Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Fri Dec 1st 2017

Wantage Dickensian Evening

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:00 pm	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: This is the annual Dickensian Evening extravaganza in Wantage Market Place. We will have a stall publicising Cycling UK Wantage to the community. We will have a rota of members to talk to passers-by, a ride photo slide show running and publicity material to hand out. Importantly, we will have a beautiful old 'penny farthing' bike as a centrepiece to draw people in. Please join us, either as volunteers on the stall or to stop by if you are there for the evening anyway.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Eddie Little Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Lorna Swanton Phil Ward Roger Postbeschild Sara Ward Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Weather: Report: Our third attendance at the Dickensian Evening was a lot of fun and may well have been our most successful ever. The event itself was extremely well attended and the Market Place was packed right through from 6 until 9pm. It was certainly cold, but a few degrees warmer than we had expected and definitely bearable. We had a very good position for our stall this year, more or less outside Costa, and it was easy to see the stall and catch the attention of passers-by. This was definitely much enhanced by the prominent display of a beautiful 1890's Bayliss Thompson Ordinary (penny farthing) bike, courtesy of Mike Coleman of the Benson Veteran Cycle Club who very kindly not only brought the bike over but also stayed for the evening supporting the club and chatting to visitors. We had a steady stream of visitors throughout, and gave away about lots of our publicity materials. It was also a bonus to have Lilley Mitchell from BBC Radio Oxford stop by and catch up with the club. Thanks to everyone who put in a shift on the stall and for all your enthusiasm in promoting cycling and the club. It was also great to see so many members past and present stopping by for a chat. Overall an enjoyable and satisfying evening; it was great to meet so many potential new riders.
On the stall at Dickensian Evening 2017 Steve making off with the penny farthing - Dickensian Evening 2017
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Sat Dec 2nd 2017

Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Half day ride (60-70km / 38-45 miles), with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Likely to visit distant destinations. Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing - yes! Definitely a lumpy one. The Big Breakfast Bagnor (sic) - Refreshments come late in the ride folks, so please enjoy a hearty breakfast &/or stock jersey pockets with nice things to nibble on. Bucking the "off season" trend for stooging around in the Vale, we head South, up and over towards Theatre land - "Oh yes we do". An initial investment up Chain Hill (regathering to compare notes at the very top) affords us a long, mostly gravity assisted meander through the lanes down toward Winterbourne. Intermittent short hills will keep us on message while avoiding perilous parts of the B4494. Turning for home past the Watermill Theatre at Bagnor, we run along the Lambourn Valley briefly prior to heading Northwards at Boxford. Our aim is to arrive at Saddleback Farm just as Lunch Service begins at 12:00. For the time-crunched, skipping the cafe opportunity should see you back in Wantage by around 12:30. Those taking sustenance can "enjoy" the obligatory post-cafe climb/grovel up to Farnborough prior to embarking on the potentially chilling Chain Hill descent. Anticipating an urge by some to head off for some Christmas shopping or more likely an afternoon doze in front of the fire we will likely be returning to OMH some time around 1-30pm. Please fuel, clothe and illuminate appropriately for the conditions - it is December after all ! If conditions are deemed too inclement, I will cut chunks off the ride to retain our sense of humour
Riders: Eddie Little Hugo Pile Jane John Jason Jones Jenny Gower Jo Little Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Karl Blake Louis Hall Nick Stokell Phil Ward Sara Ward Simon Atkin Terry Penn Riders = 16 Weather: Report: An impressively bedecked bakers dozen assembled under a cool overcast at the allotted hour, resplendent in full December garb. Heading out up the four steps of Chain Hill we first collected Jason and then added a brace of Townsins to top out with an impressive 16 ... chapeaux! (gants, et Ã©charpe aussi !!). Leaving the B-road for the sanctuary of the lanes brought undulations, vegetation and .... unscheduled wetness. Starting with a mizzley drift, by Chieveley a chilling drizzle was proving troublesome . We cut the theatrical loop to Bagnor and headed up and over to Boxford to rejoin the Northerly leg up Tower Hill from Chaddleworth, only to discover a bizarrely mangled chain was now adorning Simon's gorgeous new steed. Cue Sir Hugo - Knight of the shining chain tool to provide an audaxatious verge-side conversion to single speed, our collective thanks Hugo . On regaining the B4494, an even split of chilled riders seeking hot baths and those favouring sustenance at the Saddleback was quickly achieved and hopefully all outcomes were deemed favourable. My thanks to you all for your fortitude on a day of diminishing returns, with special mention to Terry for volunteering and managing the sweeping throughout with great skill.
Distance: 54.00 km (33.55 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26468036"
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Tue Dec 5th 2017

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 - 20 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 Riders = 1 Report:
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Wed Dec 6th 2017 to Thu Dec 7th 2017

Turbo Training

Leader: Phil Ward	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly indoor turbo 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. Amount of exercise is determined individually so sessions are suitable for riders of all levels. Turbo set up time from 6.30. Flag drops at 7:00pm sharp The antithesis of Katherine's strength and endurance session last week....its Criterium time. A lot of short sharp efforts, maximum duration only 2 minutes, but its high speed cardio vascular and muscle fibre recruitment we are attending to tonight. Sprint and recover, build pace then pounce! In essence, its a way of perfecting pacing and shifting from different levels of effort without dropping to resting each time. Rest will however be available between repetitions of the intervals . All will be explained, but as usual expect a thorough workout . Preloading with fluids is good, but personally I would recommend NOT eating right beforehand.... If you have not attended a session before, please read the following document listed in 'Proposed Route' below and contact the ride leader if you have any questions.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little John Hibberd Karen Townsin Karl Blake Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 10 Report: An attentive group tackled a series of multi-paced intervals with great vigour & good style. Term ends next week with the Christmas session - party on folks
Criterium sprints session
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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Sun Dec 10th 2017

RIDE CANCELLED - Annual Mince Pie Ride - ALL RIDES CANCELLED TODAY

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: WITH THICK SNOW ON THE GROUND AND MORE FALLING, WE ARE SAD TO SAY THAT (FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER) THE MINCE PIE RIDES ARE CANCELLED. WE WILL ALSO NOT BE SETTING UP IN HANNEY. ENJOY THE SNOW!
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Sun Dec 10th 2017

RIDE CANCELLED - 1* Mince Pie Ride - revised route	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: * RIDE CANCELLED*
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26589476"
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Sun Dec 10th 2017

RIDE CANCELLED - 2*Mince Pie Ride	2*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: * RIDE CANCELLED*
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26552776"
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Sun Dec 10th 2017

RIDE CANCELLED - 3*Mince Pie Ride	3*

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: Half day Mince Pie ride (60-70km / 38-45 miles) to White Horse Hill car park. * RIDE CANCELLED* Due to the snow we have reluctantly decided to cancel todayÃ¢ï¿œï¿œs ride
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26588934"
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Sun Dec 10th 2017

Off Road Mince Pie Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: *RIDE CANCELLED (Mostly) *
Riders: Robin Tucker Riders = 1 Weather: Report: Waking up to two inches of snow was a surprise. The forecast had been bad, but more cold, wind and rain than snow. The rides were wisely cancelled, but I thought I would ride from Steventon to Wantage anyway: (a) Just in case anyone didn't get the message and came out anyway, or was as crazy as I was (b) To demonstrate the resilience of cycling as a mode of transport (#always campaigning) (c) Just for the fun of it That might sound a bit odd, but cycling on fresh snow, with the right bike and tyres is a rare bit of fun, somewhere between cycling, skiing and snow-shoeing. You want a mountain bike with knobbly tyres to get some grip. Fresh snow is best because you sink into it and get some grip, even if it is heavy going). The next best is where is had cleared or gone slushy, so you can cut through to the ground below. The worst is where it has been compacted by traffic into something near ice, that your knobbles can't dig in to, and you just have to hold a really straight and steady line, not braking, not accelerating, to the other side. Overall, it took an hour-and-a-quarter to cover the 8.5 miles to Wantage on a mix of Bridleways and the NCN route. A good bit longer than it would normally, but I didn't want to rush. I arrived at 9:55 and wasn't surprised to see no one waiting in the Market Place apart from the statue of King Alfred. I persuaded a passer by to take a picture, had a quick snack, and headed for home. There, to complete the experience, I had my own mince pies and sherry (closest thing to mulled wine in the house!) I'll be back for the Mince Pie Ride attempt 2, when it is hopefully rescheduled!
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
2017 Mince Pie ride cancelled apart from one crazy guy Mince Pie Rie 2017. Cancelled due to snow, except one crazy fool!
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1

Written by : Phil

Posted on : December 10, 2017 at 1:45 PM

Well done Robin, some sage advice too. The other benefit to snow riding is not having an inch of mud to clean off the bike afterwards ;-)

Tue Dec 12th 2017

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 - 20 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 Yearley Riders = 1 Report:
Distance: 20.00 km (12.43 mi)
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Wed Dec 13th 2017

Turbo Training

Leader: Sara Ward	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Indoor turbo 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. Amount of exercise is determined individually so sessions are suitable for riders of all levels. Turbo set up time from 6.30. This is the last session in 2017 and (as traditional) will include a festive flavour. If you have not attended a session before, please read the following document listed in 'Proposed Route' below and contact the ride leader if you have any questions.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Millicent Arboine Phil Ward Sara Ward Riders = 12 Report: A good crowd for the last session of the calendar year. Our active warm up included a virtual climb up Dragon hill as the weather got in the way on Sunday. For the core of the workout we split into two parallel teams (denoted by gold or sliver tinsel) and alternated between stints at threshold and tempo - some serious work was evident tonight! The final push took the form of a free for all 2 minute dash (aka Denchworth) and we missed the hum of Dave Talboys' machine for that one! A shorter session overall to allow time for festive fruit punch and Phil's legendary cheese straws. Thanks to Des and Eddie for lending technical support and to Karen our turbo captain for another excellent term.
Sara's Christmas Cracker workout
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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Sat Dec 16th 2017

Easy Saturday Afternoon Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Family and social afternoon ride (16-32km / 10-20 miles), usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. Or the Mini Mince Pie Ride! A flat ride around the Vale with a tea stop at ours in Grove at the end. We'll have some of the unconsumed goodies from last Sunday to share in aid of Whizz Kidz. All club members welcome to join us from 3pm, whether you come on the ride or make your own way. However, if you could let us know if you are thinking of coming for tea that would help us gauge numbers. You can email me on steveswanton@easynet.co.uk or text on 07857 527990.
Riders: Carin Tranter Clare Hazell David Bridge Emma Hazell John Tranter Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Millicent Arboine Nick Portsmouth Roger Postbeschild Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Tony Botto Zoe Young Riders = 16 Weather: Report: Although short, an eventful ride. Report to come.
Distance: 20.92 km (13.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26589494"
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Sun Dec 17th 2017

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	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. Nearly the shortest day, so only 74 km but bring lights as we will almost certainly finish in the gloom. Hilly first half with some small, muddy lanes; second half is flatter on larger roads. Out over Chain Hill, though to Isleys to Four Points, then down Streatley Hill [optional coffee stop in Streatley, c. 30km]. Then through minor lanes to Ipsden. Climb again to Nuffield and then the brilliant descent of Brixton Hill. Lunch in CatherineÃ¢ï¿œï¿œs CafÃƒÂ©, Wallingford @ 53km. Then home through Didcot, Harwell and the A417 [I may vary the route home for a little extra mileage, depending on group composition, timing, weather, etc.].
Riders: Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Karl Blake Nick Dunton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Pragmatism in a ride-leader is a virtue at this time of year: good, as we tore-up most of the second half of this ride in order to keep reasonably clean and safe. Remarkably, we still hit the advertised mileage! The leader had a fit of the vapours at the top of Chain Hill, probably induced by trying to keep-up with Eddie. Joy couldn't find any pulse, so it was decided that I must be fit enough to continue. Thankfully the roads were ice-free, although wet, and we made good progress to Streatley. The descent of Streatley Hill was largely dry. Consternation in Goring when we found the Boat House Cafe was closed for renovation but the Swan Hotel was serving coffee and cake in their bar, so all was well. The rain started while we relaxed there. We decided to omit the climb to Nuffield, as all the alternate routes would have been filthy, and went straight to Wallingford. The lights on the bridge seemed stuck on red, so we used the footpath to cross. Consternation again when we found Catherine's Cafe closed [a brief Victor Meldrew moment for me] but the Bean & Brew a few doors down gave us a good lunch in a somewhat fuggy atmosphere. Pragmatism dictated a flat and relatively direct route home as rain and wind were persistent. So we went through the Moretons, Appleford, Sutton Courtenay, Drayton, Steventon and Grove. Grove railway bridge being the only KoM challenge. Back in Wantage just after 3 p.m. Not the most pleasant three-star ride of the year but winter miles equal summer smiles. That hot bath felt good. Now to clean the bike
Distance: 74.26 km (46.14 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11311837"
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1

Written by : Eddie little

Posted on : December 17, 2017 at 10:47 PM

Look forward to your rides for 2018ðŸš´ðŸ‘Thankyou!!ðŸ˜€

Tue Dec 19th 2017

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 - 20 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 Riders = 2 Report:
Distance: 24.00 km (14.91 mi)
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Sat Dec 23rd 2017

Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Half day ride (45-55km / 30-40 miles), 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. Almost the shortest day of the year, so we will miss out the tea stop and just have a nice mellow ride round the Vale - a kind of 'greatest hits' of the lovely villages in our patch: Denchworth, Goosey, Uffington, Fernham, Shellingford, Hatford, Pusey, Hinton Waldrist, Fyfield and West Hanney. 32 miles / 51km with no significant hills and we should be back in Grove by 3.30-4pm. Please bring lights in case we get delayed.
Riders: Brian Hipwell David Bridge John Tranter Karl Blake Roger Veasey Zoe Young Riders = 6 Weather: Report: It was great to see a good group assembling, and a bonus to be waved off by Barry as he recovers from his knee op. Really, just a nice uneventful, enjoyable ride around the Vale. The group stayed together well, the roads were very quiet and a good time was had by all!
Distance: 53.11 km (33.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/19712086
A mellow 2* moment in Hatford.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26610488"
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Sat Dec 30th 2017

Fifth Saturday Special	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: All-day touring ride (80-100km / 50-65 miles), 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 THE START IN WANTAGE. IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO PAY FOR PARKING TRY ORMOND ROAD. THERE IS FREE ON ROAD PARKING AVAILABLE. A ride close to home but with lots of cafe opportunities! Providing the weather works for us we'll get most of the climbing out of the way in the morning - over the Ridgeway to Lambourn and then the lovely road back over the Ridgeway to Ashbury before descending back into the Vale to Shrivenham. We'll then skirt Highworth before Faringdon and a further descent, this time to the Thames. Brampton, Buckland, Charney, Denchworth and a return to Wantage via Grove. Nearer the time I'll work out which cafes are open and on the day we can decide on how many stops. We should be back well before dark but please bring lights.
Riders: Andy Pixton David Smith Eddie Little Jo Little John Tranter Karen Townsin Karl Blake Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Weather: Report: It was a pleasantly warm and dry December day, but very blustery. There were four riders already waiting in the marketplace, when the deputy ride leader turned up. After waiting for any latecomers, we were off, straight into the wind, through the Letcombes and up Hackpen Hill. Although this was hard work, it was more difficult as it became a crosswind, on the descent to Lambourn. Following a brief discussion we all decided to press on, anyway, and conditions steadily improved. Our ranks were swelled, in Lambourn, with the addition of David, Ursula, and Karen, who had already cycled further than we had, to join us. After a brief pause, while Eddie speedily fixed a puncture, we headed back to the Ridgeway, and down into the Vale. After an early lunch, at the Shrivenham deli-cafe, we returned to the road in even more favourable conditions. The undulating road to Faringdon provided contrast to the lanes around Great Brook, encountered later. David and Ursula left us before Bradbury Clump. The rest of us chose not to make a second stop, and pressed on to Grove, and home. TodayÃƒÂ¢Ã¯Â¿Å“Ã¯Â¿Å“s ride was a pleasant surprise; the weather was warm and dry, with eight riders we had a nice easygoing unit, one stop was sufficient, and we returned to Wantage with plenty of daylight remaining. Thank you to all who turned out, and particularly to John for filling in the gaps in my memory of the route.
Distance: 80.00 km (49.71 mi)
Winter ride along Great Brook Road near Aston Winter ride along Great Brook Road near Aston Winter ride along Great Brook Road near Aston
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26586600"
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1

Written by : Eddie Little

Posted on : December 30, 2017 at 10:05 PM

Thank you AndyðŸš´ðŸ‘

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

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