Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sun Oct 3rd 2021

3* half day ride (rescheduled from Saturday)	3*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 12:30 pm	Start Location: Beacon Car Park
Description: Rearranged from yesterday - hoping for much better weather! As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. 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. Something a bit different. An afternoon jaunt to Hungerford with a tea stop at Elianes. Please note start is from The Beacon, Wantage.
Riders: Andy Pixton Eddie Little John Tranter Riders = 3 Weather: Report: It was a good decision to reschedule from the wild stormy day before, although it was a shame that as a result Sharon couldn't go on her own ride! So we were a small but elite group setting off into a pretty stiff headwind down over the ridges to Hungerford. All went well and we enjoyed a very splendid coffee stop at Eliane's in Hungerford. The cunning plan worked in that the wind then more or less blew us back and it was great to finish with the big swoop down Chain Hill (until it then started raining as we got back to Wantage!) Thanks to Eddie and Andy for great company. And thanks to Sharon for a really nice route which I hope we will use again.
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)
3* ride in Great Shefford
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37610830"
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Sun Oct 3rd 2021

2* Sunday shortie	2*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Monday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. We'll go through Denchworth to Gainfield and then through Shellingford and Uffington before returning to Grove via Sparsholt and Denchworth. 23 miles of mostly flat riding through some lovely villages.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Gerry Jones Jane John Jo Little Karl Blake Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Another sunny ride, though the headwind was strong going out - which meant a swift ride back. A good group to ride with and special thanks to Jane for taking the headwind for me for a stretch.
Distance: 37.82 km (23.50 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37623567"
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Mon Oct 4th 2021

Club social evening

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Challow Cricket Club, OX12 9RR
Description: As the nights draw in and the Tuesday evening summer season finishes, this is an opportunity for us to get together socially, to see what people look like in normal clothes and to eat and drink together. There will also be a short update reflecting on the season so far and discussing plans for the future. Logistics: Date - Monday 4th October 2021 Time - 19.00 for food, 19:30 for presentations Location - Challow and Childrey Cricket Club, Vicarage Hill, East Challow, Wantage, OX12 9RR Food details: The Cricket Club has a good bar and for those who would like to eat there we are bringing in the food courtesy of Millbrook Fish and Chips in Grove. Menu choices are given below, please let me know your choices by the end of THURSDAY 30th SEPTEMBER so that I can pre-order with the shop. Exact money on the night please. large cod and chips £7.00 large sausage and chips £3.50 minced beef and onion pie and chips £4.50 cheese and onion pasty and chips £4.00 (vegetarian) Please let me know at: john@tranters.net
Riders: Andrew Rimmer Andy Pixton Barry Stanton Carin Tranter Chris Bailey David Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs Ernie Trimble Gerry Jones Ian Howland Joanna Houlston John Tranter Jon Townsin Julie Haynes Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Kevin Hazell Nick Portsmouth Nicole Pethybridge Patrick O'Leary Richard Pethybridge Sally Bensoussis Sharon Bedford Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Vyvyan Hazell Riders = 28 Report: Great food, great drinks and great company. Also very fascinating to see people without lycra and helmets! Really good discussion on the rides programme and some good ideas to launch us into the winter programme. Thanks to Carin for organising and delivering the food. Thanks to everyone for being there!
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Mon Oct 4th 2021

Ride out to see the Women's Tour of Britain	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Stage 1 of the Women's Tour of Britain passes through our patch, from Bicester to Banbury via Abingdon and Cumnor. This ride gives us a chance to cheer the riders on, not once but twice and then follow in their footsteps (bike wheels!) for a while . We'll go to Oxford via Boars Hill and the Thames Path - I've ridden this recently and its ok if you're not on very skinny road tyres - then catch the Womens Tour as it turns into Cowley Road from St Clements. We'll then have an hour to get some lunch and do the 10km to Cumnor, where we will see the Tour for the second time. For those that want it, we will then follow the Tour down past Farmoor and on to Eynsham, it is a straightforward return to Grove for anyone not wanting to go further. The Tour will have turned right towards Bladon, we'll go left towards Stanton Harcourt and on to a coffee stop at Aston Pottery before returning via Buckland.
Riders: Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Simon Atkin Riders = 3 Weather: Report: What a great day's cycling. Concentrated on getting to Oxford in time to see the Women’s Tour ride onto Cowley Road. Always appreciate the excellent bike paths from Kennington into Oxford - pity they’re not all like that! The build up to the race was great, amazement at just how many cars kept appearing despite the imminent arrival. However as if by magic the motorcyclists seemed to clear them and then we had seconds to admire the bunched peloton. Then fighting the traffic jams to pick up lunch from Botley and on to Cumnor where we were greeted by cheers and flag waving by the school children. We all agreed that was the only time we’d have such a reaction from our bike riding . We got to see a more strung out race with one or two off the back. Great fun . Then catch-up with the 2* riders before dropping down the 'race course' and following it through to Eynsham before leaving the pink arrows behind. As ever a nice coffee stop at Aston Pottery before dodging the showers home. Very grateful to Simon for taking the front as the wind increased. A great cycling day in great company.
Distance: 100.10 km (62.20 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/6063181075
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37605846"
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Mon Oct 4th 2021

Women's Tour2*	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Stage 1 of the Women's Tour of Britain passes through our patch, from Bicester to Banbury via Abingdon and Cumnor. This ride gives us a chance to cheer the riders on as they pass between Wotton and Cumnor. We will ride out at a leisurely pace and aim to be waiting for the riders to pass at around midday. We will stop for a coffee/lunch at Appleton on the return home. Please bring drink/ refreshments to enjoy whilst we wait for the tour to pass and appropriate clothing!
Riders: Barry Stanton David Bridge Des Higgs Karl Blake Patrick O'Leary Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Thanks to Des for leading this ride, stepping up at short notice due to Steph's absence, hugely appreciated. The route was emended slightly to suit conditions and group assembled, out via Denchworth Lyford Garford, Marcham Sippon and Cumnor where we stood and cheered the ladies on. We also met up with the 3* group who had seen the tour earlier. A steady ride home after the tour had passed stopping at Appleton for coffee and hot pasties. A good ride with good company, thanks to all!
Distance: 45.50 km (28.27 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37620785"
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Tue Oct 5th 2021

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: David Brown	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Note: This is a pre-book ride only, so I will not attend WMP if there are no takers! Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres required and good lights when it gets dark (‘get you home’ lights in Spring/Autumn). We are keen to welcome new riders and can make recommendations or have spare lights 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 we decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
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Tue Oct 5th 2021

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: On Line
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 9:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: Welcome back everyone to another season of turbo training, online for the second year. After the usual technical hitches and battles with laundry racks (you'll have to ask Yvonne), we got back into training with a tough Russian Steps Interval session. During the work out, an occassional "I've forgotten how hard this is," and "Sorry about the heavy breathing" were heard, but we finally got our breaths back for the quiz: Numeric values of scrabble letters. Now we know how Lisa spends Winter evenings. Well done . Welcome to Simon, joining us for the first time. He even talked about 'enjoying' it
Russian Steps workout
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Thu Oct 7th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Mather House Hendred
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. This is an event where a destination (usually a cafe) and time is set and riders make their own way to meet with friends to enjoy a socially distanced coffee and chat. This is not a led ride. N.B. The start time above is the time scheduled for meeting at the venue. Make your own way there and back as you wish.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: No extra riders out today
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Thu Oct 7th 2021

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Mather house Hendred for Coffee perhaps to meet the 1* riders! Out via Hanney Steventon and Featherbed Lane . Return tcbc! As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Friday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Ernie Trimble Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Terry Ryland Riders = 7 Report: A very pleasant ride out together. The 1* joined with the 2* ride to make a group of 7. We rode out to Hanney, Steventon, and then down Featherbed Lane to Hendred. We stopped at Mather house for coffee and cake except for Ernie, Des and Karl who had enormous breakfast baps with their coffee! We returned via the Greenway track to Ardington and then over Lains Barn back to Grove. The weather although dull was quite warm for the time of year.
Distance: 29.77 km (18.50 mi)
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Sat Oct 9th 2021

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A half day ride circular out to the Humble Bumble Cafe in Brize Norton. Route tbc depending on weather. As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this 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. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Sunday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Gerry Jones John Groves Karl Blake Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 7 Report: 5 riders left Grove in very heavy mist. We picked up John and Paul by Charney as Paul’s expensive glasses had fallen apart and he needed to mend them. We carried on as 7 at a very brisk pace to Gainfield, Buckland, Great Brook, Cote, Aston, Curbridge and on to Brize Norton and the Humble Bumble cafe (which I learned was run by an RAF charity). The cafe supplied very good coffee and bacon baps. After coffee and lots of playful banter we carried along the main road to Brampton, Radcot and finally turning off to Thrupp. We took it in turns on the front as the wind had picked up. A hedge stop for 3 riders, but the rest of us carried on the climb Littleworth Hill where we all regrouped at the top. We turned onto the A420 (Death’s Highway!) and turned right at Barcote Manor ( we had to wait quite a while for a gap in the traffic), over Hatford Downs to Hatford, Gainfield and retraced our route to Grove. The weather after the mist was quite good, and the pace at 15mph average was high. The ride was very good company and I hope you enjoyed it as much as me.
Distance: 64.37 km (40.00 mi)
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Sun Oct 10th 2021

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. A 2 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph).Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Monday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. A route via Lamborn and Ashbury. Starting from Market Square - with the option of a coffee at the end.
Riders: James Bosley Jo Little Sharon Bedford Riders = 3 Report: Lovely to be out on a Sunday morning. We started with wet roads and the possibility of drizzle but it turned into a glorious day for a ride. We had a headwind all the way up from Lamborn to Ashbury which made the going tough (thanks to James for taking the lead) but we were then rewarded with the wind behind us on the return on the Spring Line.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37673682"
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Tue Oct 12th 2021

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres required and good lights when it gets dark (‘get you home’ lights in Spring/Autumn). We are keen to welcome new riders and can make recommendations or have spare lights 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 we decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 2 Report: Out east on the flat to Harwell, through the woods then up the hill and back along the Ridgeway.
Distance: 26.20 km (16.28 mi)
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Tue Oct 12th 2021

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Jon Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: On Line
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 9:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: Quite hard work was this one! Five climbs ranging from Holborn Hill to Chain Hill in difficulty (ish)! The three largest climbs also featured an 'attack' by one of the Queens of Wessex, which meant riders had to get out of their seat to keep up (or cycle harder whilst seated!). So much for the physical exercise. The mental test came in the form of a Geordie Lexicon which needed translating into english to commemorate the expulsion of Mike Ashley from NUFC. . Sadly a 25% conversation rate was the nearest we got to "Levelling up". More work needed Boris!
Five Climbs
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Thu Oct 14th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Carin Tranter	Start Time: 10:45 am	Start Location: Childrey Stores
Description: This is an event where a destination (usually a cafe) and time is set and riders make their own way to meet with friends to enjoy a socially distanced coffee and chat. This is not a led ride. N.B. The start time above is the time scheduled for meeting at the venue. Make your own way there and back as you wish. Meet at 10.45 at Childrey Stores
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: No riders met us at the cafe.
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Thu Oct 14th 2021

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Carin Tranter	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Friday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. Loop around the vale with a coffee stop at Childrey Stores. About 19 miles.
Riders: Barry Eggby Carin Tranter Des Higgs John Groves Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Riders = 9 Report: A good ride out to the coffee stop at Childrey Stores. We then went on to Westcot and down Kingston Lyle Hill. Returned via Goosey and Asti Stud to Denchworth and Grove. ( We won’t mention the slight tumble I took into the brambles on the way back!)
Distance: 30.74 km (19.10 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37734923"
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Sat Oct 16th 2021

CANCELLED - Regular 1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader:	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Unfortunately, the ride has had to be cancelled due to illness. A gentle loop around the vale to Charney Bassett and Stanford-in-the-vale. Please note the change in start time from 2pm to 9:30am due to limited cafe opening times. As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Our monthly 1* ride on the third Saturday afternoon of each month. 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. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Sunday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained.
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Sun Oct 17th 2021

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	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. As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. 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. NB as of 13/10/21 the route has been amended - particularly the finish: we're now using the Upton cycle path to return via Harwell and Featherbed Lane. It’s been a while since I’ve gone east, so off to explore above Streatley - without doing THE hill!! We'll have a relatively early stop at Hampstead Norreys and a later one at the Savages tea rooms at Blewbury. A slightly less than 1 hilly ride that is likely to be ridden at the lower end of 3*.
Riders: Andy Pixton Clare Hazell James Bosley Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Not often you start a ride in cold and wet weather gear and finish it in shorts and top! With the rain being predicted to disappear by 11, we set off minus John who had had to pull out and Clare who we were picking up at Wooley monument. Well before 11 the weather started to pick up - so much so that we could sit outside at the ever great Hampstead Norreys Community shop and cafe. In theory we had done all the big hills, but some interesting steep hills awaited us before we descended to the Thames. The leader consistently gave everyone a rest at the top of the hills by climbing said hills very slowly . On the other side of the river we spotted finishers from a 100 mile ultra run trudging back to their cars; a Bollywood film crew working on Wallingford Bridge and a Skydiving club awaiting skydivers all in the space of about 10 miles! The cycle paths of Didcot were a revelation - tree lined, wide and well away from traffic, highly recommended! Nice crew to be out with, lots of laughs, relaxed cafe stops and not a single gripe about weather or hills, a leader can't ask for more
Distance: 98.64 km (61.29 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/6128616281
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37711701"
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Sun Oct 17th 2021

2* Sunday Shortie	2*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Monday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. A favourite loop out to Southmoor and then Standlake before returning via Great Brook and Buckland. A bit longer than recent Sunday shorties, but its a mostly flat route and will be taken at a standard 2* pace. Only one hill at Buckland and we'll wait as always for everyone at the top. Hopefully we'll carry on the trend of sunny Sunday rides.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Jo Little Karl Blake Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Initially it looked as though I had jinxed us, by hoping for a sunny ride, but the rain soon stopped and it was a warm and dry ride. We saw squirrels, a deer and migrating birds, as well as many other cyclists on the road. Thanks for being a good group to ride with.
Distance: 43.45 km (27.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37745010"
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Tue Oct 19th 2021

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Rain stopped play - As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres required and good lights when it gets dark (‘get you home’ lights in Spring/Autumn). We are keen to welcome new riders and can make recommendations or have spare lights 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 we decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
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Tue Oct 19th 2021

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: On Line
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 9:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Riders = 9 Report: Power Flush tonight - getting the legs used to working through lactic acid build up. And a quiz on animals in Italian.
Power Flush workout Power Flush workout
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Thu Oct 21st 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Farmer Gow’s at Longcot
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. This is an event where a destination (usually a cafe) and time is set and riders make their own way to meet with friends to enjoy a socially distanced coffee and chat. This is not a led ride. N.B. The start time above is the time scheduled for meeting at the venue. Make your own way there and back as you wish. Meet at Farmer Gow’s at Longcot at about 11am
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Thu Oct 21st 2021

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Friday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. A ride out for coffee at Farmer Gow’s at Longcot. Mostly flat ride of about 22 miles.
Riders: Barry Eggby David Bridge Des Higgs Ernie Trimble John Groves Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A very good Autumnal ride with in fact a very cold wind. 7 riders set off at a very reasonable pace into a head wind. Everyone initially kept in a fairly tight bunch but soon got strung out by the wind as we approached Baulking. Unfortunately we met a hedge cutter between Fernham and Uffington and John succumbed to the littering of thorns on the ground. He told us to carry on to Farmer Gow's for a warm drink. Farmer Gow's is a new venue for Thursday rides, we were made very welcome although nearly every table was taken up by Christmas decorations and the staff were very busy. On the way back encountered the dragon machinery repairing pot holes by Shellingford (waste of time). It was quite an easy wind assisted ride to Grove where we had a very welcome lunch stop in Parsons. A good ride with good company. Thank you
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 23rd 2021

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. 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 is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader 07512645320 or email edlittle157@gmail.com no earlier than 9:00am on the Sunday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. We’ll head out to Southmoor, then onto Stanton Harcourt, Sutton, South Leigh, Witney, Curbridge. We’ll stop at Humble Bumble Cafe Brize Norton for our elevenses. We are expected with a table reserved. Once refreshed we’ll head on out through Bampton,Tadpole Bridge & Buckland. Expect to be back in Grove for 01:30pm. Distance, 41.5 miles / 66km.
Riders: Eddie Little John Groves John Tranter Joy Arthur Lisa Footner Nick Dunton Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Weather: Report: We departed Grove on a very chilly autumnal morning with light cloud, though it did feel good to be out. The roads were fairly quiet with most motorists being courteous as they passed. It was also nice to be thanked by some horse riders for being courteous & slowing down! Parts of the route were new to some people on the ride which is encouraging to know! We all enjoyed some hot beverages at HumbleBumble Cafe, though the service was a little slow, but well worth the wait! On the return leg we suffered quite a strong head wind, many thanks to Nick for taking the lead at the front for a while, very much appreciated! A lovely ride with excellent company! Hopefully see you all on another ride very soon!
Distance: 66.79 km (41.50 mi)
3* morning ride Autumn colours through Southmoor October 2021. 3* riders enjoying some hot beverages at HumbleBumble October 2021. 3* riders just about to depart. Feeling slightly warmer at the summit of Buckland Hill.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37754958"
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Sun Oct 24th 2021

2* Sunday Shortie	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Monday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Gerry Jones John Groves Karl Blake LeeAnn Norris Martin Casey Pauline Casey Rob Martin Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 12 Report: A very well supported ride. The ride was hard because of a very stiff breeze out to Longcot and then up the steep climb up to the Spring Line at Compton Beauchamp where the leader was a little off par! We were then treated to wonderful clear views of the vale - a vista that nobody could ever get fed up with. After the undulating Spring Line we made our way through Kingston Lisle and onward towards Grove via Baulking, Goosey and Denchworth. It was good to see some old faces and to catch up (and welcome to Rob). A good ride with no problems. Thank you all.
Distance: 44.00 km (27.34 mi)
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Tue Oct 26th 2021

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres required and good lights when it gets dark (‘get you home’ lights in Spring/Autumn). We are keen to welcome new riders and can make recommendations or have spare lights 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 we decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Chris Gray David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Steve Legate Riders = 5 Report: ... and suddenly after weeks of there being 3 of us, there were 6 last night! (Stuart Mc was the guest). We are all in the dark now, so lights from the start. We rode up Lark Hill to the Ridgeway, I had a problem with my chain jumping off the sprockets - since diagnosed as an old rear mech. Fortunately it's one that can be found in the supply chain. Then down Ice Valley, then a quick return uphill to Scutchamers Knob. The downhill to Harwell appealed, but one of Chris's lights was fading and the other was prone to fall off its bracket - not ideal for a fast and bumpy downhill. I lent him one, and rode slightly behind and to the side to give him light and not too much shadow. This seemed to work, and got us to the woods (although he did clip a tree and come a cropper here). Our main mountain biking done, we turn west on the new-ish Icknield Way to get back to Wantage.
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
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Tue Oct 26th 2021

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: On Line
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 9:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Amanda Seddon Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Lisa Footner Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 7 Report: Small group reflecting half term. A strength special: an hour of increasing effort at low cadence. Sharon made brief appearance due to IT issues but still managed the session solo
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Thu Oct 28th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Farmhouse Bakery Steventon
Description: This is an event where a destination (usually a cafe) and time is set and riders make their own way to meet with friends to enjoy a socially distanced coffee and chat. This is not a led ride. N.B. The start time above is the time estimated for meeting at the venue. Make your own way there and back as you wish.
Riders: Riders = 0 Weather: Report: All riders were on the led ride
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Thu Oct 28th 2021

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Sociable rides from 24km-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 16-19km (10-12 miles) per hour. Please check website on the morning of the ride if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Friday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. Icknield Greenway to coffee at Farmhouse Bakery Steventon. Part off road so, if you can, pick an appropriate bike! Alternatively, just bring the bike you have.
Riders: Barry Eggby Barry Stanton Carin Tranter Des Higgs Ernie Trimble Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Tim Waite Riders = 10 Weather: Report: 10 riders gathered, of which 9 had actually booked! We set off across the Icknield Greenway which, in its current dry state is now quite rideable - we shall see when it gets properly wet! Coffee was taken outside at The Farmhouse Bakery in Steventon which is currently open Wednesday to Saturday - not a wet weather venue however! The prompt to take a bike suitable for off road conditions did cause the odd issue when knobbly tyres dragged on tarmac - sorry Terry! A number of us partook of a second coffee at Parsons in Grove, as is becoming something of a tradition. Thanks to all for great company.
Distance: 29.90 km (18.58 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37858761
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37858761"
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Sat Oct 30th 2021

3* Fifth Saturday Special	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Beacon Car Park
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 a pre-bookable ride. As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride.To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Sunday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. A ride that explores the beautiful downs south of Wantage, travelling first east and then west. It is a 100k (one hilly) ride so I plan to start at 9 am (NOTE START IS AT THE BEACON CAR PARK AS A SATURDAY) to give us plenty of time, (especially on the first climb up Chain Hill). Just one cafe stop planned at approx halfway - lunch at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop. So, if you need a mid morning snack please bring something with you and we will find a convenient (hopefully scenic) place for a short rest. Plenty of opportunities to cut short after lunch should the weather not be kind.
Riders: Andy Pixton Chris Bailey Eddie Little John Tranter Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Riders = 6 Report: As there was horizontal rain at 8.15am we made a decision to start the ride at 10am rather than 9am. Our patience was rewarded as we had a mostly dry ride with a reasonable amount of sunshine. This was a “lumpy” route and even though we cut down the ride from 100k to 85k (because of the late start) we still managed over 1000m of climbing. The group enjoyed exploring the Downs to the east for a change. John kindly showed us a crafty detour on the cycle track from Hermitage to Hampstead Norreys. Helpful for two reasons. Firstly it avoided another hill and secondly because it got us to lunch a tad quicker. The community shop cafe was as good as ever - with some cakes that would not have been out of place at a children’s party (never heard of curly wurly cake before). The ride was only marred by Eddie having a puncture at Woolley on the way back.But he (and his helper Andy) kindly let the rest of us go ahead whilst they fixed it. We are so lucky to live so close to such beautiful cycling countryside
Distance: 85.00 km (52.82 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37841674"
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Sun Oct 31st 2021

RIDE CANCELLED - Autumn Colours - Chilterns Special	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Woodcote Village Green SU645822
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Due to inclement weather forecast this ride has been cancelled. The proposal is that it will take place next Saturday 6th November. - To mark the end of Summertime, a 30-something-mile 2* ride to enjoy the Autumn colours of the Chilterns. I am hoping to repeat a ride from 2016 to the Barn Cafe at Turville Heath, subject to booking arrangements. More details to come. Lights recommended (as it can be quite dark in the trees). This is a pre-bookable ride only. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader no earlier than 9:00am on the Monday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained.
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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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