Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Dec 1st 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 Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Two new riders tonight, Nick and Rob, so we showed them some of our commonly-used trails to see if they liked them. The run out via Crab Hill is a bit wet and slippery now. Certainly still passable, but I think all of has a 'moment'. Then it was up to the Ridgeway in a couple of stages via Goddards Brook. On the top we could feel the wind. Our eastbound journey on top of the Ridgeway was eased by this. We came down on the corner of Harwell campus, a fast run down. It was clear from the whoops that everyone enjoyed this! Then it was back to Wantage through Ginge and Lockinge. At Watnage we parted ways with 3 going into Wantage, and Richard and I taking on Crab Hill once more.
Distance: 24.78 km (15.40 mi)
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Written by : Rob&nick

Posted on : January 3, 2016 at 4:08 PM

We really Joyed this ride will be returning Mid January

Tue Dec 1st 2015

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 30-40km each week. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold.
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Tony Clark Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A blustery but great ride through the vale to Faringdon to see the Christmas lights. No issues or mishaps with a bunch of happy cyclists.
Distance: 40.00 km (24.85 mi)
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Wed Dec 2nd 2015

Turbo Session

Leader: Katherine Boyce	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 David Talboys Des Higgs Jonty Ward Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 9 Report:
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Fri Dec 4th 2015

Wantage Dickensian Evening

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:00 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: This is a well established local event, held this year on the evening of Friday 4th December. Fortunately, the origin of the bicycle fits nicely into this historical era, so we thought we would hire a stall and have a presence there. This is part of what we talked about at the AGM, a way of making ourselves more visible in the community and particularly to non-cyclists. Update 1/12: Our stall will be in the Market Place near to Cargo. We'll have a penny farthing on display, a turbo trainer to have a go on as well as information about the club, cycling and CTC. A good mix of people have volunteered to help so please come and say hello if you are in town for the event. If you are driving in from outside, please be aware that the whole market Place and Mill Street will be closed and you may need to park a little way out to find a space.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Des Higgs Jasmine Talbot John Talbot John Tranter Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Mila Yearley Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Weather: Report: This was the first time we had taken up a stall at the Dickensian Evening. It was a lovely dry Winter evening and estimates put the numbers attending at about 3000. We spoke to a lot of people (especially Barbara and Joy) and added a few to our email distribution list. The biggest attraction was the Penny farthing that Mike Coleman of the Veteran CC brought along to display for us. Many stopped to have a look at it, giving opportunities for some interesting chats. Steve was even called on to talk about it in a live interview on BBC Radio Oxford! The continual loop of photos from club rides being shown on a laptop also caught the eye, providing another talking point. The idea of have a try a turbo, wasn't so successful due to lack of space. Thanks to everyone who helped on the evening, to Karen and Jon for lending their marquee and turbo, and particularly to Mike Coleman for displaying his Penny Farthing. Overall it was an enjoyable event to be involved with, a good opportunity to a promote the club and we learnt a lot about doing it for future years.
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Sat Dec 5th 2015

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	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. RIDE IS ON but will be shorter WEATHER WARNING: as of Thursday night there are varying predictions on the weather for Saturday including 40mph winds. I will be keeping an eye on the weather and will decide before 11am on Saturday morning if the ride is to be cancelled. Fingers crossed for yr.no being right and the BBC weather prediction wrong NB route has been slightly amended as it plotted a bridleway instead of a road (3 December) With this being a December ride, you MUST bring lights with you. We're going over to Coleshill via Charney Bassett, Fernham and the 2 Coxwells. We'll then pick up a quite road back to Watchfield, skirt Longcott and stop for tea and cake at the rather marvellous pop-up café in Uffington Village Hall. All being well, we will be back in Grove well before twilight ends about 4.30. The ride is about 50km with some moderate climbs.
Riders: Chris Walters Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Riders = 3 Weather: Report: With the Mince Pie Ride the next day, there was always going to be a low turnout for this ride. With storm Desmond blowing away, I did wonder if anyone else would turn out. It was nice to see two others willing to battle the weather. And I was extremely pleased that Chris and Nick were very willing to take the brunt of the wind for me. And when I couldn't keep up their pace for them to drop to my pace. The crosswind was interesting until we turned towards Hatford when we encountered the full force of the headwind. And what a wind. It was just a slog until we turned towards Woolstone and suddenly the cross wind seemed a treat! Then suddenly a slight turn in the road and the wind was on our back and we were bowling along . Into Uffington and a quiet looking village hall where the pop up cafe is - it was closed due to illness. So we decided we'd move on to Cornerstones in Grove. We reached Grove in record time. The Baulking stretch in particular was a joy. Chris waited quite a while for Nick and I as we pottered along enjoying the helping wind. Good thing we were quick as we reached the cafe with just 20 minutes before they closed. They kindly stayed open a bit longer allowing us to drink up in peace.
Distance: 40.50 km (25.17 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11186014"
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Sun Dec 6th 2015

Annual Mince Pie Ride to White Horse Hill

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity. Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 9:45 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1, 2 and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards the rides will continue for an optional pub lunch. There will also be a ride directly back to Wantage. Car parking: If driving in to join rides from Wantage, there is free car parking in the Portway car park (by the Beacon, the former Civic hall) on Sundays, OX12 9BU. See http://beaconwantage.co.uk/contact and scroll to bottom of page for map.
Riders: Carin Tranter John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Mandy Wassell Steve Boreham Riders = 6 Report: Another great success for CTC Wantage. We had about 130 riders from many local cycling clubs join us on Uffington White Horse Hill for mulled wine and mince pies. The ingredients were generously donated by our members - thanks to all for that. The wine was expertly mulled by Jon and Karen Townsin based on Carin's famed recipe. We raised nearly £500 for the Whizz Kidz charity - again, thanks to everyone for such generous donating.
the sea of lycra on White Horse Hill! the sea of lycra on White Horse Hill! Many thanks to the catering crew (MPR 2015) the sea of lycra on White Horse Hill!
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Sun Dec 6th 2015

Mince Pie Ride - Off-road	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry. The 2* off road ride will leave at about 9:55 (about the same time as the 3* ride) - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. You can also contact me on: robin.tucker1@yahoo.co.uk The route is fairly straightforward - it's up to The Ridgeway and then west to the White Horse. But the terrain is slippery when wet and can get a bit claggy. So good knobblies are best!
Riders: John Davies Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Weather: Report: Another great Mince Pie Ride - we had huge numbers of people in Wantage Market Place for the start. 5 of us doing the off-road ride: 2 regulars and 3 newcomers: Donae, Kevin and Matt. We left Wantage through a back route to Letcombe Bassett. Then it was up to Letcombe Regis and the biggest climb of the day up Gramps Hill to the Ridgeway. This is a tough one, and there was some walking involved. Turning right, we were then heading straight into the wind for the next 5 or 6 miles. The Ridgeway undulated up and down, the surfaces were pretty good, but the wind... Eventually we made it to the Mulled Wine and Mince Pies at White Horse car park. There were a lot of cyclists around, but still plenty of provisions. After 20 minutes of tucking in it was time to return. Unfortunately the first part of the return journey is a climb up a steep and chalky slope behind the hill fort. I can't say that this was a crowd-pleaser. Nor was the next climb. But the good news is that this was it for the climbing and we enjoyed a whizz down Sparsholt Field track and then picked up the road to Children, with a well-earned tail wind. I saw the others off at Childrey, on to the bridleway back to Wantage. Then turned north and headed to the Fox and a wonderful Christmas feast! Distance was 9 miles out, and 9 miles to the Fox (about the same back to Wantage for the others).
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
Made it! Off-roaders arrive at the meet (MPR 2015)
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Sun Dec 6th 2015

Mince Pie Ride - 2*	2*

Leader: Louis Hall	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry. The 2* ride will leave at about 10:00 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine.
Riders: Adrian West Amanda Seddon Audrey Hellar Brian Hipwell Constance Gicquel David Bridge David Wynn (deceased) Des Higgs Lisa Ryan Louis Hall Martin Casey Nick Fisher Nick Portsmouth Pauline Casey Richard Kidd Ruth Fisher Riders = 16 Weather: Report: A heterogeneous group of 20, well just over 20 if you count Ruth and Nick Fisher's two little ones in Nick's trailer, set off from the Market Place, which was warm and nicely sheltered. We quickly encountered strong headwinds, which broke the group up a bit. David Bridge did a splendid job as sweeper. After the first hill out of Letcombe our numbers were reduced as some riders could not resist the challenge of Hackpen while others asserted pressing bar keeping duties dispensing mulled wine. Our route through the little villages was actually quite well sheltered and then after Uffington we came to the hill, which each of us took at our own pace. The return journey was more fragmented as riders took different options, but quick - with a roaring tail wind. Jack Frost was not missed.
Distance: 35.00 km (21.75 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3748577"
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Sun Dec 6th 2015

Mince Pie Ride - 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:15 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry. The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at about 10:15 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. The 1* ride will follow the most direct route (about 8 miles) along the foot of the Downs through East Challow on to Childrey (via the track and bridleway), Sparsholt, Westcot and Kingston Lisle. Everyone will be able to have a go cycling over Dragon Hill. Even if you get off and push, it's worth it for the fantastic views over the Manger and the Vale below. We'll drop down into the main NT car park to join the other groups for mince pies and mulled wine. There will be a led ride retracing our tyre tracks back to Wantage after the meet.
Riders: Andy Belcher Barbara Lambers Ben Paine Ellie Paine Graeme Larson Ian Murray Karl Blake Peter Hallowell Ros Hallowell Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Tony Clark Riders = 12 Weather: Report: A small but relatively strong 1* group of 8 set off last from the Market Place. Despite the headwind, we made good progress and arrived in Childrey about 10 minutes earlier than I’d expected. After a short pause to await Barbara, Ellie and Ben, during which we were passed by the 2* ride, we continued along the more sheltered lanes through Sparsholt and Westcot. Then, as we joined the foot-of-the-downs road, we met Ian Murray, swelling our numbers to 12. We tackled the ups and downs, along the B4507 each at our own pace regrouping several times before reaching the big one. We arrived at the foot of Dragon Hill at the same time as both the 2* and 3* groups, climbing from Uffington, and the Oxford group caught some of us on the climb too; it was a great sight to see the mass of cyclists climbing the hill. I was pleasantly surprised to find we were reasonably sheltered from the wind on the climb, making it easier than feared. Well done to everyone on the climb and special congratulations to Ben and Ellie who both cycled all the way up. After regrouping at the top to admire the view, we continued down to the NT car park to join the throng. The mulled wine was excellent again this year and as always there was a warm, convivial atmosphere. Good to catch up with a few friends from the other groups and the other rides. The 1* group split for the return journey with half dropping into the vale to cycle directly to the Fox (or home), while I led a group of 6 riders back to Wantage and Grove. With the wind behind us, the return trip was much easier. I picked up Lorna in Grove and we continued to the Fox, to what proved to be an excellent lunch, arriving just as it started to rain. (Given that the tail of Storm Desmond had passed overnight, we were incredibly fortunate with the weather!) A big thank you to Karen and Jon Townsin, and their helpers, for the excellent catering and thanks too to John Tranter for organising the lunch. It was good to see Peter and Ros on their annual ride with Wantage, Stephanie too who had targeted the MPR as a goal after surgery in September, and welcome back to Graeme, hope we’ll see you again on some rides in 2016.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
Market Place thronged with cyclists awaiting the start of the 2015 Mince Pie Ride Phil leading off the 3* ride Louis briefing the 2* riders (MPR 2015) 1* riders gathering for the off (MPR 2015) The 3* ride passed us at the bottom of the hill James Dawton leading the Oxford group up the hill (MPR 2015) "Prof" Daisy Green pushing for the top (MPR 2015) Ellie amongst the Oxford riders (MPR 2015) The final push (MPR 2015) Made it! Well done Ben. (MPR 2015) We soon joined the convivial throng (MPR 2015) Ready to ride back to Wantage (MPR 2015)
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Sun Dec 6th 2015

Mince Pie Ride - 3*	3*

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry. The 3* ride will leave at about 9:55 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine.
Riders: Andy Butcher David Talboys Frank Schroer Iain Kent John Groves Joy Arthur Matt Chambers Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Pam Stokell Peter Brodie Peter Cowan Phil Ward Richard Pethybridge Richard Saunders Simon Payne Vicky Lawson Riders = 17 Weather: Report: The mass exodus from Wantage proved uneventful thankfully, and the substantial whilst disparate group untangled itself once the first gradients were encountered after the Letcombes. Racier club types were off the leash and a consolidation of smaller groups behind ensued. Block headwind ascents of Hackpen and Dragon Hill were found to be distinctly challenging to those familiar with them and it was with relief that we entered the comparative oasis of calm, aka National Trust Car Park and site of most welcome refreshments. Chilling in the lighter winds was however a stimulus to get going soon, again in revised formations - my apologies if anybody missed this departure. Cashing in on the tailwind section, we sped effortlessly back via Denchworth for those partaking of lunch, whilst riders were dropped off progressively through Grove and Wantage. Thanks to all for staying upright, calm & safe in some testing conditions. Please let me know if I've not marked you as riding, in error - believe me, it was somewhat chaotic.
Distance: 42.00 km (26.10 mi)
3* riders setting off (MPR 2015)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/1969387"
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Tue Dec 8th 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: Allen Stacey David Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Great to see Allen out again after an injury-induced absence. We went out Crab Hill (slippery) up Lark Hill (not too bad) and up to the Ridgeway. Then down 'Gamekeepers' opposite Betterton, and back up to Scutchamers Knob. Turning against the wind, we battled to the Betterton which was a great fun run down. Then back, via the cycle paths rather than mucky Crab Hill again.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Tue Dec 8th 2015

Winter Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Adrian West	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 30-40km each week. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Tonight we will head south and east to circle around Didcot power station and then head back to Grove via the Steventon Road. Hardly any hills to speak of with just a little undulation near the start of the ride. Roughly 39km. If we need for whatever reason, we can cut the ride short and miss out the power station bringing the distance down to 30km. We will be sticking to a comfortable 2* pace
Riders: Adrian West Chris Walters David Talboys Des Higgs Riders = 4 Weather: Report: An interesting route under a star lit sky. Blustery in places but nothing major. No incidents and we rode at a good 2* pace. Chris left for home by the power station and the rest of us meandered leisurely back to Grove. Another nice ride.
Distance: 40.00 km (24.85 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11405771"
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Wed Dec 9th 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 Jason Jones Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 10 Report: The usual suspects plus Jason for the first time enjoyed a sweaty hills session!
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Written by : Phil Ward

Posted on : December 10, 2015 at 9:20 AM

You know what a sucker I am for data, well, over the course of an hour or so, the turbo training group are reproducibly raising the temperature of the room by 2 Celsius (and that's with windows and doors open).

Sat Dec 12th 2015

Easy Saturday Morning ride from Grove - CANCELLED	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social afternoon rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. Regrettably, this morning's ride is CANCELLED due to the inclement weather forecast. Note a week earlier in December than our usual 3rd Saturday, and also the change in start time. I'm proposing to move the ride to a morning slot so that we can try out the new Coffee Corner in Childrey, which shuts at 12:30. We'll take a loop around the vale visiting West Hanney, Charney Bassett and Goosey before the gentle climb up to Childrey. We'll return via the metalled bridleway and track to East Challow, enjoy the descent of the Portway to Ham Road and return to Old Mill Hall using some of the off-road cycle routes through Wantage and Grove. Round trip nearly 18 miles, back in Wantage about 1pm.
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11382191"
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Tue Dec 15th 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 Riders = 2 Report:
Distance: 35.00 km (21.75 mi)
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Tue Dec 15th 2015

Winter Evening Ride and Drink Down The Pub	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Flat 2* ride in the Vale for 1.5 to 2 hours covering around 30-40km each week. We will not ride as fast as 3* pace, nor will we tackle hills. Will not run if icy, very windy or wet - check the website for cancellation by mid-day on the day of the ride. Good lights capable of lasting the full ride are essential, as is suitable clothing to deal with the cold. Route to be confirmed - We will be having a Christmas drink at the Bay Tree in Grove after the ride (a short walk from Old Mill Hall). All are welcome to attend. This is the last Winter Evening Ride until we start again in the New Year - TBC.
Riders: Adrian West David Bridge Des Higgs Joy Arthur Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Last ride before Christmas with a drink after down the pub.
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Wed Dec 16th 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 with a festive variant ! 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 Charlotte Ward Des Higgs Jon Townsin Jonty Ward Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 12 Report: A rumbustious final session of a very successful Autumn series (Plaudits to Karen T for organising it so effectively) saw us taking on an adventurous virtual romp through Yorkshire loosely following the 3 Peaks CX race route. Excellent commitment shown by all on a sizzling December evening (my Garmin settled on 20 Celcius by the end). Many thanks to Jonty also for a great technical save when the music and training profile became disconnected. I'm hoping to see our training levels maintained into the new year as a further series of turbo sessions are booked and the new rides program is unveiled in due course. The evening came to a sociable close with fruit punch, cheese nibbles and mince pies - well, we felt we had earned them!
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Sun Dec 20th 2015

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Nearly the shortest day, so only 74 km but bring lights as we will almost certainly finish in the gloom. Hilly first half with some small, muddy lanes; second half is flatter on larger roads. Out over Chain Hill, though to Isleys to Four Points, then down Streatley Hill [optional coffee stop in Streatley, c. 30km]. Then through minor lanes to Ipsden. Climb again to Nuffield and then the brilliant descent of Brixton Hill. Lunch in Catherine’s Café, Wallingford @ 53km. Then home through Didcot, Harwell and the A417 [I may vary the route home for a little extra mileage, depending on group composition, timing, weather, etc.]
Riders: Andy Pixton Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Phil Ward Riders = 5 Weather: Report: We were favoured with a mild, if windy, day – more like late March than December – with one light shower after lunch. We made good time to Streatley where we stopped for coffee at the excellent Boat House Cafe: recommended. Katherine made us all jealous of her VeloCulture inner-tube phone case - immediately added to my list for Santa. I entertained the group by elegantly toppling on to the grass verge at the top of the climb out of Goring. The lanes then became progressively muddier culminating in a real horror on Garson’s Hill where Andy punctured. I was volunteered for group bike-cleaning duty at this point. The descent of Brixton Hill from Nuffield was entertaining. Lunch was taken at Catherine’s Cafe in Wallingford where Robin Tucker joined us prior to the Wallingford off-road ride. Robin was so engrossed in describing beard sculpture that he nearly missed the start of his ride and had to make an attempt on the world record for eating beans on toast. We chose a slightly longer way home to get in some extra miles – through the Mortons, Appleford, Sutton Courtenay, Drayton, Steventon, East Hanney and Grove. Thanks to Nick S for the lead on this section. There was a nasty head-wind on the final leg which slowed progress, well, mine at least. Back in Wantage by 3.30 before lights were needed. Total distance: 83.6 km. An excellent end to the year’s three-stars.
Distance: 86.30 km (53.62 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11311837"
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Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : December 21, 2015 at 11:48 AM

Garsons Hill has been in a terrible condition all year. It's basically a dirt track at the top past the farm. We've been avoiding it on our lunchtime rides as it's so bad. Please report it via Fix My street and mention it's part of NCN5 (http://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/)

Tue Dec 22nd 2015

CANCELLED: Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Sorry - we're cancelling tonight's ride as everyone is preferring to stay in with a mince pie rather than go out in the pouring rain! But if you would like to go riding over the holidays, let me know as I will look for good patches of weather to go riding in. 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.
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Sat Dec 26th 2015

Saturday afternoon ride from Grove	2*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Saturday morning update: This afternoons ride is on. If we find the wind becomes an issue for us, I've planned shorter alternatives. Don't forget this is a Wantage market place start. 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. NOTE THIS IS A WANTAGE MARKET PLACE START NOT OMH. YOU WILL NEED TO PAY FOR PARKING AS WE WILL BE OUT FOR LONGER THAN THE FREE PARKING ALLOWANCE IN THE COUNCIL CARPARKS. Knowing how much I will have eaten the day before, I am already looking forward to getting out on Boxing Day! We'll head out through the Letcombes, up Holborn Hill, through Childrey and out to the A4117 to pick up the Baulking Road. Out to Fernham, Longcot and up to Compton Beauchamp before heading out to Ashbury, over the Ridgeway to Lambourn and a return back through the Letcombes. Although hillier than would normally be expected on a winter 2, this will be at 2 pace no one will be left behind. With it being Boxing Day, the only café open will be Wantage Costa, so there will be a tea stop at the end of the ride, thus giving us more daylight than usual at this time of year. That said please do remember to bring lights with you.
Riders: Alan Gale Andy Pixton Brian Hipwell David Smith John Tranter Katherine Boyce Mike Boardman Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Roger Postbeschild Ursula Hallam Riders = 11 Weather: Report: The Wantage Mummers were just finishing their Boxing Day performance as we started to gather in the square. Ursula and David had cycled over from Newbury and reported that cycling conditions were okay. Richard provided the Christmas decorations via a spectacular Christmas jumper. We again passed the Mummers as we swept through Childrey with the wind on our backs. We said goodbye to Mike at Longcot as he was concerned about his bottom bracket. We thought we had felt the full force of the wind on the Longcot road and then we went up the road to Knighton! Mind you we discovered why it is sometimes necessary to keep a metre between you and the road edge as we crested the Ridgeway above Ashbury - no not for potholes, instead it's to ensure you have somewhere to be blown to The forecast said 20mile winds with gusts up to 40mph. We decided that the gusts were lasting longer than the wind . A tyre issue delayed our entry to Lambourn where we said goodbye to Ursula and David. Then it was the most delightful ascent to the Ridgeway with the wind at our backs before speedy descents of Hackpen Hill. Brian peeled off before the Market Square and having just missed Costa, the rest of us decided to skip coffee in the Bear. Although this was a hard 2* ride, made much harder by the high wind, everyone coped really well and seemed to enjoy themselves, thanks everyone.
Distance: 56.00 km (34.80 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/458164023
Brief pause atop Ashbury Hill Richard setting the standard for Christmas jumpers
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11469305"
Comment on this ride

Written by : Mike Boardman

Posted on : December 27, 2015 at 10:20 AM

After leaving you at Longcot my bottom bracket got worse but did get me back to Grove. It was quickly fixed with my Dad's tools and am back on the road today. It was good riding with you for the part I did and I look forward to joining you again next year.

Tue Dec 29th 2015

Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride	2*

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. Please check this entry before setting out in case I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Alex Pethybridge David Brown David Yearley Richard Anstis Richard Pethybridge Riders = 5 Report: Distance estimated. If anyone has the real number, please fill it in.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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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