Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sun Mar 1st 2020

Sunday Shortie 2*	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Sunday Shortie 2 hours at a riding pace of 18 - 20 km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be hilly. Staying in the Vale to avoid the worst of the, now usual, grotty weekend weather. Kingston Lisle, Fernham, Charney is standard fare but at least it's out! Coffee options back in Wantage on a Sunday are I am advised, better before 2.30 and Bay Tree CafÃƒï¿œÃ‚Â© looks a good option. We should be back around noon. RIDE IS ON. If anything changes, I will post by 8.30 Sunday morning. Frustrated 3* riders are most welcome but this ride will be at 2* pace. PLEASE NOTE THERE IS A STRETCH OF BRIDLEWAY but a road option is available. Please also note slight CHANGE OF ROUTE to avoid the worst of the floods.
Riders: Clare Hazell Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Matthew Luker Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Report: The weather was kind and water levels had dropped from yesterday, the only flooded section being the Shellingford turn on to the A417 but it was below bottom bracket height. Not a drop of rain fell on us and we basked in sunshine! Ride out to the Kingston Lisle turn was tough into the wind but it eased after that and the run from Fernham to the turn down to Charney caused barely a pedal to be turned! A select few went into the Bay Tree Cafe, which was heaving due to a large party, a table was free though. A good steady average of 19kph. Thanks to Des for sweeping duties.
Distance: 36.70 km (22.80 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31999764
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31999764"
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Tue Mar 3rd 2020

Off Road 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 Mar 4th 2020

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: Des Higgs Eddie Little Jane John Jo Little John Hibberd Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake LeeAnn Norris Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: An enjoyable session of hills and bigger hills - what more could you ask for?! Thanks to everyone for a great session (and quiz)!!!
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Thu Mar 5th 2020

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Des Higgs	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. Route outbound via Denchworth, Lyford, Fyfield Wick and Fyfield. Coffee at Southmoor. Return via Charney Basset, Asti Stud, Denchworth and home
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Karl Blake Martyn Wigmore Mavis Rose Patrick O'Leary Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Eight adventurous riders set off from Grove into a strong wind (with slight drizzle). It got tougher between Lyford and Southmoor but everyone rose to the task. There were no mechanicals or other problems, so a good uneventful ride. On the way back from the cafe at Southmoor to Grove we had wind assistance! Well done all and thanks to Martyn for sweeping.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Sat Mar 7th 2020

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	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. Thanks We'll head out from Grove through the backroads and join the Spring line in time to climb Ashbury hill. We'll then have the fast ride to Lambourn before heading towards Great Shefford. Once there we'll head for Leckhampstead and Worlds End. There will be the opportunity for a cafe stop at Saddlebacks should people wish before the lovely descent down Chain Hill. Please note this ride will end in Wantage. 70.9 km (44miles) and 650m of climbing with the steepest being Ashbury and the rest just rolling hills.
Riders: Chris Bailey Jerry Bird Jo Little John Tranter Joy Arthur LeeAnn Norris Louis Hall Nicole Pethybridge Paul Bentley Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Roger Turnbull Yvonne Bird Riders = 13 Weather: Report: We were lucky enough to have a dry and quite sunny day for this ride, which meant there was a good group of 13 riders. There were signs of spring everywhere and also red kites and a very large herd of deer near to Saddlebacks. As most of us hadn't been out for several weeks what was a reasonably challenging route turned into a very tough one for some of us, especially as there was a strong headwind at times. Unfortunately I was the one who suffered the most! With about 8 miles to go the group split in two with most cycling on to the stop at Saddlebacks and a small group supporting me back towards Wantage. Thank you to them for cycling so slowly and a special thank you to Jerry who pushed me up every hill. In the end I rang my son who came to pick me up at the top of Chain Hill. Memo to self: be more careful when planning routes in the future. I hope everyone mostly enjoyed the ride and the sunshine and lets hope we manage to get out regularly in the future.
Distance: 70.81 km (44.00 mi)
somewhere in the wilds of Berkshire...
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/30613316"
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Sun Mar 8th 2020

Sunday Shortie 2*	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Sunday Shortie 2 hours at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be hilly. With fingers crossed for the weather, and likelihood of a stiff southwesterly breeze, a clockwise loop round the Vale to Steventon and back through the Springline villages. Plan is to use the Ginge Farm track and the track from Lockinge into Wantage, but there are road alternatives (and we may take a view...). About 20 miles with a few modest climbs. Expect to be back in Wantage by about 12. Finishing with a coffee in the Bay Tree or an alternative cafÃƒÂ©. Please keep an eye on the website if the weather forecast deteriorates.
Riders: Clare Hazell Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A pleasantly sunny, if breezy Sunday morning saw 7 of us gather beneath King Alfred for the last 2* Sunday Shortie before BST. Starting from Wantage gave an opportunity for a different route to Denchworth - out along a relatively quiet A417 and over the Circourt railway bridge made a nice change. Once we had turned off the A417 we had the wind on our backs for most of the way to Steventon - lovely. Unfortunately, by the time we reached East Hendred, Des wasn't feeling well and so Karl kindly agreed to accompany him back to Wantage by the direct route. In fact they got back before the rest of us. Given overnight rain and concern about the slipperiness of the access to the farm track at Ginge, we took the footpath from East to West Hendred. We carefully dismounted twice as we passed pedestrians. Although the floods have receded, there were still some large puddles and small streams to negotiate, in particular at Betterton and along route 544 back into Wantage, but nothing major. At Larkdown we met Jo (on foot), briefly, before we split with Roger and Val heading directly back to Grove. It had clouded over by this stage, and rain was threatening as Di, Clare and I threaded our way into town. Then as we finished in the Beacon car park, the heavens opened. Not quite perfect timing as we probably all got wet on the way home. Thanks everyone for your company and thanks to Karl for sweeping. Hope you feel better soon Des.
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32048713"
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Tue Mar 10th 2020

Off Road 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 Mar 11th 2020

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.
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Thu Mar 12th 2020

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	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. The plan is to go out to Hinton Waldrist, taking the route across the 420, coffee stop at Stanford in the Vale.
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Mavis Rose Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 9 Report: A very blustery ride but lucky with the rain, very pleasant when the sun came out it. We bypassed Hinton Waldrist after Southmoor and went straight on to Stanford in the Vale for Coffee. Good ride nice to be out on our bikes.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Sat Mar 14th 2020

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	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. NB: change of ride leader due to circumstances beyond our control. Also NB: due to concerns about COVID-19, we will not have a cafe stop but will do the ride without a stop. Please do not come out if you have any dodgy symptoms! This is a fairly hilly route but we will be taking it slowly and waiting at the top of the hills. The route takes us out via the Letcombes and Hackpen Hill to the glorious descent into Lambourn, thence along the Lambourne Valley to Great Shefford and up the A338 after which we divert off through Brightwalton, Catmore to West Isley and Farnborough before descending Chain Hill. There is the opportunity to shorten the ride back should it be needed.
Riders: David Jackson Diana Whidborne John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Matthew Luker Nick Dunton Paul Bentley Robin Tucker Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A nice sunny start with a little bit of warmth. Sadly, it didn't last as we climbed into drizzle up Hackpen Hill. But - everyone made it up without too much trouble and Di was VERY impressed with her new bike's climbing prowess! The big descent to Lambourn is always fun and it was also enjoyable to run along the river valley to Great Shefford, marred only by an angry Audi driver who didn't seem to like either cyclists or horse riders. We decided to cut the ride short as the weather was closing in a bit, so cut straight across to the top of Chain Hill and then enjoyed the big descent back into Wantage. Thanks to all for your company.
Distance: 45.06 km (28.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/45718761
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31970107"
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Sun Mar 15th 2020

Sunday Shortie 3* Vale & Downland ride.	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Sunday Shortie 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Hi everyone, due to man flu! I'm unable to lead, so Jo has kindly stepped into lead this ride. Ride will depart 09:30am. Happy cycling, Ed. The ride will head out down through West Challow, passing through Goosey, Baulking, Uffington, Westcot, Sparshot - Firs, the Letcombes finishing in Wantage Market place. Ride distance, 23.5 mi/ 37.8 km.
Riders: Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Just the three of us came this morning for what has turned out to be the last club ride for the immediate future. The rain held off for most of the ride but there was a tough headwind at times and the gusts were very strong. This meant we adapted the ride slightly by missing out the sevenbarrows/hackpen ascent and descent, which felt safer in the circumstances. Despite it being hard work we all enjoyed the ride and felt the better for having done it.
Distance: 34.60 km (21.50 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32107056"
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Tue Mar 17th 2020

Off Road 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 Mar 19th 2020

RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Diana Whidborne	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - - 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 out to the Hendreds via Lains Barn and then on to Steventon, we will decide if we want to stop for coffee at the Bakery or bring a snack with us. After the stop we will go back to Hanney and Denchworth.
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Sat Mar 21st 2020

RIDE CANCELLED - 1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Martyn Wigmore	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - - 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. An away day starting from the car park at Hungerford common, a ride along the Kennet and Avon to Crofton and back. The car park can be accessed either by turning right at the bottom of the hill as you enter Hungerford onto the A4 and then first right through Lower Denford or first left over the railway bridge from Hungerford Common (as you come from Hungerford), it is between the railway line and the Kennet and Avon canal.
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Sun Mar 22nd 2020

RIDE CANCELLED - Regular Wantage Ride - OXFORD SPECIAL	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - - 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 second in 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.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29333189"
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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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