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Past Rides

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Sat Oct 3rd 2015

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Nicole Pethybridge	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. The Lambourn Loop will be a regular paced 3* around the west side of the Vale. Heading out through Denchworth and making our way to Shrivenham before turning south to Bishopstone and then up over the ridgeway to Lambourn. A cafe stop in Lambourn at 26 miles (41.6km). After the cafe stop we need to rise over the ridgeway again towards Sparsholt and then a breeze back round via Denchworth to Grove. The two straightforward climbs will be taken at moderate pace to accommodate anyone who has been riding on the cusp of 3*and fancies finishing their season with a flourish. Total mileage 39miles (62.4km) Anticipated 1294 ft climbing (394m)
Riders: Andy Pixton Brian Hipwell David Smith John Groves Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lyn Taylor Maurice Bawden Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Roger Postbeschild Ursula Hallam Riders = 14 Weather: Report: We were blessed with what may be the last truly fine and warm Indian summer weather. Traffic had held up the Townsins so 12 set off to circumnavigate the Vale in an anticlockwise (ish) direction out through Denchworth and Charney Bassett. Turning towards Shellingford Karen and Jon managed to join us. We maintained a steady 15mph to Shrivenham. It then became just a little more lumpy but quiet and interesting to ride roads less frequently travelled. Through Asbury we were cheered on by Adrian where Richard stopped to have a chat with his dancing partner!!! (see 20th Sept report). We turned up Ashbury Hill and were then rewarded by the splendid run into Lambourn. Here 'the cafe' offered lots of soft seating and quickly delivered cakes and drinks -perfect. We said goodbye to Brian, Ursula and David who headed towards their respective homes and the remaining group went over the gallops and then down Seven Acre Hill, minus a few Wantage bound. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride and the banter as we kept up a neat little group all the way back through Sparsholt and Denchworth home. Thanks to all for a lovely afternoon -one to be repeated I think
Distance: 64.00 km (39.77 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10490751"
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Tue Oct 6th 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. Please check this entry before setting out in case I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley John Davies Riders = 3 Weather: Report:
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 7th 2015

Turbo Session

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 6:45 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 7th October and ends on 16th December. Nb. There will be no session on 4th November as the hall is unavailable. The hall is available from 6:30 to 8:30, but to accommodate those travelling from work we will start sessions at 7pm, so plenty of time to set up and warm up. Each session will and last for approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. 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: Adrian West David Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Jonty Ward Karen Townsin Maurice Bawden Nick Stokell Phil Ward Richard Preece Riders = 10 Report: A great turnout for the first turbo session of the year. Phil stayed on his rollers; Adrian's back tyre didn't quite spontaneously combust and Des didn't cool the rubber by doing 'what all good firemen would' . Thanks Des!!! Thanks to all for being so accommodating and kind about my first turbo session lead.
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Sun Oct 11th 2015

Newbury Series - Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: The Control Tower, Greenham Common
Description: DATE CHANGE! DATE CHANGE! DATE CHANGE! Many apologies but I have just discovered I have double booked myself and the original date for the ride coincides with me being lucky enough to go and see Wales v Australia at Twickenham. With John T being forced to cancel the Sunday ride this gives me an ideal opportunity to do both, hence the need to swap. My apologies for any inconvenience caused, but hopefully those who were planning to ride will still be able to do so. The final event of the Newbury series, this one is not to be missed. Come and enjoy some off-road fun on some of Berkshire's most beautiful tracks. The route starts at the Control Tower on the old Greenham Common airfield, where there is plenty of free parking. It follows some of the easy trails around the Common before dropping down and heading through Newbury along the canal. A meander through the Lambourn Valley and over the M4 to Chieveley follows, before the reward of lunch/coffee at Chieveley services. Post refreshment the route continues via Hermitage and Bucklebury Common to Thatcham and the final climb back to Greenham. There is nothing technical about the route, there are no great climbs, and anyone with knobbly tyres and some enthusiasm should be able to cope! The pace will be that of the slowest and I expect to take about 5 hours to complete the route. Any questions, just give me a call - 07875 456521. If you plan to ride please let me know if you can.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley John Davies Karen Townsin Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A total of 8 riders turned out on a glorious autumnal Sunday for the chance to enjoy the lanes of West Berkshire, the 7 names listed and a guest rider (Ray Wright) from Oxford CTC. For a while we experienced the unique situation of none of the riders having the same first name, but then Dave B arrived a little late and our normal complement of Daves was duly achieved. We set off around the tracks of Greenham, with Karen as our lone and very brave female keeping well to the front. Not that we would have lost her, considering the exuberant whooping noises emitted from the vicinity of her bicycle as we descended through the first part of the woods! After leaving the common the route followed the canal into Newbury, where we had our first puncture (Ray). The Daves took the chance to refuel with a giant pasty each, before we headed off towards the Lambourn valley. Karen suffered our second puncture a short while later, before Ray left us to return to the start having enjoyed the ride but not feeling quite up to the complete route. After a tricky crossing of a ploughed field, Dave Y suffered our third puncture, this one a slit in the sidewall caused by a flint and unable to be fixed by tubeless fluid or clever patch kit. We did manage to limp to Chievely Services, where a tube was fitted and the team refuelled on pasties and coffee. Robin had also left by this stage, needing to get home to fix a fridge and already a little later than he had planned. The second part of the ride was via Hermitage and up onto Bucklebury Common, where it all got a bit muddier. The remainder of the group soldiered on regardless, and after a glorious downhill to Thatcham and a nasty climb back up to Crookham Common finished the ride in about 5 1/2 hours. Considering off-road miles can sometime be seen as double road miles this was a commendable effort, particularly by Karen whose stoic determination to keep up was remarkable. All in all this was a great ride so thanks to all those who made the effort to support it, and I look forward to doing something similar again.
Distance: 59.60 km (37.03 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/6784799?privacy_code=jFX5K8Nbl7VBoJuq
The group on the K&A canal bridge near Thatcham
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10488826"
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Sun Oct 11th 2015

CANCELLED - Wye and Severn	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Gloucester
Description: We have decided to cancel this ride for the time being. We will add it to the calendar for the spring. An attempt to run the ride cancelled in July. Starting from Gloucester exploring the Wye and Severn valleys including the Forest of Dean, Tintern Abbey and a crossing of the iconic Severn Bridge. Parking will be at Castlemeads Car Park (£2 all day). Please note that Google has an error with the location of this car park if you search for it. It's actually on the A430 near the docks https://goo.gl/maps/WcuWP. We will head westwards adjacent to the A40 and then for a short distance on the A48 before heading on quieter roads into the Forest of Dean where we will stop for elevenses (Kaplan's Café in Coleford). This section is undulating with a couple of stiff climbs until we get into the Wye Valley. This glorious section of road runs adjacent to the river past Tintern Abbey to Chepstow. There's a long steady climb after the Abbey before dropping into Chepstow. Lunch will be taken at Chepstow Garden Centre which has a café, restaurant and outdoor seating in pleasant surroundings. After lunch we cross the Severn Bridge (hope you have a head for heights!) and return to Gloucester via the flatlands of the Severn valley. Option for an afternoon tea-break/ice cream at the canal-side Black Shed café near Slimbridge. Please note there are two short sections of towpath alongside the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal. The surface of the first is a little rough but road bikes will be fine. The total distance is about 125km (78 miles) but a large portion of it is completely flat with all the climbing early on. This is a touring ride so we won't be going flat out and there will be opportunities to stop and take pictures, take in the scenery etc. Please be confident that you will be able to ride the distance at an average 3* pace before attempting this ride.
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4925285"
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Tue Oct 13th 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. Please check this entry before setting out in case I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley John Davies Richard Pethybridge Riders = 4 Report:
Distance: 29.77 km (18.50 mi)
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Wed Oct 14th 2015

Turbo Session

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 6:45 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 7th October and ends on 16th December. Nb. There will be no session on 4th November as the hall is unavailable. The hall is available from 6:30 to 8:30, but to accommodate those travelling from work we will start sessions at 7pm, so plenty of time to set up and warm up. Each session will and last for approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. 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: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Froud Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Richard Preece Riders = 12 Report: A strong turnout of 12 riders raised the temperature in Old Mill Hall tonight with a 45 minute workout incorporating sprints, climbs and single leg stints. The single legs got the heart rates going the most not to mention the levels of confusion! Well done all and we can look forward to more next week courtesy of Phil Ward!
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Sat Oct 17th 2015

Easy Saturday afternoon awayday ride from Woodcote	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: Woodcote Village Green SU645822
Description: A gentle afternoon ride of about 16 miles through the Chiltern Beechwoods to enjoy the early autumn colours (weather permitting). Meet us at the small car park by the village hall on the village green in Woodcote (GR SU645822). We'll follow a figure of 8 route via Kidmore End and Checkendon with a refreshment stop by the Maharajah's Well at Stoke Row after about 11 miles. Some gradual ups and downs but no major hills. Please bring your camera and refreshments. Lights recommended (as it can be quite dark in the trees), although we should have finished well before sunset. If you fancy a longer ride, why not cycle out to join us? Please let Steve know you are planning to come (so that we know when everyone's arrived). Woodcote is about 35 minutes drive (20 miles) from Wantage via the A417 to Streatley, Goring and Crays Pond.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Ian Murray Judith Agnew Lorna Swanton Louise Moggach Maeve Moggach Marielle Moggach Mark Weston Martin Hook Phil Jeffery Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Or two tandems, a trailer and a puncture... Martin was riding yet another new machine, a Circe tandem with the smallest kiddy-cranks I have yet seen, for his stoker, the irrepressible Marielle. 12 riders was a good turn out for an awayday 1* ride. A warm welcome to Mark on his first ride and a welcome back to Ian. More to come...
Distance: 26.55 km (16.50 mi)
1* riders at the Maharajah's Well, Stoke Row, Oct15
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10729663"
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Sun Oct 18th 2015

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Monthly 80-100km (50-65 miles) all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, at a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable. This is the penultimate ride before the clocks go back, so thought we'd take advantage and do a ride with some hills. The fact that we will be visiting 2 of my favourite cafes is incidental . After ascending Chain Hill, we'll make our way to Café Roubaix at Thatcham for an early lunch / late coffee and a look over the bike bling. We'll then wiggle away around to Inkpen and the Coffee Shop & Bakery at the Crown and Garter for a late lunch / early tea. We'll then go through Kintbury, over the A4, passing through Great Shefford before climbing back up and over the Ridgeway and descending down Chain Hill. The ride will be run at 3* all day touring pace.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Smith David Talboys John Tranter Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Pam Stokell Ursula Hallam Riders = 12 Weather: Report: A pleasant mid October morning tempted 7 of us to meet at the Market Square for a trip into Berkshire and Hampshire starting with the climb up Chain Hill. Just past the Ridgeway Jon, Karen and Chris were waiting for us and just before we made East Ilsley we met up with David and Ursula. It was a great day for cycling, not too warm and clear views of the rolling countryside. Plenty of wildlife - deer, buzzards and kites. An uneventful ride to the first stop - Café Roubaix in Thatcham. Some took the opportunity for an early lunch, others the rather nice homemade cakes. No one was tempted by the bike bling despite the bike sale! John headed back to Wantage. Leaving, I forgot I was the ride leader and promptly missed the turning, Chris provided a detour that saved us trying to retrace our steps on the busy A4. We cleared Thatcham and popped over to Hampshire where immediately we were in to tiny hedged lanes and less tarmac. Before long we were at our second café stop - this very disappointing for those who waited nearly an hour for cheese sandwiches that in no way lived up to their description on the menu. Would suggest that the Inkpen Bakery is fine for tea stops but not lunch. We said goodbye to Karen and Jon at their front door and Chris at the top of his road. Ursula and David peeled off on the Newbury road for their return journey home. The remaining 6 of us eagerly climbed to the top of Chain Hill for a great descent. The memory of this mornings climb erased with a great sweeping return. We parted at the bottom all well satisfied. Despite the wide ranging cycling strengths and the undulating nature of the ride, we kept together well and it was a really friendly, good natured ride. Special mention goes to Joy on her first all day ride with the club, I am certain it won't be her last.
Distance: 95.20 km (59.15 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/415745941
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10594845"
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Mon Oct 19th 2015

CTC Wantage AGM

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:45 pm	Start Location: Challow and Childrey Cricket Club
Description: The CTC Wantage 2015 AGM will be held as follows: Logistics: Date - 19th October 2015 Time - 19.00 for food, 19:45 for business Location - Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill, East Challow, Wantage, OX12 9RR Food details: (thanks to all who have placed orders for the supper - orders have now closed) Agenda: 1. Open and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of 2014 AGM 3. Matters arising from 2014 AGM 4. Chairman's Report 5. Ride Secretary's Report 6. Treasurer's Report 7. CTC Oxfordshire Report 8. Publicity Report 9. Election of Committee Members for 2015-16 10. Motions for AGM Discussion 11. Presentation of Trophies 12. Close Nominations and Motions: Nominations are requested for the following Committee roles (please note that the existing incumbents are all presently nominated to stand again, but other nominations are welcome): Chairman (John Tranter) Treasurer (Richard Preece) Secretary (Nicole Pethybridge) Rides Secretary (John Talbot) Publicity (Steve Boreham) Development (Jon Townsin) General Member (Karen Townsin) General Member (Steve Swanton) Only one Motion has been submitted for discussion: “It is proposed that we remove the role of CTC Oxfordshire Liaison from the Wantage Committee. The need for this interface has reduced in recent years and it is felt that we have sufficient links in place for coordination of ride programmes, etc without demanding the time commitment of someone doing this role in a dedicated way”. It would be great to see as many of you as possible for what promises to be a great social evening, including the ever-popular club awards and a multimedia reflection of the years' activities!
Riders: Adrian West Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs John Talbot John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Maurice Bawden Michael Tayler Neil Warner Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Paul Jarvis Richard Preece Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 24 Report:
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Tue Oct 20th 2015

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. Please check this entry before setting out in case I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley John Davies Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A quite eventful ride - for John at least. He had 2 punctures before we started, and broke his chain near the end. But all were quickly fixed. It was great to have another dry night in October. We went out via Crab Hill and Goddards Brook, over the other side down Ice Valley and then back for a rapid run down Ginge descent and the bridge of doom.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 21st 2015

Turbo Session

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 6:45 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 7th October and ends on 16th December. Nb. There will be no session on 4th November as the hall is unavailable. The hall is available from 6:30 to 8:30, but to accommodate those travelling from work we will start sessions at 7pm, so plenty of time to set up and warm up. Each session will and last for approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. Planning approx 30 mins of resistance and climbing phases with additional warm up and wind down. Totaling under 55 mins. 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: Adrian West Amanda Seddon David Talboys Des Higgs Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 11 Report: An enthusiastic band of 11 riders tackled a session with some longer tempo sections and short bursts on a distinctly humid night. All made it through to the sticky end with aplomb with well judged efforts. Thanks folks, that was fun.
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Sat Oct 24th 2015

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Ursula Hallam	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 45-55km (30-40 miles) afternoon ride, with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Might be a struggle for new or irregular riders in winter months. Making the most of the last daylight savings time we will be riding out to Cogges Manor Farm in Witney for a tea stop. Out via Charney Basset and Aston, back via Stanton Harcourt and Southmoor. Expect the full distance ~55km but no hills to speak of.
Riders: Adrian West Andy Pixton Brian Hipwell David Bridge David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs John Tranter Katherine Boyce Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A hardy gang of ten on a distinctly autumnal day gathered in Grove. Setting off through Denchworth and Charney, we soon warmed up. With the women on the front, the pace quickened and with the fellas struggling to keep up, we had to be reined back to regular 2* pace. Sorry about that fellas . Enjoying the descent - down Buckland for a change - the route continued very pleasantly along Great Brook, through Aston and towards Ducklington. A few right and wrong wiggles saw us crossing the Windrush, with a bit of careful bike handling required on the designated back road/track. Despite appearances we did not land ourselves in a sandpit or quarry but back on the terra firma Tar Road to Cogges. Time for tea and cake! On returning to the bikes and discovering a puncture we were forced to take a slightly longer break. Despite the worsening drizzle, with the help of Dave T's fangtastics and Des's ferocious farm animal stories, we stayed entertained, and were soon homeward bound. The Stanton Harcourt and Northmoor lanes were relatively car-free and easy to navigate allowing for a steady pace and steady chatter. At the Appleton Road turn, the group split in two - those with evening plans scooting off to get home, and the rest of us following behind. Back in Grove just after 5pm, still daylight. This time tomorrow it will be dark . As always, thanks to everyone for turning out. The weather may have been grey but the autumn colours made up for it.
Distance: 60.00 km (37.28 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10905251"
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Tue Oct 27th 2015

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any 2. Please check this entry before setting out in case I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: David Yearley John Davies Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Three went to the pub. It was dry above although the ground was still wet. We went up Crab Hill and Lark Hill, then across to Manor Hill and up to the Ridgeway. That's a lot of hills, but at least we had done most of the climbing by this point! So it was west on The Ridgeway to Sparsholt Fields and a slightly more slippery and nadgery* descent down the chalky slope. From there, mostly road to the pub. 2 Seafood platters and one tagine. 2 beers and one cider. And all of it excellent!
Distance: 34.00 km (21.13 mi)
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Wed Oct 28th 2015

Turbo Session

Leader: Nick Stokell	Start Time: 6:45 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 7th October and ends on 16th December. Nb. There will be no session on 4th November as the hall is unavailable. The hall is available from 6:30 to 8:30, but to accommodate those travelling from work we will start sessions at 7pm, so plenty of time to set up and warm up. Each session will and last for approx. 45 mins to 1 hour. Please see the Turbo Sessions information page. There are some simple rules that we must abide by. Do not arrive at the sessions without reading these first.
Riders: Amanda Seddon David Talboys Des Higgs Karen Townsin Maurice Bawden Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 9 Report: Good turn out to a hard session of sprints and time trials accompanied by hits from the 70s and 80s. Well done everyone, especially Karen and Des who had already ridden out to Benson and back. Week off next Wednesday then back on 11th November.
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Wed Oct 28th 2015

RAF Benson	3*

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: N.B. For those who have confirmed they want to ride RAF security will need to see photo ID (Driving licence / Passport) or entry to the base will be prevented. This one off Wednesday ride is to visit RAF Benson and present the Air Ambulance service with a cheque from CTC Wantage, being the proceeds of this year's Blowingstone Audax organised by Nick Dunton. The 75km ride leaves Grove at 10.00 via Sutton Courtenay and Brookhampton with an early stop for lunch at The Waterfront Cafe before arriving at Benson at 13.00. The return route takes in Wallingford and Blewbury. We will be riding at 3* pace of between 20 - 24 Kph and aim to be back before dusk though lights should be fitted. N.B. I will need to advise RAF Benson of all visitors by Tuesday 20th October so please email me by then if you wish to be involved.
Riders: Adrian West Des Higgs John Groves John Talbot Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Richard Preece Riders = 7 Weather: Report: We were treated to a really pleasant days cycling with afternoon sunshine easing the last few kilometres. An evenly matched group of six riders made good time to arrive at the lunch stop at The Waterfront at Benson where John joined us for a well earned lunch break. The timing was absolutely perfect as we arrived at RAF Benson for our 13.00 rendezvous with the Thames Valley Air Ambulance - just in time to see the helicopter take off to go and attend to an accident ! So much for the photo opportunity and a chance to scramble over a new and shiny machine. After a tea and biscuits we heard the chopper was headed back so we piled outside - only to see it disappear once again over the horizon. Such is life. Undaunted we posed for a photo of the cheque presentation which of course was the 'raison d'être'. For those who could not make it today, Nick and David - there's always next year and the helicopter might even be there!
Distance: 80.00 km (49.71 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/10867252"
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Sat Oct 31st 2015

Halloween Ghost Trail	2*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 12:00 pm	Start Location: Burford
Description: NOTE :- start time change to midday. We will lunch at Aston Pottery as planned. I'm planning a gentle afternoon ride visiting the sites of some famous Oxfordshire hauntings. With stories to chill the bones! Starting from the Guildenford car park in Burford we will travel in a 60km anti-clockwise route through some of the most haunted locations in Oxfordshire. We will stop at several locations to hear the tales of murder, crime and tragedy and discover the resting places of the restless. Note the start time! We will stop for lunch at Aston Pottery after 16km. Possible tea-stop at the end in Burford. A reasonably flat ride with a couple of rises and very scenic through the Windrush Valley. I'm expecting this to take 3-4 hours so lights will be required for the latter stages. Fancy dress optional!
Riders: Adrian West Andy Pixton Chris Walters Des Higgs John Talbot John Tranter Katherine Boyce Maurice Bawden Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Note to self. Burford is stupidly busy at lunchtime on Saturday! After a slight delay whilst the leader found somewhere to park we had our first ghostly tale of the ride before setting off into what turned into a glorious autumn afternoon. We headed towards Bampton and as Aston Pottery refused to take a lunchtime group booking as they are busy at lunchtimes (isn't that the whole point of booking in advance?) we stopped in Bampton for lunch instead. This was quick and painless and we probably caught up the lost time here. Heading east we hit the lanes near Standlake which we followed to Stanton Harcourt for another spooky story and then one of my favourite lanes to Cogges and Witney. We negotiated Witney without any issues and headed to North Leigh where we heard the story of Lord and Lady Wilcote and went to look at their tomb in the church. The lumpy section of the ride was next. This corner of Oxfordshire is truly stunning, small quiet lanes, autumn colours in the sunshine, with some rolling terrain. Perfect cycling. The final stop of the ride was at the creepy ruins of Minster Lovell hall. If you've never visited I highly recommend it, look out for the White Lady whilst you are there! We avoided Blackstockings the Highwayman near Worsham and were soon back in Burford as planned just before sunset. A fab ride with fab company. A real highlight of my cycling year. Thanks to everyone for coming along and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did. Oh, and I sneakily did some Strava art as we rode round. We drew the outline of a ghost with arms outstretched to Burford and Wilcote and the head near Asthall Leigh
Distance: 67.90 km (42.19 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/423826276
lunch stop at Bampton with a young admirer! Ghostly tales on Halloween at Stanton Harcourt Ghostly tales on Halloween at Minster Lovell Helmet art for a Halloween ride, at Minster Lovell
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/9510415"
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Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information

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