Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Nov 1st 2014

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: David Smith	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Out to the cafe at Hillier Garden Centre Hermitage, about 63km and reasonably hilly. Will be taken at moderate 3* pace to suit the group. I anticipate being back in Grove before sunset but you are strongly advised to bring decent lights along for the return stretch. UPDATE 27/10 - Route changed slightly because Winterbourne Road closed until December.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith Des Higgs Hugo Pile John Davies John Groves Nick Stokell Richard Preece Richard Saunders Simon Payne Ursula Hallam Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Sunny skies, reasonably warm if a little breezy; hang on is it really November! 10 riders left OMH and headed to Wantage where we picked up new to the club John Groves in the corner of the market place. He didn't get much chance to warm up before we hit Manor Road where the breeze really made itself felt! The strong headwind turned in to a cross-wind at the top where we headed for the cross at the Wooley turning. Then the rollercoaster through to Peasemore where the big climbs ended and we had a flatter slightly quicker run to the The Coffee House @ Hilliers where we found Richard Preece waiting for us. From the cafe we headed through Chieveley to the B4494 where Chris left us to try his fortunes on the closed Winterbourne Road while the rest of the group headed right on the B4494 for a couple of busy kilometres before heading to Chaddleworth. We were soon approaching the top of Chain Hill and all had a fun descent down to Wantage. Several of the group lived in Wantage so said their goodbyes and the rest of us headed back to OMH the way we had come out. Thanks to Richard Saunders & Andy Pixton for sharing the sweeping duties. Note: The current cafe is closing on 21/12/2014 and Hilliers are opening their own cafe in the garden centre itself. I'm not sure when. Shame, The Coffee House has always been very accommodating and does exceedingly good cakes!
Distance: 58.80 km (36.54 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/3721394
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6332005"
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Tue Nov 4th 2014

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update - Ride is on, chilly and might be a little damp. Heading to Uffington, Longcot, Pusey 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.
Riders: Andy Cowan Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Simon Payne Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Weather: Report: The forecast said rain at 7:00pm, and it was spot on, as that's when the rain started. Six riders tonight braved the wet and cold. The rain had stopped after 40 minutes, but the cold continued. Not much talking tonight.
Distance: 38.60 km (23.98 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/215574966/
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Tue Nov 4th 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 Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A few patches of rain tonight, and coldest night yet (7C) so we stayed on the north side of the Ridgeway, but still got out as far as Harwell. David Y's bike was in for service, so he borrowed the bike shops full sus 29er. He was cruising along easily with a big grin. Up Crab Hill & Goddards Brook to the Ridgeway. East to the descent to the corner of Harwell Campus - fast and a bit sketchy coming round the corner on to a stutter-bump surface. One climb wasn't enough, despite the threat of more rain, so we went up zig zag hill and down Betterton. David B suggested we see how far we could get without pedalling. We did all get down the hill, but once it levelled off we slowed down. I ground to a halt first, with DB about ten feet ahead. DY and Richard were another 30 feet on from us. Does that prove that 29ers roll better? We headed back to Wantage on puddled roads and cycle track that seemed to clean our bikes. So when DB suggested the cycle track back to Grove instead of Crab Hill, we all agreed that it was worth doing to save bike cleaning time!
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Wed Nov 5th 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: Andy Pixton David Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Richard Preece Riders = 6 Report:
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Sat Nov 8th 2014

CTC Oxfordshire AGM

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Hinton Waldrist Village Hall
Description: The CTC Oxfordshire AGM is being held on Saturday 8 November at 11 am in Hinton Waldrist village hall, SN7 8RN (SU 377 987). Motions to the meeting should be sent in writing (by email or mail) to Robin by noon on Saturday 1 November. All motions require both a proposer and a seconder, should be succinct and it would be helpful to provide separate supporting remarks giving further explanation. Coffee, tea and biscuits will be provided. Please bring a packed lunch if you'd like to linger for a natter at the end.
Riders: Brian Hipwell James Dawton John Bridgman Neil Warner Peter Hallowell Richard Preece Robin Tucker Stephen Lee Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Report: A good AGM with lots of discussion in response to the Committee and group reports. Two motions were passed: 1) to organise a series of rides from Bicester (in response to a number of enquiries we've had from members in that area); and 2) to organise a workshop on ride leading. In terms of Wantage involvement, Steve Swanton and Robin Tucker continue as Chairman and Secretary respectively, with Neil Warner as the CTC Wantage rep. Robin also continues as Publicity Officer. We welcome three new members to the committee, Martin Casey as the Midweek Group representative, Andy Ellis as Registrar and Ian Murray as member without portfolio, but with a particular interest in riding and leading standards. All committee reports will be available shortly on the CTC Oxfordshire website and draft minutes in the next few weeks.
Distance: 0.00 km (0.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.ctcoxfordshire.org.uk/rides-and-events/ctc-oxfordshire-agm-2014
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Sun Nov 9th 2014

Ironstone Country	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Woodstock
Description: A special away day ride in the Ironstone hills of north Oxfordshire. Starting from the free car park next to the library off of Hensington Road in Woodstock (MAP this ride explores the rolling countryside of north Oxfordshire. We set off initially heading westwards to Charlbury before we turn north to ~~Hook Norton where we will take a short break at the coffee shop at the~~ ~~Hook Norton Brewery~~ Great Rollright where we will take a short break at the tea room at Wyatts Cotswold Farm Shop, if people are up for it we can take a short diversion to see the Great Rollright stones. The ride then explores small villages nestled in the north Cotswolds to Edgehill and its magnificent views. Descending steeply the ride crosses the M40 and almost immediately climbs the fabulous hill to Burton Dassett Hills Country Park. You have no doubt seen the tower on the hill to your right as you drive north on the M40! By now we will have dipped our toes into southeastern Warwickshire and before we return to Oxfordshire we will stop for lunch at the National Herb Centre in Warmington. After lunch the ride heads south to the west of Banbury past Broughton Castle, through the tranquil Barfords (birthplace of my paternal grandmother), Bloxham and the Bartons back to Woodstock. The ride is a decidedly lumpy 100km on mainly minor roads and lanes and we will aim to finish mid-afternoon before sunset (which is at 16:20). Option for an additional coffee stop at the end in Woodstock. I won't run the ride without support so please let me know if you intend on riding. Lights and warm clothing recommended for this autumnal ride.
Riders: Andy Butcher Andy Newell Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Derek Boutle Des Higgs Hugo Pile John Davies John Talbot Katherine Boyce Lyn Taylor Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Ursula Hallam Riders = 17 Weather: Report: An interesting ride. A large group of 17 riders gathered in the mist at Woodstock, a few more than I was expecting. We headed off to Charlbury finding our feet regarding pacing, unfortunately there was some tension at Enstone which saw us lose a couple of riders who turned back. Apologies for being a bit quick to defend, it's quite stressful managing such a large group and hard to keep it right for everyone. Anyhoo, the remaining 15 riders found the correct pace for the ride and we headed off to Great Rollright. Once the mist had cleared and the Sun came out we were greeted with fabulous views as we approached the tea-stop which is very popular with cyclists it seems! After a short break we continued to Edge Hill and IMO some of the finest cycling roads in Oxfordshire. We were hugely lucky with the weather, a perfect autumnal day, sun and little or no wind. After descending the hill we had the reward of climbing up to Burton Dassett and more fantastic views. Another short sharp climb through Warmington got us to the lunch stop at the National Herb Centre. This turned out to be really very good with excellent food and service. Recommended. We were a bit behind schedule and the air had definitely got cooler as we headed south back towards Woodstock. Chris suffered a valve failure in Bloxham and as he fixed it the curator of the local museum tried to persuade some of us to visit the last day of their WWI exhibition!! We declined but had an interesting chat with him nonetheless! The Sun was setting as we headed through the Barfords, and the gated road to the Bartons. After the final climb out of Middle Barton it's pretty easy cycling back to Woodstock and we arrived back in deep twilight around 5pm. Maybe a tad ambitious for November, we were about 45mins longer than I had planned for. I hope everyone enjoyed it anyway. It's a lovely route and maybe we can try it again in the spring or summer? Massive, massive thanks to Richard P, Nick D and David S for sweeping sections of the ride. An invaluable and essential role on today's ride. I owe you all one.
Distance: 110.30 km (68.54 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/217414916
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6095777"
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Tue Nov 11th 2014

CANCELLED - Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Strong winds and rain are forecast for tonight, so the ride is cancelled.
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Tue Nov 11th 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, 15-20 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Richard Pethybridge Riders = 3 Report:
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)
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Wed Nov 12th 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 Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Riders = 6 Report:
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Sat Nov 15th 2014

Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 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. This month we'll head to Lockinge and the Hendred's to enjoy the last of the Autumn colours. The 15-mile route will take in several gentle climbs and 3 really nice descents (please wrap up warm). Tea in Ardington. We should be back in Grove before dusk, but lights may be needed for your journey home.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Carin Tranter David Bridge Edith Hipwell John Tranter Lorna Swanton Simon Payne Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A thoroughly enjoyable ride through some glorious autumn scenery. This was Lorna's first ride since the Spring and it was lovely to have her riding with us again.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sun Nov 16th 2014

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: We will head East from Wantage and take lunch in Wallingford or Benson. This ride will be towards the shorter and gentler end of 3* all-day rides, 53 miles at 11-14mph on the flat, and medium-hilly - so a good choice for people who want to try a classic all-day touring ride. Optional tea stop at Chilton Garden Centre on the way back. Should finish before dark, but please bring lights just in case. There will be one or two traffic-free sections, one has a rough surface (but smoother than my usual standards it is fine on a touring bike, probably ok on a gently ridden racer but unfortunately I haven't had a chance to test this!). This includes a special 'secret' section which makes a key link in the network of available routes. Weather is looking ok! 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.
Riders: David Talboys John Davies Lyn Taylor Nick Dunton Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Weather: Report: We were lucky to find a gap in the rain and wind for a very pleasant and very companionable trip to Wallingford and a bit beyond. We set off via Denchworth, Steventon, Sutton Courtenay and Appleton. We had decided on a 'two stop strategy'. So the first stop at 1130 was at Cathierine's cafe Wallingford (on its 1st anniversary!). Here 3 of us ate a second breakfast and the other 2 opted for very good fruit bread. Recommended. We then looped around Ewelme and Benson and via the old railway south of Didcot to Chilton Garden Centre for our tea stop. Here we refuelled on more cake and tea. Then it was time for the 'secret' off-road section. A track permitted by the farmer up to the road near Bury Down. There was a short unrideable section at the bottom (<10m), but on the rest it was mostly firm packed track and Dave got his race bike up it with no problems. Once there it was up and down via Farnborough to Chain Hill and down into Wantage to end the ride, still in daylight at about 3:30pm.
Distance: 86.90 km (54.00 mi)
Proposed Route: http://my.viewranger.com/route/details/NTA4NTg="
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Tue Nov 18th 2014

Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: UPDATE: Forecast looking OK - tonight we'll do the Stanford, Pusey, Hinton Waldrist, Fyfield, Charney Bassett route 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.
Riders: Chris Walters David Talboys Katherine Boyce Peter Cowan Simon Payne Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Nothing to report, other than it being a pleasant ride for a select group!
Distance: 37.10 km (23.05 mi)	Ride Details: http://www.strava.com/activities/220707592
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1821664"
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Tue Nov 18th 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 Brown David Yearley Riders = 2 Report: Just a Double Dave ride tonight to enjoy dry air, but moist to wet and muddy trails. From Old Mill Hall along an increasingly difficult Crab Hill Lane to Wantage, then through Ardington to climb to The Ridgeway via East Ginge and East Ginge Down. From there it was down the Ginge drop where some considerable work has been undertaken to remove a lot of overgrowing planting. Once at the bottom we went straight back up to The Ridgeway via Betterton corkscrew. Once on the top a steady drive along Westwards to The big green drop beyond the Monument, then back to Grove via Larkhill.
Distance: 27.00 km (16.78 mi)
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Wed Nov 19th 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 Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Richard Preece Riders = 5 Report:
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Sat Nov 22nd 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. Because of the reduced winter daylight, todays ride will be at the lower end of our distance guidelines. We will explore the quiet roads west of Wantage, calling off for tea at Letcombe Regis Cafe. Route- OMH, Denchworth, Goosey, Baulking, Woolstone, Uffington, Kingston Lisle, Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, Letcombe Bassett, Letcombe Regis (Tea), Wantage, Lockinge, Lains Barn, OMH. A couple of climbs along the way, but always at a pace to suit everyone, with time to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Expect a prompt 1.00pm departure from OMH to make best use of the available daylight, and ensure we arrive at the cafe in good time. Please check your lights are fitted and working for the homeward stretch. Approx- 28.5 miles (46 kms)
Riders: Barry Gills Brian Hipwell David Bridge Glen Savegar Michael Tayler Robin Tucker Riders = 6 Weather: Report: With the forecast of heavy afternoon rain, it wasn't looking too promising. However, other than a light misty shower approaching Baulking, we seemed to escape the deluge pretty well considering, although the surface water on the roads approaching the springline villages was proof that this was more down to luck than planning. A really enjoyable afternoon with fine company and a good steady pace, saw us arrive at Letcombe Regis just after 3.00pm. The cafe is a super little venue and just perfect for a winters afternoon ride where fading light is an issue. A direct return saw us arriving back at OMH by 4.00pm where we were treated to the promised heavy showers, but by this time the ride was completed and we were past caring... Thanks everyone! Glen S
Distance: 37.59 km (23.36 mi)
Cafe Letcombe Regis, Downpour Imminent !
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Tue Nov 25th 2014

CANCELLED: Autumn Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update: cancelled due to the weather forecast of cold and wet. Why not come to The Fox in Denchworth from 8:30 instead, where the committee will be asking you for your feedback and suggestions about the club - please Have Your Say (and a pint!).
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Tue Nov 25th 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 Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: A moist ride - drizzling and quite cold. We stuck to the road a bit more than usual. Out along the canal then up to the Ridgeway down Sparsholt Field
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Tue Nov 25th 2014

Social Evening - have your say

Leader: Chris Walters	Start Time: 8:30 pm	Start Location: The Fox, Denchworth
Description: This is a special opportunity for members to come and have a say (in a very informal way) about how you would like to see the club developing over the next few years. No input is too crazy. Not a big meeting, just individual chats over a pint with committee members recording inputs into what will become the club's development plan. You talk, we listen. The more people who come along with their ideas, the better!
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs John Talbot Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Neil Warner Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Steve Swanton Riders = 15 Report: A most convivial evening - 15 nice dry folks were there as well as a rather soggy off-road contingent. Some great input from the members, and suggestions were plentiful. There will be other opportunities to Have Your Say, so please keep those ideas coming!
Proposed Route: www.youtube.com/embed/S63XJ6pBQVo"
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1

Written by : Andy Cowan

Posted on : November 28, 2014 at 9:43 PM

Great idea,chapeau to the organisers.....just what the Club needed

Wed Nov 26th 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 David Talboys Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Richard Preece Riders = 5 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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