We send details of upcoming rides in a weekly email newsletter. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact [javascript protected email address].
Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove | 3* |
---|
Leader:Phil Ward |
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. Hoping for some half decent weather to start the new year with a measured ascent of The Ridgeway via Chain Hill. Once regrouped at the top we will swoop South along some potentially quite mucky lanes to join the Lambourn Valley at Boxford, then turn to contour along to a welcome tea stop at The Cafe in Lambourn ("cafe lock" recommended). Heading back towards Wantage directly via the easy side of Hackpen will bring us back to base around or just beyond dusk - so LIGHTS ESSENTIAL PLEASE folks.Following a recce, all I can add is do bring tubes (2+ suggested) & swap out any dodgy tyres, there is much flinty debris after the recent downpours. |
||
Report:Five determined souls struck out from Old Mill Hall for the first time in 2016, with leaden skies and persistent drizzle being order of the day. A regroupment following the climb of Chain Hill enabled us to rattle Southwards through the sodden villages of Brightwalton and Boxford before turning to find the wind at our backs for the gently rising and water-logged road along the Lambourn Valley.Extraordinarily, we registered a mechanical & puncture count of zero, despite numerous plunges across deep puddles within which lurked goodness knows what horrors! Our luck did not hold as far as the Cafe stop though - an unscheduled closure saw us thwarted in a quest for tea and cake. Undeterred, we found a silver lining to this situation and resolved that re-emerging from a warm tea room would have proved quite unpleasant, furthermore it enabled us to complete the ride well within daylight. Many thanks to my ride companions, you made light of the terrain and conditions (53km at 22kph), leaving us all I hope, glowing with a sense of having ventured out and completed as planned. | ||
Distance:52.90 km (32.87 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11580567" | ||
Comment on this ride |
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 two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
||
Report:Just two of us tonight. We thought the wind was easterly, so we stayed low in the valley as we rode out via Lockinge and across a few tracks to reach the Harwell Campus. We went right through the campus then up to the Bury Hill roundabouts and crossed A34. On the way we caught up with the women's mountain bike group riding out from Upton - about 8 of them.The inevitable ascent to the Ridgeway was from the old A34 route and then we turned right under the A34 and then left down the hill. Then a road section to 'Worlds End', up, over the Ridgeway again and down the fast run to Betterton. From there a straightforward route back on cycle paths. | ||
Distance:33.80 km (21.00 mi) | ||
Comment on this ride |
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. A flat 30km ish ride visiting Charney, Fyfield, Tubney, Marcham, Garford and back to Grove via Denchworth. |
||
Report:A lovely calm and crisp night riding familiar roads in reverse rather than taking them in the usual direction.The first ride after New year so we took it at a nice steady 2* pace which was very pleasant - A pace we would like to stick to in the future. Just past Garford we were joined by two very large RAF helicopters, one with lights the other shrouded in darkness flying as a close pair. We were circled a couple of times and were given a real treat when we stopped to observe more. The helicopters came in very slowly only a few tens of meters away from us to land in the field not far from the road. A real buzz and something you don't experience every day. Joy was especially impressed by the encounter and has requested she would like to see aliens next week We will see what we can do | ||
Distance:34.20 km (21.25 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11681828" | ||
Comment on this ride |
Turbo Session |
---|
Leader:Karen Townsin |
Start Time:6:45 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:
|
||
Riders:Adrian WestDavid Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 10 Report:Thanks everyone for being so patient and supportive. A forgotten Garmin with the entire workout on it and technical incompetence on the music could have led to a disastrous session. Can't think of a better bunch of riders to completely mess up with!!!Some 60s music next time Des! | ||
Comment on this ride |
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. |
||
Report:Ooh what a horrible night for a bike ride! Shall we give up and go home? Certainly not!5 Intrepid riders battled cold, very wet and very windy conditions throughout the vale and you know what - They all loved it! A great ride even with the bad weather. | ||
Distance:33.50 km (20.82 mi) | ||
Comment on this ride |
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 two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
||
Report:A drizzly and cold night, but we all wanted a ride after our various days of work, and we also fancied going to the pub to plan a weekend epic some time in Spring.Annoyingly my forks seemed to have lost all their air, so they were sagging a lot. I switched them to rigid and hope we wouldn't go anywhere too bumpy. With The Fox in mind, we started along the canal, and passed the new housing development. We took the little bridleway up to Childrey and followed our normal downward route uphill to the top of Sparsholt Field. Then we did a 180 degree turn and rolled straight back down and on to the pub. We were delighted to find 'The Beast' - a 6.6% beer on tap. Although only one of us was actually bold enough to try it. But the other choices were good too and fuelled a great discussion about whether we should go to the Lakes, the Dark Peak or South Wales for our jaunt. The Peak District won. | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
Comment on this ride |
Turbo Session |
---|
Leader:Jon Townsin |
Start Time:6:45 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:2nd session of 10 |
||
Riders:Adrian WestAmanda Seddon Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Phil Ward Richard Preece Richard Saunders Sara Ward Riders = 11 Report:A healthy group of eleven riders ventured into Old Mill Hall for this weeks' session of sprints and climbs. Katherine won the 'guess the artist' competition while Nick won the 4 meter climb !We were joined by Richard Saunders, a Turbo newcomer, who took to the club turbo like the proverbial duck - welcome Richard and hope to see you at future sessions. No session next week ( 20th Jan) so see you all again on 27th Jan. | ||
Comment on this ride |
Easy Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove | 1* |
---|
Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
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. A gentle ride around the Vale to the Huddle cafe at Stanford-in- the-vale. Out via Denchworth, West Hanney, Charney Bassett and Gainfield, returning via Park Lane and Asti Stud. Full route is 18 miles, but there will be options to shorten depending on weather conditions.Note 1pm start time (not 2pm as previously put up.) Lights advisable. We'll be arriving at the Huddle 2:15-2:30-ish if anyone would like to meet us there (they are kindly staying open especially for us). |
||
Riders:Adrian WestBarbara Lambers Brian Hipwell Constance Gicquel David Bridge David Paine Des Higgs Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Marcus Garman Nick Portsmouth Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 13 Weather:Report:A good turnout on a bitterly cold day, but everyone was well wrapped up and the sun was shining. A warm welcome to Marcus on his first ride with the club.10 riders set off from OMH, and we met Des and Adrian too as we left Grove. There was still the odd patch of ice and slush in the shadows by the side of the road, so we rode with care but happily with no incident. A slight change of route, as the West Hanney-Denchworth road had been flooded midweek, took us out via Lyford. We had a few short stops on the way but made good time to the welcome warmth of the Huddle in Stanford where we found Steve B already tucking in to his tea and teacake. It always seems colder when you restart after a stop. But today it seemed not only colder but increasingly cold on the return trip - we had lost the warmth from the sun. A number dropped off to make their own way home and 8 of us returned to OMH before 4pm. The light was still good and we hadn't needed lights , nice to finally feel the days lengthening again. Thanks everyone for an enjoyable ride. | ||
Distance:28.00 km (17.40 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/7595812 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11745238" | ||
Comment on this ride |
Regular Wantage Ride | 3* |
---|
Leader:Richard Pethybridge |
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. UPDATE: Looks like it's going to be a chilly one, but the ride is still on. The pub is expecting us and the food choice looks good. I have had a couple of confirmations but if you are planning on riding please do let me know.First full 3* of the year. A rolling 80km with 862m of climbing, but it will be at the bottom end of 3* pace for all those wishing to burn off some of those Christmas calories. The aim is an anti-clockwise loop south via the Letcombes, Lambourn, Chilton Foliat, Little Bedwyn and Hungerford to end up in Kintbury for lunch at the Blue Ball. The return will be via the Benhams, Boxford, Bright Walton, a possible stop for tea at the Saddleback shop if we are ahead, and the glorious swoop down Chain Hill to finish. If you are planning to come then please let me know so I can pre-warn the pub. Do bring lights as we may well finish after dusk. |
||
Riders:Andy PixtonDavid Smith John Tranter Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Martin Keane Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Richard Saunders Ursula Hallam Riders = 10 Weather:Report:This was definitely a day for hard-core aficionados of winter cycling. The magnificent seven (including Martin Keane from Reading CTC) left WMP in good military style at exactly 0930, with the glorious leader failing to notice that Joy had yet to arrive. The route took us through the Letcombes and then up the rarely used climb up the back of Sparsholt Firs. Nick and Richard S took the opportunity to warm up by leading the way up the climb, which proved to be fortuitous as they met Joy at the top after she had ridden out from Wantage in the hope she might make contact. The (now) awesome eight then enjoyed the descent into Lambourn, albeit suffering borderline hypothermia in the process. More warming was then required, and was duly provided by the climb out of Lambourn to the B4000. The top of the climb saw us meet up with David and Ursula, after which the tremendous ten followed the roller coaster route over the Berkshire Downs (which seemed like mostly Ups) to Little Bedwyn and then Hungerford. Just outside the latter the leader suffered a puncture, amazingly the only one of the day. All was not lost though as the repairs meant the group arrived for lunch at the Blue Ball in Kintbury exactly on time at 1230; these things are strangely important for us naval types. Nicole joined the group for lunch, catching up on the gossip and providing most welcome moral support.A second leader's failing led the group to follow an 'alternative' route from Kintbury along a portion of the A4, before recommencing the climbing back up to the B400 via Hoe Benham. Boxford to Leckhampstead was a long climb made easier by the tailwind and a desire to keep warm in the intermittent sleet. We said goodbye to David and Ursula near Leckhampstead, and then completed the climb to the top of Chain Hill. The descent of the latter, although very cold, was a great way to finish the ride and the group dispersed on arrival in Wantage. Fifty miles and 2,800+ft of climbing was an excellent return for such a dedicated group. Congratulations go to Joy for completing her longest ride ever, and her first CTC 50. The route was a nice one and I anticipate doing it or something similar again later in the year, hopefully with somewhat better weather. | ||
Distance:80.47 km (50.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11549943" | ||
Comment on this ride |
1
Written by : John Tranter Posted on : January 20, 2016 at 6:29 PM |
Nice ride! Thanks for leading - well worth it. |
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. |
||
Report:A very very cold, clear and icy night. Temps down to around -6 degrees! This ride lived up to it's namesake.5 brave or mad, or both riders set off from Grove for another memorable ride. No major incidents, Joy's front light decided to leave the ride early but was convinced to carry on sitting on her handlebars and illuminating her way after a stern talking to. The ride leader got lost in the industrial estate in Didcot and we decided to avoid the potentially non treated roads of the south of the route, opting for a swift bomb down the A417 to Wantage from Harwell. Another great enjoyable ride, do come along to the next one | ||
Distance:37.40 km (23.24 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11851546" | ||
Comment on this ride |
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 two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
||
Report:Wow, what a cold one! And we had the surprisingly common finding of a relatively large number of riders coming to 'enjoy' the adverse conditions. All 5 of us who did the C2C off-road lstyear in fact - and we all remembered the sub-zero temperatures on Cross Fell, although that had the additional benefits of hail and snow!Crab Hill was much more rideable than last week, being largely frozen. And, the hard ground aided our speed up Goddards Brook too. Then we went down the appropriately nick-named 'Ice Valley' starting at -5C at the top and dropping to -7.5C at the bottom! No clouds and a bright 3/4 moon, so we switched lights off and let our eyes acclimatise for the climb back up in the moonlight. Wonderful going through the woods and seeing the branches moon-shadowed on the ground. A bit trickier figuring out which dark patches were deep ruts or iced-over puddles. Then it was lights on and full bore down to Betterton. And carefully home along the roads, which felt a lot less safe than the more ridgy off-road parts. After this we all went to the Indian restaurant to plan our next away weekend in the Peak District. | ||
Distance:24.14 km (15.00 mi) | ||
Comment on this ride |
Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove | 2* |
---|
Leader:John Tranter |
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. A nice loop around the north-west of our area. A steady climb from Hatford to the A420 crossing is rewarded by great views across the valley of the upper Thames and a lovely swoop down into it. Across the river to Clanfield and then a tea stop at Aston Pottery. We then take the ominously named Great Brook Road (scene of famous flood busting in previous years) and tackle the final climb up the hill to Buckland before a gentle roll home through Charney Bassett and Denchworth.32 miles / 51km at a very manageable 2* pace. |
||
Riders:Adrian WestAndy Pixton Brian Hipwell Constance Gicquel David Bridge Des Higgs John Groves John Tranter Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Martin Keane Mike Bailey Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tony Clark Riders = 17 Weather:Report:A rare bit of decent weather. Temperatures flirting with double figures and the odd bit of sunshine. Perfect! As a result, this was a very popular ride - 16 riders (plus Martin from Reading) either started or at least caught us up at various points.We used the rarely travelled little road from Hatford across the A420 and down into the Thames Valley. It's always a pleasure to swoop down that road and see the vista spread out in front. Aston Pottery was busy with a sale on, but tea and cake was successfully achieved, as was the climb of Buckland Hill and the gentle ride home. Thanks to everyone for your company on such a nice ride! | ||
Distance:54.72 km (34.00 mi) | Ride Details:http://ridewithgps.com/trips/7645366 | |
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11864103" | ||
Comment on this ride |
CTC Wantage Committee Meeting |
---|
Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:7:30 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Regular committee meeting. Items for the agenda should be sent to the secretary at least seven days before the meeting. |
||
Riders:John TranterJon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Preece Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: | ||
Comment on this ride |
Winter Evening Ride - CANCELLED! | 2* |
---|
Leader:Adrian West |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:UPDATE: RIDE CANCELLED! Weather doesn't look good for tonight with strong gusty winds. I think it may be a little unsafe in places and a very hard slog in others. Not much fun for 2* riders. See you all next week.------------------------------------------------------------- Unfortunately Des is unable to lead this week due to a problem with his knees, so you're stuck with me again. Weather forecast isn't good and looks to be wet with very strong south westerly winds with strong gusts, so a shorter ride this week with options to cut it short if needed. I will check the weather and make the decision to cancel the ride or not by midday on Tuesday 26th Jan |
||
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11929448" | ||
Comment on this ride |
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 two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. 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 two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather. |
||
Report:This was surely the most windy ride we've experienced for a very long time.The headwinds uphill to the ridgeway made for tough going, especially given the quantities of gloopy, sticky mud. This was made even worse for Richard who suffered a mechanical issue which rendered his bike a single speed. However, we pushed on, running a loop from Grove through to Challow and Childrey, up to The Ridgeway above Westcot, along to the top of the Letcombes and down Castle Hill into Letcome Regis. From there it was plain sailing out of the wind back to Wantage and Grove. Despite the conditions we all seemed to enjoy ourselves. | ||
Distance:25.00 km (15.53 mi) | ||
Comment on this ride |
Turbo Session |
---|
Leader:Karen Townsin |
Start Time:6:45 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:
|
||
Riders:Adrian WestAmanda Seddon David Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 11 Report:Another great turnout and a simple workout this week, though effective I think. Points to the Wards for the 'guess the artist' competition - you're just not shouting loudly enough at the back!!Thanks everyone | ||
Comment on this ride |
Club Annual Dinner |
---|
Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:7:30 pm |
Start Location:Boar's Head, Ardington |
Description:NB: BOOKING HAS CLOSED AND THIS IS A FULL EVENT.The venue for the Club Annual Dinner is once again the very pleasant Boar's Head in Ardington and we have arranged a private area with seating for a maximum of 25 people. Please give some thought to your attendance and also to your menu choices (see below). You can go for two or three courses. Please let me know your choices by Friday 22nd January at the latest, but I suggest you don't leave it too late as we usually run out of spaces. Two courses: £18.95, 3 courses: £22.95 Starters - Boar’s Head Pate: A coarse, strong and rich pate made with Wild Boar meat and liver with cognac, served with salad garnish and toast. - Antipasto Platter: Meats and treats platter packed with seasonal cold meats, olives, cheeses and fresh home baked bread. - Pile of Prawns: Delicious, piled high, types of cold water prawns coated in a delectable, homemade, fresh cream marie-rose style dressing, served with fresh brown bread and garnish – sumptuous ingredients make this classic favourite dish. - Waldorf Style Salad (V): Classic Celery, Apple, Grape & Walnut Salad in a light mayonnaise, served on a bed of crisp lettuce. Main Courses (all of the below will be served with Dauphinoise Potatoes and fresh steamed vegetables) - Sweet Chilli Salmon Fillet: Best Scottish salmon fillet cooked in a sweet chilli sauce. - Somerset Pork: Tender pork loin medallions, braised in a ‘Thatchers Gold’ Somerset cider, apples, sweet mustard and cream sauce. - Goats Cheese and Caramelised Onion Bake (V): A thick slice of President Goat’s Cheese on a bed of fresh spinach, topped with a caramelised, cinnamon and nutmeg onion chutney, wrapped in filo pastry and baked fresh in the oven. - Beef, Guinness & Orange: Best Beef slowly braised in Guinness and orange until tender and succulent and served overflowing from a puff pastry case. Desserts - White Chocolate and Raspberry Pannacotta - Vanilla cheesecake topped with Amaretto fresh cream crunch and Amaretto Liqueur Drizzle - Caramel and Sea Salt in a Dark Rich chocolate Tart - Cheese & Biscuits |
||
Riders:Andy PixtonBarbara Lambers Constance Gicquel David Bridge David Smith John Tranter Jon Townsin Katherine Boyce Kerry Tucker Mandy Wassell Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Pam Stokell Robin Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 17 Report:The Boar's Head did a great job for us again - despite having at least four different large groups in, they were very professional, friendly and prompt with the serving, And the general consensus was that the food was delicious!Despite a few unavoidable late cancellations, there was a great buzz in the group and it was a pleasure to be there. Thanks to all for such a fun evening. | ||
Comment on this ride |
*