Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Thu May 2nd 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	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. This week we'll be heading eastwards through Charlton, Lockinge, Ginge and East Hendred to a refreshment stop at the Farmhouse Bakery and CafÃ© in Steventon. Back across Cow Common, the Hanneys and Denchworth. A round trip of about 20 miles. Some gentle climbing along the Sustrans route to Ginge followed by the roughish farm track, then some nice descents.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Geoff Neill John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 12 Weather: Report: A lovely morning for a ride. We took the cycle track to Wantage, cut through the estate to Charlton Road and on to the track to Lockinge, up past Betterton, where the rhino hadn't moved since the last time we saw it, rested and admired the view before dropping down to Ginge and up across the farm track. After the fine descent into East Hendred, the advance party of people needing to get back for appointments or wanting a full breakfast went on to the Farmhouse Bakery and Cafe, followed by two other groups along busy Featherbed Lane and through the roadworks in Steventon. After a slog into the wind across Cow Common, some of us needed a good rest at East Hanney, despite the looming black rainclouds. Fortunately the rain bypassed us, all but a few spots, and we made it back to Grove dry. Thanks to all for your company.
Distance: 31.38 km (19.50 mi)
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Sat May 4th 2019

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	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. *** Note The Time Change To The Afternoon *** A pleasant ride out over The Downs. Up via Hackpen Hill, and back via Chain Hill. Opportunity for a tea stop, just under halfway, in Hungerford
Riders: Adam Cavendish Andy Pixton Chris Bailey Hugh Falkner Jenny Gower John Groves Joy Arthur Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Having waited until 1pm, for any last minute takers, a compact group of 8 riders set out, with a very welcome tailwind. Additionally, we had the support of Terry Penn, returning to fitness, in his van. Terry took photos of us all, looking our best, at the top of various hills, on the way to our pit-stop at Eliane's, in Hungerford. Here, the sun came out, for perhaps the only time, to warm us in the courtyard. Here also, we were warned of a road closure on the route ahead, by another club member, who had ridden that way earlier in the day. That, and Jenny's knowledge of the area, saved a few blushes later. She planned a suitable detour for us, crossing the canal at Kintbury, and rejoining the route at Boxford. At this point, Jenny left us for home, as she had cycled from there to the start of the ride. Our support van left too. Continuing northward, the expected headwind didn't really materialise. A slightly choppy wind, at the top of Chain Hill, didn't spoil the glorious descent. In Wantage, we ended the ride, as only one rider actually needed to return to Grove, and was happy to ride alone. Many thanks to all who came along, and made it a very enjoyable afternoon out.
Distance: 72.00 km (44.74 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/2341505372
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29867603"
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Tue May 7th 2019

Tuesday evening 1* Ride	1*

Leader: Lorna Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. A trip to Childrey Pond this evening heading out via Stockham and East Challow and back via Goosey and Denchworth, a round trip of just over 12 miles. There is a short climb to test our gears through East Challow. Then, after a rest, we'll continue along the bridleway to Childrey, which affords a great panorama along the Downs and over the Vale. From Childrey there is a nice descent to enjoy on lovely tarmac to Challow station before a short stretch along the A417 to Goosey where we rejoin the lanes back to Grove.
Riders: Diana Whidborne Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Robert Treadgold (deceased) Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A select group of 5 riders headed out along quiet roads of Grove and cycle paths of Wantage, up to Stockham then over to East Challow, where we climbed up to the bridleway to Childrey. Avoiding the poo and potholes, we enjoyed the panoramic view along the Downs and over the Vale, and paused to watch the ducks at Childrey Pond. All very leisurely and sociable! We upped the pace to swoop down the hill to Challow station, then along the A417 to Goosey, rejoining the lanes back to Denchworth and Grove. Nice to see Robert on his first ride this year.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27459351"
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Tue May 7th 2019

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. This week we're off to Uffington, via Denchworth and Goosey and Baulking Lane. The return leg takes us back along Fernham Road via Shellingford, Hatford and Charney Bassett. At 33km, this should get us back before the lights go out but, as increasingly seems sensible, lights are recommended.
Riders: Chris Marchant Des Higgs John Groves Jon Townsin Julie Haynes Karen Townsin Karl Blake Mike Bailey Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Joyce Tim Parr Riders = 12 Report: A beautiful evening and a flat ride was irresistible enough to temp a few 3* riders out on a gentler 2* ride around the vale! We started as a group of eleven riders and soon after Denchworth became a round dozen with the addition of Tim. An uneventful evening with the exception of the ride leader shedding his paperwork and Des shipping his chain (!) in Charney Bassett. An enjoyable evening was topped with a 2* version of the Denchworth Dash to catch and overtake the 3* group (ok, they were stopped...). Nonetheless, back first, in good light and in time for tea! Thanks to all for an enjoyable ride and to Karen for sweeping.
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/34421774
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29863590"
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Tue May 7th 2019

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. As those of you that know me know, I have a love hate relationship with hills: so lets do White Horse Hill this week! A very straightforward route to get there and back, with the main thing being going up Dragon Hill. I am not good at hills so most of you will be waiting for me at the top at the small car park, but there is no doubt when I say that we will all do this at our own pace and we won't rush off the second the last one up the hill arrives . If you've not cycled up WHH before, come give it a go
Riders: Adam Cavendish Barry Stanton Chris Bailey David Jackson David Talboys Eddie Little James Bosley Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Roger Turnbull Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 14 Weather: Report: So 14 of us set off in 2 groups to conquer White Horse Hill for the first time this season -, thanks Yvonne for picking up the other leader baton . An uneventful trip out, soon we were gathered at the bottom, a last few words for those that had not even heard of Dragon Hill before today and then we were rattling over the cattle grid and starting the upward grind. It's rare for the highest hill in Oxfordshire to not reward with views and reward it did this evening Eddie heralded the first of the following group and a few others passed us tail riders from the first group before we crested the top and those waiting. A quick word with the waiting car to warn him of the numbers still to come, a few photos and words of caution to those that had not done the decent before and we set off as one group. The following wind ensured we were back to Grove in good time. Another lovely group, thanks to Eddie for keeping an eye on the back and hopefully see you all out on a ride again soon.
Distance: 40.22 km (24.99 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/2349963498
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29892551"
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Tue May 7th 2019

Tuesday Evening 4* Ride	4*

Leader: Nick Fisher	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5-2 hours ride at a riding pace of 25-29km/h (16-18mph). May be hilly. Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours ride at a riding pace of 25-29km/h (16-18mph). May be hilly.
Riders: Andy Cowan Frank Schroer Jerry Bird Peter Cowan Richard Burnham Ruth Fisher Riders = 6 Report:
Distance: 53.00 km (32.93 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29888148"
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Tue May 7th 2019

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: David Yearley	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
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 John Davies Michael Zywko Robin Tucker Riders = 5 Report:
Distance: 34.10 km (21.19 mi)
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Thu May 9th 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	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.A re-run of a ride that we did a while back but in reverse: Wantage, Challow, Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot, Kingston Lisle before a nice long freewheel to meet the Baulking road where we will turn right and then right again for a very brief stretch of the A417, left through Goosey then Denchworth and Grove. Coffee will at the end of the ride for those that don't have to rush off to their ballet lessons. On route we should look out for our summer avian visitors that have been arriving during the past last few days. About 17 miles. RIDE IS ON, LET'S HOPE WE CAN DODGE THE SHOWERS.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eve Thornton Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Roger Postbeschild Riders = 9 Report: Heavy showers throughout our ride. One rider took a tumble early on after failing to see a kerb that was masked by standing water, thankfully he was not seriously hurt and was able to complete the ride.
Distance: 26.00 km (16.16 mi)
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Sat May 11th 2019

New Forest Weekend part 1	3*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Lyndhurst
Description: A 63 mile (101km) ride in the rolling New Forest countryside. This is day 1 of a two day visit to the New Forest. We are making it a weekend away and are staying in Lyndhurst from Friday to Sunday. It would be possible, however, to travel down early on Saturday and just treat it as a day ride. The ride starts in Lyndhurst and visits Lepe and Beaulieau then skirts past Brockenhurst and along the ornamental drives then loops back round past Cadnum to Lyndhurst. The ride isn't too hilly and will be done at an average 3* pace and covers a good variety of the beautiful New Forest countryside. We will have a cafe stop in Beaulieu at The Old Bakehouse Tea Rooms and then a lunch stop at The Royal Oak in Fritham. We can then all meet up for an evening meal in Lyndhurst at La Pergola, an Italian restaurant near the starting place, which we will book beforehand. The starting place for both days is the Bolton's Bench car park on the B3056 Lyndhurst to Beaulieu road. When approaching from Lyndhurst village (on the A35 Southampton Road) the B3056 is on the right hand side, opposite the fire station. The car park is immediately on the left. La Pergola is on the A35 just a bit further on, on the left hand side. It has a large car park. Lyndhurst has several small hotels, including the Ormonde House Hotel and The Rufus House. There are also some B&B's. We have booked The Rufus House for when we stay in May, but the area is popular so it would be best to book quickly. We are limiting both days to 12 riders, as any more is too much on these roads. Please contact either Eddie or Jo if you would like to put your name down. We will set up a Whatsapp group to help co-ordinate everything nearer the time. Jo has contact details for nearly everyone but please could you ensure you have downloaded Whatsapp onto your phone. Please note the ride is showing as 115km on the map but that is because of a mapping error I have made and now can't undo. It is only 101km and we will finish where we started.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Karl Blake Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Several of us travelled down Friday evening and met up at the Italian restaurant for a meal - which was delicious. On Saturday morning there were the ten of us plus Joy's husband Peter- hi Peter, really glad to have you join our group. The weather was mostly sunny and the scenery was beautiful. We made good time to Lepe for a look at the sea and then onto Beaulieu for the cafe stop. We then headed towards Bucklers Hard and then back to Brockenhurst before the ornamental drives. Bolderwood is a steady climb that tests the stamina and legs. After that it was only 8 miles to the lunch stop at the Royal Oak at Fritham . They served up some delicious meals and the views from the garden were lovely. We then only had a 12 mile ride to get back to Lyndhurst. We were lucky enough to see lots of donkeys, ponies - several with some very new born foals, and even a Highland Cattle (a little one). Most of us were then able to meet up for another meal at the Italian, though Sharon left to do the Flexicare walk on Sunday and Amanda was off mountain biking in the Forest of Dean. A great group to lead and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks to Nicole for sweeping and to everyone for being such a good group to cycle with.
Distance: 101.00 km (62.76 mi)
The start of our ride through The New Forest Cafe stop at Beaulieu New Forest pony with her foal Fantastic lunch at The Royal Oak Fritham Enjoying lunch Itâ€™s all ours!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28974656?beta=false"
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Sat May 11th 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Susie Turnbull	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Half day ride of 38 miles. Starting at 1pm. Out northwards from Grove through the Vale and then westwards as far as Longcot. On to Uffington and on to the B4507 and for a tea stop at Britchcombe Farm after 20 miles. Then home via Childrey and the Letcombes - with a bit of a hill to work off the calories consumed at the tea stop! Should be back at Grove by 5.30
Riders: Chris Gray Chris Marchant John Groves Julie Haynes Michael Tayler Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Steve Swanton Susie Turnbull Riders = 10 Weather: Report: Lovely sunny afternoon with a great group. Julie missed the start but managed to find us! We sped through the Vale and as planned stopped for a much need tea at Britchcombe Farm. Almost everyone had a cream tea. We all rode to Childrey and then the group split up into smaller groups and went back home by different routes. Thank you all your company and Roger T for being the sweep
Distance: 59.38 km (36.90 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29867115"
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Sun May 12th 2019

New Forest Weekend part 2	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Lyndhurst
Description: A 33 mile (53km) ride in the rolling New Forest countryside. Day 2 of the New Forest weekend. Once we have breakfasted we will meet up for a half day ride, again starting at Bolton's Bench car park in Lyndhurst. This time we'll approach Beaulieu from a different direction and then go across the Heath to Brockenhurst and towards Burley, where we'll have a cafe stop, before re-visiting Bolderwood Ornamental drive and then returning to Lyndhurst. The ride should finish about 12.30pm, allowing plenty of time to return home before the rush hour (hopefully!). Today's ride is lumpier than yesterdays. There are no big climbs but it is a fairly constant up and down for much of the ride. As always we'll take it at a steady pace and regroup whenever necessary. Again, please let Eddie or Jo know if you are interested as the numbers for this days ride are also limited to 12 riders.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Karl Blake Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Eight of us plus Peter set off this morning. The weather was even sunnier than yesterday and there was less breeze. The scenery was just as beautiful and there were still plenty of ponies and donkeys to see (and avoid when they suddenly decided to cross the road). We went to Beaulieu and then onto Brockenhurst before heading to Burley for the cafe stop at The Old Farmhouse, which catered very well for cyclists. After that it was up Bolderwood Ornamental Drive again before a good descent back down (though sadly not as good as I had remembered and promised to everyone - sorry!) We then just had a short ride back to Lyndhurst. The group was good fun and very good tempered to lead over the two days and provided fantastic company throughout the weekend. Thank you to Eddie for sweeping and to everyone for such a great weekend.
Distance: 53.00 km (32.93 mi)
Des & Karl Great tea stop at Beaulieu Great cafe stop At the end of the Bolder wood
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/28974766"
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Sun May 12th 2019

Blowingstone - White Horse Audax	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Uffington Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall
Description: Now in it's 6th year, this popular but tough 100km audax is organized by Cycling UK Wantage. Note the event is run under Audax UK regulations and there is a [small] fee payable if you want to ride. There will not be a led ride. While we hope to be able to accept entries on the day, it would help enormously if you can pre-enter via the Audax UK website, and pay via PayPal. That way, you also receive the route description ahead of time and can prepare, and we can ensure there is enough cake at the finish for everyone!
Riders: Alan Delaney Frank Schroer Hugo Pile ian Goulding Jason Jones Jo Goulding Louis Hall Michael Brooke Nick Stokell Paul Jarvis Peter Cowan Philip Blampied Riders = 12 Report: As is traditional, the weather was perfect for this yearâ€™s Blowingstone-White Horse audax. Entries were down on last year, owing to several competing events on the same day: 76 riders entered, of which 69 started and 62 finished. Everyone seemed to enjoy the route and catering. We received a nice follow-up from Julie Rand, Volunteer Communications and Engagement Officer at Cycling UK, who has offered to include the event in the Challenge Ride Series next year. The financial surplus generated will be divided between our nominated local charities. Next yearâ€™s event will be held on May 10th.
Distance: 103.00 km (64.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26655804"
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Sun May 12th 2019

Blowingstone - Boomerang Audax	2*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: Uffington Thomas Hughes Memorial Hall
Description: A a 53km Audax event aimed at those who do not want to tackle the full BWH route. This still includes Blowingstone hill but has considerable less climbing than the main event and is designed to encourage more local riders, and those new to audax, to participate. There will not be a led ride. Although we may be able to accept entries on the day, it would help enormously if you pre-enter via the Audax UK website and pay the [small] entry fee via PayPal. You will then receive a detailed route-sheet ahead of the day, and we can ensure there is enough cake to eat at the finish!
Riders: Clare Hazell Ursula Hallam Riders = 2 Report: A modest turnout of only four riders for this year's Blowingstone-Boomerang. The idea of running a shorter event was to encourage more 2* riders to try an audax. Sadly, with this level of participation, the event won't be continuing next year.
Distance: 53.00 km (32.93 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/21886767"
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Written by : Clare Hazell

Posted on : May 20, 2019 at 7:02 AM

Thank you for putting on this ride I really enjoyed it. It was perfect for someone like me, who is trying to break into 3 star standard. A real shame it wasn't better supported, but there was quite a couple of other options on the day which could have diluted the pool of riders.
Thank you for taking the time to help me learn about Audax riding and to your kind support team for providing wonderful post race tea and sandwiches.

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