Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Mon Nov 1st 2021

Committee Meeting

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: Old Mill Hall committee room
Description:
Riders: Diana Whidborne Jo Little John Tranter Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report:
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Tue Nov 2nd 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: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report: A cold night, we're heading to winter now. We rode to Letcombe and up to the Ridgeway, then Fawley and back seeing -0.8C on my Garmin and 0.8C on Richard's so pretty sure we were sub-zero at some point. A dry cold ride, with a few muddy patches.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
A cold off-road ride goes sub-zero near Fawley in November 2021
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Tue Nov 2nd 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 Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: A series of intervals working at Zone 3 and Zone 4 today, with an observational quiz for some light relief. Well done everyone
Sweetspot + Turbo training
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Thu Nov 4th 2021

Daytime1* Thursday Ride	1*

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. Easy sociable rides from 16km-24km (10-15 miles) at a pace of 13-16km (8-10 miles) per hour usually with a cafe stop. 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 very gentle 1* ride out to Stanford for coffee via Denchworth and Charney. Back via Park Lane.
Riders: Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne Geoff Neill Lorna Swanton Martin Hook Nick Portsmouth Riders = 6 Report:
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Thu Nov 4th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Munch Cafe at Southmoor
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 Munch cafe at Southmoor around 11am
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: No riders at Cycle and meet up
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Thu Nov 4th 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 round the vale with a stop for coffee at Munch at Southmoor.
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs John Groves Karl Blake Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Val Smith Riders = 9 Report: A very steady ride to Munch at the Log Cabin at Southmoor. We took the route :- Denchworth, Charney, Gainfield, Pusey, (Across the dreaded A420) Hinton, Longworth, Fyfield, Fyfield Wick (Crossing the A420 again) and finally into Southmoor. We were looked after extremely well at Munch. The route back was more straight forward with no more crossing of major roads. We returned via Hanney and Denchworth to home. No problems with bikes or riders. Thank you for an enjoyable ride.
Distance: 36.00 km (22.37 mi)
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Sat Nov 6th 2021

Autumn Colours Chiltern Special	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 9:45 am	Start Location: Waterfront Cafe, Benson
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 no earlier than 9:00am on the Sunday before the ride. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. THE RIDE IS LIMITED TO 8 RIDERS as this was the maximum that I could book at the coffee stop at Turville Heath. I will be at the start cafe from 9.15 for an application of caffeine. Ride will leave Waterfront Cafe Benson (plenty of parking available just over the road in St Helens Avenue - do not use the cafe car park) at 9.45 for an estimated arrival at Turville Heath of 11.30.
Riders: Eddie Little Gerry Jones Roger Postbeschild Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Not the brightest of days, the odd patch of drizzle but nothing significant. Eddie and I indulged in a pre-ride coffee at The Waterfront, Gerry joined us just before the scheduled start time. Having just taken the plunge on an e bike, this was an excellent chance to try it out - with gradients peaking at 17% it certainly is the way forward for me! I had estimated our arrival at The Barn, Turville Heath for refreshments as 11.30. As we arrived at 12.10, lunch style refreshments were taken and enjoyed. An excellent venue. We have heard 'It's all downhill from here'. Well, this time it was pretty much true! Many thanks to Eddie and Gerry for excellent company.
Distance: 50.20 km (31.19 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/78139613
Eddie and Gerry with autumnal colours Eddie and Gerry with autumnal colours
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37900719"
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Sun Nov 7th 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. Trying something a bit different this week. We'll head out through Denchworth and Charney and across the A420 to Fyfield, then on through Appleton, Eaton before going back over the A420 and past Dry Sandford and Cothill to Marcham. A short distance along the A338 before we turn off for Garford and head back towards Grove. 26 miles.
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Gareth Smith Jo Little Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A lovely sunny day, but with quite a strong headwind. We all enjoyed the scenery and were lucky with the traffic. Thanks to Des for his navigation help after my garmin decided it wouldn't show the route beyond 5 miles out of Grove. Thanks also to Gareth for taking the headwind for me for a while. Thanks to everyone for being a good group to cycle with.
Distance: 42.65 km (26.50 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37908305"
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Tue Nov 9th 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: Robin Tucker Riders = 1 Weather: Report: Just me due to everyone else having work on, so I thought I'd check some trails we'd been avoiding, so up Lark Hill and Jolly Green Giant just to get warmed up then right across the road and... * Diagonal cut-across bridleway, quite tufty grass as ever, but at least the grass stops it being muddy! * Moonlit Barn, still a bit overgrown, but certainly rideable, apart from a couple of places where small trees are a bit across the trail. I got one out the way but the other needs a dismount still. ... then left along to the water tower... * trail from water tower to descent to Lands End is not too bad - a little mud in places, but all rideable downhill, and probably up too. It will only take a bit of rain for this to go bad though. * The descent was ok, although a bit slippy and I was taking it easy as really no one else around tonight ... up at Lands end to the Ridgeway, then across to the Ginge descent and * Very pleasantly surprised to find this riding really well! None of the horse-churned mud I expected on the flat bit at the bottom. ... left along the road and turn right taking the stream-side path to the top of the new ginge bridge. Riding nicely along here. Then up the ruts and along the field edge to Lockinge and the cycle path back in to Wantage. Sounds longer than 24km/15 miles, but that's what the GPS said...
Distance: 24.30 km (15.10 mi)
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Tue Nov 9th 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 Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: Flying Shorties this week and boy did they fly!!! Cerebral exercise courtesy of Collective Nouns - which gave us a "Sweat"of turbists!
Flying Shorties
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Thu Nov 11th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: n/a
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. Trying out the new KBS Cafe in Southmoor Village Hall
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: As has been the case for some time, all riders were on the led ride.
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Thu Nov 11th 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. Trying out the new KBS Cafe in Southmoor Village Hall. As this is Armistice Day, I would like to observe a minute's silence at 11.00.
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Eddie Little Geoff Neill John Groves Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Nick Portsmouth Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Val Smith Riders = 14 Weather: Report: A well supported ride, we would have been 15 had Carin not been waiting in for the plumber! Split into two groups with Eddie keeping the first one in sight as he didn't have the route. KBS Cafe in Southmoor Village Hall was a new venue for all of us - thanks Karl! Coffee (instant, but still fine, and a slice of cake came to the bargain price of £1.20. A very sociable venue, run for companionship rather than profit. The fact that it operates on Thursday mornings fits in nicely with this group. Two minutes silence at 11.00 was duly observed.
Distance: 33.90 km (21.06 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37933923
KBS Cafe in Southmoor Village Hall
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37933923"
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Sat Nov 13th 2021

2* Saturday Half Day Ride - Oxford Special	2*

Leader: John Tranter	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 (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. This is a 2* ride that has pretty much everything! We head out via Charney Bassett and discover the nifty Southmoor footbridge - the safest way to cross the A420. Then we follow the quiet road parallel to the A420 all the way to Cumnor and swoop down Cumnor Hill to the edge of Oxford. From there we utilise a a super cunning bike-safe transit of the A420/A34 Botley junction to head north for a lovely circuit around Port Meadow before heading back into town via Wolvercote for a coffee stop. Sadly St Cross College is not available to us as there will be a graduation ceremony going on, but we will work something out with the fine cafes of St Giles. Then there is more fun with my most cunning bike track and riverside route out of town to the west, before the climb back up Cumnor Hill. We head for home via Fyfield. At just over 40 miles, it is a long ride for a morning, but we have a few short cut options in the final section which we can use if necessary. I expect to be back at around 1.30pm. Having said that, there is only one hill and we will stick to a steady 2* pace.
Riders: David Jackson Eddie Little John Tranter Roger Postbeschild Sally Bensoussis Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A little cold and overcast, but still a good day for a ride - and it's always good to be going to Oxford! It was a nice, well matched group that was a pleasure to lead and we made good time to Cumnor Hill and enjoyed the circuit around Port Meadow. Coming out on St Giles after our tour of Jericho we started to see a few academic gowns around the place - graduation ceremonies are in full swing at the moment dealing with the back log of those ceremonies postponed last year. Food and coffee at Taylors was good, although the service a bit slow, and we set off for the river suitably refreshed. It's always fun to cross the gas works bridge and follow the Thames/Isis to Osney before the rural track across to North Hinksey. The climb of Cumnor Hill then saw a tense battle between Eddie and battery-powered Roger. Let's call it a draw... Back home just after 1.30 - thanks to all for your company.
Distance: 67.59 km (42.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/78481847
2* group in Oxford 2* group in Oxford
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/27548344"
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Sun Nov 14th 2021

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: The Beacon
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. Starting at the Beacon, we'll stretch our legs on the Springline road after The Letcombes before popping up White Horse Hill. - or in my case crawling up WHH whilst wondering why I chose this route . Returning through the Vale for an optional coffee stop. A slightly longer Shortie than normal but with plenty of places we can shorten the ride if necessary.
Riders: Andy Pixton Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Lots of horses and cyclists out this morning - not surprising, a quiet, not cold November morning, good for getting out. We headed up White Horse Hill via the Letcombes and Springline villages (not as I mistakenly plotted!). We watched Roger WHIZZ up Dragon Hill with a touch of electric assist closely followed by Andy and Sharon, whilst I as predicted puffed and panted my way after them At the top we met another group doing the 'easy' route up and down . After an interesting chat we headed off to Woolstone. It was very disconcerting to meet a very large crop sprayer heading towards us as we were descending WHH. We managed to stop and dive into the passing place, except for those at the back who were very glad the farmer waited for them to pass. Don’t want to experience that again in a hurry! Luckily the rest of the ride was uneventful and we rewarded ourselves with coffee in Grove. A great ride with a lovely group, thanks guys
Distance: 45.46 km (28.25 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/6256828278
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37978000"
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Tue Nov 16th 2021

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride (Away ride)	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Hampstead Norreys Village Hall
Description: Start at Hampstead Norreys Village Hall. 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 Weather: Report: We made the best of our unusual start from Hampstead Norreys by heading south, even over the M4. In a way that it familiar to mountain bikers we didn't go through many 'places' so it's quite hard to describe where we went without long descriptions, but it did include Oare and Beedon. Some of the tracks were a little bit muddy and one was very muddy, and we had a lot of fun, ending with an excellent trail between East Ilsley and Hampstead Norreys (but not actually touching either of them).
Distance: 29.70 km (18.45 mi)
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Tue Nov 16th 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 LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: A very special trip over Alpe D'heuz lead by GB Paralympian and gold medal winner, Erin. Thanks so much for leading us in a series of ramps up the famous climb. A great Q&A/quiz afterwards .......and we got to see the medal Thanks too to Sam for joining us and Simon for suggesting (volunteering) Erin. If this is what being a coxswain on a rowing 8 or 4 entails, then I think we'll all stick to cycling
Erin Kennedy, paralympian rower and guest turbo leader Paralympian rowers feat. Erin Kennedy, guest turbo leader Erin Kennedy's (guest turbo leader) gold medal Alp d'Huez turbo workout
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Thu Nov 18th 2021

Cycle and Meet Up

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Stanford Coffee Shop
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. Meeting at Stanford Coffee Shop for around 11.00
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Thu Nov 18th 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. Letcombes and coffee at Stanford
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs Diana Whidborne John Groves Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Val Smith Riders = 9 Weather: Report: A lovely sunny November morning eventually clouded over towards the end of the ride. We were thankfully incident free and Holborn Hill held no terrors. Coffee was taken at Stanford Coffee Shop and again for some at Parsons! Thanks all!!
Distance: 35.80 km (22.25 mi)	Ride Details: ridewithgps.com/routes/37953185
Proposed Route: ridewithgps.com/routes/37953185"
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Sat Nov 20th 2021

Monthly 1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Nick Portsmouth	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. A 20 mile ride out to Hinton Waldrist via Denchworth, Lyford & Southmoor. We'll cross the A420 via the footbridge to Longworth and then follow the track near Longworth Church to Hinton. From there we'll drop down to cross the A420 again before returning to Grove via Pusey, Gainfield, Charney Bassett & Denchworth. Coffee will be at the end.
Riders: Des Higgs John Tranter Nick Portsmouth Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Tony Clark Riders = 6 Weather: Report:
Distance: 32.24 km (20.03 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/78853744
Group by Longworth Church Heading off to Hinton Waldrist Group by Longworth Church
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37948216"
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Sun Nov 21st 2021

2* Sunday Shortie	2*

Leader: Roger Postbeschild	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. Up Hackpen Hill, return via Seven Barrows, down Blowingstone and Kingston Lisle. Optional coffee at Costa in Grove on return.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Gerry Jones Joy Arthur Karl Blake Richard Ashford Roger Postbeschild Riders = 8 Weather: Report: We were greeted by a cold North wind which helped the ascent of Hackpen Hill but made the return up Seven Barrows as testing as anyone could recall. We had a few incidents: Barry shipped his chain up Hackpen (Karl had wondered how he had dropped him); David acquired a nasty shimmy on the run down towards Lambourn (thankfully brought under control) and Joy had a puncture in Kingston Lisle (thanks Karl). Coffees and pastries were taken at Parsons by five of us on return to Grove. A great bunch - thanks to all.
Distance: 36.10 km (22.43 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38033414
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38033414"
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Sun Nov 21st 2021

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Beacon Car Park
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. 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 loop to the west, initially going south to Aldborne before turning north and winding our way up towards Lechlade. We will then wiggle our way around the Thames Valley before heading for home via Buckland Hill. Limiting the distance to a tad over 90k due to the shorter days., (please bring lights though just in case). Lunch stop at the Carpenters Canteen Coffee Shop at Coleshill at approx 50k. A few hills in the morning but gets flatter in the afternoon.
Riders: Andy Pixton Eddie Little Jo Little Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Report: A full day’s ride in the colder months can be a bit of a shock to the system - and today was no exception. Although it was fantastic to see the sun there was a cold wind that seemed to be a persistent headwind for at least 80% of the ride, (why does that always happen!). However it was a great group of riders who made light of the conditions - both the wind and the hilly morning. We were all pleased to arrive at the lunch stop and delighted when they opened the annex for us so we could sit at a large indoor table rather than having to sit in the cold. It was a little busy but the staff were very pleasant and the short delay in bringing the food meant that most of us decided to have two warming drinks. Will definitely use again. We managed to get back to Wantage just after 3pm and hence well before dusk. Another great day pedalling
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38000050"
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Tue Nov 23rd 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: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report: Pretty cold, but still autumn gloves not winter ones and mostly dry. Up Goddards Brook and Bitham Woods, then right and past Baron Wantage, across the road for a bit and back to do Moonlit Barn (still somehow overgrown) and the water tower section. Down to Lands End and up the other side. Then along the Ridgeway to Ginge while that is still riding well. And back via the Icknield Greenway
Distance: 26.10 km (16.22 mi)
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Tue Nov 23rd 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 Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Riders = 10 Report: A short one tonight as we had a wine tasting straight afterwards So a series of 5 intervals of gradually increased cadence, with each of five sets working at a harder gear. Thankfully, we had a great birthday quiz from Jane to ease the pain. Well done Jon, who won, with or without the 'within 2 year' leniency from the quiz master. Needless to say, I still scored zero.
Strength turbo workout
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Thu Nov 25th 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. Out through Fernham to Faringdon for coffee then return via Hatford and Charney Bassett.
Riders: Barry Eggby Des Higgs Karl Blake Nick Portsmouth Riders = 4 Report: Not a very big turnout but a very good ride with the weather not too bad. It was nice to have a visit from Ernie at the start to explain why he has not been riding lately - hope the hip gets better soon. Four of us set off at a steady pace to Faringdon coffee shop where we were catered for well. A steady ride back to Grove with no incidents at all. A good ride with good company. Thank you all.
Distance: 37.00 km (22.99 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38042917"
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Sat Nov 27th 2021

RIDE CANCELLED - 2* Saturday Half Day Ride - White Horse Challenge ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED due to high winds. To mark the start of this year's White Horse Cycle Challenge, a ride out to Uffington White Horse Hill. 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. As a courtesy to the ride leader, we ask that you pre-book for this ride. Please 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. We head from Grove across to Wantage and out to Challow and Childrey. We then follow the spring line along to the base of the great Hill and the climb begins! Everyone will take it at their own pace and we will regroup at the top to enjoy the views. As this ride marks the beginning of the two week White Horse Cycle Challenge, feel free to bring your own mince pie to munch at the top! We will enjoy the big descent to Woolstone and head for home via Uffington and Goosey. The forecast is cold so I'm not scheduling a cafe stop - but we might want to grab a coffee back at Parsons in Grove.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38052030"
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Sun Nov 28th 2021

3* Sunday shortie	3*

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. 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. Please note this ride is starting from Grove. Starting from Old Mill Hall in Grove we'll have a fast, flat beginning to the ride, travelling through Denchworth, Goosey and out towards Uffington before heading back to Kingston Lisle and Sparsholt. We'll then climb up to Sparsholt Firs (and wait for me at the top) before having the descent of Hackpen to enjoy and then heading back to Grove.
Riders: Eddie Little Jo Little Lisa Footner Roger Postbeschild Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Sunny but very cold day with an annoying head wind at times. Five of us started off but Joy got a puncture in the first few minutes and decided not to continue. Really enjoyable ride with lovely views. We had to avoid some icy puddles early on in the ride but luckily it had all melted by the time we got to Hackpen. Thanks to Roger for taking the wind on a couple of occasions and also for cycling back to Grove by himself, allowing the rest of us to finish the ride in Wantage.
Distance: 39.43 km (24.50 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38039198"
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Tue Nov 30th 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 Weather: Report: We did our own White Horse Challenge tonight! Mince Pies, Mulled Wine and the top of White Horse Hill - the full top by the Trig point of course. It was full on blowy as well, so the mulled wine and pies were well appreciated by the two of us who braved the weather. Fortunately it was only wind and that had kept the trails fairly dry. (It didn't stop me falling over twice, both at low speed, prey to classic rut issues). We went out via Letcombe and Gramps Hill. Always a solid climbing experience! Then just followed the Ridgeway into a headwind... Into White Horse Hill via the gate at the top. Back via the same gate and down Sparsholt Field track, then Sparsholt, Childrey and the bridleway back to Wantage.
Distance: 25.20 km (15.66 mi)
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Tue Nov 30th 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 Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 7 Report: Winter colds and workloads led to a smaller turnout tonight. Undeterred, the magnificent 7 set off on a series of negative split intervals, working hard for 3 minutes, then harder for a further 3. Concentration was required to keep the level of exertion high, though Sharon and Alexia did their best to take our minds off the pain. Rather embarrassingly, I managed to win the 'guess the capacity of the strangely names wine bottle' quiz
Negative Splits turbo workout Guess the capacity turbo quiz
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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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