Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Wed Apr 1st 2015

Turbo Session

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.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Portsmouth Riders = 4 Report:
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Sat Apr 4th 2015

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

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.
Riders: David Bridge David 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
Louis leads through East Garston Near Great Shefford Nearly at Farnborough
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/7365852"
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Tue Apr 7th 2015

Tuesday Evening 2* and 3* Rides Restart

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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Tue Apr 7th 2015

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

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.
Riders: Andy Belcher Andy 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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Tue Apr 7th 2015

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

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.
Riders: Barry Gills Chris 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
Nick leads Taking a breather at Southmoor Sunset at West Hanney
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4311455"
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Tue Apr 7th 2015

Tuesday Evening 4* Ride	4*

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.
Riders: Andy Cowan Frank Schroer Richard Saunders Simon Payne Riders = 4 Weather: 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 !

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.

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).

Tue Apr 7th 2015

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:
Distance: 38.62 km (24.00 mi)
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Sat Apr 11th 2015

Saturday Morning Novices Off-road Ride	2*

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).
Riders: Barry Gills David Talboys Karen Townsin Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Riders = 5 Weather: 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)
Off-road novices ride April 2015 - Just learned to keep tyre pressures low (30-40psi) Off-road novices ride April 2015 - Stay loose and look ahead!
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Sun Apr 12th 2015

The Harlequin Hack - 110km Audax	3*

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
Riders: Andy Pixton Barry 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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Tue Apr 14th 2015

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). 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!
Riders: Andy Belcher Barbara 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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Tue Apr 14th 2015

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

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.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris 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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Tue Apr 14th 2015

Tuesday Evening 4* Ride	4*

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.
Riders: Andy Cowan David 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.

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