Past Rides

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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: Alex Pethybridge David Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Six of us tonight - is that a record? Pleasant evening and we headed for the pub at Denchworth. Out of Grove along the canal. Through both Letcombes and up Gramps Hill. Then along the Ridgeway and down Sparsholt Field and follow the roads and tracks to the Fox. The Sparsholt descent was particularly fun. Dry enough to pick up good speed without getting splattered, but erosion has made it a bit sketchy and bumpy in places to add to the experience. You can ride it slowly, or as fast as you dare! Distance includes the 2 miles after the pub back to Grove!
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 70km (45 miles) ride, with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-22km/h (13-14mph). This ride is definitely in the "hilly" category, with major climbs up Chain Hill, Buckham Hill and the Boxford Alps before tea at Hermitage Garden Centre, and afterwards climbing Deaf Hill and descending the Winterbourne valley before the long and gentle climb up the Lambourn Valley and finally the A338 back to Wantage. Expect to be back at Grove between 17:30 and 18:00.
Riders: Calum Clark Chris Walters Dave Martin David Green David Smith David Talboys David Yearley Janet Charleston John Tranter Louis Hall Martin Purling Peter Cowan Richard Preece Ursula Hallam Riders = 14 Weather: Report: A fantastic turnout for what appeared to be a less-than-perfect afternoon of weather. The trundle up Chain Hill into the wind was a bit of hard work, soon rewarded though with the descent right down to the A338. Buckham Hill proved to be a short sharp interlude to the descents before the Boxford Alps. Considering it was a lumpy first half, the strong riders made really good progress. Richard has set out earlier so as not to hold the group up, and had made camp for us in the excellent tea shop at Hilliers Garden Centre in Hermitage. By the time we left though, his front tyre had managed to go down, so we had a longer break than planned. Little lanes followed through Curridge and down to Bagnor, before the 21km climb (most if it was hardly noticeable up the Lambourn Valley) to the Ridgeway and the descent of Manor Hill (it's all too easy to break the speed limit now it's been lowered to 40 mph). The final fun of the day was a little sprint or two down the High Street of Grove. Big thanks to everyone - a lovely group of well-matched riders made it a pleasure to lead, and the excellent sweeping of Louis made it easy to lead!
Distance: 71.50 km (44.43 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/127170310
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3966832"
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Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Yearley Richard Anstis Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Nice to see the return of the road rides so we are not alone on a Tuesday evening! And what a lovely evening it was - bright and sunny, though it had rained before. Which of course made the initial section along Crab Hill a bit mucky. There are a few tricky bits, but most of it is rideable. Then we went up to Goddards Brook, down Ice Valley and turned left into West Ilsley. We turned left at the far end of the village and up the track to the Ridgeway - or at least we started this before I realised I had picked the wrong leg of the fork. At the top, we were all feeling good so we dipped under the A34 and down the singletrack there, past Prospect Farm and down into Chilton. From Chilton we went back under the A34 and picked up the Sustrans path continuing on a straightish line to the 'Bridge of Doom'. Here DY and RP headed down the main track and discovered that it has been deeply gouged out by weather and possibly motorbikes. RA and RT took a track on the right which turned out much better. Then it was back to Wantage and Grove to end a longer than usual ride. I was well-tired!
Distance: 35.41 km (22.00 mi)
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The season opener for Tuesday 2* rides - 26km at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). No hills tonight as we go to Southmoor, outbound via West Hanney, and inbound via Charney Bassett. Lights strongly recommended.
Riders: Andy Belcher Chris Browning Chris Walters John Stamp John Tranter Mark Austin Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Val Smith Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Nice turnout on what was a rather cold evening. The wind helped us up to Longworth and the downhill helped us home. We got passed by the 3* group twice. Thanks to JT for sweeping!
Distance: 26.20 km (16.28 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/128207650
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2313569"
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Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Keeping it simple for the first 3* of the season. A flat 30km loop towards Southmoor and back. Should be finished before 8pm. Sunset is at 19:50 so lights will be required.
Riders: Andy Butcher Andy Pixton David Ryan David Smith David Talboys Janet Charleston John Talbot Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Paul Ryan Peter Cowan Phil Stubbings Rachel Bennett Richard Preece Robert Ryan Tom Willemsen Ursula Hallam Riders = 18 Weather: Report: Great weather and great turnout for the first Tuesday evening of the season. Welcome to Andy Butcher on his first ride with the club and thanks to David Smith for sweeping The Sun was out and there was a nip in the air as we set off on a windy route through the eastern Vale. The NW wind was niggly at times but nothing too bad and we soon warmed up as we cycled. We kept well to the new pace guidelines throughout, cruising around 23kph most of the time, on the return leg with the wind behind us this rose a little to 25kph. Various riders peeled off towards West Hanney and a spirited Denchworth Dash followed sprinting past the 2* riders who were just making their own way back to Grove. We arrived spot on 19:50 as the Sun set so perfect timing. It was great to see everyone again after the winter, let's hope we have a great summer of cycling
Distance: 31.60 km (19.64 mi)	Ride Details: http://app.strava.com/activities/128199803
Anyone for a kebab?
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4311455"
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Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Following on from the opening evening season ride, we shall continue an exploration of the Southmoor side of the Vale, popping over the A420 to Longworth via Charney and returning via Lyford. The ride will be at the published 2* description of 11-13 mph. UPDATE: ***PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING LIGHTS AS LIGHTING UP TIME WILL BE ABOUT 8PM TOWARDS THE END OF THE RIDE***
Riders: Andy Belcher Carin Tranter Chris Browning Ian Howland John Stamp John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Richard Horner Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Weather: Report: A very pleasant ride out to Longworth. We welcomed Richard Horner on his first ride with the club. Very light winds and not too much traffic ensured a good average pace. Our return leg gave us wonderful views of the Ridgeway and a spectacular sunset. An uneventful first ride to lead, much to my relief. A big thank you to John Tranter for sweeping and mentoring and to Nicole for moral support and middling!
Distance: 29.00 km (18.02 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4449042"
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). 30km. Out via the Letcombes tonight, and back through Kingston Lisle and Goosey. Lights strongly recommended.
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Barry Farquhar Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Janet Charleston John Talbot Mark Austin Mark Shepley Nick Dunton Paul Jarvis Phil Stubbings Rachel Bennett Richard Anstis Richard Pethybridge Richard Preece Thomas Charleston Ursula Hallam Riders = 19 Weather: Report: Great turnout on a lovely evening - 19 riders all keen! A few mechanicals were dealt with swiftly (thanks to all who helped!) on the ride, but the standout for me was how courteous, tolerant and friendly all the motorists in the Vale were tonight. Maybe some elephant tranquillisers have made their way into the water supply? Maybe not though, as we had a couple of good dashes from Baulking to the A417, and the ever-popular Denchworth Dash. I think everybody had a bit of a dig on one or both of these stretches. A big thank-you to newly re-qualified ride leader Andy Cowan for an exemplary job as sweeper. He didn't get to blow his new whistle though... big disappointment!
Distance: 29.80 km (18.52 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/130638898
Evening sunshine
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1069806"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our Annual Spring Ride aimed at those who haven't been cycling much over the winter and want to get out on the bike again. Friends, families and newcomers are all very welcome. This will be a gentle ride (8-10 mph) of about 2 hours around the quiet lanes of the Vale of White Horse visiting the villages of West Hanney, Southmoor, Charney Bassett and Denchworth. We'll stop regularly to catch our breath and take in the views and we'll take a break by the shop in Southmoor for refreshments (or ice creams) about half-way round.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter David Bridge Jane Pearson Janet Hammonds John Tranter Mandy Wassell Steve Boreham Steve Burr Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather: Report: 10 riders on this year’s BOYBR; no newcomers but at least 1 rider ‘back on their bike’. There was a chilly northerly breeze as we left Grove, and several took advantage of a brief stop in Denchworth for re-layering. After a further short stop by the church in West Hanney, we tackled the steady climb up to Southmoor. Once achieved, we all agreed it was slightly too cold for ice creams and the group elected for coffee at the Lamb and Flag instead. By the time we continued the sun had come out and with the breeze on our back, it was a lovely mellow downhill ride to Charney Bassett. We stopped on the green to enjoy the sunshine. Back in Grove at 4:30 after an enjoyable ride. Thanks everyone for your company. Steve S.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
BoYB riders 2014 enjoying the sunshine at Charney Bassett
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Leader: Ursula Hallam	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Newbury
Description: Burn off the cream eggs with this special easter bank holiday ride. Starting just south of Newbury we will head south, hopping over Watership Down, through Ashley Warren and the handsome lanes of Hampshire to lunch at The Good Life at Headbourne Worthy. Returning via the beautiful Bourne valley and finishing with a climb up to Ashmansworth and a descent to East Woodhay. There are a couple of opportunities for refreshments towards the end of the ride if time/inclination permit. ~85km at the lower end of 3* pace. A couple of steepish hills near the beginning and end. Meet at The Chase National Trust Car Park (free), off Station Road, Woolton Hill. This can be reached by taking the A343 out of Newbury towards Andover. At Washwater turn right, signposted Enborne Row, The Furze Bush Inn and Yew Tree Garden Centre. On crossing the A34, take the first left into Station Road. The car park is a short way down on the left-hand side.
Riders: David Bridge David Smith David Talboys Hugo Pile John Tranter Rachel Bennett Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: As the sun cleared the early morning mist, we set off southbound past the hidden gems of The Chase and Penwood towards the looming Watership Down. The climb to the top was quickly dispatched by Hugo with his super-high cadence and super-low gears while the rest of us trundled somewhere behind. The downhill to Ashley Warren was our reward where true to name we had to dodge a few scampering bunnies and a few pot holes. Luckily the last remaining standing water on the holey section was just below my pedals, justifying my decision yesterday to put away the overshoes for the summer. Continuing south in the now bright sunshine, we squeezed between Whitchurch and Overton at Laverstoke, on to the idyllic village of Stoke Charity and via some fabulously straight and quiet lanes to lunch outside at The Good Life. After lunch, the Roman road (i.e. A472) was also fabulously straight but the juddery tarmac made it feel like it was still sporting its original Roman cobbles! I was thankful see the back of it when we hopped over the A30 and back to the smoother lanes of the Bourne valley - a lovely idyllic stretch although the huge piles of sandbags indicating recently otherwise. A quick wine gum stop at Stoke gave us the energy to get up and down through Doiley Bottom where a few raindrops tried to spoil our day. And then we were on the final climb to Ashmansworth and a great descent to East Woodhay. Well deserved icecreams at the Yew Tree garden centre pretty much finished the day with only a couple of km left to get back to the start. Thanks to everyone who came for an enjoyable day out.
Distance: 88.00 km (54.68 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/2517099
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4347278"
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Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Depending on who comes for the ride, we might do a bit more or a bit less than 15 miles. Tonight we were in the mood for another climb or two, so we went: Crab Hill Goddards Brook Ice Valley up the other side to the gate Down the farm track on the left and on to West Ilsley Up to the Ridgeway West to the Ginge descent - and down it Back via Lockinge and Crab Hill - all adding up to 20 miles. Ginge is starting to dry out, but not quite there and 2 of us slid gracefully off and into the bushes. No damage done.
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Leader: Louis Hall	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Actually, quite flat. Out through Denchworth, then West Hanney, Charney Basset and Stanford-in-the-Vale before returning via Denchworth. Crossing the River Ock and the railway twice and Childrey Brook four times! We should be back before sunset at 20:12 but bring lights if you have any distance to ride after our return to OMH.
Riders: Andy Belcher Des Higgs Ian Howland Louis Hall Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Riders = 6 Weather: Report: We left on time for a pleasant evening ride and rolled through Denchworth to West Hanney. Our good pace continued up Winter Lane until our sweeper punctured. We all stopped, of course, despite the absence of a good whistle to alert us to the situation. When we eventually restarted, there wasn't quite the same flow and ease of travel. Nothing to do with the headwind of course. We saw the swirling clouds on the downs but it was dry in the Vale as we made our way along the quiet country lanes.. We returned to OMH at 8:05, before sunset - the last road group back.
Distance: 29.00 km (18.02 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4507618"
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Out via Lains Barn, Ardington, the Hendred Dip, Steventon and Charney Bassett. 34km with a few lumps. Lights recommended for the end of the ride.
Riders: Barry Farquhar Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Janet Charleston John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Ten riders tonight - the weather looked threatening, and after a couple of stops for "equipment checks" we got out of Grove. Lains Barn and the Hendreds passed easily, with a few spots of rain but nothing to worry the group. The Steventon to Hanney stretch stead with a guy on a mountain bike passing us in Steventon. By Hanney, everyone had reeled him in and some had convincingly spat him out too. He had a rather red face at the A417 junction... A dashette into Grove finished the evening off nicely. Thanks to JT for sweeping, and putting his whistle to good use.
Distance: 35.90 km (22.31 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/133137097/
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2399208"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The first of our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides of the season, 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. Our first ride will be an out-and-back route via Denchworth to the village of Goosey with its large open green, a total distance of about 9 miles. It can be chilly in the evening shadows along the lanes in April, so an extra warm layer and gloves are recommended.
Riders: Carin Tranter Joy Arthur Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Weather: Report: A select group of 3 for our first 10-mile club outing of the season. A warm welcome to Joy on her first ride with the club. The grey clouds and distant showers looked ominous as we cycled out towards the railway bridge. But our luck was in. Apart from a few drops as we left Denchworth, it stayed dry and the sun even came out at Goosey. A smooth ride, we took our time and stopped to look at the memorial on the side of the Fox PH in Denchworth and made a brief exploration of the churchyard at Goosey. Back in Grove well before dusk.
Distance: 12.87 km (8.00 mi)
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Leader: Glen Savegar	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. This month we will explore the springline villages of the vale, calling off for cream teas at Britchcombe Farm settling below Dragon Hill. A few climbs, but taken at a leisurely pace to suit the group, with time to enjoy the surroundings. Route outline- OMH, Denchworth, Goosey, Baulking, Uffington, Woolstone, Compton Beauchamp, Shrivenham, Ashbury, Britchcombe Farm (Tea), Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, Letcombes, Wantage, OMH. Approx 34.5 miles (55 km)
Riders: Chris Walters Des Higgs Glen Savegar John Stamp Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 6 Weather: Report: To be honest... the forecast was not looking great Saturday morning, but actually developed into a pretty fine afternoon despite a strong southerly wind, the vale a picture postcard of lush greens following the recent wet spell. The route presented many options resulting in a slightly shorter ride than originally planned. The black clouds gathering to the west looked pretty ominous, so missing out the descent to Shrivenham and subsequent climb to Ashbury was possibly our gain, sparing us a good soaking and resulting in an earlier arrival for tea. The "Tea Pot" Bridgecombe Farm is a lovely stop off and a real rarity in this neck of the woods. Suitably refreshed and following an extended break to fix a rear puncture, we eventually headed out on the homeward stretch. Arriving at Childrey we temporarily said bye to John who opted for the direct bridleway to Challow, while the remainder of us continued on through the Letcombes, reuniting with John at Challow cricket club for the final couple of miles back to OMH. A really enjoyable ride out ! Thanks everyone ! Glen S
Distance: 41.50 km (25.79 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/134494459/
Marsh Way, Claypit Lane junction. Steve heading out. Britchcombe Farm. The Tea Pot, Britchcombe Farm. Chris leads the exit. Britchcombe Farm.
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Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Thame Leisure Centre
Description: As an alternative to the regular Wantage Ride we are offering this special ride starting from Thame. Starting from Thame Leisure Centre on the outskirts of the town which has ample parking (https://goo.gl/maps/cBQVJ this 90km ride will take in some of the most glorious cycling routes in Buckinghamshire which are especially pretty in the spring. The route heads into Thame before heading southeast towards the Chilterns requiring the fairly steep but not very long climb of Chinnor Hill to surmount. From the top the route undulates towards Great Missenden following the Chilterns Cycleway. A teastop at Café Twit at the Roald Dahl Museum will set us up for one of the most stunningly beautiful rides in the area through the foothills of the Chilterns and the traffic free tarmac through Eythrope Estate Park and Waddesdon Manor Park. Lunch stop will probably be at the George & Dragon in Quainton before we head back to Thame on quiet lanes via Long Crendon. The ride is 90km (56 miles) and reasonably hilly but not outrageously so. The Chilterns as you might expect being the toughest section of the ride. This is an area that is rarely visited by CTC Wantage and is right on our doorstep. Don't miss out on what Buckinghamshire has to offer the leisure cyclist!
Riders: Chris Walters David Talboys Jan McCabe John Talbot Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Weather: Report: It was grey and drizzly as we arrived at Thame and with a forecast of heavy showers two riders packed before we even started! However we only had about 30mins of drizzle towards Chinnor before the clouds began to break. The (short!) climb up Chinnor Hill was like ascending into a tropical rainforest and had us all warmed up by the time we got to the top. Many Sportive riders were coming down towards us as we climbed, a few a bit all over the road. We joined the Chilterns Cycleway which had a couple of very nasty steep hills, the first up Smalldean Lane was particularly steep. But we had sunny spells to help dry the roads and cheer the spirits. The route undulated considerably towards Great Missenden. Chris suffered a puncture on the last climb which was quickly dealt with. Café Twit was closed (despite supposedly being open) so we stopped at Coffee Approach for a well earned break. A tough opening 35km! After refreshment the route was much easier, it's a beautifully scenic stretch north to Stone and much flatter! We waved at the security cameras at the entrance to Chequers as we passed We entered Eythrope Park, the best surfaced bridleway you could hope to find! Very picturesque, no cars, great cycling. Straight over into Waddesdon Manor Park for more car-free tarmac and through the village to Quainton. The lunch-stop at the George & Dragon did not disappoint. There were six hungry cyclists to feed! Big plates of food were demolished before the final stretch back to Thame. The skies were overcast but bright for the rolling and quiet roads through the small villages of Buckinghamshire and it wasn't long before we were flying through Long Crendon and an unplanned blast along the Thame bypass back to the leisure centre. I really enjoyed the ride, a tough first third and then a great rolling 60km. Thanks for the company And what happened to the promised showers? We seemed to have missed them all
Distance: 94.50 km (58.72 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/134794978
Big puddle Eythrope Park Waddesdon Manor Park Top of Smalldean Lane
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4204355"
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Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Richard Pethybridge Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Only three of us tonight, on what at first impressions was a dry spring evening, but unfortunately the route seemed find the rain and keep us under it for most of the ride until we got back into Wantage, where it appeared not to have rained at all. Dave Y kindly put on a couple of demonstrations of the puncture-like symptoms a tubeless wheel setup can experience, the second resulting in a master class on how to change back to a tubed configuration, complete with tips on using a pair of tyre levers as make-shift pliers to remove a lock ring from a bent valve stem. I on the other hand demonstrated how to fall off and only sustain grazing and bruising. The educational demos took slightly longer than planned, and given the rain had well and truly set in by then, we opted for a shortened course home, routing back to the Ridgeway via the B4494 from Lilley.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Into Denchworth, then out via the other railway bridge to the A417. Along Silver Lane to West Challow, then up to the Ickleton Road. From here, we'll make our way to Kingston Lisle via Childrey, Sparsholt, and Westcot. Then it's downhill to Baulking Lane, and home via Goosey and Denchworth. A little climbing on the way out, then nice and easy on the way back! Just over 18 miles in total.
Riders: Andy Belcher Andy Pixton Des Higgs Ian Howland John Stamp Steve Joyce Val Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A compact friendly group for my first time as ride leader. We set off just behind the 3* Ride, with the sky prematurely darkened by rain clouds. Although everywhere we went we saw evidence of heavy rain on the roads, we seemed to miss the event itself; except for one small drizzle shower. We had a nice flat warmup along to Denchworth, then over the surprisingly high railway bridge, to the A417. The traffic here was pleasantly patient, and after a few hundred yards we were on the peaceful Silver lane to West Challow. The only hill of the day was taken by all at there own pace. It was clear that, for some, the hill was not going to get in the way of a good conversation! After this, everyone was loosened up, and we enjoyed the the gently undulations through Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot, and along the spring line road to Kingston Lisle. A nice descent down Baulking lane, through the water jump under the railway bridge, then a steady, uneventful return to Grove through the vale. Thanks to all who came along, particularly Des for sweeping and keeping an eye on me.
Distance: 29.13 km (18.10 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4524991
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4524991"
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Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. It's Hackpen Hill night! All the way from the bottom in Childrey. But you'll get the descent towards Lambourn before turning back up the Seven Barrows Road. Down Blowingstone and Kingston Lisle. Chance for some leg stretching on the Baulking Road and Denchworth Dash.
Riders: David Smith David Talboys Fiona Marshall Janet Charleston John Talbot Louis Hall Mark Shepley Nicole Pethybridge Peter Cowan Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 11 Weather: Report: I must be the blessed one, for the second ride in three days I managed to lead a ride around all the showers Eleven riders including a warm welcome to new rider Fiona. No dramas. We all ascended Hackpen at our own pace, all got down Blowingstone safely and had a nice blast along Baulking Road and Denchworth Dash. Arriving back at Grove at exactly the same time as the 2* ride Thanks for coming
Distance: 39.80 km (24.73 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/135574623
Hackpen Hill
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4532654"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	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. For our second ride of the season we'll be heading to West Hanney by way of Denchworth and Lyford, returning to Grove via Denchworth a round trip of about 9 miles. It can be chilly in the evening shadows along the lanes in April, so an extra warm layer and gloves are recommended.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Carin Tranter Joy Arthur Steve Swanton Vyvyan Hazell Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Skies were gloomy as 5 riders cycled out of Grove on the 1* ride. We could see the showers around us and it was only a matter of time... We felt the first few drops as we approached Lyford, but it never became heavy and the concensus at the end was that it had been "alright". We enjoyed brief stops in Lyford by the almshouses (prompting an explanation of social housing provision before the welfare state) and under the chestnut try by West Hanney church, before cycling back without a further stop and at a pace slightly above 10mph. An enjoyable ride undampened in spirit by the rain. Welcome back to Vyvyan on her first ride of the season.
Distance: 14.48 km (9.00 mi)
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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.

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