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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 in the Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall in Grove on Wednesday evenings.The second block of 10 sessions begins on 14 January and ends on 1 April. Nb. There will be no session on 21 January or 4 March 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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Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
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.Lumpy ride via Foxhill, Lambourn, Great Shefford to Saddleback Farm Shop in Farnborough. Drop down Chain Hill at the end. |
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Riders:David BridgeDavid Talboys John Talbot Laura Pittard Louis Hall Phil Stubbings Richard Saunders Robin Tucker Riders = 8 Weather:Report:Rather cool and breezy to start, not the still 14°C we were promised!A decent turnout for Easter Saturday and a warm welcome to Laura riding with us for the first time. The run through the Vale was a warm up for the hills, sadly we lost Phil near Kingston Lisle with a dodgy mudguard, he turned back for Grove. The rest of us made it onto the springline road and a tailwind assisted run through Ashbury to Hinton Parva and the new for many Fox Hill climb. After regrouping at the top we had the roller coaster road to Bayworth, a nice steady ascent into the village before turning left and dropping down into Lambourn. Richard needed to head back to Wantage from here so the remaining six headed down the beautiful Lambourn Valley to Great Shefford and the steady rise to Farnborough and the wonderful Saddleback Farm Shop. It only seemed right to have toasted hot cross buns After the short ascent back to Farnborough we just had the drop down Chain Hill with a headwind to Wantage where Laura and David B headed home, the remaining riders continuing to Grove. A real fab ride with great company and ridden at a good 3* pace throughout. Well done everybody!! | ||
Distance:67.60 km (42.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/279122855 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7365852" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 2* and 3* Rides Restart |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Our popular Tuesday Evening cycle rides will start again on Tuesday 7th April through to September. There will be led rides of 15-40+ km, starting promptly at 18.30, from Old Mill Hall, Grove.We will have 2*, 3* and off-road rides each week to cater for all abilities. In addition, the Tuesday evening rides will include a 1* "10 Mile Club" starting on 21 April, offering relaxed and easy ride of about 10 miles at 10 mph to enjoy the countryside and get some exercise. This season we will continue our programme of 4* rides for those who wish to go even faster! We hope to run these every Tuesday in 2015. We have a lot of riders out on a Tuesday evening; please follow instructions from the rides leaders to ensure we get away promptly and safely. |
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Tuesday Evening 2* Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Andy Pixton |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly.Easy start to the season, mainly following the route of the recent White Horse Half-Marathon, deviating at the northern section to take in a brief tour of Southmoor. |
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Riders:Andy BelcherAndy Pixton Brian Hipwell Edith Hipwell Liz Buckle Maurice Bawden Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather:Report:A pleasant start to the Evening Rides season. A good size group set off together towards Southmoor on the outward bound leg of the recent White Horse Half-Marathon. The slow gentle climb to Southmoor stretched us out a bit, but once reassembled we enjoyed a seemingly unearned descent to Charney Bassett on the homeward leg. We got back to Grove on the stroke of 8:00pm with cobwebs blown off. Bring on the rest of the season! | ||
Distance:25.30 km (15.72 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/288715742 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7353971" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 3* Ride | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly.Keeping it simple for the first 3* of the season. A flat 30km loop towards Southmoor and back. Should be finished before 8pm. Sunset is at 19:50 so lights will be required. |
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Riders:Barry GillsChris Walters David Smith David Talboys Jane John Janet Charleston John Talbot Karen Froud Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Nick Dunton Susie Turnbull Ursula Hallam Riders = 13 Weather:Report:We couldn't have asked for a better start to the season, sunshine, no wind and pleasant temperatures. A perfect early spring evening.Thirteen riders tonight for the season opener, a simple flat route around the Vale to Southmoor. We were treated to a fantastic sunset towards the end and was finished before 8pm as planned. Thanks to Louis for sweeping and for everyone else for coming along! | ||
Distance:31.50 km (19.57 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/281072995 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4311455" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 4* Ride | 4* |
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Leader:Andy Cowan |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace in excess of 24km/h (15mph). May be hilly.Hooray,it must mean SPRING IS HERE!1st 4* of the season will start with a mixture; a hard push up Manor, but a quick few miles out to Great Shefford where we` ll swing right out to Lambourne before the grind up to Hackpen We`ll decide whether it`s straight back through the Letcombes or a slightly longer flat route back in via Denchworth.Hopefully we will have a few takers,if you are umming and arghing whether to come along,no-one will get dropped of course but a good chance to stretch your legs.As a guide I would imagine this route will averge16/16.5mph, Come and give us a try but bring your lights. |
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Report:With 2 climbs and the slog over the Downs to the top of Hackpen within a 28 mile ride, to end up with the slowest rider, me, averaging 17.5mph was just too fast.4* is new territory for the Club and a lot will depend on the ability of the riders who come on the rides of course but we need to have parameters and we need to provide the platform for other members to "progress". Discussions have been had and the first has been agreed that the rides, apart from safe, need to be sociable and I think that needs to be the guiding light not times on Strava! Still it`s early days.........! | ||
Distance:42.00 km (26.10 mi) | ||
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Written by : Paul Posted on : April 7, 2015 at 9:39 PM |
I wasn't able to make this ride but I'm in total agreement with our 4*leader ! We can have a quick but sociable ride catering for a wider range of riders ! . I for one enjoy a blast but Tuesday evening rides is not a race ! |
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Written by : Simon Payne Posted on : April 7, 2015 at 10:33 PM |
Andy do you think we should set a upper limit for when we are on the flat ? I think it's fine to let people go up hills and wait at the top of climbs. Like you have said we need to keep the rides sociable and not put off potential 3* rider's from making the transition if they so wish. Like you have said it's early days and also the rides will very depending upon the people present. I don't think strava is an issue more raining in the stronger riders so rider's stay together and don't get put off by being dropped. If speeds need to be reduced then the ride leader should have the right to chastise the guilty parties. You are right it's not a race and like all the other groups the club has the individual rider lvl's will still vary. Work in progress, I've taken on board your comments and think we can soon sort out a formula that will work. |
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Written by : John Talbot Posted on : April 13, 2015 at 1:59 PM |
Other than hills where people can pace themselves and wait at the top for the rest of the riders... off the front is off the ride ...the leader is no longer responsible to those riders for giving directions or checking that everything is OK. The leader should be setting the pace and the others should be following. The pace shouldn't be so fast that riders are being dropped and is adjusted according to the abilities of the group (and leader). |
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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Distance:38.62 km (24.00 mi) | ||
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Saturday Morning Novices Off-road Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:97 The Causeway, Steventon OX13 6SJ |
Description:The first of our monthly off-road rides for those who like their rides bumpy and (sometimes) muddy. This one will be a special introductory ride for novices to off-roading or those wishing to ease themselves gently into it.The ride will be in 3 parts: 1. Start at my house at Steventon with bike set-up and advice. 2. A 2-mile ‘instructional loop’ up Steventon Hill and back down (1* except a short hard hill). 3. A longer ride of about 10 miles with options to go up to the Ridgeway (2*), which will take about an hour-and-a-half. The terrain will be bumpy and probably muddy in places, so a mountain-bike in good condition and with knobbly tyres is recommended. Other Off-road rides will be on the second Saturday of each month at 10am from various locations including the Chilterns. They will be about 20 miles mostly off-road and aim to finish in time for a late lunch (whether together or heading for home). |
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Report:4 riders out for this on a fine but blustery day, 3 who ride mostly on the road but who had mountain bikes they wanted to use more, and Dave Talboys who is a regular.. We'd had a little shower earlier, just enough to "keep the dust down".We started with a few tips on bike setup, and the 'M check' to make sure you have no bits about to fall off. Then it was off for a 2 mile 'training loop' in which we covered: * Hill climbing technique * How to approach obstacles * Descending and 'staying loose' * Twisty singletrack and 'looking ahead' * Mud and roots and 'just riding across it' This showed that despite some initial worries, everyone was capable of riding up, down, around corners and over bumps. Excellent! So we set straight off on a longer 10 mile ride up to the Ridgeway and back. We rode back up the hill and south, using some of the skills just practiced. Then, after Haribo at East GInge it was the big climb (on which we met Allen S out on a longer ride) and enjoying the view at the top. Then along to Scutchamers' Knob ready to head downwards. The descent at Harwell gave us a good chance to practice staying loose and riding the bumps. It's a great descent and there were a good few whoops of joy on the way down! At the bottom, Dave discovered a flat and so we had a tube changing masterclass. Discussion of tyre pressures led to the discovery that Karen and Roger were running their tyres very hard. To see the effect, we let them down to about 35psi and they were amazed at how their bikes were transformed, suddenly behaving much better over the bumps. This was one of the 'top tips' from the day and I wished I'd covered it right at the start (next time I will). Dave had a second puncture, but we did get back at about lunch time, with everyone enjoying a second run down through Steventon Copse. All 3 new off-roaders had learned a lot and hopefully we'll see them off the road again and again. | ||
Distance:19.31 km (12.00 mi) | ||
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The Harlequin Hack - 110km Audax | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:Northmoor Village Hall |
Description:110km cycling event starting from Northmoor, W of Oxford. Controls at CHIPPING NORTON and UFFINGTON.A modest excursion into the Cotswold hills followed by a gentle wander through the watery lanes of the upper Thames, the Evenlode and the Windrush. This won't be a led ride but there's nothing stopping a group of CTC Wantage riders riding together! You must enter the event by 11th April. Note that audax can fill up before the cut off date so get your entry in as early as possible. Further Details and Entry |
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Riders:Andy PixtonBarry Gills Chris Walters David Smith Hugo Pile John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Ursula Hallam Riders = 13 Weather:Report:Excellent showing from CTC Wantage with thirteen entrants. As is usual with audax people formed into groups depending on pace. Some rode solo, some in pairs, some in larger groups.Several riders also extended their rides with rides to and from home. A chilly start but a lovely tailwind to Chippy. The hilliest section follows a usually brief stop at the leisure centre. A brutal headwind manifested itself near Yelford, Aston and Buckland. This turned the section to Fernham into a very hard slog. Uffington control came as very welcome relief for refuelling and a rest. The tailwind back to Northmoor was exceptional though, barely pedalling at times! Barry had a rear mech incident which meant he had to limp home towards the end of the ride on his now single speed bike! Well done everyone. It's a very friendly, well organised ride by the Harlequin Club and a lovely route to boot! | ||
Distance:108.30 km (67.29 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/283966659 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2200409" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 2* Ride | 2* |
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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). Not likely to be very hilly.Continuing the early season theme, this ride will be flat and fairly short. Out through Denchworth to West Hanney, then Lyford and Charney Bassett, down to Stanford in the Vale, finishing with the nice quiet Park Lane cut through back to Denchworth and home. A distance of 17 miles / 27km at a steady speed of around 12mph / 19kph. This should bring us back to Grove by 8pm at just about sunset. Lights essential! |
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Riders:Andy BelcherBarbara Lambers Bethany Tranter Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Des Higgs Edith Hipwell John Tranter Liz Buckle Maurice Bawden Roger Postbeschild Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 15 Weather:Report:Perfect weather. Cloudless sunshine, 20 degrees! Unsurprisingly, a big group gathered for the ride. All went according to plan, and we got back to Grove as the sun was setting.Thanks to everyone for a fun evening! | ||
Distance:27.36 km (17.00 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/4406403 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7457756" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 3* Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Nick Dunton |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly.Still early in the season, so just another 30km ride tonight but with the introduction of a few hills to stimulate summer leg-conditioning. Out via Lains Barn Lane, Lockinge, Ginge, East Hendred, Featherbed Lane [newly resurfaced!], Steventon, Hanneys, Denchworth, Grove. Lights required as we will almost certainly finish in the gloaming. |
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Riders:Andy PixtonChris Walters David Talboys Jane John Janet Charleston Nick Dunton Nicole Pethybridge Riders = 7 Weather:Report:Beautiful evening: warm, sunshine, not unkind wind [for a change]. Well-matched peloton. All went well until the crossing of the A338 at Hanney when Jane failed to unclip in time and toppled over, damaging her elbow. We decided a hospital visit was advisable, so help was summoned and Chris rode on to Grove returning with his car to store Jane’s bicycle. Once Jane was safely hospital-bound, the depleted peloton retuned to Grove in decidedly poor light. Hope you are back on the bike soon, Jane. | ||
Distance:31.00 km (19.26 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7396229 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7396229" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 4* Ride | 4* |
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Leader:Andy Cowan |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace in excess of 24km/h (15mph). May be hilly.Flat this week. Lains Barn, Rowstock, Steventon, Abindon, Marcham, Hanneys and Denchworth. As a guide I would expect we'll average 17/17.5 mph aiming to keep together as a tight group. |
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Riders:Andy CowanDavid Smith Jason Jones Peter Cowan Phil Stubbings Simon Payne Riders = 6 Weather:Report:Much better this week. We had a good co-operative group with everyone taking a turn on an altered route keeping tight together the whole way around a quick flat route with a surprisingly high 18.6 mph average, the benefit of group riding I suppose.Many thanks to Peter for the 2nd part and setting a good pace and to Simon for his self discipline! From a leaders perspective a great group to ride with, easy to control, thanks gents. | ||
Distance:38.95 km (24.20 mi) | ||
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Written by : Simon Payne Posted on : April 15, 2015 at 10:40 AM |
Was a nice ride thanks Andy , sadly over too early. But I guess was about right for the time of year and the daylight available to us. Average speed's I guess will always be route and group dependant. Good to see afew more rider's though. |
Tuesday Easier 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, this one will be an easier ride for people who would like to try off roading 10-12 miles.Knobbly tyres and get-you-home lights required. Call if you have any questions. |
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Riders:Alex PethybridgeBarry Gills David Brown David Yearley John Davies Karen Townsin Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Ursula Hallam Riders = 9 Weather:Report:What a glorious evening - warm and sunny. We had a record 9 riders, with 2 of Saturday's "novices" returning for a second helping.We started off along Crab Hill, which had dried out, apart from a couple of muddy puddles on the corner. Then it was cycle track to Lockinge and up the hill along Goddard's Brook. It was clear that everyone was happy to go up to the Ridgeway, so we continued up part 2 of the climb to the top. With such numbers and such weather, a brief photo-shoot was in order. Then, when I cautiously tested the concept of an extra descent there was no dissent, Karen cannily noted it really meant an extra climb. So we hammered it down 'Ice Valley', was was a little cooler. Then back up the farm track to Betterton cross. Then back west to the big grassy hill known as the 'Jolly Green Giant'. A few of the regulars decided they wanted to test their Strava times and so took a running start. Eventually we all took the plunge and whizzed down this fun hill. Then it was down again, along Goddard's Brook and back the way we came. All in all a great ride. It didn't end up being an 'easier' one I have to confess, but that's because everyone was up for more. Unfortunately my bike isn't up for more. I heard an odd creaking on the return to Grove. Inspecting it when I got home I found a crack at the top of the down tube. So I fear my Ti hardtail frame is a goner. It went out on a high not at least! | ||
Distance:25.75 km (16.00 mi) | ||
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Back On Your Bike Ride 2015 | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:2:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please Note 2pm Start time.Our Annual Spring Ride aimed at those who haven't been cycling much over the winter and want to get out on the bike again. Newcomers very welcome and its an opportunity for club members to bring family and friends. This will be a gentle ride of about 2 hours around the quiet lanes of the Vale of White Horse visiting the villages of Lyford, Charney Bassett, Stanford and Denchworth. We'll stop regularly to catch our breath and take in the views and we'll a stop by the shop in Stanford-in-the-Vale for refreshments (or ice creams) about 2/3rds of the way round. |
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Riders:Alistair BastinBarbara Lambers Ben Paine Brian Hipwell David Paine Edith Hipwell Ellie Paine Emma Gilbert Jody Plush John Quinn John Stamp Joy Arthur Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Richard Preece Sara Smith Sarah Dore Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 19 Weather:Report:A great turn-out of 19 riders for our annual Spring invitation ride, this year in welcome sunshine. 3 newcomers and a number of club riders back on their bikes. A warm welcome to Alistair, Jodie and John.Due to numbers we split into 2 groups with Edith kindly leading the second group a few hundred yards behind the first. Heading towards Lyford we found us working harder than usual into a stiff, north-easterly breeze. After a relaxed stop by Lyford church, it was great to have a tailwind to Charney Bassett and then on to Gainfield. The plan was just to have an ice-cream stop in Stanford but as we parked our bikes up, the owner of the Huddle cafe (which was closed) asked us if we would like to come in as they were still clearing up. How could we refuse? A very relaxed tea stop ensued, although a few riders set off ahead of the group as they needed to get back. The return from Stanford was harder than normal due to the wind, but all made it back and the smiling faces at the end reflected both enjoyment and achievement. Thanks everyone for you company on a thoroughly enjoyable ride. Thanks too, to Edith for co-leading and Brian for sweeping. | ||
Distance:25.43 km (15.80 mi) | ||
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Freewheeling Festival Ride | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:Abingdon Market Place |
Description:Abingdon are hosting their 6th Spring Cycle Festival. Start and finish in the Market Place amidst various festival stuff - bands, beer and coffee shops. Should be a grand day out, with tea and cakes at the halfway control.This is an audax event and you must enter beforehand (£6 if paying by PayPal). Enter Here More information about the Abingdon Cycle Festival. I will lead any CTC Wantage riders who wish to ride as a club ride. |
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Riders:Hugo PileJohn Talbot Riders = 2 Weather:Report:Clearly no interest from members in taking part in the festival ride with only Hugo joining me on this ride.A cool cloudy day and with just two of us we kept a good pace up throughout, no incidents on a very pleasant route through Oxfordshire. | ||
Distance:84.40 km (52.44 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/288428781 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7152766" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 2* Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Des Higgs |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly.Adding one little hill tonight, just to make it interesting. Out via the Letcombes, down through Childrey and back across the Vale. About 16 miles / 26km at 12mph / 19kph. |
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Riders:Andy BelcherBethany Tranter Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Caroline Talboys David Talboys Edith Hipwell Ian Howland Jacquie Boshell John Quinn John Tranter Joy Arthur Maurice Bawden Richard Preece Sarah Dore Steve Joyce Val Smith Riders = 17 Weather:Report:A very fine cycling evening, everyone coped with Holburn Hill. It was a very large group, so we split into two on all main roads. A big thank you to John and Richard for helping to keep things moving. My apologies to any rider that I did not get the chance to talk to. | ||
Distance:24.00 km (14.91 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7485351" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 3* Ride | 3* |
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Leader:John Talbot |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly.Hackpen Hill tonight. Out via the Letcombes, up the hill, down towards Lambourn, back up the Seven Barrows road, Down Blowingstone before a flat return via the Vale. Bring lights for the latter stages. |
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Riders:Andy ButcherAndy Pixton Chas Boshell Chris Walters Jenny Casey John Owen John Talbot Karen Froud Katherine Boyce Mike Cooke Phil Stubbings Phil Ward Roger Postbeschild Ursula Hallam Riders = 14 Weather:Report:What another fantastic evening!! Fifteen riders, two new riders and a few new to 3* as well.This is a beautiful route for a sunny warm(ish) evening with fine views from the top of Holburn Hill, Hackpen Hill and along the Seven Barrows Road. Excellent group riding from everyone meant we kept together well, just regrouping at the top of the hills and at strategic locations. We kept a decent pace up as well. Well done everyone for making it such an easy ride to lead and for your company. Thanks to Andy Pixton for sweeping. | ||
Distance:37.10 km (23.05 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/290002351 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7441470" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 4* Ride | 4* |
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Leader:Louis Hall |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace in excess of 24km/h (15mph). May be hilly.Mostly flat ride this evening - Goosey, Baulking, Woolstone - with just one bump, but it's a good one - West Dragon Hill! Then a few undulations - spring line road to Challow - before the run in back through the vale and a bit of a dash at the end. It's 37 km with 300m of climbing. We should be back before sunset, but if there is a puncture … please bring some lights. |
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Riders:David SmithFrank Schroer Louis Hall Nick Stokell Peter Cowan Simon Payne Riders = 6 Weather:Report:What a great evening for a ride. Glorious sunshine. Magnificent views in and then over the vale. Well matched group of riders, until we hit the slopes!We stayed as a tight group through to Woolstone, then spread out a bit going up West Dragon Hill, where we paused to enjoy the views. After descending the hill we pushed ourselves along the spring line road, with Simon setting the pace out in front. We paused at the cross roads with Eastmanton Lane. Shall we go the back way up to Hackpen? It's only 7:30, so yes. Another little climb. Another pause to admire the view. Another whooshing descent. We were back at OMH just a couple of minutes after sun set. 41 km horizontally and half a km vertically. What fun! | ||
Distance:41.00 km (25.48 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2970434" | ||
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10 Mile Club 1* | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:The first of our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides of the season, 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.Our first ride will be an out-and-back route via Denchworth to the village of Goosey with its large open green, a total distance of about 9 miles. It can be chilly in the evening shadows along the lanes in April, so an extra warm layer and gloves are recommended. |
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Report:A very pleasant start to our season of easy evening rides on a gloriously sunny evening. We were a select group of 5, who've all been regulars on 1* rides in previous years. Good to catch up with both Susans.After a gentle ride from Grove, we stopped briefly outside the Fox in Denchworth to check that everyone was ok and comfortable. We then continued passed Asti stud to Goosey, where we crossed the green and cycled down to the front of the church. There we stopped for a longer rest, a natter, few photos and to take in the views. The question "what should I do to check my bike now that I'm riding again?" was the perfect opportunity for a few spot checks. And finding some low tyre pressures, some quick pumping up too. As everyone was doing fine, we added an extra loop on the way back, continuing on to the Charney Bassett Road then turning back to North Denchworth. We were back in Grove as the sun was setting, just in time for two of us to order fish & chips from Darren's van. Thanks everyone for an enjoyable ride. | ||
Distance:17.70 km (11.00 mi) | ||
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Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride | 2* |
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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. |
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Report:A fairly gentle ride tonight on account of Richard and I 'tapering' for our forthcoming C2C ride this coming weekend, but still managed two climbs and two decents to/from the Ridgeway.John got a pucture in his rear tyre and we concluded that with six patches already, it was probably about time to invest in a new inner tube. | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
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Saturday afternoon ride from Grove | 2* |
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Leader:Des Higgs |
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.Denchworth, Goosey, Baulking, Longcot, Fresden(?) Coleshill (tea stop) Great Coxwell, Fernham, Shellingford, Gainfield, Charney Bassett, Denchworth, Grove. Probably something like the route below. 36 miles. |
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Riders:Bethany TranterChas Boshell Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Emma Gilbert Jody Plush John Talbot John Tranter Mavis Rose Nick Portsmouth Richard Preece Steve Swanton Riders = 13 Weather:Report:Written by John Talbot...Fab afternoon's riding. Weather was very kind after poor forecasts earlier in the week. A bit of a headwind heading through the Vale but excellent group riding by everyone kept us pretty much together throughout. Des managed to find a sneaky route across the A420 and a new road for me through Fresden, which I put a question mark next to as I couldn't find it on any map! Mind you, other than a signpost pointing to it you wouldn't know it existed, one manor house and a lodge appeared to be the entire village!! The short climb to the excellent tea-stop at Coleshill (another first for me) and sat outside in the sunshine enjoying ice creams, cakes and Mars bars (somebody had more than one Mars bar). And free tea and coffee refills! The climb up to Badbury Clump wasn't as long as I remembered, the 8% sign at the bottom is clearly a lie as the Garmins were showing 13% at the steepest point. Everyone did really well and climbed it strongly. The run back through the Coxwells, Fernham etc. had a helping tailwind and the pace was pretty high and we got back to Grove in good time, especially as it started raining just after I got home! Thanks Des for a very chilled and informative ride and to the other John T for sweeping. | ||
Distance:53.60 km (33.31 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/292291855 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7589226" | ||
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Newbury Mini Series - Le milieu | 3* |
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Leader:Ursula Hallam |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:Newbury - see below for details and directions |
Description:Ride #1 of a mini-series starting from the Newbury area and venturing south to areas outside the reach of regular Wantage rides. This first ride will be an all-day, middle-distance, relaxed 3*-paced ride.~90km, some hills and a lunch & coffee/tea stop. Starting just south of Newbury, we will head further south, hopping over Watership Down, through Ashley Warren and along the handsome lanes of Hampshire. Skirting round Winchester and avoiding the rickety roman road, the planned lunch stop is at the Fox and Hounds in Crawley. Returning via the beautiful Bourne valley, we will finish with a climb up to Ashmansworth, descent to East Woodhay and tea/coffee/icecream at the Yew Tree garden centre. Meet at The Chase National Trust Car Park (free), off Station Road, Woolton Hill. From the A34: Follow this route or directions below: Driving south past Newbury on the A34, leave at the A343 junction signed 'Highclere, Wash Common'. Turn left at the roundabout signed 'Newbury, Wash Common'. Then 2nd left, signed 'Enborne Row, East Woodhay, Ball Hall' and also for The Furze Bush Inn and The Yew Tree Garden Centre. On crossing under the A34, take the first left into Station Road. The car park is a short way down on the left-hand side. |
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Riders:Andy PixtonDavid Smith John Tranter Katherine Boyce Louis Hall Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather:Report:A cloudier and colder day than of late saw 8 of us donning our longs again for today’s ride. Louis and Nick, having ridden over from Wantage were warmed up and ready so it was just a matter of a photo-shoot for Katherine and her shopping basket before we were off.The Hampshire lanes were beautifully quiet, albeit slightly loose-stone-washed after the overnight rain, until a sudden pssst from Louis heralded our first puncture of the day. Several hands helped out while the rest of us pondered the challenge of the Watership Down climb ahead. Up and over the climb to the misty views, we were soon sailing down and through Ashley Warren where John became victim to puncture #2. Again, many hands made short work and we were soon on our way again. The ride to lunch along old roman roads and through pretty villages passed with no further incident. The Fox and Hounds at Crawley was both very welcome and very welcoming as we arrived exactly at opening time (the upside of those puncture delays). Lunch duly ordered, the boys instigated a ‘controlled experiment’ in the recovery potential of 1 pint beer vs. ½ pint beer vs. beer shandy vs. diet coke. After lunch, it was a little hard to get the legs working again. But the sight of some real cycle racing in the form of the Stockbridge Down Road Race passing us by, seemed to give us the inspiration we needed to tackle the Bourne valley and the couple of climbs towards home. Pausing only to admire the topiary in Ashmansworth and the marvellous views over the Kennet valley we whooshed down to East Woodhay where a tempting selection of cakes awaited us at the garden centre. Job done! Many thanks to everyone for a lovely days riding. And well done to Louis and Nick for making it a round trip from Wantage. It seems that the results of the controlled experiment were inconclusive! We will just have to do it all again | ||
Distance:95.00 km (59.03 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/4488302 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7209762" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 2* Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Adrian West |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly.This ride will be at the HIGH end of the grade but still within it. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. Leaving OMH we will head out to the Letcombes and then tackle Hackpen Hill. Do not be put off joining this ride! We will not be sprinting to the top or handing out any polka dot jerseys. We will however look at climbing in an efficient and comfortable way, so hopefully in the future you can look on hills as a challenge rather than dreading them. Those who can climb with ease can go for the King of The Mountains if they wish and those who would like to learn how to make climbing more pleasant, can join me up the hill with tips on taking the pain out of ascending. Once we're at the top we will head down to Sparsholt and Goosey making our way to the pub stop at the Fox at Denchworth. I plan on leaving my car at the pub and ending the ride there. If you don't want to stop at the pub you can make your own way back to Grove or join other riders as they make their way back. If you would prefer to have the ride leader escort you back to Old Mill Hall, please let me know in advance so I can park there and make my way back after the pub stop. This will be a very enjoyable ride with a very friendly and enjoyable social evening at the end so please come along, it will be fun |
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Riders:Adrian WestBethany Tranter Carin Tranter Caroline Talboys David Talboys Des Higgs Ian Howland John Tranter Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Maurice Bawden Richard Pethybridge Steve Joyce Riders = 13 Weather:Report:It's been a long while since I lead a ride and it was nice to see so many attend, I hope all enjoyed it.The riders split into 2 groups straight away for less impact on impatient drivers, but alas the second group still encountered one so I heard. The ride was at the upper end of speed and ability for a 2* crossing the boundary into an easy 3* ride nicely at times even with a strong headwind. The plan to help riders up Hackpen Hill didn't happen as the group as a whole were strong climbers with the ride leader being probably the weakest/ heaviest. Some riders cut out the hill and met us near Childrey where we re-grouped and made our way to Denchworth for the monthly pub stop at the Fox to drink and make merry. | ||
Distance:28.10 km (17.46 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/294339280 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7550716" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 3* Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Chris Walters |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly.This ride will be at the HIGH end of the grade but still within it. 40km ride that has one minor hill of note from Uffington up to the spring line road. Therefore we'll be trying to maintain a good cruise speed for the rest of the ride. The ride will finish at the Fox, Denchworth for our monthly social evening - don't forget lights for the end of the ride and the ride back from the pub. |
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Riders:Chris WaltersJohn Owen Karen Froud Katherine Boyce Mike Cooke Nick Dunton Ursula Hallam Riders = 7 Weather:Report:An excellent group this evening, preparing for next week's easy 4*. We mixed up the evening by doing a few drills for riding close to one another on the way out to Uffington, and then rode up to and along the spring line in normal fashion.Afterwards, we descended down through Compton Beauchamp, before a spirited section of "through and off", reaching 35 km/h as a team with relative ease. By the time we'd reached Fernham, the rhythm and smoothness of the team was in great shape. All that remained was a good-paced bunch through the Vale back to Denchworth for a natter and noggin. Well done to everyone for your efforts - 4* beckons! | ||
Distance:40.10 km (24.92 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/294355855 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7593903" | ||
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Tuesday Evening 4* Ride | 4* |
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Leader:David Smith |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace in excess of 24km/h (15mph). May be hilly.Straight forward route out to Ashbury and back along the spring line to West Challow and then Denchworth. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. Your leader will be stopping at the Fox so you may have to make your way back to Grove unguided. |
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Report:Quite a gusty wind out to Ashbury but the group kept together well and we made good time to the junction with the spring line road.From there the usual roller coaster ride along the spring line saw the group stretch out a bit but still work as a team. Eventually we got to the turning for West Challow and back to well deserved refreshments in the Fox. Thanks to everyone for coming along and particularly to Simon for sharing the load on the way out to Ashbury. | ||
Distance:45.20 km (28.09 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/4518847 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7551727" | ||
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10 Mile Club 1* | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Boreham |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description: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 ride at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to take in the views and anything that takes our interest.Tonight, we head out via Denchworth, on to Lyford, round to West Hanney, before curling back to Denchworth. Optional stop at The Fox in Denchworth at the end of the ride. **Lights recommended, especially if stopping at The Fox |
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Riders:Barbara LambersBen Paine David Paine Ellie Paine John Stamp Nicole Pethybridge Sarah Dore Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather:Report:Nice smooth ride in the end. ie, as ride leader I fell foul of heavy traffic, which delayed my arrival. Rang Steve S, who kindly stepped in to do the preliminaries (and would have led if I had not arrived!) Thanks to Steve for this.Took over as leader (arrived just in time for the ride!). Started out as five of us but met up with Barbara and family at Denchworth, as they were doing the "extra short 1* - ie start and finish at the pub! (Some people have all the good ideas..) Weather was kind almost all round - no rain and lots of sunshine - so no complaints at all. However, the need to keep moving was suggested - to avoid getting too cold, plus the pub was beckoning!! 7 out of the 9 stopped at the pub, (with John and Sarah heading straight back to Grove) for booze, food and a good chinwag. Thanks to all for a lovely relaxed ride, and a note to thank Nicole who was "tasting" her first 1* with view to leading in the future. | ||
Distance:17.70 km (11.00 mi) | ||
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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:Tonight's ride was a fairly straightforward route: Out from Old Mill Hall to Challow via the canal, then up to the top of Windmill Hill. From there we took the single track drop down into Letcombe Regis before proceeding along the road to Letcombe Bassett. The climb up Gramps Hill seemed strangely short for those of us who had just completed the coast to coast off road ride, and so it took us nicely onto the Ridgeway. From there we headed westwards, beyond the Sparsholt Firs and down the Sparsholt Field downhill track for a bit of speed and fun. From there it was mostly road to Denchworth and a rendezvous with the rest of tonight's CTC riders in The Fox. | ||
Distance:28.00 km (17.40 mi) | ||
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