Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Oct 4th 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 60-70km (38-45 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Likely to visit distant destinations. Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. 70 km ride today, pretty flat so we'll keep a good pace. Out via Fyfield, Cumnor, Eynsham and Bampton to take afternoon tea at Aston Pottery after 2 hours of riding. Back via the Great Brook and Charney Bassett.
Riders: Chris Walters David Yearley Hugo Pile Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Phil Ward Richard Preece Richard Saunders Simon Payne Riders = 11 Weather: Report: With the weather being so poor all morning, I'm surprised anyone turned up, but right on cue, the rain stopped and the skies brightened at 13:00. Welcome back to Nick, riding with us after a break, and welcome to Phil on his first ride. The only incident on the ride was a puncture after Hanney courtesy of yours truly. We were soon on our way again, with nothing more to report other than a glorious autumn afternoon's ride punctuated by excellent cakes at Aston Pottery.
Distance: 68.30 km (42.44 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/203186523/
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6154259"
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Tue Oct 7th 2014

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride quite as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Keeping it flat and simple for the first of the night rides. Out via Denchworth and Goosey and then on the A417 to Stanford (should be quiet with the bridge closed). A loop via Fernham, Longcot, Uffington, Baulking will get us back to Goosey and the usual route back to Grove. Total distance 38km.
Riders: Andy Pixton Des Higgs John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A perfect evening for cycling, dry, clear, full Moon and no wind! So it was slightly disappointing only half a dozen riders were out to enjoy it. The roads were quiet especially Cow Lane which is closed at the moment, we negotiated the slalom through the barriers. Ursula was visited by the fairy near Farmer Gow's and despite two blasts on the sweeper's whistle the rest of the group didn't hear it and carried on! At Longcot it was noticed we were two riders short so went back for an all hands on deck repair. An uneventful return via Uffington and Baulking with plenty of chatting despite the brisk pace. A very pleasant night out!
Distance: 40.70 km (25.29 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/204569594
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6094969"
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Tue Oct 7th 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 Yearley John Davies Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report:
Distance: 21.73 km (13.50 mi)
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Wed Oct 8th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Wednesday evenings. The first block of 10 sessions begins on 8th October and ends on 17th December. Nb. There will be no session on 3rd December as the hall is unavailable. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Andy Pixton Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Riders = 5 Report:
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Tue Oct 14th 2014

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update - weather looking to be drier this evening, roads will still be damp. Ride definitely on! Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride quite as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. The Abingdon route tonight...
Riders: Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Three hardy riders tonight. It rained for the first 30 minutes and then alternated between dry periods and a little mizzle. A nice average pace and no dramas. Where was everyone else?
Distance: 41.50 km (25.79 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/207377684
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821669"
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Tue Oct 14th 2014

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	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 Pethybridge Riders = 2 Report: WE LOVE RAIN! Well, at least two of us do. The ride started in the rain, and it got heavier as we went on. A reasonably short ride tonight, given the conditions, lead us from OMH up Crab Hill to Charlton. Then up to the Ridgeway via Goddard's Brook and the Bitham Road. The old puddles from last year are all back, which made trying to avoid them pointless. We dropped down off the southern side of The Ridgeway down 'Ice Valley', then climbed back up towards the Betterton Corkscrew. Down the Corkscrew, hampered by heavy rain fogging the goggles, and back to Grove via Ardington and Lockinge. There's no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing!
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 15th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Wednesday evenings. The first block of 10 sessions begins on 8th October and ends on 17th December. Nb. There will be no session on 3rd December as the hall is unavailable. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Riders = 4 Report:
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Sat Oct 18th 2014

Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please note start time of 1pm, (may previously been put as 2pm), in light of the shortening daylight. 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 we will head north, via Denchworth, Lyford, and Fyfield, before curling back to Longworth and descending to a pit stop at the Lamb & Flag, before returning via Charney Bassett. *Please bring food refreshments if wanted, as it is likely that the pub only provides drinks (They do coffee & tea etc)
Riders: Barbara Lambers Carin Tranter John Tranter Sarah Dore Steve Boreham Riders = 5 Weather: Report: What a lovely relaxed ride! A nice select little group of five of us, set out, armed with layers, although it was not too long before layers were shed as the weather still very mild - that lovely time of year when we no longer expect good weather but sometimes get it.... and the rain held off. A good pace was set on what was a fairly flat ride - of the climbs - three I think - two of them were for bridges! A lovely laid back tea stop (eg some of the "tea" was amber in colour and came in pints..) was had at the Lamb & Flag, before the "descent" towards Charney Bassett (OK a slight down hill but enough to enjoy!) then back at Grove before 4pm. Enjoyed today - thanks all for your company.
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 19th 2014

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Louis Hall	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Monthly 80-100km (50-65 miles) all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, at a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable. A route that exploits the fitness gained over the summer before it starts to dissipate. Through Challow, Blowingstone, Lambourn, Aldbourne, Spring Hill, Savernake and Axford before a well earned lunch in Ramsbury. Then we meander back through Chilton Foliat, Eastbury and Great Shefford before taking tea at Saddleback Farm and/or in the Market Square. 96km horizontally and +/- 1km vertically. Riding time should be less than five hours so back mid-afternoon.
Riders: John Davies Louis Hall Nick Stokell Phil Ward Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Four were up for the Tri-County challenge. (Where have I read that before?) Three set off from the Market Place. Phil had a puncture on his way from East Hanney but caught up with us before Childrey. The weather was magnificent throughout - like a pleasant summer day. The downs looked gorgeous from below and once we had climbed Blowingstone the scenery in the downs was breathtaking. We had to take it carefully descending from Baydon into Aldbourne as strong gusts blew us around. We paused to refuel in Aldbourne before conquering Spring Hill. Agriculture is clearly changing in this country - there is a huge field of solar panels at RAF Ramsbury, where the disused runway is easy to cycle some 70 years after it was last maintained. Descending from the wind swept downs we entered the sylvan splendours of Savernake Forest. The Beeches and Oaks offered a wide range of colours as we cycled along Grand Avenue and then past Savernake Lodge. Then we descended to Stitchcombe and crossed the Kennet. As we rode up White Hill numerous vintage cars and luxury cars with distinctive number plates passed. I'm sure I saw several D1CKs on their way to The Bell in Ramsbury. We met up with David and Ursula, who were cycling much of the same route, in Ramsbury then went to the Crown and Anchor for lunch. On our return journey we enjoyed the strong tail wind, seeking the shade when stopping to regroup. (Who would expect that in October?) As well as the usual pheasants, red kites seemed to be sizing us up before concluding we were a bit too alive for their usual fare. Then, at the B4494 we saw a large herd of deer crossing the road, safely! The descent of Chain Hill was brilliant and we returned to the Market Place after less than five hours in the saddle. This was a great ride - it will become a regular event.
Distance: 93.00 km (57.79 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6127391"
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Mon Oct 20th 2014

Cotswold 90km Monday Special	3*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Cerney Wick - Cotswold Outdoor store
Description: Update 19/10/2014 - weather looks good - ride is on! From the Cotswold Outdoor shop in Cerney Wick into the Cotswolds. This is a 3* ride, and quite flat, so we won't be dawdling! Route planned to check out the Autumnal colours near Tetbury.
Riders: Chris Walters David Bridge Des Higgs Hugo Pile Riders = 4 Weather: Report: The forecast was meant to be good, but we started off in rain, which pretty much disappeared by Kemble. The leaves were just starting to turn, so the expected golden images really didn't materialise. Comedy moment at the coffee stop in Malmesbury, where we struggled to get Hugo's lock open again... second time I've been on a ride with Des and had lock problems at the same cafe. We got a bit of rain towards the end, but not enough to spoil what was a lovely ride.
Distance: 89.60 km (55.67 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1318738"
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Mon Oct 20th 2014

CTC Wantage AGM

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:45 pm	Start Location: Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill
Description: The CTC Wantage 2014 AGM will be held as follows: Logistics: Date - 20th October 2014 Time - 19:45 Location - Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill, East Challow, Wantage, OX12 9RR Agenda: 1. Open and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of 2013 AGM 3. Matters arising from 2013 AGM 4. Chairman's Report 5. Ride Secretary's Report 6. Treasurer's Report 7. CTC Oxfordshire Report 8. Publicity Report 9. Election of Committee Members for 2014-14 10. Motions for AGM Discussion 11. Presentation of Trophies 12. Close Nominations and Motions: The final committee nominations are as follows: Chairman - John Tranter Treasurer - Steve Quartermain Secretary - Chris Walters Ride Secretary - John Talbot Publicity - Steve Boreham CTC Oxfordshire Liaison - Neil Warner Development - Jon Townsin General Members - Karen Townsin, Nicole Pethybridge There have been two motions submitted, by Chris Walters: 1. That the Committee of CTC Wantage meets more frequently than quarterly to ensure continuity of action and focus on developing and running the club. Suggested meeting months and focuses are: • September - to prepare final AGM details • November - to introduce new Committee to roles and set the plan for the year • Late January - to check on progress towards the years' goals • Early March - to finalise Spring calendar • Early May - to finalise Summer calendar • Early July - to commence AGM preparations and check on seasons' progress 2. That in order to allow a controlled handover of the Treasurer role (Steve Q has notified of his intent not to stand past the end of the 2014/5 committee) due to the need to manage account signatories, the AGM allows the committee to pre-nominate a Treasurer-elect during the course of the year either from the exiting committee or a new co-opted member. There will be no "other business" unless it appears on the agenda, which will be finalised and published by 13th October 2014. Minutes of 2013 AGM You can find all previous committee and AGM minutes here: http://www.ctcwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=223 It would be great to see as many of you as possible for what promises to be a great social evening, including the ever-popular club awards and a multimedia reflection of the years' activities!
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Barry Gills Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs Emma Gilbert Hugo Pile Jacquie Boshell John Talbot John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Neil Warner Nicole Pethybridge Paul Jarvis Richard Pethybridge Richard Preece Robin Tucker Simon Payne Stephen Quartermain Steve Boreham Ursula Hallam Riders = 29 Report:
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Tue Oct 21st 2014

CANCELLED - Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE: ride cancelled tonight due to the forecast strong winds.
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Tue Oct 21st 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: Nick Stokell Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Not bad weather tonight, although a bit windy. Nick and I rode up to the Ridgeway via Goddards Brook, then over the other side down Ice Valley - a nice open descent follow by ruts. Then turned round and headed back up to the Ridgeway, East to Ginge descent and over the Bridge of Doom (which is not to bad on the right at the moment). Just before we got to Lockinge, Nick got enthusiastic and suggested we headed up to the Ridgeway. So we did: up Betterton and back down Goddards Brook, for a total of 20 miles.
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 22nd 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Wednesday evenings. The first block of 10 sessions begins on 8th October and ends on 17th December. Nb. There will be no session on 3rd December as the hall is unavailable. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: Amanda Seddon David Talboys Des Higgs Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Riders = 5 Report:
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Sat Oct 25th 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Ursula Hallam	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. Last daylight savings time day today so let's make the most of it. Out to Eynsham for a cafe stop. A captcha figure-of-eight route - out via Charney Bassett, Appleton, Cumnor, Farmoor - back via Stanton Harcourt, Northmoor, Southmoor. Expect the full distance ~55km with no real climbing. Please bring lights in case of inclement weather or unexpected delay.
Riders: Alan Delaney Andy Pixton Barry Gills Brian Hipwell Charlotte Styles Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith Des Higgs Eric Harth John Davies Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Richard Preece Suzie Sheehy Ursula Hallam Riders = 17 Weather: Report: The dry, breezy, but sunny autumnal day saw a seventeen-strong turnout at OMH appareled in a varied selection of cycling couture - depending on the optimism of the rider regarding the weather. Taking the regular route to Denchworth we turned to Charney Basset and simply followed the road to Southmoor to cross the bridge over the A420. The very gentle uphill of the Appleton road saw the k's roll by until Cumnor where I was forced to call a puncture pitstop having somehow managed to ride over a drawing pin! Judging by the nattering, no-one seemed to mind and we were soon on our way, tumbling down the hill, tolling over the bridge and onto tea, sitting outside in the sunshine at the Eynsham Emporium. Heading back toward Stanton Harcourt, the headwind ensured we burnt off a few extra rocky road calories, but not unpleasantly so. The busy'ish stretch of road after the Rose Revived, caused the group to split a little before regrouping at the Hinton Waldrist turn. Then it was simply a matter of crossing back over the A420, and cruising down the Hanney road to home. Great group, lovely ride. Thanks to Richard Pb. for sweeping, David B. for the piccies and welcome to Suzie on her first time out with us.
Distance: 56.20 km (34.92 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/3683541
Heading out to Eynsham Who have we lost?
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Tue Oct 28th 2014

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update 27/10/2014 - weather looking ok - ride is on! Quick but flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. We will not ride quite as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. The short route through Marcham tonight, with an optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs Peter Cowan Richard Preece Simon Payne Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A good pace tonight and a good turnout. The wind helped us all the way to Fyfield, where we added a little distance to the planned route. Credit to the group for maintaining the pace back to the Fox, as the tailwind became a slight headwind on the way back.
Distance: 38.00 km (23.61 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/212930493
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821689"
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Tue Oct 28th 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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Nick Stokell Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A bit windy tonight, so we started low - along the canal. Then up Gramps Hill to the Ridgeway and into the full blast of the wind. Coming down Sparsholt Field with the wind behind us, we were like 4 2-wheeled rockets! Then with the wind behind us, I reckon we made pretty good time to the Fox.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Tue Oct 28th 2014

Social Evening

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:30 pm	Start Location: The Fox, Denchworth
Description: Come and join us for a pint and a natter - all welcome.
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Wed Oct 29th 2014

Turbo Session

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Turbo sessions are back! We are using the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Wednesday evenings. The first block of 10 sessions begins on 8th October and ends on 17th December. Nb. There will be no session on 3rd December as the hall is unavailable. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: David Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Riders = 6 Report:
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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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