Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Sep 2nd 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

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: Alex Pethybridge David Brown David Yearley John Davies Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Report: We routed out via Crab Hill and thanks to Richard who'd been up there a bit earlier with some secateurs, we passed without sustaining any bramble scratches. After getting up to the top of the Ridgeway (via Lockinge) we dropped back down to East Ginge, although I was forced to take this fine singletrack descent at a somewhat reduced pace on account of my handlebars snapping in two near the top. Thankfully we managed to re-clamp the bars across the break securely enough for me to continue with the ride. From East Ginge we climbed back up to the Ridgeway where we met a police car coming down the restricted bridleway - not sure a Vauxhall Corsa was the best choice of vehicle for their off-road adventures but they didn't seem too bothered. They certainly had no chance of catching the motorbikes we'd seen blasting along the Ridgeway earlier! We routed home via Betterton, Ardington, Wantage and finally back down Crab Hill to Grove. A good ride with nearly a record number of riders - lets see if we can beat 6 next week with our off-road taster ride.
Distance: 24.94 km (15.50 mi)
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Tue Sep 2nd 2014

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). As this is the last summer ride I thought we could make the most of it and tame the Dragon. Ride out through Childrey towards Dragon Hill and Uffington. For those that wish there is the challenge of the fine late summer view from the White Horse or an alternative option for those not keen. Back through Uffington, Goosey and Denchworth. Sunset is at 7.50pm therefore lights will be required for this ride.
Riders: Brian Hipwell Charlotte Styles Des Higgs Jane John John Tranter Karen Townsin Mila Yearley Steve Joyce Susie Turnbull Val Smith Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Sadly, Nicole was ill and not able to lead - but we used the route she had planned. A really good group for the final ride in this summer series. Good weather and beautiful views around and across the Vale. This was not an easy 2* ride - just getting to the base of White Horse Hill is a lumpy undulating route so I was hugely impressed with the keenness and efforts of the group, which stayed together very well. And then everyone made it to the top! Epic views were our reward, followed by the big descent and tailwind assistance back across the Vale as darkness fell. Thanks to everyone for a fun ride!
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/3372316
Steve conquers White Horse Hill Jane conquers White Horse Hill Karen conquers White Horse Hill Des conquers White Horse Hill Charlotte conquers White Horse Hill Susie conquers White Horse Hill Mila conquers White Horse Hill Val conquers White Horse Hill
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/users/181168/routes"
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Tue Sep 2nd 2014

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Hackpen again! This time properly – from the bottom through Childrey. So out through Denchworth and Goosey then up the hill, down almost to Lambourne, back over Blowingstone and home via Kingston Lisle, etc. 40 km. Sunset is at 7.50pm therefore lights will be required for this ride.
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Calum Clark Chris Walters David Talboys Janet Charleston Jason Jones John Talbot Jon Townsin Karen Froud Louis Hall Nick Dunton Peter Cowan Simon Payne Riders = 14 Weather: Report: A beautiful late summer evening, almost windless, and a strong party made for an exhilarating ride. We crossed Challow railway bridge for the last time before it is closed for an electrification upgrade next week. We cut-out the descent to Lambourne and ascent over Sevenbarrows because it was thought there wouldn’t be enough daylight to get back in semi-light. Instead we turned right at the top of Hackpen, descended to the Springline road and picked-up the intended route at the bottom of Blowingstone hill. However, on the way back we made such good time that we eschewed Cow Lane and added some extra distance by going along to Northmead Lane and west back to Denchworth for the traditional procession to Grove. Thanks to Janet for keeping the back of the ride under control – I wish I could say I did the same at the front but, in honesty, I spent most of the time grovelling in the peleton! Great ride guys – roll on April 2015.
Distance: 36.80 km (22.87 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5780993"
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Tue Sep 2nd 2014

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: This will be the last 10-mile club ride of the season (but monthly Saturday 1* rides continue throughout the year). As the evenings are drawing in, we'll make a shorter tour around the Vale to Charney Bassett aiming to get back to Denchworth by 7:30pm with the option of a stop for a drink at the Fox to mark the end of the season. Sunset is at 7:50pm so lights are advisable; if you'd like to stop for a drink, you'll need lights to cycle home afterwards. 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: Barbara Lambers Ben Paine Carin Tranter David Paine Ellie Paine Joy Arthur Kerry Tucker Robin Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 11 Weather: Report: Sadly, we have come to the end of the Tuesday evening rides for another year, but we had a lovely evening to finish with and the largest turnout of the season (11). It was great to see the Paine family out en masse as well as Kerry and Robin , who've not been out on a 1* ride for a while. There was anxiety for the ride leader as we passed a hedge-cutting tractor on the road out of Denchworth to find a significant amount of cutting debris littered across the road. Fortunately, no one picked anything up and punctured, and it was a relief to reach Lyford unscathed. It was overcast up to this point, but then, as we approached Charney Bassett, it seemed to lighten up and just as we stopped for a rest on the village green, the sun broke through, bathing us in golden sunlight. It was then decided to extend the ride a little via Asti stud. As we approached Denchworth, an orange sun was setting behind throwing long shadows out in front of us. Everyone retired to the pub for a sociable drink, making for a very pleasant end. Thanks to everyone for your support of the 1* rides over the season; it's been a good summer and I shall miss the Tuesday evening 'social' through the winter. Please keep an eye on the website for weekend 1* rides continuing through the year. Steve
Distance: 17.70 km (11.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 6th 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A fairly hilly ride to the south, with the cunning plan of joining the route to be used by the Tour of Britain on Friday 12 September. So we go out through the Vale, up onto the Springline road by White Horse, up Ashbury Hill, down to Lambourn and across to Great Shefford. Then we pick up the Tour route at Boxford and follow it up through the hills to our tea stop (not their's) at the amazing Saddleback cafe. We finish off with the great descent of Chain Hill (interesting to compare our speed with Bradley and co) into Wantage and Grove. Total distance of 41 miles / 66 km with a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph).
Riders: Andy Cowan Brian Hipwell Chris Walters Jason Jones John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Froud Karen Townsin Nick Stokell Phil Stubbings Richard Pethybridge Simon Payne Riders = 12 Weather: Report: A really nice ride. Good weather, great group, no untoward incidents. We arrived at the tea stop to find a ploughing competition in full swing and loads of people milling around, but still found tables to sit at so all worked well. 45 mph seemed typical for the Chain Hill descent. We will have to see how the Tour of Britain pros manage on Friday! Just hope they like potholes...
Distance: 65.98 km (41.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/3392629
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/5865404"
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Tue Sep 9th 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road 'Taster' Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A shorter, easier off-road ride to give you a chance to try it out or re-introduce yourself gently, before it gets darker and wetter. The tracks we will use are all ones that you can take at your own speed. If you wish, I and the other experienced off-roaders can give you some tips on how to handle the various ruts and ups and downs. Ride will be 8 to 12 miles, mostly off-road. We'll start along Crab Hill to 'The Nelson' in Wantage. Then along to West Lockinge and up the gently sloped hill along Goddard's Brook. Here we will keep climbing as long as we all want to, also providing a good chance to observe the track for the way down. We'll return the same way, but may follow the road and cycle path instead of Crab Hill. This ride should suit any mountain bike, or, as long as the weather is not too bad, a tourer, cyclocross or hybrid bike with some knobbles on the tyres. We'll aim to complete the off-road sections before it gets dark, but please bring basic lights for the journey home. If wet, in hall
Riders: Barbara Lambers Brian Hipwell David Brown David Smith David Talboys Ellie Paine John Tranter Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A dry spell provided perfect conditions for the first of our two off-road 'tasters', and that no doubt encouraged 10 of us to assemble for it. We cycled across Grove to Crab Hill for our first off-road section. The track starts mildly and then gets rutted, particularly near the old canal. With a bit of advice about looking ahead and choosing the right line, some of the novices got through a section without dabbing that sometimes catches out more experienced riders (including me!) Up the hill and the section into Charlton provided an interesting challenge in a narrow cambered track. Fortunately, Richard P went been down there last week with secateurs, so the brambles were not a problem. We went past the Nelson and along the cycle path to Lockinge, the up the long and gentle climb alongside Goddard's Brook. It was a beautiful evening and we could see for miles. With the sun heading down as we headed up we continued on to the steeper, narrower section. At this point we split the group and half went ahead to climb all the way up to the Ridgeway. The rest of the group continued to the bottom of Middlehill Down. After a few minutes, we saw the other riders hurtle down the hillside in ones and twos, giving a real sense of the speed that you can pick up on a mountain bike. Then it was everyone's turn to descend. We headed back down the chalky track. The light was dimming, but still plenty to see by, and it almost everyone had a strong light in any case. Going down was a good chance to test out looking ahead and cornering without having to pedal. From the bottom of the hill, we returned to Grove via Harcourt Road and the cycle paths. It was just about dark by the time we arrived.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
Coming down from the Ridgeway 9/9/14 Coming down from the Ridgeway 9/9/14 Coming down from the Ridgeway 9/9/14 Coming down from the Ridgeway 9/9/14
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1

Written by : Frank Schroer

Posted on : September 11, 2014 at 9:06 AM

I'm on one of the pictures - not on the riders list though

Fri Sep 12th 2014

Tour of Britain

Leader: Adrian West	Start Time: 12:00 pm	Start Location: Near the Fire Station, Ormond Rd, Wantage
Description: Stage 6 of the Tour of Britain cycle race will pass through Wantage at approximately 1:00pm on Friday September 12th 2014. This is an excellent opportunity to see cycling stars such as Sir Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish race with over 190 other cyclists through Wantage from Bath to Hemel Hempstead. To help promote the club and to watch this epic race through our home town, CTC Wantage is asking members to attend if they can and wear their club jerseys. We will meet at a point along the race route in Wantage and cheer the riders on. A show of club colours with some flyers and banner waving will help promote the club and make local people more aware of CTC Wantage and what we do. We will meet near the fire station on Ormond Rd at the bottom of Chain hill at roughly 12:00pm (a good location for a crash or two) and the race should have passed through Wantage just after 1:00pm. (We can always move to the roundabouts down the road if there's a problem before the riders arrive) After the race has passed through we can either go for a coffee after or a drink down the pub, we can decide on the day. Please let me know if you intend on coming as soon as possible you can email me on adrian@westrg17.wanadoo.co.uk or call or text me on 07768 208124 I look forward to seeing you there, promoting the club and watching some epic cycle racing.
Riders: Riders = 0 Weather: Report: A fantastic lunch hour for many in Wantage with hundreds of people at the bottom of Chain Hill and all along Ormond Street and out of Wantage. There could have been a few thousand, but I wasn't counting. As the crowd grew the anticipation and excitement was felt by all as we watched comedy performances by motorcycle police riding ahead of the race. The full on feeling of spectating a grand tour was well under way with numerous motorcycles, Skodas and blokes throwing free T-shirts at everyone. Then to tremendous cheers a trio of riders from the breakaway sped around the corner followed a few minutes after by the main Peloton. A minute after that it was all over and the crowds dissipated, happy to have cheered on their cycling heroes. Lets hope they ride through our patch again in the future. There were many faces from CTC Wantage spread throughout the crowds so I won't list them in the report as I may miss some as there were a few of us there dotted about. There are lots of pictures and videos on the CTC Wantage Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/ctcwantage/
Proposed Route: http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/stages/stage6/index.php#.VAdzBmMcRaQ"
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Fri Sep 12th 2014

Carcassone Day -1	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 5:00 pm	Start Location: Artenay
Description: Gentle leg-stretcher after a day in the car.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters Des Higgs John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Nice and very flat circuit from the hotel at Artenay, passing the Aerotrain monorail track - Wikipedia - and also through a hop store / brewery with some delightful aromas!
Distance: 40.80 km (25.35 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/193525834
The plains near Artenay It's pretty flat around Artenay Phil outside the As Hotel
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Sat Sep 13th 2014

Carcassonne Day 0	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 5:00 pm	Start Location: Rolland
Description: Gentle leg-stretcher after another day in the car.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A quick ride out in the late afternoon to check out the local hill. What a reward - a beautifully consistent 4km climb at Laurac with some stunning views from the top over to the Pyrenees and across to Carcassonne. Then it was time for a restorative drink and some food...
Distance: 25.90 km (16.09 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/193986695
Beautiful golden evening light View north across France Des at the top of the hill
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Sun Sep 14th 2014

Carcassonne Day 1	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Talbot Katherine Boyce Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Quite a warm one today, with Phil sitting this one out. Three good climbs to take in, with a picnique lunch in the shade at the top of Col de la Malpere. Clearly, with climbs come the decsents.... An evening in Carcassonne was quite a spectacle - fantastic ramparts, but rather too touristy for the Wantage bunch.
Distance: 71.10 km (44.18 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/194358308
Bring me sunshine...
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Sun Sep 14th 2014

Leisurely Cycle to Tea and Cake at Uffington	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The Sunday afternoon tea served in St. Mary's church, Uffington is something of a local institution during the summer months and is an ever-popular destination for CTC Wantage riders. Please join us for a leisurely ride of about 20 miles at a easy pace of about 10mph to sample the tea and homemade cakes. We'll be following quiet country lanes through the Vale of White Horse with only a few minor ups (and one nice down). visiting the pretty villages of Charney Bassett, Hatford and Shellingford, returning via Baulking and Goosey. We'll stop occasionally for a rest and for anything interesting that catches our eye. All welcome, although children need to be accompanied by a responsible adult, please.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Barry Gills Ben Paine Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter David Paine David Yearley Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine Janet Hammonds John Tranter Liz Buckle Mila Yearley Nanette Gills Simon Payne Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 17 Weather: Report: The lure of cake! 17 riders, one of the largest turnouts on a 1* ride. A very pleasant afternoon ride to Uffington, where we enjoyed large slices of cake, washed down with ample tea sitting in the churchyard. I was concerned about extra traffic taking a short cut through Goosey to Denchworth due to the closure of the A417 bridge over the railway at Challow station. So we split into smaller groups for this stretch on the way back. There was noticeably more traffic than usual, but fortunately, it wasn't excessive.
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)
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Mon Sep 15th 2014

Carcassonne Day 2	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Talbot Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Weather: Report: What an epic day! Andy and Katherine had a disconnected alternator to deal with, so missed out on the day trip to Spain. We started off at the beach near St Nazaire, heading along the undulating coast road. The initial flatlands across the lagoon soon turned to a series of quite lumpy undulations as we crossed the PyreneeS where they meet the Med. Coffee and crepes were taken in Collioure before further climbs towards Spain - Phil dealt with a visit from the Fairy with no fuss. The climbs were a nice steady gradient up to lunch, both uphill and on the sweeping descents. A very good tapas and paella lunch followed just over the border in Portbou. True to form, there was a formidable climb back up the headland as we retraced our tracks back to France... The diversion inland proved to be "interesting" as we headed into a thunderstorm - up and up and up - long and at times pretty steep. Des pushed on through the pain barrier on a number of occasions - "the hardest ride I've ever done" was the verdict. The rewards of descending and seeing the rainbow over the Med made up for it. All the pain was forgotten as we returned back to our beach resort, paddled in the sea and had an absolutely fantastic meal at which David's Steak Tartare was delivered and made very theatrically at the table. Top day!
Distance: 110.40 km (68.60 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/195057283
Coffee stop, but no coffee yet Harbourside crepe examination I see Spain! I just need a little sit down....
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Tue Sep 16th 2014

Carcassonne Day 3	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The Wantage Peleton was complete again today, and after yesterday, a "gentle recovery day" was required. Nobody told the wind though - which made it rather entertaining at times. Heading out with the wind at our backs to Castelnaudry was quite literally a breeze. Castelnaudry is the home of the regional duck casserole dish, Cassoulet. Nobody had it for lunch though. Many did visit the patisserie thou, for a little energy-building dessert... Heading back into the wind, we rode along the well-prepared track of the Canal du Midi, stopping for a very nice ice-cream break at one of the many locks. Apart from fighting the wind, which was actually quite unpleasant at time, it was quite a chilled ride. The evening saw a return to Castelnaudry to eat, at an excellent little restaurant tucked away and packed with locals. I don't think anyone had Cassoulet this visit either...
Distance: 51.30 km (31.88 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/195289255
Canal du Midid, and bright shoes
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Tue Sep 16th 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road 'Taster' Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A shorter, easier off-road ride to give you a chance to try it out or re-introduce yourself gently, before it gets darker and wetter. The tracks we will use are all ones that you can take at your own speed. If you wish, I and the other experienced off-roaders can give you some tips on how to handle the various ruts and ups and downs. Ride will be 8 to 12 miles, mostly off-road. We'll start along Crab Hill to 'The Nelson' in Wantage. Then along to West Lockinge and up the gently sloped hill along Goddard's Brook. Here we will keep climbing as long as we all want to, also providing a good chance to observe the track for the way down. We'll return the same way, but may follow the road and cycle path instead of Crab Hill. This ride should suit any mountain bike, or, as long as the weather is not too bad, a tourer, cyclocross or hybrid bike with some knobbles on the tyres. We'll aim to complete the off-road sections before it gets dark, but please bring basic lights for the journey home. If wet, in hall
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Brown David Paine David Talboys Ellie Paine John Davies Joy Arthur Mark Austin Robin Tucker Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Another dry evening, and another very pleasant ride up to (nearly) the Ridgeway. Some format as last week, and 9 people to enjoy it. On the way back, with a bit of light-lending, were were able to stay off-road and retrace our way along Crab Hill. This gave a proper night-time off-road end to the ride, and a few new people now understand why some of us are so keen on this!
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Wed Sep 17th 2014

Carcassonne Day 4	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Day of the gorges. Des had a break today, having not slept well. From Campagne sur Aude, the Aude river gorge winds its' way up at a very constant but pretty friendly gradient before descending down to the plain leading to St Paul de Fenouillet, which is where we stopped for coffee. At this point, a little divergence from the riding is quite important. The bar we had coffee in was most strange. The Lemmy-lookalike "customer service representative" grunted his way through serving us and the rustic toilets were an experience (hopefully) to never be repeated again. At least the coffee was excellent. The Gorges de Galamus must be the most impressive gorge I've ever ridden through, even in comparison to the Gorges de la Nesque last year. As we climbed through the gorge, the full vistas opened up in slow motion - narrows, wall overhangs, chicanes - this had them all. Look it up! A bit more climbing and we found a sheltered spot for lunch A local stray dog sniffed around and looked at us for quite a while with its' big brown eyes, but ultimately remained hungry. A bit more climbing and there was a spectacular descent to follow - hairpins, straights and long sweeping curves - nice! Desperate for ice-creams or cold drinks, pretty much everywhere was closed save for the cafe at the end of the ride - most deserved!
Distance: 84.40 km (52.44 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/195782422
Gorges de Galamus
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Thu Sep 18th 2014

Carcassonne Day 5	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The big one! Starting from Tarascon sur Ariege, we planned three solid climbs including a Tour de France mountain-top finish. Sadly, Des fell victim to his dodgy tummy during the first climb, so returned back to the car and chilled. The rest of the group climbed on and then descended down to Les Cabannes, taking care not to run over too many red squirrels. It really was a fantastic descent! A spot of coffee at the base of the climb set us up for the next couple of hours of climbing. It was pretty relentless - a very consistent 8% plus gradient with almost no respite through the forest soon spread the group out with John showing his climbing prowess at the head of the group, somewhere in the distance. For us lesser mortals it was a case of getting into rhythm and grinding out the time. A pair of bulls on the road made for a few tense moments as riders surged and faded. At the top of Plateau Beille there was a convention of camper van owners all having a large picnic, taking in the views across the Pyrenees. Entertainment was provided by our grimpeur straddling an electric fence and electrocuting his crotch. After a decent break, what went up had to come down. And grimpeur turned into decendeur. You have to see the video. Two hours up, 20 minutes back, averaging over 30mph. Some great tarmac, long curves, not too many hairpins - lovely. Hard as Ventoux? Opinions were divided. Certainly not such an institution, but plenty hard enough thank you! David sadly didn't have such a good time, exploding his rear rim near the top and limped down having managed to straighten the wheel enough to get it through the chainstays. Sadly, it didn't last the remainder of the ride, so we had to send Phil ahead and assume sagwagon duties. By the time we got back to Tarascon, Des had recovered, and patisseries all round helped to fix the aching legs. Although Lance Armstrong won twice on Plateau Beille, we managed it without drugs, so I reckon all of our times were better than his.
Distance: 68.00 km (42.25 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/196262937
At the top of Plateau Beille, Pyrenees behind The beginning of the climb
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Fri Sep 19th 2014

Carcassonne Day 6	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Carcassonne
Description: TBC
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs John Talbot Katherine Boyce Phil Stubbings Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The group complete again, today was meant to be a nice wind-down to the week. The hill of the first day up through Laurac was paid another visit as we enjoyed it so much. On reaching the top, Des declared he was back on form again, a bit late, but better late than never. Not having heard that, we had a comedy moment when Ursula went back down the hill to charitably help Des up the climb, and everyone else though she'd nipped round the corner to find a secluded spot for a comfort break. So Ursula got to climb the hill again, with David who'd gone to find her... Anyhow, before too long, we were all one group again, heading towards Fanjeaux for lunch. Toughest hill of the week to get into Fanjeaux, topping out at 20%. Brutal. What was worse was the bar only did drinks and ices, so Phil reckoned it was Guinness-o'clock. A quick detour to our local town, Bram, took us to the marvellous patisserie for a totally unhealthy (undoing the good work of the Guinness) lunch of cream cakes. Bram has an interesting structure of streets being arranged in concentric circles, so we did our own little criterium around different radii before getting dizzy. And that was it, the week was done. Some great riding in fantastic company - bon!
Distance: 63.50 km (39.46 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/196586617
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Sat Sep 20th 2014

CANCELLED - No Easy Saturday afternoon ride today	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: There will be a special 1* ride tomorrow afternoon starting at 1pm from Standlake village hall, led by Robin as part of CTC Oxfordshire's 90th Anniversary celebrations. The ride will be about 16 miles returning to Standlake in time for the (free) Anniversay tea between 3 and 4pm. Please join us there. For further details please see the separate listing for the Anniversary rides.
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Sat Sep 20th 2014

Saturday morning off-road ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: 'Goblin's Glen' East of Wallingford
Description: Apologies for shifting the date of this ride from the 13th to the 20th. Off-road ride of about 20 miles at a moderate pace in the Chiltern hills. A ride for a well-maintained mountain bike with knobbly tyres rather than a tourer. Please let the leader know if you are coming in case the ride needs to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. See the CTC Oxfordshire website for details
Proposed Route: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=218197750862335524250.0004db419f89365ef3f57&msa=0&ll=51.593389%2C-1.053572&spn=0.037858%2C0.084887"
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Sun Sep 21st 2014

Regular Wantage Ride [starting @ Grove]	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: CTC Oxfordshire is marking the 90th Anniversary of the Oxford DA on Sunday 21 September with a day of rides culminating in the 90th Birthday tea [free!] at Standlake village hall from 3-4pm. The Wantage 3* ride will be one of several throughout the county that will gather for this event. NB: because of this, the ride will start at GROVE with a prompt 9.00 a.m. start. We will take a northerly direction through Buckland, Aston, Crawley, Stonesfield, Ditchley Park, Spelsbury, and a lunch stop at The Bull in Charlbury @ 60km [www.bullinn-charlbury.com]. After lunch, we will head south through Fawler, North Leigh, Witney, Stanton Harcourt to Standlake @ 85km. After tea, return through Longworth and West Hanney. Total distance = 104km. Full route below. No major hills, although the road rolls quite a lot around Charlbury – total climb = 710m. We’ll be riding at “Sunday touring pace” – approx. 20kph average. There will also be three shorter rides starting from Standlake – see details on the CTC Oxfordshire website. Please let Nick know if you intend to ride so that I can confirm numbers for lunch.
Riders: Louis Hall Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Perfect autumn conditions: sunshine, a cooling breeze, the crunch of beech mast and acorns under the tyres – bliss. A small and evenly-matched group ensured we made rapid progress throughout. The route was largely on small country lanes and traffic was exceptionally quiet. Lunch was taken at The Bull, Charlbury: good pub, good food, even if we did have to take our shoes off! Such was the pace of the ride that we arrived before the pub opened. Then to Standlake to join the Oxford DA 90th birthday celebrations. Louis left early to catch the Grand Prix, leaving Nick and Nick to highball home alone. Great ride – thanks for your company guys.
Distance: 104.00 km (64.62 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.ridewithgps.com/routes/5838608/"
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Sun Sep 21st 2014

CTC Oxfordshire 90th Anniversary Tea

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 3:00 pm	Start Location: Standlake Village Hall, Rack End, OX29 7SB
Description: CTC Oxfordshire is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this year. To mark the event, members of CTC Wantage are cordially invited to join us for a day of cycle rides culminating in an Anniversary Tea between 3 and 4pm in Standlake VH (doors will open from 2:45pm). Both CTC Wantage and CTC Oxford City groups have day rides that will be calling in for the tea. In addition, there will be 3 rides starting from Standlake village hall car park during the day: 9am - 90km (3), with lunch in Burford, led by Richard Morris 11am - 33miles (2) with lunch at Ramsden Garden Centre, led by the CTC Oxfordshire Midweek group 1pm - 16miles (1*) to Ducklington and Aston, led by Robin Tucker. All three rides will returning to the hall in time for tea. Please see the other entries for further ride details. Entry to all rides and the tea is free. If you are intending to come, please complete the doodle poll below to help us with numbers. Please indicate your choice of ride or whether you will just be joining us for the tea. You can also indicate any dietary requirements. http://doodle.com/5ycs24hrd5k4fmf3 Or alternatively, if you don't do doodle polls, please drop Steve an email or give him a ring on 01235 764257 .
Riders: Alistair Deans David Bridge David Green James Dawton Jo Munt Kerry Tucker Kevin Hickman Lorna Swanton Neil Warner Richard Morris Richard Preece Stephen Lee Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 14 Weather: Report: Full report and a few pictures will appear on the CTC Oxfordshire website in the next few days. Listed here are the Wantage-list riders who made their own way to the tea. I hope I haven't missed anyone.
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Sun Sep 21st 2014

CTC Oxfordshire 90th Anniversary Rides - 1* and 2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Standlake Village Hall, Rack End, OX29 7SB
Description: In addition to our ride from Grove there are two rides all leaving from Standlake village hall. 9am 3* (90km) with lunch in Burford - CANCELLED due to lack of firm support 11am 2* (33 mile) with lunch at Ramsden garden centre led by the CTC Oxfordshire Midweek Group 1pm 1* (16 mile) to Ducklington and Aston led by Robin Tucker Details of the routes are available on the CTC Oxfordshire website via the link below. Entry to all rides and the tea is free. If you are intending to come, please complete the doodle poll below to help us with numbers. Please indicate your choice of ride or whether you will be joining us just for the tea. You can also indicate any dietary requirements. http://doodle.com/5ycs24hrd5k4fmf3 Or alternatively, if you don't do doodle polls, please drop Steve an email or give him a ring on 01235 764257 .
Riders: Barbara Lambers Ben Paine Brian Hipwell Charlotte Styles Chris Bellamy David Paine Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine Ian Howland Katie Dore Lou Rose Mavis Rose Robin Tucker Sarah Dore Riders = 14 Weather: Report: Full reports of the rides will appear on the CTC Oxfordshire website. Most of those on the left completed Robin's 16-mile ride. However, Ian, Mavis, Lou and Sarah plus Chris and Katie went on the 33-miler, Sarah and Ian completing their longest club rides to date.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events"
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Tue Sep 23rd 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

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: Alex Pethybridge David Talboys David Yearley John Davies Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Dry again - even the normally perpetual puddles on Crab Hill and Lark Hill were dry! 6 of us went out via Crab Hill and Lark Hill, up to the Ridgeway and down at East Ginge. Then the Bridge of Doom and back via Ardington and Crab Hill. It was properly dark by about half way through the ride, but we were all well lit!
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Sat Sep 27th 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

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. A familiar but goodie this afternoon exploring the villages and quiet roads west of Wantage, before heading for tea in Faringdon. OMH, Letcombes, Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot, Kingston Lisle, Uffington, Woolstone, Longcot, Fernham, Little Coxwell, Faringdon (Tea stop), Fernham, Baulking, Goosey, Denchworth, OMH. One or two climbs before tea, but nothing too daunting and taken at a pace to suit all, with plenty of time to gather breath and enjoy the surroundings. A flatter and shorter return after tea. Total distance approx 55 km (34 miles).
Riders: Barry Gills Brian Hipwell Chris Bellamy Chris Walters Emma Gilbert Glen Savegar Jasmine Talbot John Talbot John Tranter Katie Dore Sarah Dore Simon Payne Steve Swanton Tracey Talbot Riders = 14 Weather: Report: Well !...So lucky with the weather this afternoon...Lovely sunshine, but not over warm...Amazing considering October is just around the corner ! A fine turnout, and a warm welcome to Katie and Chris, riding out with us for the first time. Once clear from the bustle of Grove/Wantage we were soon heading out on quieter roads, the Vale looking very green, with only the fallen conkers from the Horse Chestnut trees as evidence that Autumn has arrived. A quick phone call from Woolstone to the Faringdon Coffee House to check they were ok for 14, and we were soon heading for tea. However on arrival the cafe till had developed an electrical fault, was locked shut and unable to access any change...Eeek!...Plan B was now needed, and a hasty search of the town to find an alternative tea stop...Luckily within 15 minutes we were seated at "The Rookery", just a short distance from the market square, and a real find for the tea stop list. Thanks to Emma for spotting this ! A very chilled ride back to OMH enjoying the low Autumn sunlight...It's hard to imagine next months ride will probably need lights for the homeward leg...A great afternoon to be out on the bike! Thanks everyone ! Glen S
Distance: 54.80 km (34.05 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/200132762
Holborn Hill Conquered ! Summer or Autumn ? September 2* Group.
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Tue Sep 30th 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

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 John Davies Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A dry evening right at the end of October?! Well, not dry in every sense as we did end up at the pub. Tonight marked the return of Richard A, who seems to enjoy riding more as the conditions get worse. We went along the canal and up through Letcombe Reigs and Gramps Hill. At the A338 we turned left to the Seven Barrows descent, which was fast but very rutty - a tricky balance. Then climb back up to the RIdgeway and down at Sparsholt Field - another track that is riding fast, but washed away by the summer rains in places. At the Fox, John bought not only a round of beers, but a portion of chips which tuners out to be enormous and enough for us all to refuel. Thanks John!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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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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