Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Thu Sep 1st 2022

Thursday Family Ride to Goosey, Charney and Lyford	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: For the last of our summer series of family rides, a tour of vale villages making use of quiet country lanes to explore the local countryside. We'll be looking out for trains as we head out of Grove, horses as we pass Asti Equestrian and peacocks in Denchworth. The full route is 20km, but we have lots of flexibility to shorten and vary it, depending on the age and experience of younger riders by splitting into smaller groups. We'll stop for refreshments at the village green in Goosey and the playing field in Charney Bassett. We'll be running a weekly series of family-friendly social rides on Thursday mornings over the Summer holidays. Designed for young riders with a parent/guardian, we'll cover 15-24km (9-15 miles) at a riding pace of 13-16km (8-10 miles) per hour following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We'll stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. There will be experienced riders on hand to guide, assist and encourage. Please book your places by texting the ride leader no earlier than the Friday before.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: Sadly, there were no takers for today's family ride, so our volunteers joined the 1* ride instead.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40736515"
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Thu Sep 1st 2022

Daytime Thursday 1* ride	1*

Leader: Carin Tranter	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. As a courtesy to the ride leader, please book your place by texting them (incl. your name), no earlier than the Friday before. Ride out to Goosey, Baulking, Shellingford and Hatford. Coffee at Stanford and return via Park Lane and Asti Stud. About 20 miles
Riders: Carin Tranter Hilary Evans Lorna Swanton Sarah Macaulay Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A very pleasant relaxed ride with the 5 of us (There were no takers for the family ride so the leaders of that ride joined Sarah and myself on the 1*). We went out via Denchworth, Goosey, Baulking, Shellingford and Hatford. We stopped at Stanford for refreshments, where a whole host of cyclists were already there! Fortunately they left shortly after we arrived (was it something we said?) leaving tables clear and the staff rapidly provided us with drinks and stuff to eat. We returned via Park Lane and Asti Stud back to Grove. The weather was dry with sunny periods but it did feel we were battling the wind at times.
Distance: 33.47 km (20.80 mi)
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Thu Sep 1st 2022

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Sociable rides of 24km - 40km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18km - 20km (11-13 miles) per hour, usually with a café stop. During school holidays there will be shorter family rides of 16km - 24km (10-15 miles) at a slower pace. 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. Coffee at Childrey shop via Uffington and Fawler Hill. 36km. Please text me if you wish to ride.
Riders: Des Higgs Karl Blake Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Riders = 4 Report: A great roughly ride following Rogers Planned route which was led by Des as Roger was unable to lead due to illness. Des was held up due to a technical with his van and the ever helpful Modern Cyclist saved the day and picked Des up. Waiting at OMH Terry and Steph were feeling the autumnal air and when Des arrived he kindly did his best to warm them up! We headed out to Uffington Via Goosey and Baulking and paused for breath before climbing Fawler hill. Terry had the wind in his sails and was first up! We then went along the spring-line to Westcot, Sparsholt and stopped for coffee at Childrey. A leisurely half hour break and catch up when Paul Bentley passed on his Mountain Bike it took a time to recognise him but we called him back and he rode the return section of the ride with us. Through Letcombes and back via Ham road to Grove. A lovely morning. Thanks Des for stepping up to lead the ride!
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40771446"
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Fri Sep 2nd 2022

France Battlefield Tour	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Whale Island, Portsmouth
Description: A tiny ride this one - from the RN HQ at Whale Island to the ferry terminal in Portsmouth!
Riders: David Bridge David Jackson Eddie Little Guy Pethybridge Jo Little John Davies 2 John Tranter Neil Bridge Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 11 Report: Short and sweet, and even including a stop at a pub. Is this a record for the least distance covered while including a refreshment break? From the ultra-secure parking on Whale Island, home of the Royal Navy, to boarding the ferry to Caen. Or should I say Cherbourg...
Distance: 2.00 km (1.24 mi)
Waiting for the ferry Waiting for the ferry Boarding the ferry to France
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Sat Sep 3rd 2022

Battlefield Tour - France, Day 1	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 6:30 am	Start Location: Caen ferry port
Description: Day 1 of the Normandy trip. We will head west along the coast, visiting various key points along the way. Lunch will be in the vicinity of Omaha Beach, before we begin the sweep south and then east to end up in Bayeux for the overnight stop. Please note, the ride will start before sunrise so you will need lights.
Riders: David Bridge David Jackson Eddie Little Guy Pethybridge Jo Little John Davies 2 John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Neil Hunt Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 13 Weather: Report: Well, what a day this turned out to be! We found out the evening before that the planned Portsmouth to Ouistreham (Caen) sailing had been changed to Cherbourg as the destination, a small matter of 100 miles different. After some on-the-hoof planning, a discussion, and the provision of a coach and bike trailer by Brittany Ferries we were able to change our intentions and ride a shorter version of the original route. We were quite a bit delayed, not least by the 2-hour coach journey down the Cotentin Peninsular, which meant we didn't start riding until after lunch. Serendipitously we were able to meet up with Karen and Jon Townsin who were holidaying in the region already, and they sorted us with a table in a restaurant at the eastern end of Sword Beach. Our timing for leaving lunch was poor, and we ended up sheltering under an awning opposite what had been a very comfortable restaurant as the heavens opened and this unfamiliar stuff called rain started to fall heavily. Thankfully it was a shower, and we were on our way by 1345. We were a big group now, numbers swelled to 18 by the addition of 4 riders from CUK Abingdon along with Karen and Jon. A long and slightly unwieldy, but very well behaved, snake of riders followed the paths and roads westwards along the D-Day beaches to the first stop at the new British Normandy Memorial at Vers-sur-Mer. This is a hugely impressive monument overlooking the sea close to the junction between Juno and Sword beaches. It proved an ideal location to introduce the riders to the wider history of the Normandy campaign up to the final breakout in September 1944. The route continued westwards, via the site of the Mulberry Harbour at Arromanches and the German battery at Longues. We then ducked in land a little to follow the route along which 47 Commando RM had fought on their way to capture Port-en-Bessin. Time precluded a visit to the port on this occasion, but the full story of this incredible military feat was told near the site of the marines' overnight bivouac near Escures. We then turned back inland, along a lovely river valley, to head to Bayeux and a well deserved shower. The group went for dinner in a fantastic restaurant called La Normande in the centre of town, and enjoyed an excellent meal amongst great company. Tired but happy it was but a short trudge back to a welcoming bed.
Distance: 57.00 km (35.42 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/101964548
Bike trailer from Cherbourg to Ouistreham Waiting for the bus to Ouistreham Sheltering from the rain immediately after lunch! Wet paths along Sword Beach Tanking it along Sword Beach The British Normandy Memorial at Vers-sur-Mer Climbing a Norman hill Above Arromanches By the bunker at Longues, made famous in "The Longest Day" Enjoying the quiet Normandy roads. The reward of dinner! The reward of dinner!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40544978"
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Sun Sep 4th 2022

Battlefield Tour - France, Day 2	3*

Leader: Richard Pethybridge	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Bayeux
Description: Day 2 of the Normandy trip, basically heading on a meandering route back towards the ferry port at Ouistreham. Lunch is planned for the bistro next to Pegasus Bridge.
Riders: David Bridge David Jackson Eddie Little Guy Pethybridge Jo Little John Davies 2 John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Neil Bridge Nicole Pethybridge Richard Pethybridge Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 13 Weather: Report: Sunday dawned to reveal a gorgeous sunny morning and perfect early autumn conditions for a ride. After a tasty breakfast we left Bayeux on a wandering route, stopping first at the Commonwealth Cemetery (the largest WW2 one in Europe) and then for the obligatory group photo at the cathedral. A lovely rolling route through very pretty countryside followed, including a brief stop at another CWGC cemetery at Ryes. An enforced diversion (apparently we were not allowed to share the roads with a running race) took us through Creully, with the fortuitous provision therein of a toilet break not involving convenient vegetation! A brief stop at the museum near Douvres-la-Deliverande that showcases a German radar station was followed by a really nice run further east to the Caen Canal and a welcome lunch at the "Trois Planeurs" café next to Pegasus Bridge. After the obligatory explanation of Operation Deadstick (including the fact that Lt Richard Todd was one of the first troops to relieve the original attackers, before going on to play Maj Howard, who led the attack, in the film "The Longest Day" the group split with the Abingdon crew occupying themselves in the afternoon until their later ferry. The rest headed north along the canal towpath in the sunshine and a pleasant tail-wind towards the port at Ouistreham. As we caught the very welcome sight of our ferry berthed alongside, Karen and Jon left us to continue their holiday and the rest of checked in for the voyage home. All in all, despite changes to ferries, coach trips, diversions and one flat tyre this was an excellent weekend away with a super group of people. And I even managed to plan a little bit of off-road action for Guy on his MTB as a reward for his excellent sweeping
Distance: 57.50 km (35.73 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/101964551
At the Bayeux cemetery Exploring the Bayeux cemetery Group photo by Bayeux cathedral Wheeling through Normandy Cornfields of Normandy The peloton rides the canal! Waiting for the ferry home Embarking on the Caen-Portsmouth ferry
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40546046"
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Tue Sep 6th 2022

Tuesday Evening 1* Ride - Cancelled	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Cancelled due to heavy rain. This is a pre-bookable ride. Please book your place by texting the ride leader no sooner than the Wednesday before the ride (don't forget to include your name). Our leisurely and sociable Tuesday evening 1* rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of 10-15 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29341976"
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Tue Sep 6th 2022

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. A 21 m ride out to to Longworth via stanford and Pusey returning via Kingston Bagpuize and Lyford.
Riders: David Jackson Des Higgs Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 3 Report: It looked doubtful at 6pm as the heavens opened, but not wishing to let the side down and having Steph and David signed up I didn't want to cancel. As we went to set off Steph had a flat so we were delayed as she went and swapped bikes and I decided to shorten the route. We went out via Denchworth, Charney and Pusey in fine weather with a beautiful sunset in view. As we headed towards Longworth the skies darkened and as we rode out of Southmoor towards Charney the heavens opened and we cycled into a headwind. Fortunately as we came through Lyford and made our way to Denchworth and home the rain stopped and we dried off...abit! Great to get out for the last Tuesday ride of the season.
Distance: 29.93 km (18.60 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31860825"
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Tue Sep 6th 2022

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. A trip up White Horse Hill to mark the end of the season Please bring lights as evenings are getting darker
Riders: Chris Bailey Joanna Houlston Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 5 Report: Torrential rain at 6pm put the ride in doubt - but by 6.30pm there was a glimmer of brightness so we decided to give it a go. To be honest it could have gone either way, but the cycle weather gods were with us and we didn't get rained on at all, (notice I didn't say we stayed dry as quite a lot of spray from wet roads!). Luckily the road from Uffington up to the top of Dragon Hill was completely dry - and the sun came out for our climb so that some of us had to stop and remove rain jackets before tackling the hill. We all made it up easily, (but not quite so easily as some athletic young lady who seemed to be doing multiple ascents very quickly!) We took a breather at the top (in the sunshine) to watch the rain down over the Vale (sorry 2 Stars) and take photos of the rainbow. After a careful descent (puddles and gravelly roads and an enthusiastic dog ) we put our heads down for a quick return to Grove just as it was getting dark, (apart from Chris who sensibly returned straight to Wantage). A lovely group and a great ride to end what has been a fantastic summer of Tuesdays.
Distance: 37.00 km (22.99 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40386539"
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Tue Sep 6th 2022

Tuesday Evening Off Road Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Off-road ride around local tracks, usually about 15 miles. Knobbly tyres and good lights required. We are keen to welcome new riders and have spare lights available to borrow if you let me know. Dark, cold and wet - we'll ride in any two. But please let me know if you are coming so I can tell you if I decide to cancel due to really bad weather.
Riders: Robin Tucker Steve Legate Riders = 2 Report: It had rained in the day, for quite a bit, so the first serious mud we'd seen for months! As a result quite a bit of slipping around (was that just me?) We went up Goddards Brook, down to Lands Ends and back up to to Scutchamers Knob to go round the Harwell Woods.
Distance: 27.36 km (17.00 mi)
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Thu Sep 8th 2022

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride - no 1* ride this week	1*

Leader:	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.
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Thu Sep 8th 2022

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	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.
Riders: Carin Tranter David Bridge Des Higgs Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Patrick O'Leary Sarah Macaulay Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Terry Ryland Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A short ride this week combining 1* and 2* groups. Lovely to see everyone, and with 10 riders at the start we split into 2 groups with Steve Swanton kindly leading the second. Patrick had a puncture and so followed independently to join us at the cafe. We headed out towards Lockinge using the cycle path to Charlton and then the path from Lark Hill to Lockinge. We then cycled to Ginge and took the footpath back to Ardington via the 'Bridge of Doom' stopping at the Grocers Cafe for coffee. Having had a leisurely stop with the added bonus of catching up with Ernie, we then returned to Grove via Laines barn. A lovely morning with great company.
Distance: 18.02 km (11.20 mi)
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Sat Sep 10th 2022

Ride and Stride for Historic Churches 2022	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update 9/09: The organisers of Ride and Stride are encouraging participation as an opportunity to visit churches for moments of silence and reflection on the life and service of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. We feel that it is appropriate for our ride to go head tomorrow in this reflective spirit. In particular we plan to use a shorter more local route that will include visiting churches in Wantage. If you would like to join us for some or all of the ride there is still the opportunity to do so - please get in touch. Update 03/09: provisional route now posted visiting up to 20 historic churches. The plan is to head out through the vale to Uffington, climb to Coleshill via Fernham and the Coxwells, drop into the Thames Valley at Buscot and return via Faringdon, Shellingford, Pusey and West Hanney. Lunch at either Coleshill or Buscot cafe. The proposed route follows a figure of 8 with a shorter loop of 24 miles visiting up to 13 churches as an option. There are two sections on off-road tracks towards the end: between Pusey and Charney Bassett and from West Hanney to Grove. The second Saturday in September sees the annual Ride and Stride event in aid of the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust (further details at: https://ohct.org.uk/ride-stride/ ). The idea is to either stride or ride (awheel or ahoof) to visit as many Oxfordshire churches as you like between 10am and 6pm. Many churches will be open (Thanks to the generosity of many volunteers) making for an interesting, sociable ride and a great day out. Discovering historic gems, often in hidden corners of local villages, away from the beaten track, is one of the great charms of this event. The outline plan is for an all-day ride at 2* pace (8-20km/h or 11-13mph) covering around 40 miles with not many hills and (obviously) a lot of stops. Some will be brief and some longer depending on particular points of interest and, where churches are open, the chance to look around and the temptation of refreshments. We will start as per usual at 9:30 from OMH and head north westwards... We’ll stop for a café or pub lunch. It's not compulsory to do the whole ride and we can advise on routes home. For those who fancy the whole day, we expect to reach our last church just before 6pm. And we'll expect to be back in Grove before 7pm - but lights recommended. Although participants are encouraged to seek sponsorship, we normally make a donation. This is split between the OHCT and a participating church you can nominate. Please contact me for more information and/or please let me know if you’d like to come. It's an interesting and fun day out and a very social day awheel. Do join us for some or all of the day.
Riders: Lorna Swanton Nick Dunton Patrick O'Leary Sarah Bowen Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Report to come
Distance: 42.33 km (26.30 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40897304
First church - St John's, Grove - Ride & Stride 2022 Riders with welcomers, Grove Methodist church - Ride & Stride 2022 Book of condolence for HM Queen, Wantage - Ride & Stride 2022 Arriving at St Nicholas, East Challow - Ride & Stride 2022 Norman arch, St Michaeal's Letcombe Bassett - Ride & Stride 2022 Lunch at Cantorist Farm, Childrey - Ride & Stride 2022 Chatting at All Saints, Goosey - Ride & Stride 2022 Quiet reflection at St Marys, Lyford - Ride & Stride 2022 18 churches visited - Ride & Stride 2022
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40815558"
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Sun Sep 11th 2022

Avon Cycleway Special	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 8:30 am	Start Location: Yate P&R BS37 5AF
Description: This is a bookable ride with a maximum of 10 riders, please contact me to book a place. A long away-day ride covering the 85 mile sustrans circular route around the city of Bristol, following quiet country lanes and cycle paths, taking in the best of the countryside and villages around Bristol and Bath. Details of this relatively flat route, can be found at: https://www.cyclinguk.org/publication/cycle-magazine-februarymarch-2022. You'll need to use your CUK login to see the article. The 8.30 start is from Yate Park and Ride, which is likely to be free unless they have introduced the parking charge of £2.60 for those not using the bus (they specifically mention parking and cycling as acceptable ). This is a 5 minute ride from the cycleway. The attached route is the CUK gpx trace and has a start place of Avon Valley Railway at Bitton Station, 30km further on from our start. Our main stops will be at Dot Teas near Clevedon for savoury scones at around 60km and Thornbury with about 30 km's left to do. If we find a coffee stop before lunch we will avail ourselves. This is not a totally flat ride, it is lumpy round Pensford as we cross the Mendips but the biggest climbs are done by lunch. The ride will be done at the lower end of 3* pace as it will be a full days ride. Expect to be riding for about 7 hours.
Riders: Andy Pixton James Bosley Katherine Boyce Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Most of those that originally planned to do this ride were not able to make the rearranged date, so just 3 of us set off on a much cooler day than on the original date! The whole day was splendid, a very interesting route with many different types of surfaces, some challenging route finding and hillier than expected. So many cycle paths added to the enjoyment (they have different, less obvious hazards than road sharing with cars!). A great route with a great group that I will definitely do again.
Distance: 134.00 km (83.26 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/7793367178
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40230300"
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Tue Sep 13th 2022

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: Surprisingly dry given the weather forecast, which had double rain drops all evening. In fact we only had a couple of patches of scarcely noticeable drizzle and I didn't even bother to put my raincoat on. The trails were wet, causing caution for those of us still on optimistic summer tyres though. We went out via Letcombe and up at Segsbury, then across to Fawley and Farnborough, the rain seemed to have given new life to the nettles in the woods! But we made quite a big loop before tacking on a little climb at the end so we could enjoy coming down Jolly Green and Goddards Brook.
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Thu Sep 15th 2022

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader:	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
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Thu Sep 15th 2022

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	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 to Lockinge via Laines barn, back to Wantage via the Icknield way and on to Letcombe Regis for coffee at the village shop and cafe. From here out via Letcombe Basset towards Childrey and then through West Challow to Denchworth and Grove.
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs John Groves Karl Blake Kevin Hazell Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Riders = 10 Report: A fine morning for a ride, if a little chillier than late! A last minute influx of riders in the last 24 hours gave us a healthy group of 10 riders. We planned to stop for coffee at Letcombe Regis and I advised that as the group was larger than planned if they could not accommodate us we would proceed to Childrey for coffee. We headed out as planned to Locking via Laines barn without incident. Having crossed the A 417 we enjoyed the decent into Lockinge, turned right into the village and picked up the footpath to Wantage. We then went via Springfield road and the footpath to Ormond road stopping at the lights before crossing to head to the Letcombe Regis for the scheduled coffee stop. The lady at Letcombe Regis Cafe was very accomodating, refreshments lovely and the surroundings, amenable. As the group settled to enjoy there refreshments it became clear that Patrick was not with us. After calling him and messaging I discovered that he had gone on to Childrey. We finished our coffee and met him at the cafe, amending the planned route slightly, taking the footpath from Childrey down into West Challow. We the n rode the short stretch of the A 417to circourt road, on to Denchwoth and back to Grove. Thanks to all for good company and forebearance!
Distance: 28.50 km (17.71 mi)
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Sun Sep 18th 2022

Sunday Shortie 2*	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. Magical Mystery tour route TBC.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Five intrepid riders set out from OMH at 9.30 (early for a Sunday). We set off at quite a high pace to warm up as the wind was quite chilly. We took turns on the front until Roger got to the front on his E bike and he stayed there until we got to Shrivenham. We thought of the Keirin event from track cycling with the derny bike out front! We decided to stop for coffee and breakfast at Shrivenham where Barry bagged the last sausage roll (probably old stock!) We headed back to Grove via Uffington with the wind behind us a lot of the way - so strong in places that we hardly had to pedal to maintain a really good speed. It was just as well we had eaten at Shrivenham as Parsons was closed so we had to use Costa and it was the ride leaders shout! Thank you one and all for a very entertaining Sunday ride. Des
Distance: 47.80 km (29.70 mi)
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Sun Sep 18th 2022

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:00 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. You will receive confirmation or be advised that the ride is fully booked. A reserve list will be maintained. Please note 9am start 105k all day ride. Hope to see you. A trip to the South is always hilly but hopefully we should still have our summer cycling legs! There is one hill at c 55k which I haven't done before which looks a little steep but we will take it gently and have lots of rest at the top. Lunch will be in Marlborough at 63k, (plenty of cafes to choose from) Depending on how the group feels we could also grab a quick coffee in Hungerford at about 32K
Riders: Andy Pixton Jenny Gower Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Terry Penn Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: Great company, great weather, fantastic scenery! What more could you ask for? The planned WMP start proved a challenge due to the Fair being set up, but we managed to find each other and set off on time. Terry and Jenny met us in Eastbury and Nicole on Hungerford Common. We decided to have a Coffee stop in Hungerford (Eliane) before broadly following the canal past the Bedwyns, Compton and Wolf Hall. The anticipated hill at 55km proved to be steep but worth it for the view ( and some of us remembered climbing it before after all). It was then mostly downhill into Marlborough for lunch at Cafe Nero before starting the cycle back. Nicole left us at Ramsbury and Terry and Jenny at Lambourn. The rest of us battled the headwind up Seven Barrows (not a day for a PB). Unfortunately Yvonne spent most of the day with only one functioning brake so we were all pleased to see her safely descend Blowingstone Hill. We arrived back in Wantage with tired legs ( well mine were any way) but we all agreed it had been a great day out.
Distance: 102.50 km (63.69 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40869427"
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Tue Sep 20th 2022

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride - Cancelled	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Ride cancelled today 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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Thu Sep 22nd 2022

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: John 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 loop to Appleton to join up with the 2* group for coffee. 23 mellow miles!
Riders: Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne John Tranter Kevin Hazell Martin Hook Patrick O'Leary Sarah Macaulay Steve Swanton Riders = 8 Report: My first opportunity post-retirement to lead a Thursday ride. A really nice group assembled in pretty warm sunshine and it was a fun and uneventful ride. Also my first time to experience the Appleton Village Shop - good coffee and excellent sausage rolls! Thanks to all for a pleasant and mellow ride.
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/103655730
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40997052"
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Thu Sep 22nd 2022

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. A ride out to Appleton shop.
Riders: Des Higgs Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A select group of four riders set off just before the larger one star group and bagged the outside table at Appleton Community Shop. Coffees and sausage rolls were duly consumed. After a lengthy chat (our numbers were swelled by the one star group arrival) we set off just before the others. We took a longer route back via Tubney Woods and caught up with the other group in Fyfield. No mechanicals, a great group, and more coffees at Munchies (now our preferred return venue, sadly not open on Sunday).
Distance: 39.00 km (24.23 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/103658773
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32533143"
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Sat Sep 24th 2022

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	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. 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. I planned the route and then decided I preferred it in reverse! There is no difference in the amount of climbing but we will have the cafe stop at a more suitable distance/time. So, we'll go through Stanford and then down Littleworth Hill before heading towards Brize Norton and the Humble Bumble cafe (at 25 miles). We then travel on mostly quiet roads before climbing Buckland Hill and heading back to Grove. 44 miles in total, but not too much climbing so is a reasonable half day ride.
Riders: Chris Bailey Eddie Little Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nick Dunton Sally Bensoussis Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Weather: Report: We were lucky enough to have a lovely, warm and sunny day for this ride - though there was a tough headwind heading out. Thanks to everyone who offered to help me with this. The cafe stop at the Humble Bumble was busier than on a Saturday because of football, but the extra staff meant they served us really quickly with both cakes and cooked food. A great group to cycle with and an enjoyable day out.
Distance: 70.81 km (44.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40913927"
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Sun Sep 25th 2022

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. Flattish ride in The Vale to Faringdon where we can get a coffee at Costa (not a lot of choice on a Sunday! Posted route has an excursion into Baulking, generated for some unknown reason by RWGPS. We shall not be taking this excursion.
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Karl Blake Roger Postbeschild Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A slightly longer 'Shortie' where we called in to see Des on parking duty at Uffington. His absence puts Karl at the top of the leaderboard, if you are counting...... Costa at Faringdon proved a good choice for a Sunday morning (the only choice in Faringdon) and they even laid on a shelf for helmet storage! Barry had a slight mechanical coming back through Stanford, snapping a spoke. A slight buckle of the wheel ensued but it was rideable with care to get us back to Grove, where more Costa was enjoyed due to a lack of seating at Parsons. The wheel went back with Karl for repair.
Distance: 45.00 km (27.96 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40951637"
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Sun Sep 25th 2022

Uffington for Tea and Cakes 1* Special	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: In place of our usual Saturday afternoon 1* ride this month, a special ride out to Uffington to enjoy tea and cakes at St Mary's church. We'll make a circular tour of the Vale visiting Charney Bassett, Hatford, Shellingford and Goosey along the way. A distance of about 21 miles. Do join us either on the ride or for tea if you would like to make your own way there. Please let me know by text if you would like to come. Our regular family and social afternoon rides on the third Saturday of the month covering 16-32km (10-20 miles), usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs.
Riders: Carin Tranter Jan McCabe John Tranter Louise Moggach Maeve Moggach Marielle Moggach Martin Hook Nick Portsmouth Patrick O'Leary Paul McCabe Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 12 Weather: Report: What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon. There were 9 of us on the outward leg to Uffington. It felt decidedly autumnal with golden tints among the trees and hedgerows as we headed out into the Vale. We stopped three times for a breather: by the walnut tree in Denchworth; outside the old school in Charney Bassett and then in Shellingford after a short detour into this pretty village. It is always nice coming this way to Fernham (as long as the headwind isn't too strong) to enjoy the views across to the Downs; the panorama towards the white horse as we descended into Uffington was as stunning as ever. We arrived at St Mary's church to find Tim, Jan and her brother Paul plus Sue King and Pat Hurt (club old-timers) enjoying teas/coffees and cakes in the sunshine. It was great to see you all. John arrived shortly after having taken his own route to ascend White Horse Hill. Numbers swelled to 12 for the return, with a nice tail wind to assist us. Jan and Paul rode with us as far as the A417 before turning off towards Stanford. Our leisurely ride back was briefly disturbed by a near miss with an overtaking car. Fortunately, there was no further incident for the rest of the ride. However, we did pause for some impromtu horse petting just after Asti Equestrian. We were back in Grove at 5:15. Thanks to Nick for sweeping and all for your company on a very mellow afternoon.
Distance: 34.44 km (21.40 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41038988
A brief rest in Shellingford en route to tea & cakes - Sept 22 Tea, scones and cakes at Uffington church - Sep 22
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/40996342"
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Tue Sep 27th 2022

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 David Yearley Robin Tucker Riders = 3 Report: A classic ride, mostly spent trying to remove a recalcitrant valve from Mr Yearley's wheel after his tubeless fluid proved incapable of sealing a puncture cause by a flint. We eventually managed this with a combination of tools and ingenuity, installed a tube and decided we'd had enough and would prefer a beer.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Thu Sep 29th 2022

Daytime 1* 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 ride out round the Vale meeting the 2* riders at Munch at Southmoor for coffee.
Riders: Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne Lorna Swanton Martyn Wigmore Patrick O'Leary Sarah Macaulay Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A very pleasant ride out for 8 of us to Southmoor where we met the 2* riders for coffee. We went out via Denchworth, Charney, Gainfield, Pusey over the A420 and up to Hinton Waldrist. We crossed the bridge back over the A420 to meet the others for coffee at Munch. After coffee we returned from Southmoor via Lyford and Denchworth.
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)
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Thu Sep 29th 2022

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. Munch at the Log Cabin, Southmoor.
Riders: Barry Eggby David Bridge Des Higgs John Groves John Tranter Karl Blake Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 8 Weather: Report: Thursday rides in good health this week, with 8 riders on each. We were joined by the recently retired John T, no excuses from now on John! A relatively short one this week, although it was a tad chilly it stayed dry and a pleasing lack of mechanicals. A decent 2.5 star pace as usual, although this can always be dialled back to suit the group. The ride down into Charney Bassett was delightful with the slight downhill gradient being assisted by a North Easterly wind. Munch looked after us all well as did Munchies for the smaller group that gathered after the ride. John T tried on a few helmets, expect to see a new one soon!
Distance: 32.00 km (19.88 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37933923"
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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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