint intervals in an hour. Oh yes - David had another puncture too. For the season, it's a score draw with David and Des currently on two apiece. Des wins on style points though as both of his have been explosions, with David just being deflations. Did I mention that it was a tough one?
Distance: 0.00 km (0.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/114772522?ref=1MT1yaWRlX3NoYXJlOzI9dHdpdHRlcjs0PTIyOTE3MTk%253D
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Sat Feb 22nd 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 50km (32 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, at a riding pace of ~18km/h (11-13mph). UPDATE: Route changed to avoid the road closures south of the Ridgeway. New route is Uffington, Fernham, Faringdon, Clanfield, Bampton for tea, and back via Buckland and Charney Bassett. Lights advised.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters Dave Martin David Green David Yearley Janet Charleston John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Richard Preece Robin Tucker Stephen Quartermain Steve Joyce Riders = 15 Weather: Report: It was a good turnout - 15 left OMH (and 4 others decided not to do the amended route for various reasons), and we left in rather nice conditions. Welcome to David Green on his first ride with us. The Vale was kind to us and we encountered very little surface water on the ride, other than at Fernham. A good thing really as a drive along the planned route over the Downs earlier in the morning found major floods, road closure and sewage ponds on the road, hence the change of plan. We lost Richard to "the phone call" at Faringdon. A lovely local lady made it clear that we were not welcome to park our bikes on the public road outside her house at the planned tea stop in Bampton, so plan C was hatched and we went onwards to Aston Pottery, before returning via Old Shifford and Kingston Bagpuize, adding a little distance on to the planned route, arriving back in Grove at 4:30, in plenty of time for Andy to get suited and booted for his gig.
Distance: 58.70 km (36.47 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/115199936
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4086879"
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Tue Feb 25th 2014

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: Robin Tucker Riders = 1 Weather: Report: Just me, and not raining but still wet. Crab Hill - sloppy Up Betterton - puff Down Betterton - wheee Back via Lain's Barn - whizz
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Tue Feb 25th 2014

CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Now the weather is becoming unreliable (and we're still awaiting the first freezing snap), we're cancelling these rides for the remainder of the season. We did well to get this far!
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Thu Feb 27th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back for the second season! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Thursday evenings. The block of 10 sessions begins on 9th January and ends on 27th March. NB: There will be no sessions on 23rd January or 6th March 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 Riders = 4 Report: A night of attrition. Des felt a bit rough but finished, Amanda had chain troubles in the middle but finished, David got another puncture, and I had to retire with stomach cramp (and then picked the other bits of flint from David's tyres!). No turbos next week as the hall is being used by other people - back again on 13th March.
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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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