Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

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Sat Feb 2nd 2019

RIDE CANCELLED - 3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - - ***RIDE CANCELLEDRIDE CANCELLED*** The heavy snow and then promise of freezing weather tonight/tomorrow means this ride is cancelled. I will try to run it at a later date. 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. This ride will pass through Denchworth and Charney Bassett, then across the A420, down Buckland Hill and through Bampton. It will skirt round Lechlade and go through Coleshill then back across the A420 to Fernham and Uffington. We'll then go along the spring line to Wantage for a cafe stop at either The Bay Tree or Costa, if people wish. The first three quarters of the ride is flat, with all the climbing concentrated in the last 10 miles. The ride is just under 40 miles and we should be in Wantage by 1pm. Please note this ride will finish at Wantage.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29199573"
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Tue Feb 5th 2019

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	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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Thu Feb 7th 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. I plan a ride out to Ardington with a coffee stop in the village hopefully the weather will be ok.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Roger Postbeschild Samantha Vaughan Riders = 11 Report: A very enjoyable ride out to Ardington, with a excellent coffee / breakfast stop, weather bright and breezy. Warm welcome to Sam on her first group ride. We returned via Lains Barn with a diversion led by Lorna through the new housing estate. Many thanks to Des and Karl for sweeping
Distance: 17.06 km (10.60 mi)
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Sat Feb 9th 2019

Annual Club Dinner

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: Fox and Hounds, Uffington
Description: One of our new Committee members, Stephanie Haddrell, has very kindly taken the lead in organising this. The details are as follows: Venue The Fox and Hounds in Uffington. Date Saturday 9th February Time: 7 for 7.30 The specific menu will not be available until after Christmas as we understand they will be putting together a new menu, however you can look at this link to see what sort of food is on offer: http://www.uffingtonpub.co.uk/pdfs/autumn-menu-2018.pdf. Can you please contact Stephanie to reserve a place and let her know of any particular dietary requirements? Email address is s.haddrell@hotmail.com. It would be good to have an idea of numbers this side of Christmas, places are limited to 35 so please book early to avoid disappointment!
Riders: Andy Pixton Barry Stanton Carin Tranter David Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eddie Little Hugo Pile Jan McCabe Jerry Bird Jo Little John Tranter Julie Haynes Juliet Postbeschild Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Mandy Wassell Nick Portsmouth Nicole Pethybridge Olivia Pile Richard Pethybridge Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Yvonne Bird Riders = 28 Report: Cycling Wantage UK riders joined together to celebrate a successful year of rides at their Annual Club Dinner, held for the second consecutive year at The Fox and Hounds in Uffington. The group represented all elements of the club from elite former professionals, regular high milers (some of whom think 100k is a breeze!), to the more genteel social riders, and newcomers who enjoy getting out for some social exercise, and the reward of some amazing tea and cake. As friends and cycling companions gathered, it was lovely to hear all recounting stories of recent club rides, the mountains which had been conquered over the last year, and the challenges which were being set for 2019. The Fox and Hounds were very accomodating, and provided us with some excellent culinary delights which were enjoyed by all. As you can imagine with a group of keen cyclists food is a serious priority required to fuel the body and satisfy the taste buds! I am delighted to report that the menu did not disappoint, with great variety on offer from courgette fritters, prawns, and mediterranean stuffed mushrooms starters; to lasagne, battered fish, sundried tomato, olive and spinach pasta,tuna, and chicken breasts stuffed with spinach and cheese as mains. For the truly brave there were also some equisite puddings, my sticky toffee pudding was a delight although I have to say that it beat me.... a case of 'eyes bigger than my belly' as my dear old mum would have said! Having enjoyed their meals the evening club provided members with an excellent opportunity to mingle and catch up with other members to share experiences discuss club rides as well as local, national and international events, and make plans for the future. Whilst many of us enjoy cycling at a pace whereby it is easy to chat and enjoy the scenery it was great to be able to chat with those members who we often don't see for dust! The camaraderie and experience within the group was a real pleasure to enjoy and one which I look forward to sharing in the years to come! Thanks to all for coming, and to Nicki and all the staff at The Fox and Hounds for making the annual dinner one to remember.
Club Dinner 2019
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Sat Feb 9th 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Eddie 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. A fairly flat route, 28 miles. I'm trying too keep the ride as sheltered as possible, passing through some beautiful villages, Denchworth,Sparsholt,Westcot,Knighton,Fernham, Hatford. We'll stop at the new coffee shop in Standford-In-The-Vale, for our elevenses. Then we'll head back via Park Lane, passing through Denchworth, arriving in Grove for around 13:00hrs. I've cycled the route this week, checking for any issues, apart from pot holes, nothing too report!! The coffee shop at Standford are expecting us!
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Eddie Little John Tranter Julie Haynes Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Nick Portsmouth Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Riders = 11 Weather: Report: Eleven hardy souls gathered at Old Mill Hall bracing them selfs for the windy ride which lay ahead. The first half of the ride was incredibly blustery, but as we cycled through the Vale onto the Springline the wind calmed down, which was a great relief for us all. We arrived at the coffee shop in Stanford for 11:30am.Service,food & drinks were excellent! We arrived back in Grove for spot on 13:00hrs. Hats off to everyone for managing the ride incredibly well.Great company!hope to see you all on another ride soon! Thanks to Nick for sweeping.
Distance: 45.06 km (28.00 mi)
2* riders bracing there selfs for a blustery ride Great tea stop at Stanford in the Vale
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29298392?beta=false"
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Wed Feb 13th 2019

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. Some sprightly spinning to get you set for Valentine's Day! Hall is available from 18.30 for set up. See Turbo Information under Resources tab for more details.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake LeeAnn Norris Phil Ward Sara Ward Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: Excellent application from everyone for a set of three Punchy Pyramids working across the range of tempo, sweet spot, over FTP and culminating in a series of form sprints tonight. An impressive effort and good humour too as I wrestled with technology and then unshipped my chain. Thanks to all
Distance: 22.00 km (13.67 mi)
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Thu Feb 14th 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. I plan to go in the same direction as last week but head to the hendreds, feather bed lane and stop at Q Gardens for coffee. Weather is looking good.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Martyn Wigmore Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 10 Report: We set off in the fog but soon the sun crept through and we had a lovely sunny ride out from Grove, Lains Barn, Ardington and through Ginge and the Hendreds, stopping for coffee at Q Gardens. We returned on a similar route but took the Tugwells track back to Wantage. We all went our seperate ways at the end of the track. Roger was in a hurry to get back with his Valentine daffodils that he had bought at Q Thanks to Des and Karl for sweeping.
Distance: 30.90 km (19.20 mi)
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Sat Feb 16th 2019

1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Boreham	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social afternoon rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. Not planning to venture out for too long - being winter... Out to Denchworth then past Challow Marsh Farm to West Challow, on via track to Childrey - the across the top to East Challow. We then cut through Wantage to the Route 44 Sustrans track to Lockinge. Next, past "Best Mate" before going "over the top" and down to Ardington for tea. Short route back via Lains Barn. If cold and or wet, we have options for short cuts!
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs John Tranter Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Nick Dunton Nick Portsmouth Roger Postbeschild Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A good turn out for a Winter ride! After a brief "scare" when the cafe told me when I rang from the start - that they were fully booked, but all then sorted - eleven souls set out for a route splitting West and East. Out West via Denchworth (Gateway to most rides) with a fairly experienced ride group - not that the leader was feeling the pressure(!) All made very easy by the support of all of you. The biggest "problem " was dividing a group - consisting of a prime number - up evenly for when we tackled short stretches of busy road! Weather stayed dry and fine and not too cold - including the exposed high bit from Childrey to Challow. All coped well with the hills - a necessary evil for the route! Well done to Nick D - out with us whilst recuperating back into the saddle - enjoying the relaxed 1 star pace. The statutory tea stop - in a lovely position towards the end of the ride, at The Grocer Chef in Ardington - was enjoyed by all - including bumping into Phil and Judith at the cafe, who have not ridden with us for a while. Owners were very accommodating - reserving tables for us as they knew we were coming - and the service was excellent. Thanks to all - including the odd reminder to stop more - as it is a one star ride(!) Very enjoyable to lead.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Sun Feb 17th 2019

Regular Wantage Ride - OXFORD SPECIAL	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
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. This is the first of a series of Oxford special rides this year, taking advantage of my very best cunning knowledge of the secret routes in and out of this complicated but beautiful city. This is an all day ride at a steady touring pace, designated 3* because of the distance but otherwise with a 2* flavour. NB: NOTE CHANGE OF START LOCATION TO OLD MILL HALL We head east via Hanney and Steventon to cross the Thames at Clifton Hampden, then a lovely section via the Baldons and Garsington gets us to the south edge of Oxford at Horspath. We skirt the Mini factory before a particularly satisfying bike track route pops us out on the Cowley Road and we head over Magdalen Bridge up the High and into the heart of the city. I will let you into some Bursar/tour guide insider secrets as we pass my own St Cross College and head north through Jericho to a lunch stop at The Plough in Wolvercote. We will then enjoy a spectacular loop around Port Meadow and a super cunning transit of the A34/A420 junction before conquering Cumnor Hill and heading home via Appleton. This is a long route at about 56 miles / 90km, but we will have a number of short cut options in the last 10 miles or so and we can adjust to suit.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little John Groves John Tranter John Vandore Joy Arthur Karl Blake LeeAnn Norris Paul Bentley Richard Kidd Riders = 11 Weather: Report: An unexpectedly nice sunny day was a bonus. The nagging wind wasn't so welcome, particularly on the homeward stretch in the afternoon. But it was a good group that showed up. Great to see Lee Ann on her first weekend ride of the year (having been suitably fortified by the turbo sessions), and we welcomed James as a first time rider as well. The morning section went well, we split into two groups for a few of the busier roads and the climb of Garsington Hill was attacked with suitable enthusiasm. The swoop down into town along Barracks Lane is always fun, although the Cowley Road then presents some different challenges in terms of traffic and potholes! We had a few tourist moments through the centre and then rode out to Wolvercote for our lunch appointment at the Plough. Some variable service and a few delays this time, although in general the food was good.The afternoon section was where we discovered the headwind, although the climb of Cumnor Hill didn't seem to present too much of a challenge. Unfortunately, John G had a nasty fall after catching the edge of a particularly unpleasant pothole near Fyfield. The group sprang into action very impressively, with people holding up traffic on both directions until we could get him checked over. Having a doctor in the group also didn't do any harm! Thankfully, both John and his bike were fit to continue, although the crack in his helmet was testament to how hard he had hit the deck. Anyway, back at Grove just before 4pm and many thanks to everyone for a really great day out.
Distance: 88.51 km (55.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/31756837
Tourist style selfie in Oxford
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29333189"
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1

Written by : Barry Stanton

Posted on : February 17, 2019 at 8:10 PM

Great ride John, my longest since the knee op... really enjoyed it

Tue Feb 19th 2019

RIDE CANCELLED - Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Sorry, no ride leader available - 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 Feb 20th 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: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report: Finally, techno/trance music has made it to the Wednesday evening turbo playlist. Yvonne had to be restrained from waving her glow sticks about! Luckily, 35 brief but intense bursts of high cadence pedalling prevented the rave getting out of hand and everyone had a good workout - including several of Tatiana's art group who have taken to walking through the room. Jane bagged the Brothers and Sisters theme and has earned the added challenge of leading next week - can't wait!!! Well done all...
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Thu Feb 21st 2019

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. Let's hope that the weather remains mild so we can enjoy a ride to Charney Bassett then Southmoor keeping a look out for mad March hares on the way, we'll then head east towards Kingston Bagpuize and return by way of the Hanney road and Lyford. We'll decide on the day whether we'd like to stop off at the cafe in Southmoor or wait until we get back to the Cornerstone in Grove.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Val Smith Riders = 12 Report:
Distance: 25.50 km (15.84 mi)
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Sat Feb 23rd 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Eddie 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. We'll be heading out to Stanford in the Vale, passing through Hatford,Littleworth & over the Thames at Radcott. We'll then have a short distance to our tea stop at Aston Pottery. Once we are all refreshed, we'll have a nice small section of Great Brook to cycle along, then back over the Thames at Tadpole Bridge, then onto our only hill of the day Buckland Hill. Then it will be a nice flat ride via Buckland & Charney Bassett, arriving back in Grove for around 13:30hrs. Distance, 33 miles /53 km.
Riders: Barry Stanton Clare Hazell Des Higgs Eddie Little James Bosley Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Julie Haynes Karl Blake Mila Yearley Philip Blampied Riders = 12 Weather: Report: It's hard to believe that this time last year we were in the grip of the Beast from the East. A year on & here we are enjoying some fantastic sunny warm weather for our half day ride.It was nice to see new members of the club on the ride Clare, James, & Philip. It was also nice to see John G back on his bike. The roads were incredibly quiet, including the A420 which we all had to cycle a small distance along. We all arrived at a very quiet Aston Pottery for around 11:00am. As usual excellent service, cakes & drinks. James claimed King of the Mountain for Buckland Hill We all arrived back in Grove for 13:00hrs. Many thanks to Jo for sweeping. A very nice group to lead, hope to see you all on another ride very soon
Distance: 53.11 km (33.00 mi)
What a choice! The route. 2* at Aston Pottery 2* half day ride Aston Pottery The 2* peloton on Great Brook Road Buckland Hill conquered!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29355838"
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Mon Feb 25th 2019

Ride Leaders Meeting

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: In preparation for the coming season, the annual Ride Leader's meeting is to share rides within the ride calendar, as evenly as possible, amongst the leader's group. Please bring your diaries and an idea of your favourite rides along to make 2019 a fantastic year for cycling.
Riders: Andy Pixton Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eddie Little Gareth Smith Jane John Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Nicole Pethybridge Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 18 Report:
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Tue Feb 26th 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 Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report:
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)
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Wed Feb 27th 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: Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little Karl Blake Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: Hills and Sprints Playlist theme- alphabetical order
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Thu Feb 28th 2019

Daytime 1* Ride Series	1*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to around 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. I have planned an achievable challenge for the 1* riders who have been out over the winter months. A familiar route in reverse approximately 17 miles with the hard work done before coffee! see details below. We will head out of Grove along familiar territory passing through Denchworth and Goosey. This ride promises a variety of wildlife if we are lucky- peacocks, hares, lambs, and alpacas to mention just a few! From Goosey we head along the Faringdon road for a short time before turning left towards Baulking. After about a mile we will turn left heading towards Kingston Lisle, which is the challenge of the morning as we climb up to the village. We will take this at a very leisurely pace and have a well deserved rest at the top to appreciate the splendid views of the Vale around. From here we continue to Blowing stone crossroads where we turn left following the sping line to the Westcot turn. A lovely descent into Westcot and through Sparsholt provides us with the opportunity to appreciate the snowdrops at the church. From here we will be able to smell the coffee as we head to Childrey for a well deserved break. After coffee we follow the lane out of the village which leads into East Challow. We will turn left half way along the lane heading down a beautiful descent to West Challow and on to the 417. We will then turn left for a brief period before turning right towards Denchworth for the final leg of our journey!
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 12 Report: After recent glorious sunshine this morning, we saw the return to more normal February weather. It was mild for the time of year and not too windy, although, as the 'slight drizzle' turned to showers, I was impressed that the regular 1 star riders were not deterred, with 12 members turning up for this slightly challenging ride: now somewhat more of a challenge with rain and wind getting up and being head on as we climbed the hill into Kingston Lisle! All made the climb and after a short breather, as the skies cleared we headed into Westcott where Lizzie had very kindly hosted our coffee break. What a treat! Chocolate muffins, filter coffee, cheese and chive scones and some carrot savouries were enjoyed by all and the timing was perfect as the rain fell! Thanks to Karl and Des for getting our shoes and helmets out of the rain, top job boys! As we spotted fine weather we headed off through Sparsholt and Childrey, out along the footpath with a lovely descent down the Challow road into West Challow. It was then back on familiar turf briefly tackling the Faringdon road and traffic lights before turning back towards Denchworth and Grove. Well done to all for accepting, and nailing the challenge this morning! Thanks Lizzie for her wonderful hospitality and to Des and Karl for sweeping !
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29384317"
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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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