Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Jan 1st 2019

RIDE CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled - incorrectly scheduled for a bank holiday. - 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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Thu Jan 3rd 2019

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Diana Whidborne	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. Heading out through Denchworth and the Hanneys to Steventon to try out the new bakery for coffee and cakes. Then we'll decide how everyone is feeling and either retrace steps or head across to East Hendred for the back way home. Quite a long one this week - approx 15 miles or a bit more for the Hendred option.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 11 Weather: Report: Good start to the new year with a good group of riders who were up for an adventure around the back streets of Steventon !
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
Level crossing adventure in Steventon Level crossing adventure in Steventon
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Sat Jan 5th 2019

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: John Tranter	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 likely. We will warm up with a loop around the north Vale through Southmoor, before heading across from Hatford to Buckland. We swoop down Buckland Hill (for a change), cross the Thames and then go west through Bampton and Clanfield. We might stop for coffee at the Bampton Garden Centre depending on how we feel. Then on to Faringdon (with more cafe options) before heading back through the west Vale via Coxwell and Uffington. Just over 40 miles with a couple of little hills. Aiming to be back by 1pm.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Joy Arthur Karl Blake Paul Bentley Richard Saunders Roger Postbeschild Susie Turnbull Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A good willing group gathered to test themselves after varying levels of festivity abuse. In the event, I think everyone was pleasantly surprised by their retained fitness! All went according to plan. The coffee stop at Bampton Garden centre was welcome, although service was painfully slow and a bit inaccurate. The hills back into and through Faringdon were conquered in style and we were rewarded with a tailwind assistance back across the Vale. Thanks to all for good company!
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/30686714
Little Coxwell selfie
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29111538"
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Tue Jan 8th 2019

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: David Brown David Yearley Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report: We put the band back together for this one. David, David, Richard and Robin riding together again. A cold night, but not too cold, and very dry. Even the bits that are usually a mess of horseshoe prints were pretty firm going. So a very nice ride, and a nice beer (or two) afterwards.
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Wed Jan 9th 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Katherine Boyce	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. Hall is available from 18.30 for set up. See Turbo Information under Resources tab for more details.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Riders = 11 Report: Another endurance session in which everyone excelled. Well done Jon and Jane for working out the playlist link.
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Thu Jan 10th 2019

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Carin Tranter	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. Loop via Denchworth, Park Lane, Stanford back through Charney Bassett to Grove. Optional coffee stop at the Cornerstone Cafe in Grove. 14 miles
Riders: Barry Stanton Carin Tranter Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Penn Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Good ride out in the cold. Good coffee (and breakfast for some) stop in the Cornerstone cafe back in Grove.
Distance: 23.01 km (14.30 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29121379"
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Sat Jan 12th 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Jo Little	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. This ride will cross the A420 at Southmoor and then go out towards Bablock Hythe and Hardwick, before a cafe stop at Aston Pottery. Then the short climb up Buckland Hill and back the normal route to Grove. This is a slightly longer ride than normal for this time of year, but can be shortened if necessary. UPDATE: Since riding the route yesterday I have decided it is too long. I have therefore cut out most of the Standlake part. This brings the ride down to a more manageable 50.9 km (30 miles).
Riders: Adam Cavendish Barry Stanton Brian Hipwell Des Higgs Jenny Gower Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Terry Penn Riders = 16 Weather: Report: A large group gathered today for the first 2* ride of the New Year. The weather was cloudy and threatened to rain from time to time, but luckily it held off. An early mechanical for Steph was quickly sorted out by Karl, our mobile mechanic! Thank you for that. As there were so many of us we split into two groups, but managed to meet up at Aston Pottery for a cafe break. Thank you to John T for leading the second group and to Roger, Des and Karl for sweeping. Thank you also to John T and Steve S for following my intentions, rather than the downloaded route. It was very good to have Barry on the ride and climbing his first hill for 13 months! Thank you to everyone for a very enjoyable ride.
Distance: 51.34 km (31.90 mi)
Great Brook selfie
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29102489?beta=false"
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Mon Jan 14th 2019

Committee Meeting

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: First Committee meeting of 2019.
Riders: Diana Whidborne Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Report:
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Tue Jan 15th 2019

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: David Yearley Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report:
Distance: 27.00 km (16.78 mi)
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Wed Jan 16th 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Jon 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. Hall is available from 18.30 for set up. See Turbo Information under Resources tab for more details.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake LeeAnn Norris Riders = 9 Report: 3 x 10 minutes of negative splits interspersed with 5 minute recovery slots certainly got the heart rates up last night. Headbands are becoming a thing, with four out of nine riders sporting headwear of some variety or other - though Zippy and George had the edge! Sadly, Force GB don't appear to offer a club variety - I wonder if the NUFC shop does a headband?! Jo and Jane excelled as the doyens of 80s pop with Jo correctly spotting the 'Live Aid' connection after only 5 tracks . Memories were cajoled into working out "where in the world were was I on 13th July 1985"! What's next I wonder?
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Thu Jan 17th 2019

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. A re-run of one of my favourite routes (since no food is available before midday at the intended stop of the Blowingstone Inn): 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 David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Penn Riders = 10 Report: Another clear, bright morning after an unpromising start, and a fine view from the downs above Letcombe and Childrey. A couple of people had to get back early and took the track back from Childrey; the rest of us enjoyed coffee there before completing the ride.
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29011526"
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Sat Jan 19th 2019

RIDE CANCELLED - 1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - RIDE CANCELLED. The forecast last night didn't look too bad but appears to have taken a turn for the worse this morning. Heavy rain now forecast later to improve on the current soggy conditions! Apologies for the late notice - Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A MORNING RIDE to make best use of the available light at this time of year. We will travel north into the Vale, turning south to stop for coffee at Childrey before heading back via the bridle path (nothing too extreme) to Wantage and back to OMH. 27.8km, we should be back by around 12.30.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29161423"
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Sun Jan 20th 2019

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: John Tranter	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. 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. First all day ride of the year and a great route borrowed from Richard P from a couple of years ago. A rolling 50 miles / 80km with 2,800ft / 862m of climbing, but it will be at the bottom end of 3* pace for all those wishing to burn off some of those Christmas calories. The aim is an anti-clockwise loop south via the Letcombes, Lambourn, Chilton Foliat, Little Bedwyn and Hungerford to end up in Kintbury for lunch at the Blue Ball. The return will be via the Benhams, Boxford, Bright Walton, a possible stop for tea at the Saddleback shop if we are ahead, and the glorious swoop down Chain Hill to finish. If you are planning to come then please let me know so I can pre-warn the pub. Do bring lights as we may well finish towards dusk.
Riders: David Smith Eddie Little Jo Little John Tranter Roger Turnbull Ursula Hallam Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A tense week for weather forecasts - in the end we got the best day of the weekend and were all glad the ride wasn't on rainy Saturday! Four of us left Wantage and then picked up David and Ursula in Lambourn. Your leader was suffering a bit - it's never a good look when the leader is last up the hills, but thanks to all for being patient! Richard's route is a real classic and we did agree that it will be worth repeating at different times of the year. The little loop from Chilton Foliat around through Little Bedwyn and back to Hungerford is particularly lovely, although all fairly brutal for hills. We had really great service at the Blue Ball, they looked after us very well and the food was also very good. Cold, clear, a great group and a great ride - thanks to all!
Distance: 86.90 km (54.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/31073966
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29176033"
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Tue Jan 22nd 2019

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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Wed Jan 23rd 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Jane John	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. Hall is available from 18.30 for set up. See Turbo Information under Resources tab for more details.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: Big Gear/Low Cadence - training for grinding up those hills! Playlist with an animal theme
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Thu Jan 24th 2019

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	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. TEMPERATURE HAS HELD UP LOCALLY SO THIS MORNINGS RIDE IS ON. Not sure about the beautiful pink sunrise though! No off-road excitement in this one, staying in The Vale with coffee at the re-opened coffee shop in Stanford.
Riders: Carin Tranter LeeAnn Norris Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Roger Postbeschild Riders = 6 Report: Well, the pretty pink sunrise was indeed the precursor of some light rain. note to self, take more notice of such things! Starting out in the dry, 6 riders set off, with Lizzie and Martyn recovering from bouts of flu. Lee Ann also found out why most people in the winter ride with mudguards - prompting 'can you get mudguards to fit this bike?' questions. The answer is, most probably, yes. Care was needed as there was still some slushy snow around on the side roads, particularly those shaded from the sun by hedges. Coffee was taken at the re-vitalised Stanford Coffee Shop (ex Huddle) which is now open longer hours. The rain had now stopped and the return to OMH was uneventful. Here's hoping for a nice warm dry ride next week. Well, I can live in hope rather than expectation!
Distance: 27.60 km (17.15 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29221367
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29221367"
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Sat Jan 26th 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	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. Update 7am Saturday. The RIDE IS ON. Good news is that the band of rain is now forecast to reach us around 4pm. Note 1pm start time. I've been waiting to see which way the weather forecast would go - unfortunately it has been getting steadily worse for Saturday! Please keep an eye on the website for an UPDATE on SATURDAY MORNING in case of cancellation. Provisionally, a relatively flat route around the vale with stop planned at the re-opened Coffee Shop in Stanford. We'll make use of a tunnel and then a canny crossing of the A420 at Tubney Wood to reach Appleton on the way. About 28 miles, but with various options to shorten if necessary. Lights would be required for the last stretch home if you stop for tea, but if its gloomy, we'll need them throughout.
Riders: Andy Pixton Brian Hipwell Carin Tranter David Jackson Des Higgs Eddie Little John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nick Portsmouth Richard Kidd Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 13 Weather: Report: After the gloomy forecasts before the weekend it was a very pleasant surprise for the sun to come out as riders gathered by Old Mill Hall. But it was breezy, as soon became clear as we headed out towards Denchworth. On the plus side, from Charney Bassett as far as Fyfield, we enjoyed the benefits of a tailwind. Brian suffered a puncture just after crossing the A415, but with tube quickly replaced we were soon back on our way. We crossed the A420 for the first time into Fyfield village and turned eastwards along the old road. Passing around or under a gate, we continued to the tunnel. This took us back under the A420 to a metalled track which steadily climbs up to rejoin the road through Tubney. We continued through the village and passed the golf course to reach the A338. After a short stretch along it, we turned into the Ride and continued on the track through Tubney Wood to emerge on the side of the A420 just to the west of the roundabout. There is a good place to cross here, one carriageway at a time with a wide island in the centre. Once across, we followed the road opposite into Appleton and took a breather by the war memorial. We then turned into the wind. This made for harder than usual work as we headed westwards towards Pusey and Stanford. We split into two groups along this stretch and after regrouping by the A415, I invited 5 of the more athletic riders to ride ahead to get into the queue at the cafÃƒï¿œÃ¯Â¿Å“Ãƒï¿œÃ‚Â©. This worked well as they had already been served by the time the rest of us arrived, and we found them chatting with Jan Mc who had joined us for tea. We were warmly welcomed by Claire the new owner of the Stanford coffee shop (formerly the Huddle). It has been very nicely refurbished and the coffee cake was excellent and good value. IÃƒï¿œÃ‚Â¢ÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã…ï¿œÃƒÂ¯Ã‚Â¿Ã…ï¿œm sure this will become a regular venue on our rides. While several riders made their ways home from the cafÃƒï¿œÃ¯Â¿Å“Ãƒï¿œÃ‚Â©, by the time the rest of us managed to drag ourselves away it was gloomy outside and rain was starting to fall. This just got heavier as we made our way back to Grove. At least it was only for the last stretch and the wind was behind us. Thanks to all for your company and particular thanks to Eddie for sweeping.
Distance: 45.22 km (28.10 mi)
Expert puncture repairing from Brian and Steve! Charney Bassett selfie Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel Tubney tunnel
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29203824"
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Tue Jan 29th 2019

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: David Yearley Michael Zywko Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 4 Report:
Distance: 16.60 km (10.31 mi)
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Wed Jan 30th 2019

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. Hall is available from 18.30 for set up. See Turbo Information under Resources tab for more details.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Des Higgs Jane John John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: 4 sets of progressively longer intervals, each at higher resistance tonight. No trouble for our turboers, who still had sufficient energy to continue with the quizzing right to the last track. Well done Kath for getting the connection . Remember, no session next week as the hall is not available. See you all on 13th Feb.
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Thu Jan 31st 2019

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Carin Tranter	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. THE RIDE IS ON! The weather is clear and very cold but not snowing as originally forecast. This morning we will do a simple route to Hanney, up to Southmoor and back through Charney Bassett to Grove. Optional cafe stop at the Cornerstone at the end. 16 miles.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Karl Blake Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Thanks to the intrepid riders who turned out on this very cold day (and to Lorna who came to wave us off). There was ice in places but no mishaps. Nice cafe stop at the end at the Cornerstone in Grove.
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29241834"
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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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