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Past Rides

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Sat Feb 4th 2017
Saturday Afternoon Ride from Grove 3*
Leader:
David Smith
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.

A flattish ride out via Lechlade to the garden centre cafe at Bampton and back via Aston and Buckland Hill. A couple of small climbs around Fernham and the Coxwells on the way out and just Buckland Hill on the way home.

Pace likely to be at the higher end of 3*.
Riders:
Andy Pixton
David Smith
Jan McCabe
John Groves
John Tranter
Jon Townsin
Karen Townsin
Nick Stokell
Richard Saunders
Roger Postbeschild
Sharon Bedford
Ursula Hallam
Riders = 12

Weather:
sunny
Report:
11 of us gathered outside Old Mill Hall on a glorious sunny January afternoon, with the forecast that it would stay that was.

We met Jan on the way to Denchworth and she quickly joined the group. Roger was not feeling well after a cold and was going to leave at Uffington, but we persuaded him to stay until Fernham and then again until Bampton, where he might as well finish the ride. Hope we didn't bully you too much in to staying Roger. :)

We had a visitation from the puncture fairy after Coleshill and while the main group waited a little way ahead, they were buzzed by a friendly drone. Clearly sent by someone to check out the new club shirts being worn by Roger and Jon!

Once the puncture was fixed we had a long, pleasant and consistent ride past Lechlade, through Clanfield and finally to well-deserved refreshment at Bampton Garden Centre. I am told the Millionaire’s Slice was excellent!

As we had had a small delay, we decided to miss out the intended loop to Aston and Great Brook and headed straight towards Buckland Hill. It was another consistent run all the way back to Grove with just a quick breather at the top of Buckland Hill and the re-crossing of the A420 to break the momentum.

We arrived back at Old Mill Hall with plenty of daylight left and time for people to get home to watch the rugby and/or get ready for the Club dinner that evening.

Thanks to Ursula for sweeping and to everyone for coming along and making it an enjoyable ride.
Distance:
64.00 km (39.77 mi)
Ride Details:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/12861953
Jon and Roger modelling the new club kit!
Jon and Roger modelling the new club kit!
Jon and Roger modelling the new club kit!
Jon and Roger modelling the new club kit!
Great views down into the Thames Valley
Great views down into the Thames Valley
The new club jersey pops up at the Bampton garden centre
The new club jersey pops up at the Bampton garden centre
Celebrating the conquest of Buckland Hill!
Celebrating the conquest of Buckland Hill!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18585576"
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Sat Feb 4th 2017
Annual Club Dinner
Leader:
John Tranter
Start Time:
7:15 pm
Start Location:
The Wheatsheaf, East Hendred, OX12 8JN
Description:
PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS NOW FULL. THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!



We have a space booked for up to 30 people at
The Wheatsheaf, Chapel Square, East Hendred, OX12 8JN

As usual, it will be first come, first served.
To properly manage the booking, I am asking for a non-refundable deposit with booking of £10 per person to be paid to the club bank account:
- sort code: 20-90-91
- account number: 23556050
(please add your name in the reference field)

Menu options for 2 or 3 courses as follows:

Starters
Ciabatta bread, marinated olives, olive oil and balsamic dip £6.50 (V)
Deep Fried Camembert with a Cumberland Sauce and salad £6.50 (V)
'Shell on' Pan fried Mediterranean prawns in a garlic and herb butter served with ciabatta bread £8.50
Fresh Tomato and Roast Pepper Soup served with herb croutons and freshly baked bread £6.00 (V)

Main Courses
Local Gammon and egg, chips and side salad £12.50
Apricot and Goat's Cheese Nut Roast served with chips and salad £11.50 (V)
Steak, mushroom and Guinness pie served with chips and veg £12.50
Baked Lasagne, Chips and salad £11.50

Desserts
Lemon cheesecake- £6.00
Apple and fruit crumble- £6.00
Mixed berry brûlée- £6.00

Coffee and mints- £2.00

Please get your choices to me and pay your deposits by Friday 27th January. it is going to be a great event!
Riders:
Andy Pixton
Barry Stanton
Bethany Tranter
Brian Hipwell
Carin Tranter
David Bridge
David Smith
Edith Hipwell
Jo Little
John Tranter
Jon Townsin
Karen Townsin
Karl Blake
Katherine Boyce
Lorna Swanton
Mandy Wassell
Nick Portsmouth
Nicole Pethybridge
Phil Ward
Richard Pethybridge
Richard Saunders
Sara Ward
Steve Boreham
Steve Swanton
Ursula Hallam
Riders = 25
Report:
Our first time at the Wheatsheaf for quite a few years, and I hadn't quite realised that we were taking over the entire pub!

Bill and Carmel and their team did a great job for us - very tasty food, generous portions and prompt and attentive service.

It is amazing how well you lot scrub up - and always fascinating to see people as they really are, beyond the lycra and the helmets.

We had to get into a bit of quantum physics to work out the bill, but that just added to the fun.

It was also a bonus to have samples of the new club shirt there for people to pass round and try on. We now have a good idea of the sizing when worn over the top of party dresses...

Thanks to all for a fun and sociable evening.
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Tue Feb 7th 2017
Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride 2*
Leader:
Robin Tucker
Start Time:
6:30 pm
Start Location:
Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
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.

For winter, we'll start Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
Riders:
David Yearley
Richard Pethybridge
Robin Tucker
Riders = 3
Report:
Richard's last Tuesday before he starts working in London, so we agreed to keep the ride short and send him off at the pub afterwards.

But I thought we should get 2 Ridgeway climbs in, so we went out via Ardington and up at Betterton. Then straight over the Ridgeway and down the other side to Lands End, turning right at the bottom to come up Ice Valley. Then a final climb past Baron Wantage and a very sloppy track to the Jolly Green Giant downhill.

For the finale, we decided Lark Hill was better the Goddards because it had more puddles to wash off the mud. Yes, it was that kind of a ride!

Then in to the Nelson for a beer and munchies, and to talk about our plans for a Welsh adventure!
Distance:
16.09 km (10.00 mi)
 
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Wed Feb 8th 2017
Turbo Training
Leader:
Amanda Seddon
Start Time:
7:00 pm
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
This is the fourth in another block of 10 turbo sessions. Drop in for a one off session or sign up for all 10. You'll find us a friendly, inclusive bunch who'll never leave you behind on the hills; we can guarantee that the weather will be good too!

Each session, of approximately 1 hour's duration, will comprise of a warm up, a workout focusing on different elements of training and a warm down. Different leaders plan and deliver each session, accompanied by a soundtrack.

There is a small charge to cover the cost of hiring the hall. Please contact Karen if you have any questions.
Riders:
Amanda Seddon
David Talboys
Des Higgs
Jane John
Jo Little
Jon Townsin
Karen Townsin
Nick Portsmouth
Phil Ward
Richard Saunders
Sara Ward
Yvonne Bird
Riders = 12
Report:
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Sat Feb 11th 2017
Saturday Afternoon Ride From Grove (RIDE ON) 2*
Leader:
Karen Townsin
Start Time:
1:00 pm
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
***SATURDAY UPDATE***
It looks like it will be VERY cold - possibly feeling like -3, so please ensure you wrap up warm. There is only a small chance of precipitation according to Met. Office. A light dusting of snow in the Lambourn Vallry this morning but the roads look fine.
*********************************************************

An excursion into West Berkshire to cycle past Welford Park and the carpet of snowdrops.
Route is over the Ridgeway at Hackpen Hill, along the Lambourn Valley to Boxford, then a gradual climb back up to the B4494 to descend Chain Hill. Approx. 55km/33miles.
There will be a drinks stop at The Swan pub in Great Shefford. There is also a shop in the village if you need cake.
This is not a flat ride, so perhaps not one to start your season with, though we will be riding within 2* pace and stopping at the top of hills to catch our breath.
Riders:
Adrian West
David Bridge
Des Higgs
Jon Townsin
Joy Arthur
Karen Townsin
Karl Blake
Yvonne Bird
Riders = 8

Weather:
cloudy with light snowcold
Report:
After anxiously checking the weather forecast for a couple of days and with the light dusting of snow we woke to on Saturday morning, I was very surprised to see so many hardy souls, wrapped up in a variety of layers, arrive at OMH. So wrapped up in fact, we only recognised Joy by her bike.
However, it was with mixed feelings that we set off into light snow/sleet: 'Why am I doing this?' (Yvonne), 'This is a kind of madness' (Me), 'I'm so glad the ride wasn't cancelled' (Karl).
We had only reached the Greyhound Pub, when the first of the minor mechanicals struck. Yvonne's mudguards were rubbing annoyingly and despite several attempts to adjust them, including helping hands from the group, she took the decision to ditch them. This involved finding a suitable hedge to carefully stash them in for later collection.
I was then struck by a series of chain issues before we'd reached Hackpen Hill.
The swoop down to Lambourn was enjoyed by all, and despite the snow, we were all feeling quite warm and convinced we'd made the right clothing choices.
The Swan Pub stop was good - they serve a range of coffees and teas - then it was off to admire the snowdrops. They did look impressive. Even more like a blanket of snow than the blanket of snow.
The journey back through Boxford and Brightwalton was made more testing by strong winds, then as we reached theB4494, Joy realised she had a puncture. By now the temperature had dropped considerably and fatigue was setting in, so the decision was taken to put more air in and see if it would last. It held up very well and we all chaparoned her down the hill extremely sedately.
As we arrived in Grove riders peeled off - Adrian and Des with another 20km to do to get home - leaving me, Jon and Yvonne to continue back to OMH, arriving at about 17:00.
Thanks to all for an enjoyable ride and thanks too for a great spirit. Perhaps it was the conditions, but it was a ride where everyone supported each other well through mechanicals and fatigue.
Thank-you Jon for sweeping.
Distance:
52.40 km (32.56 mi)
Ride Details:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/12921053
The top of Hackpen Hill in the snow
The top of Hackpen Hill in the snow
Karl and Jon at the top of a snowy Hackpen Hill
Karl and Jon at the top of a snowy Hackpen Hill
Outside the gates of Welford Park
Outside the gates of Welford Park
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18477854"
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1

Written by : Karl Blake

Posted on : February 15, 2017 at 10:20 PM

Thank you for a enjoyable ride Karen, Jon and all ☺

Tue Feb 14th 2017
CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride 2*
Leader:
Robin Tucker
Start Time:
6:30 pm
Start Location:
Cancelled
Description:
This ride cancelled because, er, it is Valentine's Day and for some strange reason our partners did not think that an evening spent up on the Ridgeway in the moonlight* was romantic.

* To be fair, the forecast is for cold, clouds and wind.

Normal service will be resumed next week.
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Wed Feb 15th 2017
Turbo Training
Leader:
Sara Ward
Start Time:
7:00 pm
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
This is the fifth in another block of 10 turbo sessions. Drop in for a one off session or sign up for all 10. You'll find us a friendly, inclusive bunch who'll never leave you behind on the hills; we can guarantee that the weather will be good too!

Each session, of approximately 1 hour's duration, will comprise of a warm up, commencing anytime from 18:40 onwards & a workout starting at 19:00 focusing on different elements of training and a warm down. Different leaders plan and deliver each session, accompanied by a soundtrack.

Tonight's Aim: building muscular endurance coupled to dealing physically and mentally with progressive loading of lactate.

Structure: Following a thorough warm up, we will run a series of stepped efforts rising from tempo via sweetspot to threshold.

There is a small charge to cover the cost of hiring the hall. Please contact Karen if you have any questions.
Riders:
Amanda Seddon
David Talboys
Des Higgs
Jane John
Jo Little
Jon Townsin
Karen Townsin
Katherine Boyce
Sara Ward
Simon Atkin
Riders = 10
Report:
Great commitment and patience too from the group tonight.
We made it over the three steps to warm up and three reps of three steps - tempo, sweetspot and threshold - to heaven.

A warm (as ever, it was pretty close in the hall) welcome to Simon on his first turbo session with the club.
Apologies for faffing with tech at the start

Best to absent friends who curiously went to Nottingham instead!

See you again soon
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Sat Feb 18th 2017
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.

This month a loop to the West taking in a lovely view of the Downs, snowdrops and a visit to the Blowingstone. Refreshment stop at the Blowingstone Inn at Kingston Lisle about half-way before returning through the Vale via Goosey and Denchworth. A round trip of just over 17 miles. All welcome.
Riders:
Barbara Lambers
Barry Stanton
Carin Tranter
David Jackson
David Paine
Des Higgs
John Tranter
Karen Townsin
Karl Blake
Lorna Swanton
Marcia Griffith
Nick Portsmouth
Stephanie Haddrell
Steve Swanton
Susan Holdroyd
Tim Parr
Riders = 16

Weather:
sunny intervals
Report:
What a lovely sunny afternoon for a ride! Great turnout again, with quite a number of us out on our bikes for the first time this year.
Out through Denchworth, we stopped to enjoy the view of the Downs from the top of the Circourt road bridge. Carrying on to West Challow, the bridleway up into Childrey was new to some (and somehow it seems much easier than the long pull up the parallel road).
There was a real sense of Spring being on the way with snowdrops and occasionally aconites and early daffodils lining the verges. The snowdrops at Sparsholt were even more extensive than I remembered, having spread though the churchyard as well as the woods opposite.
We stopped briefly to inspect the Blowingstone at the bottom of the eponymous hill before continuing on to the inn.
After our stop, everyone enjoyed the downhill back into the Vale and with the sun our backs it was a lovely ride home.
A most enjoyable and relaxing afternoon. Thanks everyone.
Distance:
28.16 km (17.50 mi)
 
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
1* ride in early spring sunshine, at Sparsholt
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19028155"
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Sun Feb 19th 2017
Tour de Swindon 2017 3*
Leader:
Nick Stokell
Start Time:
9:15 am
Start Location:
Shrivenham
Description:
Monthly 80-100km (50-65 miles) all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, at a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable.

This is a slightly modified version of a ride I led last March which proved popular. It's mostly on quiet country lanes with a few hills in the first 25 km but not too many afterwards. It is however quite a long ride for this early in the year.
This time I wanted to avoid the stretch up through Blunsdon so we will take a slightly longer route through Ewen and Cotswold Water Park and then Highworth on the return leg.
Meeting place is the free public car park at Shrivenham on the left off the Highworth Road. Entrance is on Martens Road ( SU 2363 8886 ). There are no toilets there but we will programme in an early coffee stop at Chiseldon (3 Trees Farm Shop) (15 km). Then westward through Broad Hinton, Clyffe Pypard, Dauntsey, Little Somerford to Malmesbury, looping through the town to avoid the A429 for lunch probably at the Summer Cafe (51 km).
Usual 3* touring pace (11-14 mph) with re-grouping at the top of hills.
Some of the lanes are likely to be a little muddy/gravelly and there has been hedge trimming going on, so bring a spare inner tube, as well as lights in case of poor visibility or delays.
I would be grateful if you could let me know if you intend to ride (text on 07582483315, or email on nicknpbmd@aol.com).
Riders:
David Talboys
Hugh Falkner
Jon Townsin
Katherine Boyce
Nick Dunton
Nick Stokell
Pete Wrench
Sharon Bedford
Riders = 8

Weather:
white cloud
Report:
Five of the 3* regulars were joined by newcomer Pete Wrench at Shrivenham. Katherine and Sharon joined us a few miles down the route at Hinton Parva, Katherine having decided that maybe 2 wheels were necessary after all! Dave then incurred the wrath of the local gods (well the farmer anyway) with his hedge stop and we set off up the hills towards a pleasant coffee stop at the 3 trees farm café at Chiseldon.

After the long climb out of Wroughton we turned off westwards at Broad Hinton into a slight headwind. It was on the steep descent at Clyffe Pipard that Dave hit some mud on the left hand edge of the road and crashed spectacularly. Fortunately his injuries were less severe than at first appeared – lots of bruises and a nasty looking cut near his eye – and he declared himself fit to continue. Not far behind Dave and perhaps distracted by the drama unfolding in front of him Jon also came off but escaped with a few bruises. Eventually the leader returned from the bottom of the hill (sweat) and we de-camped to a local driveway (see Hugh's photo). Attempts to repair Dave’s two flat tyres resulted in further burst inner tubes before we discovered that the rear tyre was gashed. As time was moving on half the group set off for the lunch stop. A tyre boot eventually resolved the problem and the second group, already feeling hunger pangs (time lost 52 minutes!), set off at speed for Malmesbury only to be further delayed by a further puncture (thorn) to Nick S’s tyre.

I think we all needed the hour long stop at the Summer Café and left there well fed and in better spirits. We followed wonderfully quiet lanes through Oaksey, Ewen and into South Cerney. Sadly time did not allow us the luxury of a tea stop at Cotswold Water Park, so we worked our way back through Down Ampney and Hannington to Highworth and the last leg to Shrivenham arriving back just before sunset.

Thank you to everybody for being such a great bunch and Dave in particular for staying in such good spirits despite the pain he must have been in. Newcomer Pete was unperturbed throughout -hope to see you again!

PS After a late night session at the JR, Dave was looking much better at the Ride Leaders’ meeting on Monday evening.
Distance:
100.00 km (62.14 mi)
Ride Details:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/13038257
We set up camp!
We set up camp!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18913688"
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Sun Feb 19th 2017
Regular Wantage Ride 3*
Leader:
John Tranter
Start Time:
9:00 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.

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Mon Feb 20th 2017
Ride leader Meeting
Leader:
Jon Townsin
Start Time:
7:30 pm
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
In preparing this years ride programme we surveyed members about what rides they liked most, what weekend rides they would like to see, how they felt about Tuesday evening rides what sort of distances they would travel for away days and any other feedback they’d like to give.

The results which we will share in more detail on ride leaders meeting, were very positive and consistent with a successfully run cycling club.

Emerging themes highlighted an appetite for a more varied weekend programme, reintroduction of Bridging Rides, clear signposting of ride level (low middle high), maximum safe numbers on rides and group riding education.

To address the call for a more varied ride programme, we suggest that we maintain the core of the weekend programme but encourage ride leaders to add additional rides with different starting times and places.

Some guidelines may help retain the existing structure:

• Ensure that the core rides have been owned before adding additional rides - 1st weekend 3* afternoon; 2nd weekend 2/3* afternoon ride; 3rd weekend 1* afternoon 3* Regular Wantage ride; 4th weekend 2* afternoon; 5th weekend special ride.
• Avoid posting rides which will compete for an existing core ride’s population. For example, a challenging day ride should avoid a weekend when a three star core ride is scheduled*.
• Keep rides within the parameters the club has set that maintain the ethos of the club. For example, not a ride that encourages racing or time-trialling.
• Encourage away day rides that begin within an hours drive from Wantage unless they are touring rides.

Have a think about how many rides you would like to lead this year and in particular any favourite rides that you think will capture our fellow riders interests.

If you are unable to make the meeting this coming Monday but want to log interest in leading a particular weekend ride, please mail me with your ideas and I will include them in the mix.
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Tue Feb 21st 2017
Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride 2*
Leader:
Robin Tucker
Start Time:
6:30 pm
Start Location:
Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
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.

For winter, we'll start Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
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Wed Feb 22nd 2017
Turbo Training
Leader:
Karen Townsin
Start Time:
7:00 pm
Start Location:
OMH
Description:
This is the sixth in another block of 10 turbo sessions. Drop in for a one off session or sign up for all 10. You'll find us a friendly, inclusive bunch who'll never leave you behind on the hills; we can guarantee that the weather will be good too!

Each session, of approximately 1 hour's duration, will comprise of a warm up, a workout focusing on different elements of training and a warm down. Different leaders plan and deliver each session, accompanied by a soundtrack.

There is a small charge to cover the cost of hiring the hall. Please contact Karen if you have any questions.
Riders:
Amanda Seddon
David Talboys
Des Higgs
Jo Little
Karen Townsin
Katherine Boyce
Phil Ward
Sara Ward
Yvonne Bird
Riders = 9
Report:
A mere 10.5 minutes of work tonight - albeit 2 x 5 minute time trials preceded by a couple of sprints!

Great work everyone and well done Kath for guessing the musical theme (with only a little bit of help :D.)

See you next week after my 53 hours recovery time!!!
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Sat Feb 25th 2017
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.

This will be at the easy end of the 2* range, reflecting the time of year, with only the short and cheeky climb at Compton Beauchamp providing any real test. Out through Charney Bassett and down through Hatford, we then utilise a short piece of the A417 to get us to the back streets of Faringdon, where we will have a coffee stop. Then heading for home via Little Coxwell, Fernham, Longcot, Uffington and Denchworth.

Just about 30 miles in total.
Riders:
Barry Stanton
David Bridge
Eddie Little
Jo Little
John Groves
John Tranter
Karl Blake
Nick Portsmouth
Olivia Pile
Steve Boreham
Riders = 10

Weather:
black low cloudcloudy with light rainwindy
Report:
This was what they call "a weather affected ride". Strong winds and dark clouds at the start gave a very different feel to what was billed as an easy ride. Impressively, it didn't stop 10 riders turning out. The gang coped well with some stretches of exposed road heading into the wind, but it started raining as we arrived in Faringdon so we decided against a stop and carried on.

After another long stretch into the wind from Fernham, we also decided to cut out the climb and shorten the ride slightly, cutting straight back through the Vale to Uffington.

But - spirits were high and I think a good time was had by all. Thanks for your company!
Distance:
43.45 km (27.00 mi)
Ride Details:
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/13120224
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/19090919"
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Tue Feb 28th 2017
Tuesday Evening Off-road Ride 2*
Leader:
Robin Tucker
Start Time:
6:30 pm
Start Location:
Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
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.

For winter, we'll start Outside Lord Nelson pub, Lark Hill, Wantage
Riders:
Richard Anstis
Robin Tucker
Riders = 2

Weather:
sindy (night)
Report:
With the other 'regulars' away London, Bulgaria and Australia I was thinking that this might be a lonely ride. But things were enlivened by a completely unexpected showing of Richard Anstis. We haven't seen him for months, but he is apparently now training for an Ironman event so needs to get in as much exercise as possible.

Also, there was a spectacular night sky. As we climbed up to the Ridgeway at Betterton it was clear and in the west was a thin paring of lit moon, with the dark part of the disc also very visible, and above that Venus shone brightly. We stopped at the top to gather our breath and the view.

Then we went down the other side to Lands End and up again, turning left down the farm track to West Ilsley and then up to the Ridgeway again. When we turned west at the top, it was slap in to a gale coming the other way. We slogged to the top of Harwell at about 5mph (saying a friendly hello to a couple of intrepid dog walkers!)

Going down was a lot easier, as was the ride back to Wantage at low level.
Distance:
25.75 km (16.00 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.
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