Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Sep 3rd 2016

Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove	3*

Leader: Nick Stokell	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 out to Southrop just West of Lechlade visiting some of the country lanes and villages in the area. This is a largely flat ride of 72 km with a tea stop at Lechlade Garden Centre after 39 km. Nick Mob 07582 483315 (for queries on the Friday evening/Sat)
Riders: Barry Stanton Karl Blake Lyn Taylor Martin Purling Nick Stokell Richard Kidd Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Well at one point about 1430 it looked like we might avoid the rain but it was not to be! Shortly after this it swept in for the rest of the afternoon. Otherwise it was good-paced, incident-free ride on quiet roads for the hardy souls who turned up. Those looking at the map of the ride below will spot an interesting phenomenon, a 40 m cliff drop at Lechlade. Maybe someone can work out the rise in air pressure during our 40 minute tea stop? Thanks for an enjoyable ride guys!
Distance: 71.90 km (44.68 mi)	Ride Details: https://rwgps-embeds.com/trips/10869801
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16023725"
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Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : September 4, 2016 at 2:51 PM

Respect! Congratulations to those mad enough to do this.

:)

Written by : John T

Posted on : September 4, 2016 at 8:29 PM

If you switched your Garmin off at the break it will take a while to find the altitude again when you switch it back on. If you press start before it equilibrates it will show a large rise or drop.

Sun Sep 4th 2016

London Sightseer	3*

Leader: John Talbot	Start Time: 8:30 am	Start Location: Hampton Hill
Description: PLEASE NOTE :- Any CTC Wantage riders who have entered this audax will need to lead themselves or co-ordinate themselves into a group. I will be otherwise engaged! - John T See all the major sights and some fascinating lesser known parts of one of the world's great cities. Using mainly cycle routes, cycle paths and river paths you will see see London at its quieter weekend pace. This is an audax event and pre-entry is mandatory. See http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/16-559/ for full details. The route mainly follows cycle routes and is surprisingly quiet although not quick by any means. You get to see lots of famous London landmarks. There are a few busy sections, e.g. near Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and St Paul's so be prepared to mix it with London traffic occasionally. However this is the weekend version of this ride so it should be quieter. The ride is 100km and essentially completely flat, Greenwich Hill offering the only serious uphill of the day. It is slow progress at times and will take a lot longer than you expect!!
Riders: John Talbot Riders = 1 Weather: Report: No other CTC Wantage riders were seen on this ride. If you were there let me know! I led a group of usually runners and occasional cyclists round this audax, for most of them it was their first ever 100km ride. Roads were much quieter on a Sunday compared to the mid-week addition. Some of the touristy bits were busy with peds though. Highlights included a sprint down the closed Mall! We made it round well inside the cut off time on a mostly dull overcast day but not cold.
Distance: 105.60 km (65.62 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/700460167
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16258626"
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Mon Sep 5th 2016

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 Talbot John Tranter Nicole Pethybridge Richard Preece Steve Boreham Riders = 5 Report:
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Tue Sep 6th 2016

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Paul Jarvis	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Sunday update: ride leading solved - many thanks to Paul Jarvis and Andy Cowan for coming to the rescue! It felt like the season final ride should be hilly even though I'm not the fastest climber ! *No one gets dropped ** If your unsure about the amount of climbing please consider joining Johns 2* ride I have included an option to reduce length ! LIGHTS MANDATORY We will head through Wantage, up Chain Hill re -grouping at the top to catch our breath, taking a right turn descending to join the A338, heading back towards Wantage at the top of Manor Hill we take a sneaky left turn descending Court Hill, through to Letcombe Regis , towards wantage, grove and home
Riders: Andy Cowan Jane John Kirsten Smith Martin Purling Mike Cooke Paul Jarvis Susie Turnbull Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: A somewhat depleted group of eight due to many on holiday and some put off by climbing Chain Hill The challenge was picked up by four gallant lady riders who in there own words were Chain Hill Virgins,but no longer! Once the climb was dispatched we enjoyed a fast descent through 9 Acre Woods joining the A338 rolling to the top of Manor Hill in good time.Photos to follow We descended Court Hill through Letcombe Regis heading back through Wantage to Grove where we said cheerio to Mike and Martin who split off for home. A sense of achievement was had by those who climbed Chain for the first time showing girl power and putting others to shame ! A big thanks to Andy for an excellent job sweeping
Distance: 32.20 km (20.01 mi)
Susie & Andy top of manor hill Kirsten Smith reaching the summit of manor hill Martin, Mike, Jane , Yvonne, Kirsten & Paul
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Written by : Katherine and Andy

Posted on : September 6, 2016 at 10:19 PM

Thanks Paul and Andy, looks as if you had an awesome last 3* of the season. Great route, will have to remember that one ;)

Written by : Jane John

Posted on : September 7, 2016 at 10:06 PM

Thank you to the 4* boys, Paul and Andy, for a really enjoyable, pacy final Tuesday evening 3* ride. Great to have a bit of a challenge!

Tue Sep 6th 2016

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. To finish off the 2* Tuesday season, we are going for a classic flat, north Vale loop. This will be a nice ride for all our 2* regulars and also for those 1* adventurers who might fancy a little stretch at the end of the season! Up through Charney Bassett to the lovely village of Fyfield, along the very handy old road parallel to the A420 to Longworth and then over the footbridge to Southmoor and back down to Charney , Denchworth and home. 20 super flat miles. What's not to like?
Riders: Adrian West Barry Stanton Bryony Stott Carin Tranter Des Higgs Gareth Smith Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Mike Bailey Mila Yearley Naomi Merritt Nicky Clark Richard Preece Sheena Arnold Steve Joyce Susan Holdroyd Tony Clark Val Smith Riders = 20 Weather: Report: What a wonderful way to end the Tuesday 2* season! A huge group (a new record for the 2* Tuesday rides) and great fun was had by all. It was really nice to see a number of riders stepping up from the 1* group to try their first 2*. It was equally nice to see many of our regulars who have been amazingly consistent through the season. All managed the ride magnificently. Thanks for your company all through the summer. See you with a few more layers on in the autumn and winter!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/10916626
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16260053"
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Tue Sep 6th 2016

Tuesday Evening 4* Ride	4*

Leader: Nick Stokell	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5-2 hours ride at a riding pace of 25-29km/h (16-18mph). May be hilly. A shorter route to end the Tuesday rides but taking in the local high point of White Horse Hill from the Woolstone side, preceded by a warm up climb to Kingstone up the newly resurfaced road from Baulking. Option of final climb up Sparsholt hill before the return via Childrey and Denchworth. Lights essential!
Riders: Elliot Whittaker Frank Schroer George Anstis Jason Jones Nick Fisher Nick Stokell Peter Cowan Richard Anstis Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Good strong finale for the summer. Nice to welcome Richard and George onto the ride though without lights they had to head home before the main climb up Woolstone Hill. Nick F feigned cramp at the start of the climb then rode straight past us to claim the KOM! A fast return saw us overtake the 1* at Denchworth and arrive back in Grove at 2000 on the dot. Well done everyone!
Distance: 40.00 km (24.85 mi)	Ride Details: http://ridewithgps.com/trips/10930065
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps/embeds.com/routes/16024710"
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Tue Sep 6th 2016

10 Mile Club 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. All too soon, it's our last Tuesday evening 1* ride of the season. We'll finish with a flat loop into the vale to Charney Bassett. Out via Denchworth and Lyford, returning via Asti Stud, a loop of about 10 miles. Lights required due to the early sunset. Don't forget that we have 1* rides continuing throughout the year (usually) on the third Saturday afternoon of the month with the occasional extra ride too. These are usually 15-20 miles with a tea stop. Do join us.
Riders: Christine Ashdown Clare MacPherson Douglas Gunn Jo Stiles John Hogston John Stiles Lorna Swanton Oliver Stiles Sophie Stiles Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tony Ashdown Riders = 12 Weather: Report: What a tremendous finish to the Tuesday season! A healthy group of 12, including 5 new or newish members. Welcome to Doug, out on his first ride with us, plus the Stiles family - Jo & John with Oliver & Sophie. Lovely warm September evening, we set off at a relaxed pace. After the statutory 1* "pause" at Denchworth, we moved on to Lyford where we enjoyed a break by the church, before curling round to Charney Bassett. As it was a sunny evening, before heading back past Asti Stud we diverted up to Goosey to enjoy the village green, as there seemed to be good time before getting dark, although two had chosen to head back. Coming back through Denchworth, Tony kindly offered to give us access into the grounds of Denchworth Manor, and he gave us a nice talk on it's history. Headed back to Grove with numbers depleted, as quite a few lived in Denchworth! Lights were definitely needed now! All in all a great way to end the season. Thank you Tony for the impromptu tour and thanks to all for a lovely ride. See you all on a weekend 1* soon!
Distance: 19.79 km (12.30 mi)
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Tue Sep 6th 2016

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.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Patrick Leavey Riders = 3 Report: Firstly, welcome to Patrick on his first off-road ride with CTC Wantage. We were just three tonight and opted for a reasonably short ride. From the Old Mill Hall in Grove we took the cycletrack to Wantage and the path around Harcourt and Charlton up to the bottom of Larkhill. From there we went via the bridal path to Lockinge and up to the Ridgeway via Goddard's Brook and the point to point course. After a bit of messing around with a split tyre, probably caused by a flint, which was failing to self-seal, we proceeded along the Ridgeway and dropped down the Ginge singletrack. From there it seemed only right and proper to introduce Patrick to The Bridge of Doom, before heading back to Wantage and Grove. We will continue to ride through the winter. It looks like decent lights will be needed for next week onwards, as otherwise it will be a bit tricky on the downhill sections, especially through the woods.
Distance: 24.00 km (14.91 mi)
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Thu Sep 8th 2016

Pub Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride to a different (mystery) local pub each month in Summer for a relaxing and sociable evening without any of us arriving by car. A ride of about 60 minutes at a relaxing pace to the pub for a drink and/or meal. The group will head back using a direct safe route when everyone is ready. Lights will be required for the return journey. Route and pub we will be visiting will be shared at the start of the ride.
Riders: Adrian West Bryony Stott Carin Tranter Des Higgs John Tranter Nick Portsmouth Richard Ashford Steve Swanton Tony Clark Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Nine of us left OMH for a gentle meander into the west of the Vale. At Baulking we passed a group of Grench riders with 4 pinch flats caused by the same pot hole. Telling them we were heading to the pub didn't brighten their evening. Soon we arrived at the College Farm pub in Watchfield and enjoyed a fantastic evening with good food, drink and chatter. We even shouted out many of the answers to the pub quiz much to the delight of participants near by. Once well fed and watered we unlocked our bikes, turned on our lights and made our way back to Grove along the safest and most direct route back. It felt chilly to start but we all warmed up and enjoyed a good bike ride in the darkness. All in all a lovely and very enjoyable evening.
Distance: 42.80 km (26.59 mi)
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Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : September 9, 2016 at 5:34 PM

Thanks, Des. It was a really great evening!

Sat Sep 10th 2016

CANCELLED - Off-road Afternoon Ride	2*

Leader:	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: TBA
Description: LOOKING FOR A RIDE LEADER. PLEASE LET ROBIN TUCKER KNOW IF YOU COULD DO THIS. Otherwise, the ride will be cancelled. The rides will be about 20 miles, mostly off-road, and aim to finish in time for a late lunch (whether together or heading for home). We adjust the ride to suit the riders and the weather, but in general the terrain will be rough, so a mountain-bike in good condition and with knobbly tyres is recommended.
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Tue Sep 13th 2016

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 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 15-20 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights recommended. We are keen to welcome new riders and will adapt the route/distance to suit.

Leader: Neil Warner	Start Time: 12:30 pm	Start Location: Standlake Village Hall, Rack End, OX29 7SB
Description: A Picnic and Treasure Hunt to celebrate a great summer of cycling for all of the CTC groups in Oxfordshire. Several groups have rides to Standlake or make your own way there. There is also an easy ride starting from the hall at 10am. See other rides for details. The schedule: 12:30 – Picnic time! On the field, or if wet in the hall 14:00 – Treasure Hunt (about 10 miles, family-friendly) The Treasure Hunt has been planned by Robin Tucker. There are up to 20 questions to answer at various locations on a map, all reachable on minor roads within about 5 miles of the hall. You can work out your own route between them. We recommend splitting into small groups - ideal for families. Visit as many sites and collect as many answers as you can, but be back to the hall by 4pm for scoring. There is no set route or order, but please do not use A or B roads. Each answer is a single word or number. Prizes will be given for all children scoring 12 or more, and the highest scoring groups. Note that there is a large car park at the village hall in Standlake. It is a large hall, next to playing fields and a childern's playground. The event is organised by CTC Oxfordshire, who will provide drinks (tea, coffee, squash), and some crisps and biscuits as these can be hard to carry by bike! The hall will be available from 09:30 to 16:30. Please contact Neil for more info.
Riders: Allen Stacey Luke Stacey Neil Warner Riders = 3 Weather: Report: 15 riders at the picnic on a lovely September afternoon, was something of a disappointment given the conditions. Neil had done a splendid job getting the hall ready and there were plenty of snacks, cakes and pizza slices on offer. Only Allen and Luke were up for the Treasure hunt and from Allen's account, they had a great time, getting around the full route in just under the 2 hours allocated, with all clues successfully gathered. Thanks to all those who contributed to putting on the event, but we evidently didn't get the message out to the groups and particularly to families to encourage them along. A learning experience for the future.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Past Rides

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