Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sat Dec 1st 2018

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Heading north for an arc round Witney and visiting the Windrush and Evenload valleys. A mix of small country lanes and some larger roads where we can stretch our legs. A few hills as we flirt with the fringes of the Cotswolds â€“ plus the climb of the Corallian escarpment from Tadpole Bridge to Buckland â€“ but nothing serious. Small section of bridle path optional if conditions good. Elevenses stop at Aston Pottery. 78.4km
Riders: Eddie Little Joy Arthur Nick Dunton Richard Kidd Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A select group of mudlarks with an interesting variety of wet weather clothing gathered for the start. In truth, we missed the worst of the rain but the blustery wind and lots of standing water persuaded me to shorten the route and stick to better-surfaced roads. Joy had a minor run-in with a motorist at the Newbridge lights but no damage done. We stopped at Bampton Garden Plants for elevenses. Buckland Hill was the only significant climb of the day, with Eddie taking the KoM points. There was even about three minutes of sunshine as we approached Charney B but the drizzle soon returned. A ride in challenging conditions made enjoyable by good company.
Distance: 54.50 km (33.86 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/29911772
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28882167"
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Tue Dec 4th 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled - sorry but all 3 ride leaders are unavailable. Normal service should be resumed next week. - 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.
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Wed Dec 5th 2018

Turbo Training

Leader: Sara Ward	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Indoor training session of 1 hour duration, comprising warm up, workout and warm down. Instructions and playlist from leader.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Eddie Little Jo Little John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Phil Ward Sara Ward Yvonne Bird Riders = 13 Report: Excellent commitment from everyone tonight for a series of 'sweet spot' intervals to celebrate St Nicholas. Great spinning throughout and no evidence of loss of form from anyone despite fatigue. Thanks to all for the generous appreciation of my curious playlist and first attempts on the new PA system. See you next week!
Distance: 19.00 km (11.81 mi)
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Thu Dec 6th 2018

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Martyn Wigmore	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to 24km (15 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as it may be cancelled or the start time changed. Out to the east today, through Lockinge, Betterton and Ardington for the coffee stop. Depending on the weather, we might add a few more miles around Wantage as well - building up for the Mince Pie Ride! About 12 miles / 20km
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Karl Blake Martyn Wigmore Riders = 6 Report: Grey but warm day with a little light rain at times.
Distance: 18.35 km (11.40 mi)
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Sun Dec 9th 2018

1* Mince Pie Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince Pie Ride" entry. The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at 10:00 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. The 1* ride will follow the most direct route (about 8 miles) along the foot of the Downs through East Challow on to Childrey (via the track and bridleway), Sparsholt, Westcot and Kingston Lisle. Everyone will be able to have a go cycling over Dragon Hill. Even if you get off and push, it's worth it for the fantastic views over the Manger and the Vale below. We'll drop down into the main NT car park to join the other groups for mince pies and mulled wine. There will be a led ride retracing our tyre tracks back to Wantage after the meet.
Riders: Dan Hewer David Baker-Pike Diana Whidborne Lizzie Long Lyn Taylor Martin Bate Martyn Wigmore Nick Portsmouth Peter Hallowell Steve Swanton Stuart Webb Susan Holdroyd Riders = 12 Weather: Report: We set off from the Market Place as 7 but by the time we left Childrey the group had grown to 12. Stuart, Dan and David caught us up at the start of the bridleway in Challow, we met Lizzie by arrangement at Silver Lane and then we just managed to stop Peter ride past us (hiding in plain sight) by Childrey pond. Evidently, I was guilty of setting off slightly too early! WeÃ¢??d had a brief light flurry of rain while assembling in the Market Place and a second flurry marked our departure, but as this passed the sun came out and there was just the north-westerly breeze to contend with as we headed westwards. We stopped several times to regroup after the ups, but made good time to the foot of Dragon Hill, arriving at the same time as riders from both Farcycles (Faringdon) and Freewheeling (Abingdon). Everyone took the hill at their own pace, some walking part way. We had seen showers to the north and I had just reached the top when the rain swept in. While several riders carried straight on to the NT car park, I waited for the others with my back to the rain Ã¢?? even less pleasant for those climbing. While waiting I saw two riders from the University Cycle Club, then familiar faces from Oxford City, our own two-star group and a couple of faces from the past (great to see Julian Gough and Robert Wyatt). Eventually all were up and as we continued to the traditional gathering in the car park, the sun came out. The mulled wine was most welcome and excellent as ever. It was lovely drying off in the sunshine while catching up with friends both old and more recent. 8 of us headed back together after the meet, retracing our tracks along the B-road to Westcot and then back to Wantage through the springline villages. And with the sun out and the breeze behind us, it was a lovely ride home. Thanks to all for your company on the ride and welcome back to Martin, Stuart and Lyn and warm welcomes to Dan and Dave. Particular thanks, of course, to the catering team for providing the essential ingredients. And thanks to Martyn and Nick for sweeping.
Distance: 25.43 km (15.80 mi)
2 festive Farcycle tandems met us at the bottom of the hill - MPR 1* 2018 Heading up the hill - MPR 1* 2018 Glorious sunshine at the top of the hill - MPR 2018 We enjoyed sunshine all the way home - MPR 1* 2018 Earlier arrivals gathering in the market Place - MPR18 A gathering throng for the ride starts - MPR18 Festive hedgear was on display - MPR18 Sunshine on the outward leg - MPR 1* 2018
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Sun Dec 9th 2018

2* Mince Pie Ride	2*

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: The 2* route takes us out via Denchworth and Charney Bassett, along Fernham Road through Shellingford and on towards White Horse Hill via Uffington. Well fuelled, we'll be coming back via Baulking Lane and Denchworth and back to Wantage via the plane on a stick. Don't forget your lights and a mud guard please! Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity. Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 9:45 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1, 2 and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards there will be a ride directly back to Wantage. Car parking: If driving in to join rides from Wantage, there is free car parking in the Portway car park (by the Beacon, the former Civic hall) on Sundays, OX12 9BU. See http://beaconwantage.co.uk/contact and scroll to bottom of page for map.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Nigel Hughes Roger Postbeschild Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A quiet and enjoyable amble through the vale, mostly avoiding the drizzle - but not quite! The homeward stretch was a bit quicker and a lot drier! Lovely mulled wine and mince pies may have had something to do with the general conviviality...
Distance: 46.00 km (28.58 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29008626"
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Sun Dec 9th 2018

3* Mince Pie Ride	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity. Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 9:45 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1, 2 and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards there will be a ride directly back to Wantage. Car parking: If driving in to join rides from Wantage, there is free car parking in the Portway car park (by the Beacon, the former Civic hall) on Sundays, OX12 9BU. See http://beaconwantage.co.uk/contact and scroll to bottom of page for map.
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Eddie Little Hugo Pile Jane John Jason Jones Jenny Gower Jerry Bird Jo Little John Vandore Joy Arthur Paul Bentley Peter Brodie Roger Turnbull Simon Atkin Susie Turnbull Terry Penn Yvonne Bird Riders = 18 Report:
Distance: 60.00 km (37.28 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/2008243639
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29012252"
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Sun Dec 9th 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Mince Pie Ride	2*

Leader:	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - RIDE CANCELLED Due to prior commitments there are no ride leaders available. - Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity. Guests and other cycling clubs are very welcome to cycle with us from Wantage Market Place from 9:45 onwards or join us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11:15 to 12:00 for mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds on the day will go to Whizz-Kidz. We shall have on-road rides at 1, 2 and 3* grades and off-road rides to choose from - ride entries with details will appear closer to the date. This is a very popular event, so please arrive in good time for registration. Afterwards there will be a ride directly back to Wantage. Car parking: If driving in to join rides from Wantage, there is free car parking in the Portway car park (by the Beacon, the former Civic hall) on Sundays, OX12 9BU. See http://beaconwantage.co.uk/contact and scroll to bottom of page for map.
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Sun Dec 9th 2018

Mince Pie Rides 2018

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: The club's annual Mince Pie Rides invite cyclists from all over the area to join together to begin the festive season. Four separate rides start from from Wantage Market Place and wend their way over the counties arriving at White Horse Hill to enjoy (for a charitable donation) a mince pie or two and a cup of mulled wine (with or without alcohol). The Mince Pie Rides would not be the same without the support from volunteers to hand out lashings of Christmas cheer to all the cyclists!
Riders: Carin Tranter John Tranter Mandy Wassell Steve Boreham Riders = 4 Report:
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Tue Dec 11th 2018

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
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: Bruce Winney David Brown David Yearley Michael Zywko Riders = 4 Report:
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
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Wed Dec 12th 2018

Turbo Training

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Indoor training session of 1 hour duration, comprising warm up, workout and warm down. Instructions and playlist from leader.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Phil Ward Sara Ward Yvonne Bird Riders = 13 Report: Building on Sara's excellent sweet spot workout last week, we took a minute in every 4 to work just a little bit harder, each row taking a turn in the hot seat. Well done all for sticking at it and thanks to Sara and Yvonne for the well earned mulled punch and cinnamon stars to finish. Happy Christmas everyone, and if you should over indulge over the festive period, turbo starts again on 9th January.
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Thu Dec 13th 2018

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Lorna Swanton	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to 24km (15 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as it may be cancelled or the start time changed. Out through Wantage and the Letcombes, up Holborn Hill, down to Childrey for coffee; back via Goosey and Denchworth. About 15 miles in total.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Eddie Little John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 10 Weather: Report: A beautiful sunny morning, with a bracing fresh breeze, and fine views across the Vale. It was good to welcome some 2* and 3* riders who hadn't been on a 1* ride before.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
Warming up in Childrey Stores
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29011526"
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Sat Dec 15th 2018

RIDE CANCELLED - 1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - I don't think freezing rain and possible sleet fits with a 1* ride! Sorry to cancel, but I think it has to be done. - 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. Not much daylight to play with, and an iffy weather forecast - so we'll keep it simple with a nice easy North Vale loop. Out to Denchworth and Hanney, up to Southmoor and back down to Charney Bassett. Then across to Stanford in the Vale for a quick shop stop in case emergency energy is required. Back via Park Lane and Denchworth again. Just about 20 miles.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29029921"
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Sun Dec 16th 2018

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Jan McCabe	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. A shorter 3 star ride as it's winter. The morning is a little lumpy as we go over to Lambourn and then on to Ramsbury, across to Ogbourne St George and on to Chieseldon for Lunch at Three Trees farm shop. By lunch we will have done half the mileage and almost all the climbing! Just one ascent after lunch to warm us up and then a descent to the Vale, returning vis Bourton, Longcot, Charney. Hopefully back before dark, but please bring lights in case we have delays
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Jan McCabe Karl Blake Paul Bentley Riders = 5 Report: A gentle pace as we rode over several hills to lunch at Three Trees, we were lucky as they were busy with tables booked for christmas lunches, but a table left just as we arrived, and the notice saying 30 minutes wait turned out to be wrong! I think our food arrived in less than 5 minutes! The after lunch ride was flat, and the group decided to split in Longcot, with Des, Karl and Amanda deciding to have an impromtu tea stop at Des's. Paul and I decided we'd continue on to make sure of getting back in good daylight. Later heard that the second group also returned just before the light faded and before the rain started
Distance: 80.00 km (49.71 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29037853"
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Tue Dec 18th 2018

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
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.
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Sat Dec 22nd 2018

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	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 loop out taking in Fernham, Coleshill and Bampton with a coffee stop at Bampton Garden Plants. UPDATE Friday: I rode the proposed off road section this afternoon, great fun but in its current state perhaps best left to the knobbly tyre brigade. I will therefore be taking the on-road option, which does mean a bit of a hill folks.......
Riders: John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Mila Yearley Nick Portsmouth Paul Bentley Richard Kidd Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Having gone through the Winter Solstice yesterday, we can look forward to longer days. Hurrah! Nine riders gathered in glorious winter sunshine, ready for a 9.30 depart. Let's call that a 9.45 depart - Richard announced a puncture as we were leaving! This did however leave Mila plenty of time to rescue a blackbird from the road, apparently stunned by contact with a vehicle. The advantage of planning a ride at the last minute is that you can get the headwind section out of the way early on, producing some good speeds just before coffee using tail winds. Bampton Garden Plants proved, as ever, an excellent stop, with Steve even gaining an extra cake (don't ask!). Suitably fortified, we scaled Buckland Hill and enjoyed the gentle downhill back to Grove. A cracking pace maintained by a splendid group. Just glad I could organise the weather! I am relying on JT, official photographer, for visuals! Thanks also to JT for sweeping.
Distance: 60.00 km (37.28 mi)
Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride Nice sunshine for a December 2* ride
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29063158"
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Sat Dec 29th 2018

Barry Resurrection Ride 2*	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weather forecast looks OK so it seems a pity not to go out. A shorter two star ride at around 45km with coffee stop either at Southmoor or coffee or something stronger at West Hanney. Should be back at Old Mill Hall by around 13.00 so you can go bargain shopping in the afternoon, or not, in my case!
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs John Groves Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: Good to see seven riders turning out for a previously cancelled ride! Particularly good to see Barry, first ride out for 13 months. The ride has even been renamed in his honour! My plan to stop for coffee in Southmoor was nearly thwarted as the cafe was closed for Christmas. A passing postie was quizzed and he said we could get coffee at the new Co-op (previously the Hind's Head) and indeed it has a Costa Express machine - very badly named as it is VERY slow. Suitably refreshed we ventured home via Hanney (more nice tarmac) for a nice easy 46km in total at an average 19.6kph. Thanks to the group for good company and to Des for sweeping with assistance from Karl.
Distance: 46.00 km (28.58 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29093776"
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1

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : December 31, 2018 at 9:03 AM

Great ride naming, and well done to Barry!!

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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