Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Oct 1st 2019

Off Road Winter Tuesday Evening 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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Thu Oct 3rd 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to half day - 32km (20 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 16-20km/h (10-12mph). Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as it may be cancelled or the start time changed. An awayday ride, starting and finishing at Bampton Garden Plants, where there is ample car parking and coffee or lunch (whichever floats your boat) at Aston Pottery. Plenty of options to shorten the ride (21 miles) in case of inclement weather and pretty much flat.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Penn Riders = 10 Report: This was definitely one for warmer clothing! A chilly start, that didn't warm up a lot. 10 riders gathered at Bampton Garden Plants for the start, 6 riding out from home and 4 making use of the car park. The ride was a series of loops, offering the odd 'deja vue' moment here and there......and introducing roads that were new to some of us. Lunch was taken at Aston Pottery, generous portions as ever. The published ride was 35km, I totalled 71km, some will have done more. A fabulous group to ride with.
Distance: 35.00 km (21.75 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31167932
Lunch at Aston Pottery
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31167932"
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1

Written by : Eve

Posted on : October 3, 2019 at 2:12 PM

Didn't see anyone at Aston but maybe I was too early but I did find the Museum Resource Center in Standlake.

Sat Oct 5th 2019

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: NOTE THAT THIS RIDE STARTS FROM WANTAGE MARKET PLACE AT 11AM 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. A 70km hilly ride with lunch at the delightful community cafÃ© at Hampstead Norreys. Up Chain Hill and then via the Ilsleys and Compton to lunch. Afterwards we'll wiggle to Lambourn via Hermitage, Snellsmore Common and Great Shefford. Depending on how the group feels we can either take the Sheepdrove Road or the main road to cross the Ridgeway and home via the Letcombes.
Riders: John Groves Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Yvonne Bird Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A select but well matched group left the Market Place to ascend Chain Hill with barely a warm up. As ever the views were a great payback for the effort. The hill theme continued through the pretty Berkshire villages to arrive at Hampstead Norreys much quicker than I'd led Nicole to expect. Luckily she arrived just before we did and we met in the carpark . The cafe was heaving but luckily a group of women cyclists from Mortimer made room for us. Their ride was much hillier than ours and included going up Streatley Hill: respect. After lunch more lovely lanes and villages (and hills) we said bye to Nicole and continued to Boxford and more familiar territory. We chose the more interesting Ridgeway ascent of Sheepdrove Road before a great descent of Hackpen Hill and home. A great ride
Distance: 70.93 km (44.07 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/2773445740
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31196701"
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Tue Oct 8th 2019

Off Road Winter Tuesday Evening 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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Thu Oct 10th 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Diana Whidborne	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to half day - 32km (20 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 16-20km/h (10-12mph). 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 trip out to Buckland, coffee at Southmoor, and back via Longworth.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 10 Report:
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 12th 2019

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Jon Townsin	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 will head south for a change so that means at least a trip up Hackpen and and a gentle rise up the back of the escarpment on our way home! Route will go up in due course but you can expect to go through Lambourn, Boxford, Leckhamstead and Brightwalton with a coffee stop en route!
Riders: Jon Townsin Riders = 1 Report: Well, that's a first for me - no other souls to brave the lanes with! Anyhoo, I had a nice ride around the vale and a lovely large cappuccino and pecan slice at Childrey
Distance: 25.00 km (15.53 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31286432"
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Tue Oct 15th 2019

Off Road Winter Tuesday Evening 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 Oct 16th 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Chilton Village Hall
Description: Join us for our first Turbo session of the winter at our new location. We are in the small hall at Chilton Village Hall next to the church. Postcode - OX11 0SH You can sign up for all 9 sessions (Â£20) or drop in and pay as you go (Â£4 per session). 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 Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: Russian steps this week, with a Rugby World Cup theme. Great to have the gang back again and welcome to new turbite Lisa.
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Thu Oct 17th 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Susie Turnbull	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social rides up to half day - 32km (20 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 16-20km/h (10-12mph). Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as it may be cancelled or the start time changed. Starting from Grove heading north, circular route to Stanford in the Vale for coffee and back. 20 miles and all very flat.
Riders: Barry Eggby Bridget Proctor Bryan Proctor Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eve Thornton Ian Shipton John Groves Karl Blake Lizzie Long Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Susie Turnbull Riders = 17 Report: A large group of us set off from Grove and we welcomed Bryan and Bridget Proctor who joined us for their first CTC ride. The first 8 miles it was sunny and mild. We headed north towards Fyfield and then left to Longworth. The next 4 miles to Stanford in the Vale were very unpleasant with heavy rain. The cafÃ© gave us a good welcome and we all had a much needed break for coffee, cake and sandwiches. When we got back on our bikes the sun was shinning and we had a quick ride back to Grove. Thanks for Roger T for being the sweep. A very pleasant ride!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31311572"
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Sat Oct 19th 2019

1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Diana Whidborne	Start Time: 2:00 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. I plan to head out to the Letcombes we will have one climb up Holborn Hill, which we can take our time with, hopefully the weather will be kind and we can enjoy the views when we get to the top, then on to Childrey, Sparsholt Westcot, Kingston Lisle where we will have a tea stop at the Blowing Stone Pub before carrying on for home through Baulking and Denchorth. We can always shorten the route if we need to.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Julie Haynes Steve Boreham Susan Holdroyd Riders = 6 Report: A lovely sunny afternoon which was nice to see after all the rain, 6 of us set off towards wantage. After we turned off the Wantage road we stopped to shed a few layers that is when the domino effect happened, luckily with the help of Des and Barry my wheel was put back in place and we all carried on. Tea stop was at the blowing stone pub a little different but well looked after with the most amazing warm chocolate Brownies. After the stop Des left us at the Baulking Junction and the rest returned to Grove
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 20th 2019

3* All day ride	3*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
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. Due to the weather being so unpredictable at the moment, i've decided to plan this ride at the lower distance of around 53 miles. Using more local routes within the Vale, with no major climbing involved, keeping the ride simple/social! We'll head out through the Letcombes, passing through Childrey, Westcot, Fernham, The Coxwells, Coleshill, Little Faringdon, Broadwell & Clanfield. We'll stop for lunch at Aston Pottery. I have reserved a table to seat 8-10, but more than happy to accommodate!! From Aston we'll head around Great Brook & Old Shifford, passing on through to Standlake, Southmoor & Charney Bassett. We should arrive back in Wantage for around 14:30hrs. Route Checked,15/10/19/ Distance,85km/53mi.
Riders: Eddie Little James Bosley Jane John Jo Little John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Nine riders set off from Wantage Market place on a very chilly & cloudy morning. Yvonne was the only one brave enough to wear shorts! The roads were very quiet, we seem to pass more horse riders than fellow cyclists. Karl had a mechanical at Filkins, but this was soon resolved! We arrived at a very quiet Aston Pottery for lunch. Everyone enjoyed a hot & tasty meal. The afternoon was very pleasant with more quiet roads. John T had a slow puncture but this was soon resolved with Rogers magic foam sealant. A very enjoyable ride with great company! Many thanks to Jo for sweeping. Also many thanks to Karl & Roger for your mechanical support!! Big thanks to secondary leaders on the busy roads, Jane J, Yvonne, Roger, John T,
Distance: 85.00 km (52.82 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31312008"
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Mon Oct 21st 2019

Annual General Meeting

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Childrey Cricket Club, OX12 9RR
Description: The 2019 Cycling UK Wantage AGM will be held as follows: Logistics: Date - Monday 21st October 2019 Time - 19.00 for food, 19:45 for business Location - Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill, East Challow, Wantage, OX12 9RR Food details: The Cricket Club has a good bar and we are bringing in the food courtesy of Millbrook Fish and Chips in Grove (a new option, but highly recommended). Menu choices are given below, please let me know your choices by THURSDAY 17th OCTOBER so I can pre-order with the shop. Exact money on the night please. cod and chips Â£5.00 chicken and chips Â£5.00 beef pie and chips Â£3.50 spring roll and chips Â£3.00 (vegetarian) Please let me know at: john@tranters.net Agenda: 1. Open and apologies for absence 2. Minutes of 2018 AGM 3. Matters arising from 2018 AGM 4. Chairman's Report 5. Ride Secretary's Report 6. Blowingstone Audax Report 7. Membership Secretary's Report 8. Treasurer's Report 9. Publicity Report 10. Oxfordshire Cycling Network Update 11. Election of Committee Members for 2019-20 12. Motions for AGM Discussion (if any) 13. Presentation of Trophies 14. Close The following people have indicated they are willing to stand in the roles shown for next year: Chairman & Membership Secretary: John Tranter Secretary: Jo Little Treasurer: Roger Postbeschild Rides Secretary: Jon Townsin Publicity: Steve Boreham General Committee Members: Steve Swanton, Karen Townsin, Stephanie Haddrell, Diana Whidborne If there are any additional nominations, please provide a proposer and seconder to Jo (secretary@ctcwantage.org.uk) by MONDAY 14th OCTOBER at the latest. Any member can put forward a Motion for discussion at the AGM. Again, please submit any Motions to Jo (secretary@ctcwantage.org.uk) by MONDAY 14th OCTOBER at the latest. I really encourage as many of you as possible to come along to the AGM - it is a very useful way to get a good overview of what the Club does and how things are progressing. it's also a great social evening and a chance to see people dressed in normal clothes!
Riders: Andy Cowan Andy Pixton Barry Stanton Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eddie Little Gareth Smith Hugo Pile Jane John Jo Little John Groves John Hibberd John Tranter Jon Townsin Julie Haynes Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Lizzie Long Lorna Swanton Nick Dunton Nick Portsmouth Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Yvonne Bird Riders = 31 Report:
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Tue Oct 22nd 2019

Off Road Winter Tuesday Evening 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 Robin Tucker Steve Legate Riders = 4 Report:
Distance: 25.41 km (15.79 mi)
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Wed Oct 23rd 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Chilton Village Hall
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 LeeAnn Norris Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report:
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Thu Oct 24th 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: Awayday ride from Longcot
Description: Social rides up to half day - 32km (20 miles), usually with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of 16-20km/h (10-12mph). Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as it may be cancelled or the start time changed. An awayday ride from my house in Longcot (for directions to my house give me a call). This ride is a bit lumpy but full of beautiful views (if the weather is good). The hills are probably the equivalent of 2 - 2.5 x Holborn Hill, but not all in one go! About 20 miles.
Riders: Barry Eggby Des Higgs Karl Blake Richard Kidd Roger Postbeschild Susan Holdroyd Riders = 6 Weather: Report: What a day for a bike ride! Six riders set off in dry, fine weather but it didn't stay like that for long. As soon as we got into the hills the rain started and the temperature dropped by 10 degrees. So no views, which was what this ride was all about. We all decided to head for the cafe at Shrivenham which was full with locals. We did manage to find 5 seats (as Richard had decided to head for home). We all had hot food and drinks to try and warm up, but it took me more than 3 hours to stop shivering! Thanks for coming and sorry about the weather. If I could control it I would be a very rich man!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 26th 2019

RIDE CANCELLED - 2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - SORRY - BUT FORECAST IS FOR HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS. NO FUN AND TOO DANGEROUS FOR A 2* RIDE! 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. I want to try out the new cafe in Lambourn, so the route will be south through the Letcombes and Hackpen Hill (don't worry - it is a kindly hill which gives you a rest on a flat bit half way up). The reward is a brilliant swoop down across the Downs to Lambourn. After refreshments, we will return along the back road to Ashbury. This is where school geography comes into play as we realise how gentle the slope is on the back side of an escarpment. The dramatic drop down Ashbury Hill shows off the other side before we pootle home through the Vale. 34 miles - a few hills, but well worth it and we will stick to a gentle 2* pace.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31334795"
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Tue Oct 29th 2019

Off Road Winter Tuesday Evening 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 Oct 30th 2019

Turbo Training

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Chilton Village Hall
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 John Hibberd Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Yvonne Bird Riders = 6 Report: Late posting so if you were or werenâ€™t there just shout
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Thu Oct 31st 2019

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Social Family ride approximately 14 miles, with a cafe stop, at a riding pace of (7 -10 mph). 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's is a flat circular route from Old Mill Hall Grove out via Denchworth and Charney Bassett to Stanford for a well earned hot drink and cake at the cafe before returning via Park lane and Denchworth to Grove. A repeat of the 22 August Family ride. Layers, wind/waterproof top, and gloves essential to keep warm. For regular riders or those wanting a longer ride there is an option to extend the ride via Longworth and Buckland.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Ellie Hollick John Groves Josh Hollick Judith Hollick Lizzie Hollick Lizzie Long Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Susan Holdroyd Riders = 14 Report: After early reports of rain for this weeks ride it was a pleasure to wake to bright sunshine, perfect conditions for the last family ride of the year, and the first of the new season! We had a healthy turn out of 14 riders including 3 youngsters Lizzie, Joshua and Ellie Hollick accompanied by mum Jude who joined us for their third ride. We decided to split into two groups at the start with Joshua, and Lizzie setting the pace for the first group, and Ellie on her new bike with gears, and Jude riding with the second. We met at Charney Bassett green for a photo and refreshments, at which point Joshua, having cooled down decided it perhaps was a good idea to adorn his fleece! John, Susan and Patrick took this opportunity to extend the ride and headed out to Longworth before joining us at Stanford for coffee and cake. Following a lovely social break and wonderful refreshments at Stanfod Cafe conditions remained favourable for the rest of the ride. In all a very enjoyable ride, with great company! Special thanks to Des, and Carin for leading and to Di and Roger for sweeping!
Distance: 22.53 km (14.00 mi)
Family ride on Charney Bassett Green Family ride on Charney Bassett Green
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29930499"
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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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