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CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Sorry but yet again, we are scuppered by the weather forecast. Tonight's main culprit is the wind, gusting over 30mph at times, but with a supporting show of residual air and road moisture with a low temperature giving a real chance of some frost on the road. |
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:Due to various circumstances I was the only rider tonight, so I kept to local Grove paths and roads. | ||
Distance:20.00 km (12.43 mi) | ||
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Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Very much a winter ride - pootling around the Vale at 3* pace for a couple of hours, no major hills except for Hendreds and Ginge, and stopping at the excellent Grocer Chef for tea in Ardington - http://www.thegrocerchef.com/.Lights required for route home via Lains Barn. |
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Report:A select few set off - no wind, no dramas, no rain. Tea in Ardington was most pleasant, but Brian had already shot off for a home-baked tea by then.Definitely a little nippier on the way back to Grove.... | ||
Distance:49.00 km (30.45 mi) | Ride Details:http://www.strava.com/activities/226766006 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6574282" | ||
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Annual Mince Pie Ride to White Horse Hill |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity.Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 9:45 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1*, 2* and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards the rides will continue for an optional pub lunch. There will also be a ride directly back to Wantage. |
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Mince Pie Ride - 1* | 1* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:10:15 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry.The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at about 10:15 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. We will go via East Challow, the bridleway to Childrey, Sparsholt and Kingston Lisle, before tackling the great Hill itself. No pressure, but a chance to challenge yourself and see how far up you can get before having a rest! |
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Riders:Barbara LambersBen Paine David Paine Ellie Paine Henry Hall John Tranter Joy Arthur Judith Agnew Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Peter Brodie Peter Hallowell Phil Jeffery Susan Holdroyd Riders = 14 Weather:Report:Despite a bit of drizzle early on, a good group of 11 riders set off from the Market Square. We then picked up 3 extra in Childrey as the Paine family joined mum!Everyone coped extremely well and the final assault on the great Hill was at least accompanied by a little bit of sunshine. Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable ride! | ||
Distance:12.87 km (8.00 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/3852294 | |
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Mince Pie Ride - 2* | 2* |
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Leader:Glen Savegar |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry.The 2* ride will leave after the 3* group at about 10:00 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. Our route will leave Wantage market place for the Letcombe villages, Childrey, Sparsholt, and Westcot, before taking the B4507 and the final ascent of Dragon Hill road, with everyone climbing at their own pace, with time to gather breath, and take in the fab views across the vale. Approx 16.8 km (10.5 miles) |
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Riders:Alison CorfieldBarry Gills Brian Hipwell Chas Boshell David Bridge Derek Boutle Des Higgs Glen Savegar Graeme Larson Jacquie Boshell Jane John John Rushton John Vandore Liz Smith Phil Clarke Robert Snook Susie Turnbull Riders = 17 Weather:Report:Another amazing turnout in the market place for this years ride. Sorry if I was unable to capture everyone on the riders list. We seemed to expand in numbers just before setting off, and lost several riding off the front of the group. Please do get in touch via the contacts page if your name is missing from the list !A nice straightforward ride, initially chilly and overcast, turning to blue skies and sunshine as we approached the White Horse. Well done to everyone for tackling Dragon Hill (many for the first time !). It's a good huff and puff at the best of times, but always rewarding ! A big thankyou to Des, David, and Brian for their help with the sweeping duties, and to Carin and the team for a magnificent job on the hill serving the minced pies and mulled wine ! Glen S | ||
Distance:16.90 km (10.50 mi) | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - 3* | 3* |
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Leader:Louis Hall |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry.The 3* ride will leave at about 9:55 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. |
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Riders:Andy PixtonDavid Ryan Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Maurice Bawden Nick Stokell Peter Cowan Richard Saunders Simon Payne Riders = 11 Weather:Report:Please find balanced scorecard for 2014 3* Mince Pie Ride.Turnout: outstanding. We had 60+ riders (too many to record by name), including a large contingent from Didcot. We split into one group of 40, which Louis led, and another group of 20, led by Katherine, who helpfully volunteered. Weather: above average. Mild for the time of year, moist start giving way to full sunshine and fantastic views from atop both hills. Mechanical reliability: abysmal. The A group had 4 mechanicals in less than 10 km. Fortunately, they were swept up by the B group. Following leader: poor. Group A left him behind. But there was some mitigation since they did listen to instructions and stop to regroup where planned and the leader was particularly slow today. Some riders on Group B chose their own route (much kudos to Jon and Karen Townsin for sweeping up those that were tempted to follow the off-roaders). Road surface: challenging. Wet, so we were pretty mucky by the time we got to The Hill, and potholed, as ever. KOM: Lee Gratton. What is more this was the first time he had climbed The Hill. Imagine what Lee will be like when he learns the route! *** Note for diary: same time next year | ||
Distance:42.00 km (26.10 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1969387" | ||
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Mince Pie Ride - Off-road | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:9:45 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry.The 2* off road ride will leave at about 9:55 (about the same time as the 3* ride) - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. We'll go first to Letcombe Regis, then up the road to Gramp's Hill to get warm. From the top, we turn West on the Ridgeway, following Britain's oldest road to the Uffington White Horse. After Mince Pies and Mulled Wine, we'll go back on the Ridgeway to the exciting Sparsholt Field descent. Then by road to Sparsholt and Childrey. From here there will be 3 options to finish the ride: 1. The Bridleway to E Challow, then road into Wantage. 2. Down to W Challow and the canal to N Wantage & Grove. 3. Down to the A417 then road to The Fox at Denchworth for lunch (for those who have booked). |
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Report:6 riders on the Off-road ride to the pies.We gathered as part of the large throng in the market place, and left at 10am out by the church. As the weather was a bit brooding, we opted for the path to Letcombe Regis. Then it was up the hill to Letcombe Bassett. At this point, the 3* road ride led by Katherine caught up with us and overtook (or so we thought). We turned left up even more hill : Gramp's Hill. We were surprised by being overtaken by 4 road riders, because the road stops at the top and there are only muddy tracks. But we cyclists sometimes ride up a hill to ride down it, so fair enough. However, it turned out that they were on the 3* ride and had followed us instead of their leader by mistake. We gave them rough directions "down the hill and turn left" and hoped they could rejoin. For us, at the top of the hill, the Ridgeway awaited. It was a bit sticky in places, but quite rideable and we made good progress to the A338 crossing. Here we met again with the 3* ride. And - we were glad to see that the 4 lost souls had been found. We persuaded one of the riders to take a picture of us. More Ridgeway followed. Stuart's chain broke in claggy mud going up hill. But, he fixed it in about 5 minutes, so not too bad. We arrived at the White Horse car park just before 11:30. After pies and mulled wine, we set off at about 12:00. Allen and Paul had planned a longer ride and headed south towards Lambourn. The other 4 of us retraced our steps (?) to Sparsholt Field where we enjoyed a long fast run down. Then it was road to Childrey, and down the hill to West Challow. Here I took the others to the canal, so they could head back to Wantage. I turned north and headed out to the Fox for a tasty and convivial meal. Mileage includes return to Wantage | ||
Distance:33.80 km (21.00 mi) | ||
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CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Just for a change, tonight's ride is cancelled (again). Excuse this week is the weather again, this time wet and windy. A good night to write those Christmas cards? |
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:I was the only one again tonight. Everyone seemed to have valid reasons why they couldn't make it, but even if it was due to the weather then that would be a very valid reason!The rain was not too bad, but the wind was strong and gusting, with the first 5 miles, including the climb, into the headwind. The rain made things interesting, but there was not enough of it to wash the claggy mud from the bike. Coming out of the Bridge of Doom with a bike laden with mud, up a muddy slope, and into a head wind was just a little too much for me, causing me to get off and push! Overall, a very enjoyable ride, even if it was hard work for much of it. If you've never tried riding in mud, glorious mud, I'd be happy to show you the way | ||
Distance:22.53 km (14.00 mi) | ||
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Turbo Session |
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Leader:Amanda Seddon |
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. |
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Easy Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Boreham |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Due to Christmas, we are running this month's easy ride a week earlier than usual. There will be no easy ride on the 20th December.Note 1pm start. This one, heading out to Denchworth, Goosey, towards Baulking but cutting south to Kingston Lisle. Then back via Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey and East Challow, to Wantage for a well earned tea stop. before returning to Grove. A distance of around 14 miles. Although, If the weather is iffy, a possible (and likely!) shortcut is on the cards! |
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Riders:Brian HipwellCarin Tranter David Bridge John Tranter Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Val Smith Riders = 8 Weather:Report:A very sound group of 8 riders for turned out to be a very pleasant ride. Nice bright sunny day with "accurate" weather forecasting (ie no clouds - no wind - should not rain for a few hours!) Ride leader had a shortcut up his sleeve should the weather have been unkind but never needed...Route included a steep hill up to Kingston Lisle, I confess it was a bit steep for a 1*, but this hill now has now been named "One Star Hill". All climbed OK. Ride leader subsequently, and correctly, brought to book for stretching the pace a little too fast. Must have been looking forward to the cake stop! Tea stop at "Madisons" in Wantage, found that now Bay Tree Café - no wonder I could not find a valid phone number for them! Very welcome, knowing we only had a couple of miles left... Nice "back route" avoiding main roads, out of Wantage, courtesy of John T. Thank you all for a lovely ride, and Merry Chrimbo! | ||
Distance:27.36 km (17.00 mi) | ||
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Winter Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:UPDATE - ride definitely on, there may be very light rain towards the end of the ride, but it looks like we'll get away with it!Quick but flat 3* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 40km each week. The ride usually maintains a solid 3* pace on the flat; we do not 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. Weather permitting, we'll be heading out to Uffington, Longcot and Pusey tonight - along the infamous "Tranter's Lane" Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. |
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Riders:Chris WaltersDavid Smith David Talboys Des Higgs John Tranter Peter Cowan Simon Payne Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather:Report:Amazingly, eight riders turned out. It was a bit nippy but not too bad. Tranter's Lane was safely negotiated, but the stretch from the railway bridge was very slippery, with a number of back wheels making their break for freedom. Nobody came off though.On cue, the rain started around Charney Bassett, albeit quite light. | ||
Distance:40.00 km (24.85 mi) | Ride Details:http://www.strava.com/activities/230073060/ | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1814979" | ||
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know.Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
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Report:We managed to nab a gap in the rain last night - it arrived bank on the forecast at 9pm, but we had got back by 8:30ish. I confess to feeling more sluggish than usual, but the threat of imminent precipitation kept me going!We went out along Crab Hill, which was passable but sticky and involved a few foot dabs to stay upright. Then up Goddards Brook and on to the Ridgeway. For a change we went down West Ginge Down (opposite Betterton) and after having picked up speed had a slightly nervous moment seeing another mountain biker coming up towards us and trying to figure out whether he/she was on the left or right. Then it was a short bit of road and up th track to Scutchhamer's knob. Along the Ridgeway (against the wind now) and down at Betterton. Then Lockinge, Lains Barn and back to Grove mostly by road. Not really wet or dry, or hot or cold. But certainly another despot in the bank of winter fitness retention. | ||
Distance:26.40 km (16.40 mi) | ||
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Turbo Session |
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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. |
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Regular Wantage Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Katherine Boyce |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:A ride down on the Thames plain to reduce the amount of climbing to a minimum. We'll go out via Kingston Bagpuize and stop for a late breakfast at Linch Hill Fishery. We'll then go round the top of Witney, through Minster Lovell and stop for lunch at Bampton.After lunch we'll return via Faringdon and Uffington. Although we will have the option to dash back to Wantage via Buckland should conditions require it. We will need to finish the ride by 3.30 as this is the shortest day but hopefully this will give everyone time for coffee in Costa on our return. With sunset being early, please ensure you have good quality lights with you. I will be checking the forecast regularly and will post here if the weather means the ride has to be cancelled. If there is nothing here by 8.30am on the morning of the ride it will be running. |
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Riders:Andy PixtonChris Rolls Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather:Report:Despite the weather forecast suggesting it wouldn't be too bad, it was a pretty miserable morning, not quite raining, more leaking from over full clouds, windy and cold. Despite that 8 of us set out from the market square, including first time rider with the club, Chris (hope to see you again Chris). A strong group meant we made good time to the first stop, freshly made bacon and / or egg rolls and small fry ups with mugs of tea or coffee awaited us and very welcome they were too. As we'd approach the Linch Hill Fishery for breakfast, we'd observed a deer running alongside us in an adjoining field and disturbed a heron sitting patiently at the roadside.Then back into the weather, we swept through some very pretty and atmospheric villages, before skirting the west of Witney. The increasingly undulating roads didn't stop us from making good time to the café at Bampton for a leisurely lunch stop. We emerged from the café to discover the drizzle had stopped and proceeded into the wind to Faringdon. Chirs W and David S did a heroic job of shielding us from the wind and I proceeded to lead from the back (there was almost a hill!). By the time we were on 'our side' of the A420, the sun was almost out and the views of the White Horse gradually emerged from the greyness. Having said goodbye to Nick at Windmill Hill, we made the Civic Hall car park well before 3. 5 of us went on to Costa for cake, I am convinced I consumed more calories than I expended on this ride . | ||
Distance:80.00 km (49.71 mi) | Ride Details:http://www.strava.com/activities/234085928 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/6600350" | ||
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CANCELLED - Winter Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:There's no sign of the wind dying down today, so tonight's ride of cancelled.Weather permitting, we're still planning to have next week's ride go ahead, so you can a) burn off all those mince pies and b) get in some exercise before addling your brain on New Year's Eve. Happy Christmas to all! |
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know.Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
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Report:A surprisingly warm evening - almost double digits, but very windy. But just two of us feeling the blast. We both felt in need of a bit of distance ahead of the SPAM Winter Challenge, but didn't feel like too much climbing.So we went up to the Ridgeway via Crab Hill and Goddards Brook. Then down Wetherdown and back up to Betterton. We then turned right and felt the wind pushing us along, riding it past Scutchamer's Knob to the fast, sweeping Harwell descent. Then we turned into the wind and it felt like the temperature dropped as well as our speed. We plugged West, over the Bridge of Doom, and struggled up the mud coated roots on the other side. Then Ardington, Crab Hill again and back to Grove. | ||
Distance:29.61 km (18.40 mi) | ||
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Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 2* |
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Leader:Glen Savegar |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Monthly afternoon ride, with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly, but might be a struggle for new or irregular riders in winter months.Fancy a break from the Christmas TV repeats and Quality Street tin? How about exploring the quiet lanes of the vale for a couple of hours, with an (optional) end of ride tea stop in Wantage? OMH, Denchworth, Charney Bassett, Hatford, Shellingford, Fernham, Uffington, Kingston Lisle, Westcot, Sparsholt, Childrey, Letcombe Bassett, Letcombe Regis, Wantage (Tea), OMH. A couple of hills, but taken at a pace to suit all, with time to pause and enjoy the surroundings. Decent lights are essential at this time of year, and may be required for the final few kms. Approx 24.5 miles (39.5 km). |
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Riders:Glen SavegarRichard Preece Steve Joyce Riders = 3 Weather:Report:Just the three of us today, but a fine couple of hours on the bike nonetheless !Starting off into a raw northerly wind accompanied by an icy shower, quickly replaced by winter sunshine with lovely views across the vale, and a good steady pace on very quiet lanes ! Not surprisingly none of us were too bothered about skipping the mandatory CTC tea stop, and more than happy to burn a few extra Christmas calories... Glen S | ||
Distance:39.50 km (24.54 mi) | ||
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Social Evening - starting 8pm |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:8:00 pm |
Start Location:The Fox, Denchworth |
Description:Come and join us for a pint and a natter - all welcome. |
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CANCELLED Winter Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:CANCELLED: Another cold evening with high humidity (no precipitation), so in all likelihood the roads will be slippy / icy, and yet again a cancellation seems to be the safest option.Pub evening still happening though - who can make it for a post-Christmas / pre-New Year nibble and a swift one? Aiming for 8pm.... Text me if you're coming. |
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. |
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Report:As there were only two of us tonight we started early, from The Fox at Denchworth. From there we took a bridleway (of sorts) across to the Grove Technology Park, then along to the route of the canal and up through Stockham. From there we went down side roads and paths into Wantage, and out the other side to pick up the track to Letcombe Regis.A climb up Gramps Hill took us to the Ridgeway, whereupon we headed westwards to beyond Sparsholt Firs and down the nice drop towards Westcot. From there it was the usual route (Westcot/Sparstholt/Childrey/Challow) back to The Fox at Denchworth for dinner and to meet up for the social evening. | ||
Distance:25.75 km (16.00 mi) | ||
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