Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Feb 3rd 2018

To Hampstead Norreys and back	3*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update Saturday. Nick S unfortunately not very well, so I've stepped into the pedals to lead. It's looking damp and very chilly but not too windy - route may well be adjusted/shortened depending on how we feel (but hills retained to allow us a chance to warm up). We plan to stop at the Courtyard Community cafe in Hampstead Norreys. Bail out options at Court Hill and Saddleback Farm Bring plenty of clothing and some snacks just in case. Daytime lights are a good idea on cloudy winter days! 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 likely. Hilly(ish) ride over the downs to Hampstead Norreys (cafe stop) and back. Should be back 1330 - 1400
Riders: Jan McCabe Katherine Boyce Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Sharon Bedford Riders = 5 Weather: Report: The weather seemed to sort the men and women from the boys and girls. In this case, in clear favour of the women. It was a cold and drizzly start, and just in case I had been looking at Nick's route and worked out that we could find a cafe and bail-out point at Court Hill or Saddleback Farm. (On the Off-road rides, we count any ride that gets up to the Ridgeway as a fully respectable one, so both those would meet that badge of honour). As we rode however, things didn't get worse and they generally got better. The five of us made for a compact group on the road, and we all warmed up on Court Hill, getting to the top within a few seconds of each other and no one feeling like and early end to the ride. Turning right, we hacked along the A338, fortunately not too busy, until the Monument and turned left. Then up are second big hill. As we got away from the traffic the ride became more social again, and we meandered across Brightwalton to the B4494. This was busier than the A-road and maybe we'd have been better taking the smaller, windier roads cross-country to the tea stop. But in the end we past the Crab & Boar (as it is now called) and took the left back on to quieter roads to Hampstead Norreys. Katherine took the initiative in asking a local for the exact location of the Community Cafe. It proved a mostly good choice, except that a couple of our orders took an inordinately long time to arrive, and one of those on the wrong type of bread. I'd suggest not chancing it with a group of much more than 5 riders. Then it was back on the bikes and into the re-started drizzle. But Nick's route soon provided a warming hill, and a few more as we ticked off Compton and the two Ilsleys and the long steady climb (legs feeling it a bit now) back up to the B4494 ready for the fun descent of Chain Hill. Damp weather, and quite long for a half-day ride in February. But we did not feel dampened, we all arrived feeling very glad to have been out!
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26760791"
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1

Written by : Nick Stokell

Posted on : February 3, 2018 at 7:50 PM

Well done all of you and thank you to Robin and Richard for stepping in at short notice.

Sat Feb 3rd 2018

Annual Club Dinner

Leader: Sara Ward	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: Fox & Hounds Uffington
Description: The Annual Club Dinner at The Fox and Hounds in Uffington. 30 places available but running out fast! Booking is essential. Please contact Sara for availability. Menu choice is via a google linkhttps://goo.gl/forms/G8znN2JpUo5xyavG2
Riders: Andy Pixton Barry Stanton Carin Tranter David Bridge David Smith Eddie Little Jan McCabe Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Kerry Tucker Mandy Wassell Nick Portsmouth Nicole Pethybridge Phil Ward Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Sara Ward Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 24 Report:
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1

Written by : Karen T

Posted on : February 5, 2018 at 7:54 AM

Thanks for organising this Sara and John. I thought the venue and the food was great.

Tue Feb 6th 2018

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.
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Wed Feb 7th 2018

Turbo Training

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. 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: Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Riders = 8 Report: Another workout to get the blood pumping along with music that suits at least some tastes! This week a victory for the ride leader as it seems no one had heard of Shawn Colvin, The Editors, James Bay, Carly Rae Jepson or John Mayer. Hey Ho... Or Ho Hey! (The Lumineers, in case that one had slipped by as Well!)
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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Sat Feb 10th 2018

Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Nicole Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:30 am	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. A 34 mile meander around the vale with a coffee stop scheduled at a suitable point. A familiar set of roads with a few (not too difficult) short climbs to keep us challenged, but due to the time of year there will be lots of options to adapt according to the weather and the wishes of the group. Two options for a coffee/tea stop at either Shrivenham or Stanford in the Vale.
Riders: Des Higgs Gary Mills Joy Arthur Karl Blake Nick Portsmouth Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: 8 regular rides were joined by a newcomer Gary Mills to brave a very inclement morning around the vale. All were claiming a lack of miles in the legs due to the winter as we headed off. Whilst it was almost dry when we left Grove we knew it wasn't going to last. As expected we were soon into a cold wind with some stinging winter rain. That didn't put us off as we went over the Letcombes and decided to follow the route up through Knighton and down Compton Beauchamp into Shrivenham. The coffee shop was very welcoming allowing us to put our bikes in their courtyard and we found enough chairs to accommodate us all. We didn't put off the return leg for very long and had a few stretches with the wind behind us to aid us on our way. Karl even managed to ride with only one cleat!!! Braving the headwind on and off we arrived back in Grove in good spirits having completed a true winter ride.
Distance: 55.52 km (34.50 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26799239"
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Tue Feb 13th 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - No takers for this tonight's off-road ride so I'm cancelling. - 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.
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Wed Feb 14th 2018

Turbo Training

Leader: Jane John	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. If you have not attended a session before, please read the information via the link in the 'Proposed Route' section.
Riders: Amanda Seddon David Talboys Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little John Hibberd Katherine Boyce Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report: Valentine's Day Disco Special! 'Good for racers who want to break away, track riders targeting endurance events and sportive riders who want to be able to smash those five minute long hills.' Apparently. A session combining 30 seconds 9/10 effort with 4 minute steady efforts. With seventies disco hits to remind us our (misspent) youth. Dave Hibberd was the undisputed winner of the music quiz, (a northern soul fan - who knew!) with the ride leader having to resort to a desperate 'first answer only accepted' policy to claw back a few much needed points. And nobody fled to the loos when the end of the disco slow numbers came on...
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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Sat Feb 17th 2018

Easy Saturday Afternoon Ride	1*

Leader: John Tranter	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. This is the ride we had to cancel in January. A nice gentle amble around the Vale. Out to Denchworth, Charney Bassett and back across to Goosey. Then a very gentle climb to Childrey followed by some good off-road tracks back through Challow to Wantage. Optional tea stop in Wantage depending on weather and how everyone is feeling by then. BONUS EXTRA: I remember that this time last year there were lovely snowdrops at Sparsholt. So, depending how we feel at the relevant point, we might make a minor detour for the sake of an extra mile or so! 17 miles / 27 km.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge James McGuigan John Tranter Martyn Wigmore Nick Portsmouth Paul Penfold Roger Postbeschild Susan Holdroyd Tony Botto Riders = 10 Weather: Report: What a lovely day! The first hints of spring were definitely in the air and perhaps because of that a good group gathered. Great to see James back with us for his second ride with the club. Also very impressive to see Roger's 1947 vintage bike! It was a lovely ride in good company. We took the opportunity to drop down to Sparsholt to see the beautiful snowdrops by the church there and headed back to Wantage for a very pleasant tea stop at Umami. Thanks to all for making it a fun afternoon!
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20774465
1* spring ride in Lyford 1* spring ride in Lyford 1* spring ride in Lyford 1* spring ride by Childrey snowdrops at Sparsholt snowdrops at Sparsholt Roger on his 1947 vintage bike!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/18595698"
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Sun Feb 18th 2018

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Wantage 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. 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. Deferred from January, this route takes us through Lambourn, Ramsbury and Aldbourne before heading back over Fox Hill to Ashbury and Uffington before heading back to Wantage. A lunch / coffee stop at The Crown in Aldbourne should provide enough sustenance for the ride.
Riders: Andy Pixton Eddie Little Hugh Falkner Hugo Pile Jan McCabe Jenny Gower Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Richard Saunders Sharon Bedford Terry Penn Yvonne Bird Riders = 18 Weather: Report: A little after four hours after we finished and I think my breath is coming back. Not enough riding this year so far! A great turnout of 18 riders meant that this was going to be a most enjoyable ride for everyone. We made an early decision to split into two groups for good/safe management which allowed riders to migrate to their preferred pace. Thanks to Katherine for leading the second group. The first group set off and maintained a good pace throughout. Hats off to some very strong riders on what was a fairly hilly route. The weather was kind to us all the way round and by the time we'd got to Aldbourne we'd earned a decent stop. The Crown did us proud by opening up early and serving some splendid sandwiches nice and quickly. Off again toward Fox Hill on one of the nicest lanes around (of which there were a few !) before returning to more familiar territory in the Vale and back to Wantage. It was nice to stop at Costa in Wantage and chat whilst we waited for the second group (and Eddie's purse carrier) to arrive. Karl, Joy and Andy, in the second group, achieved an extra few kilometres exercise by missing a turn and visiting Axford. Thanks also to Andy for sweeping the second group and Jenny, who took on the task for the first. All in all a very enjoyable day's ride. Did I hear that spring is coming?
Distance: 76.00 km (47.22 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26722148"
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Tue Feb 20th 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Wantage Market Place
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - No takers, so cancelling ride. - 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.
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Wed Feb 21st 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - Turbo Training

Leader: Amanda Seddon	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. 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.
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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Thu Feb 22nd 2018

Ride Leaders Meeting

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: The annual Ride Leaders Meeting to kick off the forthcoming season and claim your rides for the year ahead. Ride Leaders, bring your calendars, enthusiasm and ideas to make 2018 every bit as good as 2017 was!
Riders: Andy Pixton David Bridge David Smith Des Higgs Eddie Little Jan McCabe Jane John Jason Jones Jenny Gower Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Nick Portsmouth Nick Stokell Nicole Pethybridge Phil Ward Richard Kembleton Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Sara Ward Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Terry Penn Yvonne Bird Riders = 27 Report:
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Thu Feb 22nd 2018

Committee Meeting

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Committee meeting following ride leaders meeting.
Riders: David Smith Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Roger Postbeschild Sara Ward Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Report:
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Sat Feb 24th 2018

Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Sara Ward	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. A loop from Grove around the Vale returning to Wantage with the chance to view the Letcombes from a slightly different direction. Predominately flat with a couple of rises towards the end, we will take this 40km at a good 2* pace. The ride will finish with tea in the Market Place so those with time constraints can press on if need be. Light should be better by late February but day running lights still recommended in case it's overcast.
Riders: Caroline Yorston Claire Nunn David Bridge Des Higgs Joanna O'Halloran Karl Blake Nick Portsmouth Phil Ward Philippa Kendall Roger Postbeschild Sally Bensoussis Sara Ward Steve Swanton Susie Turnbull Riders = 14 Weather: Report: What fun we had today! 9 regulars were delighted to be joined by an impressive group of 5 guest riders. We managed tight formation by dividing into two groups, separated by 200m, for the bulk of the distance - thanks to Steve, Des and Phil for their support in leading/sweeping. The glorious winter sunshine further enhanced the experience and we all arrived as planned, by 3.20pm, in time for tea and banter in Wantage before heading home in time for the rugby! A virtual round of applause for the staff at The Bay Tree Cafe who provided hot drinks in cyclist sized mugs and excellent cakes too. A very warm welcome Caroline, Claire, Joanna, Sally and Philippa - and thanks to everyone for being such a good natured group. Hope to see you again soon
Distance: 40.00 km (24.85 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26735261"
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Tue Feb 27th 2018

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.
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Wed Feb 28th 2018

Turbo Training

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. 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 David Talboys Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Yvonne Bird Riders = 7 Report: Good turnout considering the freezing weather and threatened blizzards! First time I've done a turbo session at OMH where the doors and windows were shut for the whole session. Mind we did turn the radiators off . Kudos to Amanda for her outstanding music knowledge and to everyone else for their lack of complaints on a taxing interval session that included more intervals than expected!
Proposed Route: http://www.cyclingukwantage.org.uk/blog.php?p=751"
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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

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