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Sat Oct 1st 2016

Northern France - Day One	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: St Malo
Description: Day One of France trip.
Riders: David Bridge John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Weather: Report: After a delicious breakfast on the ferry we disembarked in St Malo at 0815 to be greeted by a glorious sunrise. The route took us past the old walled town before cutting across the peninsular to the coast of Mont St Michel Bay. Smooth roads led us along the coast to our coffee stop near Cherrueix before we began an excellent traffic free transit of part of the Eurovelo 4 route towards Pontorson. Thankfully the bridge that was promised on the Eurovelo website but did not exist on Google Maps was actually there and we were able to cross the river Cousenon and turn north for the coast once more. As the sun came out we were rewarded with fantastic views of the island of Mont St Michel as we followed the excellent cycle path. On arrival at the new causeway that has been constructed to allow the island to become an island again we were pleased to find that access to cyclists had restarted that morning (1 October) and we were able to ride over to the base of the island for a photo opportunity. Turning back inland and then east the roads stayed smooth and pot-hole free as we made our way to lunch at Pontaubault. Suitable refuelled with some excellent galettes we picked up another car-free route along a disused railway up the valley of the l'Oir river. All good things came to an end though, and on returning to the road we encountered the first real hill of the day. 3.5 miles of climbing later we arrived in Reffuvielle and after a period of flat on the top were rewarded with a commensurate descent. No sooner than that was complete and we found ourselves climbing again, this time for 5.5 miles up to Gathemo. Nothing too steep, but a real grind nonetheless for what were now becoming tired legs. Of course the reward was another downhill, and it wasn't then long before we found ourselves on the outskirts of Vire, our destination for the day. This turned out to be a super little town, and although the final climb up to the hotel was the steepest of the day it also meant we could start day 2 with a downhill. We found a really nice local restaurant for dinner, and made significant holes in their stocks of burgers, beer and red wine, all in preparation for the trials of the following day of course.
Distance: 119.25 km (74.10 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/11385718
Disembarking in St Malo Sunrise in St Malo On the Eurovelo4 route Photo op at Mont St Michel lunch stop near Cherrueix At the bridge over the Cousenon Richard on the bridge over the river Cousenon the delightful 'routes verte' of Brittany Richard and David approaching Mont St Michel CTC Wantage at Mont St Michel Lunch stop in Pontaubault On the climb to Reffuveille overnight accommodation in the fine Normandy town of Vire
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16897022"
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Written by : Nicole Pethybridge

Posted on : October 6, 2016 at 8:58 AM

A great days riding. A day of two halves but the contrasts and scenery were really appreciated as were the almost perfect roads and vela routes.

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : October 6, 2016 at 7:00 PM

Brilliant planning. Definitely a tough second half, but a great day!

Sat Oct 1st 2016

CANCELLED - Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove	3*

Leader:	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Sorry all - a combination of the club trip to France this weekend and an extremely dodgy weather forecast for Saturday has put paid to this one.
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Sun Oct 2nd 2016

France Trip - Day Two	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Vire
Description: Day two of France trip.
Riders: David Bridge John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 6 Weather: Report: An 0815 breakfast was perhaps a little early by preference, but it did mean we were underway by just about 0900 and en route back to the coast. Although the day started with a downhill, as expected, unlike day one all the climbing was due to take place in the first 60km of day two. Sure enough it turned out to be a roller-coaster of a morning, with plenty of grindy uphills followed by some delightfully swoopy downhills. The tailwind of the day before had turned into a slight headwind, but the sun was out and we were able to enjoy a glorious autumn morning on some very quiet roads. We decided to head to Caen for lunch without a coffee stop, which turned out to be an excellent decision. We found a great cafe and Eggs Benedict, burger and salad proved to be the most popular choices, washed down with excellent local beer and come quality java and gateaux combinations. Never has the CTC acronym (coffee, tea and cakes) been more appropriate. The last 15km were dead flat along the Caen canal. The highlight was a brief stop at Pegasus Bridge where the group was "treated" to a quick military history lesson by the resident "expert". More glorious sunshine greeted us on our triumphant arrival at the ferry port in Ouistreham, with a whole 45 minutes to spare. Planning perfection Embarkation was easy and we were delighted to meet up onboard with Steve and Lorna Swanton who were returning from their own cycling escapades in France. Overall this was a challenging but immensely rewarding weekend of riding and culinary indulgence, with superb company and a really interesting and fun route. I certainly hope to run it again next year, when maybe a few more intrepid souls will join this year's pioneers.
Distance: 77.80 km (48.34 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/11385720
John Tranter enjoying the climb to Montchauvet Richard amongst the corn fields of Normandy Karen amongst the corn fields of Normandy David amongst the corn fields of Normandy Jon amongst the corn fields of Normandy Nicole amongst the corn fields of Normandy Caen lunch stop At Pegasus Bridge Along the Caen Canal John and Jon at the Cafe Gondree Another Pegasus Bridge photo Proof the sun did shine Waiting for the ferry at Ouistreham Onto the Portsmouth ferry
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/16897030"
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Tue Oct 4th 2016

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.
Riders: David Brown David Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: A gentler ride today, but covering some classic Ridgeway ground. It was properly dark by the end, and good lights are really needed now. I celebrated this by catching my helmet light on trees twice! We went up via Crab Hill and Goddards Brook. Off the back of the Ridgeway down Ice Valley, then back up to Scutchhamer's Knob. Then down Ginge and tackled the bridge of doom. I slipped at walking speed on some slimy mud and came a gentle cropper! Then back via the cycle path and Crab Hill once more.
Distance: 26.55 km (16.50 mi)
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Wed Oct 5th 2016

Turbo Training

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: First turbo training session of the Autumn/Winter season. Please bring your bike, turbo trainer, a towel/mat for your bike and a small towel for you (you will sweat!). We have The Dixon Suite booked from 6:30 to 8:30 and will start the session at 7pm. Please contact me in advance if you want to borrow one of the two club turbos. Sessions cost £20 for all 10 booked in advance, or £4 per session drop in rate. This covers the hire of the hall. If you are interested, or want to find out more, please contact Karen Townsin (karen.townsin@acintya.co.uk, 07768 066413 ).
Riders: David Talboys Jane John Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nick Portsmouth Phil Ward Terry Penn Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Great to see some familiar faces and some new riders for the first turbo session of the Autumn. After the usual FWF (First Week Faffing) we were underway with a mixture of long and short climbs and some sprints thrown in at the end. There are still some spaces left, so come and give it a go next week. You can come for a taster then join us for as many/few sessions as you like. We have 2 spare turbo trainers and plenty of people to help set them up if you are not sure. Comments from this week's newbies : "You work much harder than you would at home." "I've done it before on my own and only managed half an hour."
Turboers working hard
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Tue Oct 11th 2016

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. .
Riders: David Brown Patrick Leavey Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Felt the cooling autumn air tonight. We set off up Crab Hill, which is in reasonable shape after the foliage has died back a bit, but not yet too wet. Then up Lark Hill. David Brown, who had arrived late due to a puncture caught us up here. From the top of Lark Hill we went left, right and left again up to the Ridgeway. Then down the other side, down Ice Valley. It did feel colder, but the Garmin said 5.9C, so maybe more feel than actual. From there we climbed back up to Betterton Cross and down the north side of the Ridgeway, in fine flying style. From there we picked up some twisty tracks through the woods, headed back east almost to the bridge of Doom and looped north and west to come back into Wantage via Lockinge.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 12th 2016

Turbo Training

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: As another fantastic outdoor season draws to a close you may be turning your thoughts to how you can maintain, or at least not lose all, the cycle fitness you have built up over the spring and summer. Well look no further than indoor winter turbo training. Tonight will be touching on each of five different aspects relevant to training on a turbo. To keep you on your toes, so to speak, the session will enlivened by "sounds from the movies".... come along and try to match artists to films whilst spinning your heart out What do you need? A bicycle, a turbo trainer - a device that enables you to ride your bike, stationary, indoors. Turbo trainers, or turbos as they are commonly known, clamp around the quick release skewer of a bike’s rear wheel suspending it in an A-frame. The club has 2 turbos that can be loaned to members. Where and When do they take place? Dixon Suite in Old Mill Hall. 10 sessions from Wednesday 5th October to Wednesday 14th December inclusive (NB No session Wednesday 9th November). What are the sessions like? Run by club ride leaders, rather like a spin class, with music and an hour long routine which involves a warm up, a series of intervals focusing on sprinting or climbing with rest periods in between, then always close with a warm down. Is there a club star (*) rating? No. The beauty of turbo training is that you work as hard as you feel you are able. In this way, all riders, regardless of how strong they are, can ride and train together. What does it cost? We ask for a small donation to cover the cost of hiring a room - last year this was £20 for 10 sessions for those riders signed up for all 10 sessions. If you would rather drop in for one of two sessions we ask for a donation of £4 per session. What to do next. If you are interested, or want to find out more, please contact Karen Townsin (karen.townsin@acintya.co.uk, 07768 066413 ).
Riders: David Talboys Jane John Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Phil Ward Roger Turnbull Sara Ward Susie Turnbull Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report: Another busy night down at Old Mill Hall, with turbo-newcomers and veterans alike coping admirably with a helter-skelter illustrative dash through aspects of what sort of training can be undertaken on static trainers and its relevance to real riding. Sweetspot, strength, cadence drills, threshold and VO2 max zones were explored with admirable application, accompanied by mystery movie soundtracks to set the various tempi required and provide much needed distraction from the work-rate at times. Well done all, that was rather impressive to behold & a pleasure to lead.
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Sat Oct 15th 2016

Easy Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 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. As this is the last Easy afternoon ride before the clocks go back, it is the last chance for a ride to a tea stop away from the area around Wantage. Change of Plan, as the Forget-me-not café isn't opening this Saturday. Instead, we'll head north via Lyford to Longworth and Hinton Waldrist and take refreshments in the Lamb & Flag at Southmoor (which I'm assured is now open again on Saturday afternoons). We'll return to Denchworth and Grove via Charney Bassett, a round trip of about 17.5 miles. This is a slightly shorter version of my planned route for the picnic ride in August, which was cancelled due to the weather. There will be an option for anyone that would like to drop down into the Thames valley to visit the ford at Duxford, the lowest ford on the Thames. Worth a detour if you have never been.
Riders: Barry Stanton Bethany Tranter Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter Christine Ashdown John Tranter Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Naomi Merritt Nicky Clark Roger Postbeschild Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tim Parr Tony Ashdown Tony Clark Riders = 16 Weather: Report: Welcome Autumn sunshine brought 16 cyclists out for our monthly 1* ride. We had a nice mix, with some more experienced riders as well as several 2016 Tuesday evening newcomers joining a Saturday ride for the first time. Due to the size of the group, we split into 2 with John kindly agreeing to lead the second a few hundred yards behind. We made steady progress up to Southmoor, Enjoying the new road surface up from Lyford, before the short stretch of bumpy track out to the bridleway bridge over the A420. We turned into Longworth, cycled through the village and on to the church and manor house, where we stopped to enjoy the beautiful setting and a picture or two. This and the good bridleway through to Hinton Waldrist were new to most of the group . At Hinton Waldrist, the group split into 2 with 8 riders deciding to take the option of visiting the ford, while the rest of us continued on to the Lanb & Flag. However, it was a major disappointment to find the pub closed, despite having spoken to them on Friday! So 6 riders were sent on to the Chequers at Charney, while Steve B and I waited for the others. They duly arrived within a few minutes, having clearly enjoyed the opportunity to stretch their legs a bit, and we all sped on to Charney, but now with clouds now rolling in. After a relaxing drinks stop, the sun had gone it was distinctly cooler on the way back to Grove; we could see the rain coming. We were briefly caught by the edge of a shower as we approached the railway bridge, but it was dry again by the time we reached Grove. Thanks everyone for an enjoyable afternoon, to Steve B for sweeping and John for sub-group leading.
Distance: 28.16 km (17.50 mi)
Carin and Bethany enjoying the hidden side of Longworth Various Tranters in Longworth gathering at Duxford ford
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17154118"
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Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : October 17, 2016 at 3:26 PM

Thanks, Steve. This was a most enjoyable ride for all of the Tranter contingent - particularly the delightful section around Longworth and Hinton Waldrist and down to the ford.

Sun Oct 16th 2016

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Faringdon market place
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. **** NOTE CHANGE OF STARTING PLACE. IT IS NOW FARINGDON MARKET PLACE. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE AT Southampton Street (SN7 7AZ) and Gloucester Street (SN7 7HY) ****** A pretty flat ride of around 100km, out to Thames Head and back, from Faringdon market place. The plan is to have brunch at the café at Cotswold Outdoor, near Cerney Wick. There will be plenty of opportunities for a refreshment stop after this, if needed.
Riders: Andy Pixton John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Riders = 5 Report: The weather forecast was grim. The rain and standing water between Wantage and Faringdon suggested we would be cancelling today's ride. It was, after all, the third anniversary of The Wet One. Thereafter, things just got better. Cessation of the rain, a rim of blue sky, and the arrival of three more riders. After agreeing to reassess things at our brunch stop, the five of us set off. We arrived in good time at Cotswold Outdoor cafe, with the weather looking ever more promising, and topped up our pre-ride breakfasts. The clouds were grey for the last time as we left the cafe, leaving us to enjoy the big skies and flat roads. We stopped by the first section of the Thames Path, and walked our bikes the kilometre or so, to Thames Head. The actual source resembled a small stoney hearth, marked by an engraved monolith. After a few photos, we cycled back to the road, and on. The return was very pleasant, a couple of small hills, skirting the new developments north of Swindon, and up to Highworth for afternoon tea. The sunlight illuminated the Ridgeway beautifully, as we returned to home territory, touched Uffington, then turned north back to Faringdon. We only experienced one light rain shower during the entire ride, and oddly, it occurred with the sun shining warmly. Being a small ride, of experienced ride leaders, this was a very easygoing excursion. Thanks to all those who came along for making it so.
Distance: 99.45 km (61.80 mi)
departing from Thames Head
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17120536"
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Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : October 17, 2016 at 3:24 PM

Thanks, Andy. It was a great ride, well led and really interesting new territory.

Mon Oct 17th 2016

CTC Wantage AGM

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:45 pm	Start Location: Challow and Childrey Cricket Club
Description: The 2016 CTC Wantage AGM will be held as follows: Logistics: Date - 17th October 2016 Time - 19.00 for food, 19:45 for business Location - Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill, East Challow, Wantage, OX12 9RR Food details: We are offering a 'fish and chip' supper courtesy of Smarts chip shop in Grove. Menu choices are given below, please let me know your choices by FRIDAY 14th OCTOBER so I can pre-order at the shop. Exact money on the night please. - cod and chips £5.30 - pie and chips £4.00 (steak & kidney, mince & onion or chicken pie) - sausage and chips £2.50 - quarter chicken and chips £5.00 - cheese & onion pasty and chips (v) £3.00 - veggie burger and chips (v) £4.50 - spring roll and chips (v) £3.00 Please deduct £1.50 if you don't want the chips! (v = vegetarian) john@tranters.net Agenda: 1. Open and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of 2015 AGM 3. Matters arising from 2015 AGM 4. Chairman's Report 5. Ride Secretary's Report 6. Membership Secretary's Report 7. Treasurer's Report 8. Publicity Report 9. Oxfordshire Cycling Network Update 9. Election of Committee Members for 2016-17 10. Motions for AGM Discussion 11. Presentation of Trophies 12. Close The deadline has passed for the submission of Nominations and Motions. Nominations received are as follows: Chairman & Membership Secretary: John Tranter Secretary: Nicole Pethybridge Treasurer: Roger Postbeschild Rides Secretary: Jon Townsin Publicity: Steve Boreham Webmaster: David Smith General Committee Members: Steve Swanton & Karen Townsin Motions received as follows: Motion 1 This meeting applauds the Committee, past and present, for their efforts in making this a successful, inclusive and sociable cycling group, allowing us to enjoy many rides of different types, in the good company of other members. Proposer: Robin Tucker Seconded by: David Yearley Motion 2 This meeting should consider changing the Club name as a result of the national re-branding - earlier in 2016 CTC changed its name to Cycling UK. In line with this national change CTC Wantage need to consider whether to remove the CTC element of their current name and adopt a new name more in line with the national change. The nominated options are 1. CTC Wantage (no change) 2. Cycling UK Wantage (the default for new Cycling UK local member clubs adopted recently by the new club in Bicester, for example) 3. Wantage CC 4. Vale of White Horse CC These should be presented for a club vote. Proposer: John Tranter Seconder: Nicole Pethybridge Motion 3 This meeting asks that the Committee should have representation from each of the ride groupings (1, 2, 3, 4, off-road). Proposer: Paul Jarvis Seconder: Andy Cowan 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 Barry Stanton Carin Tranter Chris Walters David Bridge David Smith David Talboys Des Higgs Jane John Jo Little John Groves John Talbot John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Mike Cooke Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Paul Jarvis Phil Ward Richard Pethybridge Richard Preece Robin Tucker Sara Ward Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Yvonne Bird Riders = 33 Report: A very well attended Supper and AGM. Good animated participation from all with comprehensive reports from the Chairman and Publicity Officer as well as from the outgoing Rides Secretary and treasurer. The shirt designs were an interesting way to demonstrate the name options with the club taking two votes, the second removing the two lesser options and an AGM vote between the final two options Wantage CC and Cycling UK Wantage. The later edged it on the final vote - more details to follow. The other motions, one to thank the committee and one regarding representation of all ride levels resulted in Paul Jarvis being added to the standing committee members - all of whom were elected unanimously. Full report will be posted under the minutes section and sent to Head Office with the annual return. A very positive evening reflecting yet another successful year for the club.
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Tue Oct 18th 2016

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.
Riders: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Up to the Ridgeway, over the back, and then return.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 19th 2016

Turbo Training

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Third turbo training session of the Autumn/Winter season. Please bring your bike, turbo trainer, a towel/mat for your bike and a small towel for you (you will sweat!). We have The Dixon Suite booked from 6:30 to 8:30 and will start the session at 7pm. Please contact me in advance if you want to borrow one of the two club turbos. Sessions cost £20 for all 10 booked in advance, or £4 per session drop in rate. This covers the hire of the hall. If you are interested, or want to find out more, please contact Karen Townsin (karen.townsin@acintya.co.uk, 07768 066413 ).
Riders: David Talboys Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Phil Ward Yvonne Bird Riders = 6 Report:
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Sat Oct 22nd 2016

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 route through the north Vale and down into the upper Thames valley. There is a really nice quiet, rarely used road from Hatford via the A420 to Littleworth which suddenly has a dramatic descent into the river valley to the north of Faringdon. A tea stop at Aston Pottery, followed by the day's one little climb back up from Tadpole Bridge to Buckland. Then easy roads back to Grove. 40 miles, with plenty of options for short cuts depending on the weather and how we are doing.
Riders: Barry Stanton Brian Hipwell Chris Walters David Bridge David Jackson Harry Kenyon-Slaney Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Louis Hall Nick Dunton Nick Portsmouth Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Joyce Steve Swanton Riders = 16 Weather: Report: A great group gathered - very impressive considering it was a cold and fairly damp autumn day. We made good time across the north Vale and down into the Thames valley. it then didn't seem too long before the comfort (and warmth) of Aston Pottery, although it was a bit traumatic having to fight through all the glittery Christmas decorations in the Pottery to get to the cafe! The climb of Buckland Hill didn't seem to present any problems and, apart from a handful of riders who had to get back early, we scorned the short cut options to do the full ride. Back in Grove at 5pm. Thanks to all for your company and a really nice ride.
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/11615176
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17126695"
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Tue Oct 25th 2016

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.
Riders: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Still mostly dry! But dark even at the start of the ride. I was late out of London so I started outside the Nelson pub and rode up Lark Hill to meet David and Richard. They had come from Grove via Crab Hill and up Goddards Brook. We then headed up to the Ridgeway, and down the other side in Ice Valley. Then up the other side and headed right to Moonlight Barn (Farnborough). A bit of a slog up hill with several muddy slippy sections but we made it! We then headed back East and down the Jolly Green Giant followed by Lark Hill. I stopped at my car while David and Richard took the road and cycle path back.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Wed Oct 26th 2016

Turbo Training

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Halloween theme tonight.
Riders: Amanda Seddon David Talboys Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 7 Report: Another great session; thanks everyone for staying with it
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Sat Oct 29th 2016

Autumn Colours - Chilterns Special	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: Woodcote Village Green SU645822
Description: To mark the end of Summertime, a 30-mile 2* ride to enjoy the Autumn colours of the Chilterns. Starting from Woodcote, the ride will be at a steady 2* pace of ~12mph to enjoy the scenery. We'll follow a winding route with a few ups and downs through Kidmore End, Rotherfield Peppard, Bix and Stonor , with one longer climb just before our refreshment stop at the Barn Cafe, Turville Heath, a cafe for walkers and cyclists with no vehicle access or car park. We'll return via Christmas Common, Nuffield and Checkendon. Optional hillier loop to tea from Middle Assendon for those who might like to stretch their legs and lungs. Meet at the small car park by the village hall on the green in Woodcote (GR SU645822). Woodcote is about 35 minutes drive (20 miles) from Wantage via the A417 to Streatley, Goring and Crays Pond. Lights recommended (as it can be quite dark in the trees), although we should have finished well before sunset. Please let me know you are planning to come (for numbers for the cafe and so that we know when everyone's arrived ). I have a busy week, so it may take me a while to acknowledge.
Riders: Barry Stanton Bethany Tranter David Bridge Ian Murray John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Michael Tayler Mila Yearley Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 13 Weather: Report: A great turnout of 19 riders gathered in the car park on Woodcote village green for our Autumn Special. Given the large numbers, we split into two groups with Jon and Karen kindly volunteering to lead and sweep the second group using the route on gps. As well as a strong Wantage contingent, the ride had attracted members from around Oxfordshire and it was a pleasure to meet Adrian, Miles, John and Peter as well as Natasha from the Oxford group and Steve Rock from Wallingford. More to come...
Distance: 48.76 km (30.30 mi)
A special Chilterns cafe stop! A special Chilterns cafe stop!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17254367"
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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