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Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: The second in CTC Oxfordshire's programme of Explorer rides visiting different areas of the county of Oxfordshire. Today we'll be starting from Wallingford and heading into the Chilterns for a 30 to 40 mile ride at a relaxed (2*) pace. We'll meet for coffee at the start of the ride, and stop for lunch at a cafe or pub. The ride will be planned and led by Dan Hart (01491 836289) and the CTC Wallingford cyclists. Further details to come - see more at the link below or email: info@ctcwallingford.org.uk
Riders: John Davies Robin Tucker Steve Swanton Riders = 3 Weather: Report: A good turnout of 11 for the 2nd Explorer ride, which was excellently led by Dan Hart from CTC Wallingford. The Herb Garden at Sonning Common proved a most attractive lunch venue. Reaching Goring on the way back, the lure of Streatley hill proved too great for Steve and Robin. So taking our leave from the others, up we climbed. Making good use of low gears, we conquered it, and then after regaining our breath, continued on in the direction of Wantage via Four Points, Compton and the Isleys. Reaching Farnborough, the thought of a cup of tea enticed us down to the Saddleback café. Sadly, we arrived just after they'd closed the café (@3:30), but we made up for it with large ice creams instead. We agreed it was good preparation for the rigours of next week's Century ride. Full report and photos will appear on the CTC Oxfordshire website.
Distance: 48.28 km (30.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events#sthash.9apFiE5i.dpuf"
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:30 am	Start Location: Bath Rd, Reading RG10 9UR, UK
Description: Start point here. The plan is to cycle from Knowl Hill to Kingston-upon-Thames via Windsor, Staines and Sunbury, coming back through Weybridge, Chertsey and Winkfield. We will stop at Runnymede for coffee, Kingston-upon-Thames for an alfresco lunch ,and will try and find a suitable ice-cream stop mid-afternoon. The route is on-road with a couple of Thames-side paths for variety. Sights along the way include Windsor Castle, Runnymede (Magna Carta), Hampton Court and Virginia Water, and of course, quite a few sightings of the Thames. The ride is a touch over 100km, but should be achievable by 2* riders who regularly do 3 to 4 hour rides. It's not particularly hilly, but the last 20km or so are undulating! Please contact Chris by Tuesday 27th May if you intend to come.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Henry Hall John Talbot Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Mark Austin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Richard Saunders Riders = 14 Weather: Report: 14 set out from the parking area on the A4 at Knowl Hill at 8:30, and it was already pleasantly warm. No breeze, and few cars through the leafy villages out towards Windsor. We dealt with a puncture without fuss and cruised on past Windsor Castle (being careful not to run too many tourists over) and then down through Runnymede to a well earned coffee stop before "going urban" again. Louis and Henry left us after coffee, heading back to the start for a half-length ride. Some busy bits followed and then we had the delightful Thames-side route past Chertsey weir, continuing on to Sunbury. Bushey Park provided a pleasant interlude away from the SUVs and impatient drivers, with a short road section until we got back onto the Thames-side route past Hampton Court Palace and down into Kingston, where varied lunches were taken from the street market, accompanied by the cacophony of paving slab cutting. A new route after lunch saw us miss out the nasty bits near to Walton on Thames, again managing to hit the Thames Cycle Path. Back near Chertsey again and then on to Virginia Water, where ice-creams were devoured by the lakeside - nice! A few undulations followed, but all agreed this was a flatter end to the ride compared to last year, retracing our steps past White Waltham and back to the cars. Thanks to Richard and John for sweeping at various points.
Distance: 104.00 km (64.62 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/148205652
Café at Runnymede Park Hampton Court Kingston Market Square Virginia Water
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4781313/"
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Leader: Des Higgs	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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. Out on Des's magical mystery tour in an Uffington kind of direction - towards the top end of 2*.
Riders: Andy Belcher Charlotte Styles Des Higgs Jasmine Talbot John Talbot Mark Austin Maurice Bawden Nick Dunton Steve Joyce Tina Tian Val Smith Riders = 11 Weather: Report: 11 riders 25m av 12.9mph. Quite a chilly evening but we all warmed up on KINGSTON LISLE HILL.Thanks for being a good group and it was good to see NICK and MAURICE back on their bikes and thanks father and daughter for sweeping.
Distance: 39.80 km (24.73 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/149151278
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4859451"
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Leader: Katherine Boyce	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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. Original plan was to go up Blowingstone Hill but as it's club night and we need to return via Denchworth, route now goes up Hackpen Hill. Please note that I am not fast up hills, so there will be a pause at the top of large hills!
Riders: Andy Pixton Barry Farquhar Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Janet Charleston Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Ken Pelton Nicole Pethybridge Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A stop-start beginning to the ride, lots of traffic, a road sweeper and a lost light before we cleared Wantage. Once that had been accomplished we had a pleasant evening ride, good views, lots of hares and a group of buzzards over the Downs. Despite the threatening clouds, we had the merest hint of rain, which was a relief after last weeks weather. Bit of a head wind on the way out that meant we had to pedal down to Seven Barrows rather than take advantage of the downhill. However this ensured a good run-in to the Fox at Denchworth where most of us paused for convivial conversation and refreshments.
Distance: 37.10 km (23.05 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/149293777
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4802450"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1 - 1.5 hours rides at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Not likely to be hilly. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. This week, amble to Stanford in the Vale. Out via Denchworth, (resisting the temptation to go straight to the pub..), Charney Bassett, Gainfield, Stanford, and back via Park Lane & Asti Stud to the Fox for liquid refreshment for those who want to stop, before heading back to Grove.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Joy Arthur Steve Swanton Susan Fletcher Watts Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A welcome dry evening for the Tuesday rides (and we avoided the shower that hit Grove while we were out). Our small 1* group has been progressing nicely, and at their request rode at a pace of about 11mph. We stopped briefly by the church in Charney Bassett before continuing on to Gainfield, where an aerial dogfight between a red kite and a jackdaw caught our attention. As the evening seemed to be turning colder, we rested only briefly in Stanford before continuing along Park Lane and back to Denchworth via Asti Stud. First group at the very busy Fox, we found the garden full of folk musicians and dancers in old-fashioned dress. Quite a spectacle! We bagged the settee by the bar and were joined by Barbara's family and Lorna for a drink and a meal, before the other groups arrived. Another enjoyable evening.
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Wallingford Market Place
Description: An opportunity to ride 100 miles taking in some less familiar territory in West Berkshire and North Hampshire (and we'll just touch Wiltshire too). Riders are very welcome to join us for some or all of the ride by prior arrangement and to make up their own personal century if they wish. We'll maintain a steady pace of 12-13mph. The main stops and approximate timings are: Start: Wallingford Market Place 8am (prompt please) Coffee: Hilliers Garden centre, Hermitage (28 miles) 10:30-11:15 Lunch: Yew Tree Cafe (garden centre) Ball Hill (51 miles) 13:15-14:15 Tea: Chez Swanton, Grove (78 miles) 16:30-17:15 End: Wallingford (100 miles) 19:15-19:30 The ride will start from the Market Place opposite the Tourist Information office. The nearby Goldsmiths Lane long-stay car park (OX10 0DS) is free on Sundays. The plan is to follow a clockwise route through the Chilterns, dropping down to the Thames at Pangbourne (walking across the temporary bridge from Whitchurch) and following the Pang Valley up to Hermitage. We'll ride around Thatcham, down to Kingsclere and cycle west along the foot of Watership Down and the North Downs to Highclere and Ball Hill. After lunch we'll continue westwards to Hungerford and Chilton Foliat before returning to Oxfordshire by way of Lambourn. From Grove, the last stretch is across the Vale via East Hendred, Sutton Courtenay and the Moretons. Be prepared for a long and demanding day in the saddle and something approaching 2000m of ups and downs. Please let Steve know in advance if you are planning to come. For more information follow the link here: CTC Oxfordshire
Riders: Allen Stacey Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Hugo Pile James Dawton Jan McCabe John Tranter Katherine Boyce Mark Austin Nicole Pethybridge Pat Hurt Peter Hallowell Rebecca Broadbent Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Steve Swanton Sue King Ursula Hallam Riders = 19 Weather: Report: A fantastic day and fantastic turnout (27) for this year's Century ride. Congratulations to all of those who completed their first 100-miler. Due to the numbers we split into 2 groups on the road. My thanks to Robin and James for leading and sweeping group 1 and to Peter for sweeping group 2 with me. Robin's group pretty much followed the itinerary as planned; my group (and Jan in particular) were haunted by the puncture genie in the morning. But after that, all went smoothly and all completed what they had set out to achieve (whether riding the whole or part of the route). Thanks to Lorna also for hosting tea and to Carin and Kerry for helping. The teas and cake were much needed and appreciated at that point of the ride. Full report and a few pictures to come.
Distance: 160.93 km (100.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4930526"
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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: Allen Stacey David Brown John Davies Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A glorious sunny evening. It started with a bit of faff as John's front QR had mysteriously disappeared from his bike. After a failed attempt by Allen to get in to his own house, David B was able to produce a spare from his shed. Despite the sun, our first section on Crab Hill still had all the deeper, muddier - and smellier - puddles. After that, things picked up - up Lark Hill specifically. Then we cut right and up a track paralleling Manor Road to the Ridgeway. Most of us were feeling good for a 'bonus' descent and climb, so we went down the big grassy 'Sheep Hill' / 'Jolly Green Giant' fast, turned right and climbed back up. Along the Ridgeway further and then a fast descent down to Betterton, not in how dry and dusty can sometimes be as slippery as when wet. We finished by cutting across the bridleway to Ardington, and then back via Charlton and Crab Hill again.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Horses and Dragons... tonight we'll be doing the annual 2* pilgrimage up White Horse Hill. Warming up on the undulations of the Spring Line, we'll storm the hill before returning victorious via Uffington, Kingston Lisle, Baulking and Goosey.
Riders: Andy Belcher Charlotte Styles Chris Walters Des Higgs John Stamp Karen Townsin Mark Austin Nick Dunton Steve Joyce Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Really great group out tonight. It was a very mellow affair, stopping along the way to regroup at the top of the hills. White Horse Hill was being a bit of a devil this evening as it decided to blow in our faces right at the very steepest part. Most people managed to tame it though, and all enjoyed the fantastic views from the top, including watching a USAF B2 Stealth Bomber take off from RAF Fairford, way in the distance. No other dramas to note, we meandered back through the Vale to Denchworth, making this a long ride!
Distance: 36.80 km (22.87 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/151984935
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2629798"
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Leader: Andy Pixton	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. Tonight's route starts with a flat warmup, then we undulate our way home. We'll go out to The Hanneys via Denchworth, then across to Steventon, up the hill, on through Harwell village, and then to Chilton via Hagbourne Hill. From here we'll double back past Harwell campus and Rowstock, and back to The Hendreds via Featherbed Lane. We'll then take a detour through Ginge and Lockinge, before returning to Grove via Lains Barn. 27.6 miles in all.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Talboys Janet Charleston Jason Jones Nicole Pethybridge Tina Tian Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The weather was perfect, and the daylight ideal for a longer ride tonight. A compact group of seven riders made light work of it. As the ride leader constantly checked the GPS to make sure we weren't breaching the 3* brief, there were no complaints. Even the waits at the top of hills were short, as the group stayed together comfortably. We eased off for a bit of socialising on the gentle climb to Ginge, bringing the average pace down to a legitimate 14.2mph. Welcome to Jason, on his first ride with the club, having discovered us by our shirts on a recent ride. Thanks to Ursula for sweeping a very tidy group.
Distance: 45.00 km (27.96 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4982735"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Tonight we'll have a chance to practice using our low gears as we head to the Letcombes. We'll stop to admire the cress beds in Letcombe Bassett (Cresscombe in Jude the Obscure) before tackling Holborn hill. It's a steep but relatively short hill (the hardest we ride at 1* on a Tuesday) with great views from the top. We'll then enjoy the descent into Childrey and return to Grove via West Challow (with a short stretch along the A417) and Denchworth. 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.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Archie Howland Barbara Lambers Ian Howland Joy Arthur Lorna Swanton Sarah Dore Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: A glorious summer's evening for a ride. Although billed as having the hardest climb at 1* for an evening ride, we had our largest turnout of the season so far. Welcome back to Alvaro and a warm welcome to Sarah on her first ride with the club. At a suggestion from Barbara, we avoided the unpleasant and potholed climb from the bottom of Ham Road to the Letcombe turn. Instead, we turned down Lock's lane crossed the brook to Priory Road, turned down past the leisure centre and joined the track/path that leads to Letcombe Regis. This was delightful and we eventually emerged in the village having avoided all of the traffic. Everyone managed the climb of Holborn hill with aplomb and after we'd caught our breath we enjoyed the swift descent into Childrey. Here Barbara left us, but as the evening was so pleasant and everyone was feeling good we extended the ride a little by continuing down to the A417 at Challow station (another enjoyable descent) and returning to Grove via Goosey and Denchworth. We arrived back just before the 4*, 3* and off-roaders. Thanks everyone for an enjoyable ride.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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Leader: Andy Cowan	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This will be a 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace in excess of 24km/h (15mph). May be hilly. These occasional 4* rides are for athletic riders who can safely ride above the 3* standard. Hilly.Up Manor,out towards Shefford but turn left for the steep one up past the golf club/RAF base to Boxham.Left at the cross roads out towards Chain but before we get there and the legs are burning we do a right up a sharp push to Peasemore,then it`s a sigh of relief down Chain but 10 minutes on the brakes for me and back to Grove-about 30 miles,expect to average 16-17 mph.It goes without saying no-one will get dropped,we`ve got a good Sweep,all welcome and a decent Lead-out man has been booked,thank you Mr Schroer
Riders: Andy Cowan David Smith Frank Schroer Paul Jarvis Peter Cowan Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A lovely evening but a tough old wind made it hard work with 3 stiff climbs.We let Peter claim the KOM on the basis that it`s good to encourage the youngsters,David showed his handling skills with some impressive decending, throw Frank in the mix and Jarv and me had our work cut out grabbing hold for dear life of any wheel we could get near, at the critical times,Pete`s(thanks Pete).Frank pulled us home for the last 10 miles or so and we just about managed to keep together, considering the terrain not too bad. Paul did a very disciplined ride in his role of sweep,dutifully staying at the back to make sure we were all ok, thanks Jarv. A good work out,thanks guys for coming. Climbing 650 metres,ish 33 miles Av 16.3 mph
Distance: 53.11 km (33.00 mi)
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Capel Curig
Description: A ride around the Moelwyns, with a surprise!
Riders: Chris Walters David Smith Jan McCabe John Talbot Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Weather: Report: This was certainly a big day! Breakfast (rashers of bacon were more like gammon steaks) at the Siabod Cafe set the campers up rather nicely. The first section was a gentle but constant climb up to the Pen-y-Gwryd note, where Hunt et al planned the 1953 Everest expedition. From there on it was descent all the way down the Nant Gwynant into Beddgelert - peachy! The descent of the Aberglaslyn Pass followed, with a stop at the end to look back up at the tumbling rapids. Tremadog was the next place of note after a well-paced trundle in the Glaslyn estuary flatlands. The intention was to go across the toll road at Penrhyndeudraeth. If it hadn't been closed (with bridge dismantled) we might have managed it. Oh well, the diversion was pretty enough. Lunch was taken at the Lakeside Cafe in Tanygrisiau, near to the narrow gauge Ffestiniog Railway, with the bizarre double-boilered locomotives. The surprise climb after lunch was a diversion up the closed but public road up to Llyn Stwlan reservoir. 4.1 km averaging 7.8%. With hairpins at the top. The descent was unbelievable - closed roads, hairpins and views to die for. After a little diversion to climb the steep little rise under the railway, we headed up through Blaenau Ffestiniog and the long climb to the watershed. The descent down the Lledr valley almost made up for it. Wide and smooth roads, no traffic and long sweeping curves - nice. Ice-creams in Betws-y-Coed finished off the day nicely.
Distance: 89.80 km (55.80 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/154025638
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Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: PLEASE NOTE: to try to assess catering, could anyone planning to join this ride contact me to confirm? I don't need a 100% commitment, just wanting to get a feel for it. NB: start at Old Mill Hall, Grove. A re-run of a classic Oxford ride from a couple of years ago, this is a fairly gentle ride, only really designated 3* by the total distance (around 100km / 65 miles). We will go out via Hanney, Steventon & Sutton Courtenay to Long Wittenham, then cross the Thames at Clifton Hampden and go through the Baldons to Garsington and Wheatley. Then a super cunning cut through to Shotover and Headington, past the house with a shark in the roof, down Headington Hill, right into the heart of Oxford for lunch at the Mitre on The High - which happens to be managed by our own Andy Cowan who has a few treats in store! Then we head north to Wolvercote and round Port Meadow to Botley and Cumnor, followed by a gentle run home via Fyfield and Charney Bassett. Easy riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph).
Riders: Adrian West David Talboys Hugo Pile John Tranter Nick Dunton Olivia Pile Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A fun and pleasant ride, with some interesting incidents! It was good to see Nick challenging himself with his longest ride after coming back from injury, and also great to see Olivia determined to do her longest ride ever! Nick suffered the day's puncture early on, but a team of helpers was on hand to provide tyre pumping support (not a good action when you have fractured some ribs...). This left us a little behind schedule so we took a road route through Horspath into Oxford and then avoided Headington and headed down the Cowley Road into town. First class service and wonderful food laid on by the staff of the Mitre on the High. Thanks, Andy Cowan! The second half then went well, until Hugo broke a spoke in Southmoor. At this point, an interesting advantage of disc brakes became apparent - your rear wheel really can be a very strange shape indeed and yet still go round and not jam on anything! We were able to shepherd him towards home and the group got back to Grove, with Olivia apparently as keen as when she started and determined to put some extra miles in to get to 100km! Many thanks to everyone for fun company and a great ride.
Distance: 85.30 km (53.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/456005646
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Capel Curig
Description: A tour of the Glyders.
Riders: Chris Walters David Smith Jan McCabe John Talbot Ursula Hallam Riders = 5 Weather: Report: The ride up the Llugwy valley to the head of the Ogwen valley has to be one of my favourites. Climbing out of Capel Curig, the Carneddau were off to the right and the three buttresses of Tryfan obscured for now. The road flattens off a little and suddenly Tryfan comes into view and Llyn Ogwen glistens in the sunlight with Pen-yr-Olwen rising steeply on the right. A quick stop to admire the new facilities at Idwal Cottage, then we descended into the Nant Ffrancon glacial valley via the old drovers road, undulating and dropping with a reasonable road surface. John was in his element identifying the glacial features including some rather good examples of roche moutonnee. Turning off the A5 just before Bethesda, the next climb was a toughie - up across to Tregarth and then over to Deioniolen, before tracking along the Menai Straits into Caernarfon. lots of noise was on offer in this royal town, as the finish of the Etape Eryri (Snowdonia Sportive) was taking place. We found the cheapest cafe on the planet and had a nice lunch in the sunshine. After lunch we did the drag up the Gwyrfai valley to Llanberis and then up to Pen-y-Pass the hard way. All the way up were sportivistes on the way down. John and Ursula sped off, and David and I summited almost together. A brief respite at the top and then we descended back to Capel Curig and finished the ride.
Distance: 79.70 km (49.52 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/154025650
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Leader: Nicole Pethybridge	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. After taming the dragon last week a gentle ride around the flat lanes in an anticlockwise loop. Approx 19 miles
Riders: Charlotte Styles Des Higgs Ian Howland Jane John John Davies John Stamp Mila Yearley Nicole Pethybridge Steve Burr Susie Turnbull Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A beautiful evening for a meander around the lanes. Two new riders joined us this evening. Welcome to Susie Turnbull and Jane John so 10 of us set off towards Stanford in the Vale. Steve decided to make his own way home from here after a rushed start from work. That left 9 of us split mainly into two groups to enjoy the evening sunshine and quiet lane. Des did a great job of sweeping in an attempt to keep us all together and I managed to trust in my Garmin to guide us in a gentle loop back to Denchworth and home.
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)
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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. Enough daylight now to tackle my Boars Hill route. This is about as far as is possible to go on a Tuesday evening (46km). Essentially a flat ride apart from the climb up the hill to admire the view across to Oxford. Followed by a great descent and a quick flat dash back to Grove. This ride will leave promptly at 6.30pm so don't be late!
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Andy Butcher Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Barry Gills Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Janet Charleston John Talbot Katherine Boyce Mark Austin Nick Dunton Peter Cowan Phil Stubbings Rachel Bennett Tina Tian Ursula Hallam Riders = 19 Weather: Report: A nice evening brought out a big group of riders with some welcome returners. We had a headwind to deal with on the outward leg but we kept up a spirited pace and saw loads of other cyclists out enjoying the evening too, good to see 2 wheels hugely outnumbering 4 wheels It wasn't long before we were at Boar's Hill and the quieter back road up to the top, an incident with a reversing horse caused Phil to tumble into the verge, but no damage done. The group was getting used to hearing Adrian tear a few more teeth off his chain ring at each junction by this point The fast and smooth descent down Foxcombe and with a tailwind and a slight downhill gradient we arrived in Marcham. We split into three groups for the section along the A415 and A338 to Garford which worked very well. A very spirited Denchworth Dash finished a great ride and everyone had big smiles when we arrived back in Grove so I guess they enjoyed it! Special mention to Andy Cowan who was a fantastic sweep which helped relieve the stress of leading such a large group
Distance: 47.00 km (29.20 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/154798209
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1209004"
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Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1 - 1.5 hours rides at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Not likely to be hilly. Tonight - Gentle potter to Denchworth, West Hanney, Lyford, and bike via Denchworth.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Barbara Lambers Sarah Dore Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 6 Weather: Report: What a wonderful evening for cycling! (I ordered the sunshine as always but this time it was delivered). Six of us set out for this gentle potter, pausing at the church in West Hanney (having passed the pub without going in!), then we paused at the - yes, you've guessed it - church at Lyford. As the evening was so nice, we extended the original planned route, curling up to and through Charney Bassett (passing the church of course), before heading back via Asti Stud (another "little extra" thrown in by the leader) and Denchworth. What else to say, a very good atmosphere as always amongst the group. Never get stressed on a One Star - the whole idea is to "chill". Thank you all for a very enjoyable ride!
Distance: 22.34 km (13.88 mi)
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Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social afternoon rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. Today, out via Charlton, onto West Lockinge, West and East Ginge, West & East Hendred, with refreshments at Q Gardens, before returning via Steventon, the Hanneys, and Denchworth. Distance of approx. 19 miles
Riders: Adrian West Brian Hipwell Joy Arthur Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A wonderful afternoon for cycling, although a somewhat "select" group of 4 of us set out, meandering through Wantage and out towards Lockinge. Maybe everybody was at barbecues.... On the path out of Wantage we met Brian who was coming the other way. Turns out had intended to join us at Grove, but was extra "prompt" - ie was there for a 1pm start and thought we had gone! So, 4 became 5 and we continued, via the cunning cut through from West to East Hendred, and on to the well earned tea stop (by definition - always well earned). Nice and relaxed, we did not leave Q Gardens until 4pm, so was nearly five when back - the gentle meander back via the Hanneys had followed a "bit fast for one star" pace across Cow Common from Steventon, but Cow Lane is perhaps not the best road to dawdle on, so maybe no bad thing (ie - Ride leader pleading forgiveness for going to fast!) I enjoyed the ride, a lovely relaxed one in the sunshine. Thanks all for your company.
Distance: 31.09 km (19.32 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5042303"
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:30 am	Start Location: Car Park at Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7QJ
Description: A lumpy 3* day out in Dorset, starting from Sandbanks and going over the Chain Ferry to Swanage and Kimmeridge, then dropping down to Lulworth for some lunch. Heading a little bit further west before retuning via a slightly less lumpy route which could include afternoon tea and ice-cream at Corfe Castle. 100km, hilly, but well worth the effort for the views! Car parking at Sandbanks - Banks Road, Poole, BH13 7QJ - tickets not cheap for the day, so car sharing will drop the cost (£12.50 for 8 hours). Aim to be at the car park for 08:00 to allow the ride to get away promptly, and beat the rush for the ferry. Let Chris know if you intend to come by Wednesday 18th June - the ride won't happen without support.
Riders: Barry Gills Chris Walters Mark Austin Phil Stubbings Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A glorious day down in deepest Dorset. In keeping with mellow atmosphere of the ride, we took breakfast at Middle Beach after a grand total of 5 miles of riding. Replenished, the group headed for Swanage and tried to get through to Kimmeridge, but were thwarted by a private road. Undaunted, the best descent of the day followed as "Plan B" was enacted, taking us to Corfe Castle for the first time. The ridge that forms the spine of Purbeck gave us a number of challenging climbs of the short but steep variety. The final stretch before lunch into the tourist honey trap of Lulworth Cove was hard work into the wind. Lunch in the sunshine down by the beach provided just the antidote, and we set off again, up the hill. This should have been an easier leg, and in many ways it was. However, I needed a breather before the last push back to Corfe Castle for cream teas at the model village cafe. Phil mentioned that we had 45 minutes to make it back before the car park ticket expired, so the race was on. Back over the ferry and weaving through the millionaire's row at Sandbanks, we made it with two minutes to spare!
Distance: 110.30 km (68.54 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/156328208
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2786838"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Banbury railway station forecourt
Description: The third in CTC Oxfordshire's programme of Explorer rides visisted different areas of the county of Oxfordshire. Today we'll be touring in the North of the county starting from Banbury and following part of the Oxfordshire Cycleway, a distance of about 45 miles. This will be the hilliest of this year's Explorer rides taking us through ironstone country -an area of the county that is different in terrain from the South and little visited by the local CTC groups Lunch at the Sun in Hook Norton. Possible ice cream stop at Cropredy. A variety of car parking options in Banbury. Cherwell DC car parks currently £1 all day, Castle Quay £1.50 on Sunday. For more information on car parking, please follow link below.
Riders: Mila Yearley Peter Hallowell Ros Hallowell Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A great day out on the bike enjoying the lanes, ups and downs of North Oxfordshire. A lovely group of 7 riders including a local, Sean, from Banbury. Mila tells me we climbed 820m after the first hill. But we took it steadily and everbody was (still) smiling at the end. Full report and pictures will appear on the CTC Oxfordshire website.
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events#sthash.9apFiE5i.dpuf"
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Leader: Adrian West	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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. This ride will be gentle enough for those who usually do 1* and would like to try out an easier 2* ride. Tonight we will do a flat ride out to Southmoor via Lyford then Charney Basset and finally stopping at the Fox at Denchworth for our monthly social evening (note this is now the last Tuesday of each month). I will probably be leaving the ride at the Fox, but there should be plenty of riders traveling back to Grove from Denchworth at the end of the ride or after social in the pub.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Belcher Charlotte Styles Ian Howland Jane John Susie Turnbull Val Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The Magnificent Seven! Seven intrepid riders, a good strong pace for a flat 2* and a nice drink at the pub for afters for those who wanted one.
Distance: 26.10 km (16.22 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/157656040
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5120794"
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Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A gentler ride this week, giving some of the quicker 2* riders an opportunity to try a flat 3* - quicker than the top end of 2*, but not by too much! 1.5 hours and around 35km. The ride will finish at The Fox in Denchworth for the club social evening.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys David Yearley Des Higgs Janet Charleston Jason Jones Jon Townsin Karen Froud Karen Townsin Mark Austin Mila Yearley Nick Dunton Phil Stubbings Richard Preece Steve Joyce Ursula Hallam Riders = 18 Weather: Report: Tonight was a large group of 18 riding at a good but nowhere stretching pace. No "moments" to report, other than the constant and pleasant babble of nattering as we went. Thanks to Andy for being SuperSweep.
Distance: 35.60 km (22.12 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/157704859
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1643661"
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Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Tonight we'll head to Sparsholt; out via Stockham, East Challow then following the track across to Childrey with lovely views across the Vale. we'll double back from Sparsholt to Childrey then enjoy the gentle descent down to the A417 (short stretch with a right hand turn) and back via Goosey. There will be an optional stop at the Fox in Denchworth for a drink with riders from the other groups. (Note that the pub night has now changed to the 4th Tuesday of the month.) Total distance about 13 miles 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.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Barbara Lambers Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine John Hogston Joy Arthur Kerry Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Another glorious summer's evening. The good weather has certainly been getting more riders out and numbers swelled to 10 as we picked up riders along the way. It was good to see Edith on her bike again and to welcome back John. More to come...
Distance: 20.92 km (13.00 mi)
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Leader: Glen Savegar	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 45-55km (30 - 40 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Might be a struggle for new or irregular riders in winter months. This month we will head in an easterly direction taking in the villages leading to Aston Tirrold, followed by a tea stop at the Style Acre Tearoom Blewbury, or alternatively Chilton Garden Centre depending on numbers. One or two hills, but taken at a comfortable pace to suit the group! Route outline*...OMH, Denchworth, Hanney, Steventon, Drayton, Sutton Courtenay, Appleford, North & South Moreton, Aston Tirrold, Blewbury (Tea), Chilton, Harwell Campus following the cycleway to Ginge, Ardington, Lockinge, Laines Barn, and OMH. (Approx 55 km) *Update 28/6/14*- Due to roadworks between the Moreton villages, we will probably need to make a slight detour from the above route, with the option of calling for tea at Root 1 garden centre Brightwell cum Sotwell.
Riders: Glen Savegar Riders = 1 Weather: Report: Ooops!...The ride where no one turned up !...
Distance: 57.94 km (36.00 mi)
Where to now? NCN 44.
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Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: This ride will leave Grove at 9am and make its way to Huffkins in Burford for elevenses. There it will meet up with riders from the Oxford and Witney groups around 11am. We'll then ride out to Bourton-on-the-Water for lunch then back to Burford (in time for tea if anyone is still hungry) and then back to Grove for a total of around 70 miles (110km) total. If you prefer a shorter (2* level) ride, you could ride to Burford and then head straight back - about 50 miles - but the return journey will probably not be led. Or, you could drive to and park in Burford to meet the groups and do a 20-30 mile ride with 3 refreshment stops! Further information at: CTC Oxfordshire. The ride to Burford and back (not including the lunch loop) is around 50 miles (80km) but isn't significantly hilly. Ride is classified 3* for distance and duration.
Riders: David Talboys John Talbot Mark Austin Richard Preece Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Three riders set off from Grove on this joint CTC Oxfordshire ride. The pace was good despite a headwind to Burford where we met up with Robin who had ridden via Oxford to find no riders coming from there. Huffkins had a BOGOF offer on small lardy cakes so we cleaned them out of those and as we were scoffing a good sized group of riders from Witney arrived to swell the group to a healthy number. As we just about to leave for Bourton-on-the-Water Richard arrived from Grove having left about 40mins after the first group. A couple of the Witney riders headed back whilst the rest of the group headed off for a social ride to Bourton. David suffered a pinch puncture on a pothole on the descent but this was dealt with quickly as the others went off to seek lunch. As is usual the village was heaving on a sunny Sunday so we decided to grab take away baguettes and have a picnic lunch on the grass next to the river. A very pleasant time was had by all and we decided to tackle the steep climb up through Little Rissington before we separated on our separate ways. The Wantage group turned right at the top towards the Barringtons as we said farewall to the Witney riders who turned left to Leafield. With no need to go via Burford on the way back we headed towards Filkins. Here we were off of the GPS track and we took a couple of wrong turns even after consulting Robin's OS map before we found the road to Bampton! We stopped for an ice cream in Bampton before tackling Buckland Hill and the fast run in to Grove. A very enjoyable ride, a shame the Wantage group was rather small.
Distance: 114.20 km (70.96 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/159574075
The lane to Cogges Wild flowers line the verge Picnic lunch in Bourton-on-the-Water
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5162074"
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Ride Filter

Month	All Nov 2024 Dec 2024 Jan 2025 Feb 2025 Mar 2025
Category	All 1* 2* 3* 4* Event
Days	All Weekdays Weekend

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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