Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Wed Feb 1st 2023

Club winter social evening

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Grove Rugby Club, Recreation Ground, OX12 0FL
Description: An evening to meet up and catch up, eat and drink together and get used to seeing each other without lycra. The evening will feature an informal seminar on the basics of using GPS navigation devices on rides and the related online sites for storing and creating rides. We will also be gathering inputs for a bulk order of club clothing - we will have samples in different sizes available for you to try on. Food details: The Rugby Club has a good bar and 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 Sunday 29th January so we can pre-order with the shop. Exact money (cash) on the night please. cod and chips £7.50 quarter BBQ chicken and chips £6.00 beef pie and chips £5.00 large sausage and chips £4.00 cheese and onion pastie and chips £5.00 (vegetarian) Please let me know at: john@tranters.net If you don’t want to place a food order, please feel free to join us for 7.30. Once we kick off the main meeting, we will hold an informal session on hints and tips for GPS devices and related online functionality (Garmin, Strava, etc, etc). I would like some volunteers to help out with providing some of these tips, so if you feel you know your way round this stuff reasonably well, please contact me ahead of time. In particular, if anyone is a non-Garmin user (eg; Wahoo, Hammerhead, smart watch or phone app) I would really like to hear from you. Alongside this we will be collecting orders for club branded clothing in order to get a bulk order in to the supplier. Leadtime is around 6 weeks, so this is all nicely timed to be ready for the spring season. We have updated the club shop tab on the website so take a look there before the meeting to decide what you want to order. IMPORTANT: to help out with getting sizing right, can I ask those of you who already have club kit to bring items along to enable others to try them on for size? We will have some stickers available to identify items so they won’t get lost. We’d like to get as full a range as possible of the different styles of jersey in particular in different sizes. Ideally, put them in the wash first!
Riders: Andrew Rimmer Andy Pixton Andy Scott Barry Stanton Carin Tranter Chris Bailey Chris Gray David Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs Eddie Little Gareth Smith Gerry Jones Hilary Evans Jane John Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Karl Blake Katherine Boyce Michael Tayler Nick Portsmouth Nicole Pethybridge Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Sally Bensoussis Sarah Gray Simon Atkin Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Terry Ryland Val Smith Yvonne Bird Riders = 36 Report: A really great turnout and a really nice evening. Andy R did us proud with the provision of such a good venue and his colleague Tom was a great barman. Also grateful thanks to Carin for organising a bulk order of food from Millbrook Fish and Chips. There was a good discussion on the mysteries of GPS gadgets and their related websites. Interesting info emerged via show of hands: - about 75% of those attending use a dedicated handlebar mounted GPS device. - a small number use phone or watch as an alternative. - of those using dedicated devices, the majority are Garmin users, with a small but probably growing minority of Wahoo users. - for websites, the majority use RideWithGPS to plan and plot routes, but the overwhelming majority use Strava to record and share completed rides. It was clearly extremely helpful to have such a great assortment of members’ club jerseys there so people could find their perfect size. As a result we have collected lots of orders for our club branded clothing bulk deal so the good news is we can confirm that we have exceeded the minimum quantity necessary and that therefore the order will be going ahead shortly.
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Thu Feb 2nd 2023

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

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. 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 Heading to the Grocer Chef in Ardington for coffee.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Kevin Hazell Lorna Swanton Patrick O'Leary Sarah Macaulay Susan Holdroyd Val Smith Riders = 8 Report: A very gentle ride to the Grover's Chef at Ardington. The weather was very good for the time of year so we made good progress to an old and tested coffee stop. Lost one rider in Grove but found him later. After coffee we noticed that the wind had got up so it made cycling back a lot harder - even the downhill past Lains Barn was harder than usual (thanks for my e-bike). The ride was very good with excellent company - thank-you, one and all.
Distance: 16.09 km (10.00 mi)
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Thu Feb 2nd 2023

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. Coffee to be taken at The Grocer Chef in Ardington this week, we don't seem to have been there for a while! At the shorter end for a 2* but does involve use of the Icknield Greenway and 'The Bridge of Doom'.
Riders: David Bridge John Tranter Karl Blake Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The threat of using the Icknield Greenway brought out a selection of bikes, ranging from road bikes (Terry and Karl), through tourers and a gravel bike to a full suss mountain bike (Paul). The track really wasn't too bad and the lack of recent rain meant it was dry. Coffee and cakes were enjoyed at The Grocer Chef (open again after a Christmas break) and again by some back in Grove. The wind was brisk in places and there was an unexpected light shower.
Distance: 29.60 km (18.39 mi)
Conquering the Bridge of Doom Conquering the Bridge of Doom Conquering the Bridge of Doom Conquering the Bridge of Doom Conquering the Bridge of Doom Conquering the Bridge of Doom
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41886883"
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Sat Feb 4th 2023

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: The Beacon Wantage
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, email or text your name to Eddie 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. email edlittle157@gmail.com Text me on 0712645320 From Wantage we’ll head south passing over Court Hill, then onto Lilley, Stanmore, Beedon, World’s End & the Ealing Way. We’ll stop for refreshments at Mulberry & Thyme cafe/Restaurant, Hillier Garden Centre, Hermitage. Once refreshed we’ll head on through Curridge, Snelsmore Common, Winterbourne, Boxford & Leckhampstead. We’ll then finish the ride with the fabulous descent Chain Hill. Ride distance 41miles/ 68.98. Except to be back in Wantage for 13:30hrs.
Riders: Chris Bailey Eddie Little Glyn Brooks Jo Little John Tranter Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Simon Atkin Tina Mould Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Nine 3 * riders set off from Wantage on a dry but cool with cloudy light skies. It was nice to welcome Tina on her first 3* ride with the club. Everyone made light work of Court Hill. The route along the A338 & out through Stanmore, Beedon & the Ealing Way Cycle Route was quiet & incident free. We arrived at Hillier Garden Centre for around11:30am. The cafe was a little slow, though once we were all served, everyone enjoyed some delicious cakes & hot drinks. Once refreshed, we then headed up through Snelsmore & down through to Boxford, this being a slightly hillier route compared to the morning, though very scenic indeed with everyone making light work of the hillier terrain. We then headed towards ChainHill via Leckhampsead where we all enjoyed the wonderful descent back into Wantage. Thanks to John for being secondary leader when required, & many thanks to Roger for acting as sweep. A very pleasant group to lead. Look forward to seeing you all on another ride very soon.
Distance: 65.98 km (41.00 mi)
Having a brief rest along the Eling Way 2023. Glyn leads along the Eling Way 2023. Eling Way Winter 2023.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41883971"
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Sun Feb 5th 2023

2* Sunday Shortie	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Shrivenham for coffee. Please note this is a long shortie (32.4m) so won't be back in Grove much before 2pm. 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: David Jackson Des Higgs Eddie Little Elliott Bogart Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A beautiful sunny morning for a ride! With a great group of 6 2* riders we headed out to Charney and on to Hatford and Fernham before stopping at the Farm shop in Shrivenham for refreshments. What a great cafe stop and even better for being open on a Sunday. We enjoyed a selection of refreshments including white chocolate tiffin, breakfast baps,and sausage rolls, all of which come highly recommended. Fuelled up we were ready for the hills of the ride up to the springline via Kingston Winslow. We returned via Compton Beauchamp, Uffington and Goosey. A lovely ride and great company. Thanks to all.
Distance: 51.50 km (32.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41908053"
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Tue Feb 7th 2023

Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:00 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Note earlier start time: 1800 but call if you are running late and we'll circle round. 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: Cold but dry and a bit of a classic route: Up Goddards Brook Down Ice Valley Up to Scutchamers Knob Down to Harwell corner and round the woods Then back on the Icknield Greenway A lovely sky with Venus and Jupiter bright, and a red moon rising as we arrived at Scutchamers Knob
Distance: 24.78 km (15.40 mi)
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Tue Feb 7th 2023

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: Jan McCabe Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Yvonne Bird Riders = 6 Report: A select group tonight for various reasons, but great to see Jan back and in excellent form. An old standard - 7 sets of 2 minute climbs followed by 1 minute sprints. Peanuts, tech - falling and otherwise - were the topics of conversation, plus a quiz on words and phrases borrowed from other languages. Great work everyone
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Thu Feb 9th 2023

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A short 9 mile ride out to Childrey for coffee using some local footpaths. 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
Riders: Andy Belcher Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne John Stamp Patrick O'Leary Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 6 Report: A fine dry morning which with the absence of sun felt colder than earlier in the week. It was great to welcome back Andy Belcher and John Stamp to the ride and to see Di who had not been out for a while. We followed the planned route out to East Challow via the canal and then on to West Challow and Childrey via the footpath. A lovely coffee and catch up at Childrey recounting John's earlier leading experiences with Carin which involved the hill from Letcombe Basset. As Carin has now become a leader, John will be watching carefully for her planned routes! It was also lovely to be joined by Susan Holdroyd for coffee and the chance to catch up. Fully replenished we used the footpath and bridleway to East Challow. Patrick departed at King Alfreds West site to meet friends and we returned via Stockham and Mably Way and Main Street, bidding Andy, John and Carin farewell at the junction of Main Street. A lovely morning with great company, thanks to all for your company.
Distance: 14.81 km (9.20 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41940233"
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Thu Feb 9th 2023

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. Coffee at Faringdon Coffee House. 37.5 km and all on tarmac this week!
Riders: David Bridge Des Higgs Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A delightfully incident free run to the Faringdon Coffee House, with excellent service as ever. A good average speed of 21 kph and further coffee, with discussions around concerts attended in past years took place back in Grove.
Distance: 37.50 km (23.30 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41919013"
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Sat Feb 11th 2023

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	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. A classic route around the north and west Vale, but with a twist - we are doing it in reverse to usual! Out through Uffington and then we climb up via Knighton to Ashbury. Across to Bishopstone and lovely Bourton before heading home via Shrivenham, Shellingford and Hatford. We'll decide on the day whether to stop for refreshments at Ashbury or the new cafe in Shrivenham. 34 miles at a steady 2* pace.
Riders: David Jackson Des Higgs Glyn Brooks John Tranter Roger Postbeschild Susie Turnbull Riders = 6 Report: So nice to be riding in some sensible weather conditions. A little chilly, but not much wind and dry roads. The climb up to Knighton was conquered appropriately, although the road was muddy and a bit slippery. We then had a minor crisis as the Ashbury Store was unexpectedly shut. Susie came to the rescue with a recommendation for the Royal Oak pub in Bishopstone - an excellent choice as it turned out! The rest of the ride went smoothly, although the roads were quite busy and we did meet rather more than our fair share of impatient motorists. Thanks to all for a fun ride in great company.
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/113144990
2* ride heading for Knighton Hill 2* ride heading for Knighton Hill 2* ride heading for Knighton Hill
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41944585"
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Sun Feb 12th 2023

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Jo Little	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. Up Hackpen, into Lambourn then along to Ashbury before coming back through the villages. 28 miles
Riders: Jo Little Joy Arthur Riders = 2 Weather: Report: A great ride, hillier than I'd thought, so quite testing for the legs by the end. Warm for February and no headwind made it a pleasant ride. And Joy got to try out her new bike!
Distance: 45.06 km (28.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41897277"
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Tue Feb 14th 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled for Valentine's Day. Yes, even mountain bikers sometimes have other priorities - 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 Feb 14th 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Jane John	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.
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Thu Feb 16th 2023

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Diana Whidborne	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 through the Letcombes to meet up with the 2* group for coffee at Childrey.
Riders: Andy Belcher Diana Whidborne John Stamp Kevin Hazell Lorna Swanton Patrick O'Leary Sarah Macaulay Steve Swanton Tim Waite Riders = 9 Report:
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Thu Feb 16th 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Childrey, getting some of the the hills out of the way before Coffee 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: Des Higgs Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Riders = 4 Report: It was lovely to meet an number of new and regular riders at Old Mill Hall for a Thursday ride. With only four in the 2* group we set off towards Uffington via Goosey and turned left to Kingston Lisle for the first climb of the day. With a headwind, I took full advantage of Des' power and tucked in behind him as we approached the hill. As we climbed Des crept further away and It was not long before Terry and Roger overtook me! Thankfully they all waited at the top of the hill and politely continued their conversation so that I could recover, before making the dash to Childrey for coffee. It was lovely to be joined by the 1* riders at the cafe for a real club gathering and catch up. After coffee we headed up towards Letcombe Bassett and enjoyed the rare descent of Holborn Hill! We then passed the cressbeds rode on to Regis and returned to Grove via Denchworth Road, Cane Lane and Main Street. A lovely morning all the more enjoyable seeing so many out for the ride!
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41940287"
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Sat Feb 18th 2023

Monthly Saturday 1* Ride - Snowdrop Special	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A special easy-paced ride to visit the best of our local snowdrops in the churchyards at the Letcombes, Childrey and Sparsholt. These displays just seem to be getting better every year and we will stop to explore and enjoy them. NOTE the 10 am start for this one. We'll have a refreshment stop at Cantorist Farm in Childrey along the way. Please let me know by text if you are planning to come. Monthly 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.
Riders: Carin Tranter Des Higgs Eddie Little John Tranter Lorna Swanton Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Weather: Report: With thanks to Eddie and John for some of the photos.
Distance: 29.61 km (18.40 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/113639766
Snowdrops at Letcombe Regis - 18-Feb-23 Aconites and Snowdrops, Letcombe Regis 18-Feb-23 Letcombe Bassett - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23 Letcombe Bassett churchyard - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23 Childrey churchyard - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23 Childrey churchyard - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23 Snowdrop hunters, Childrey 18-Feb-23 Snowdrops at Sparsholt - 18-Feb-23 Sparsholt churchyard - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23 Snowdrops at Sparsholt - 18-Feb-23 Coffee stop, Cantorist Farm - Snowdrop Ride 18-Feb-23
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41970529"
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Sun Feb 19th 2023

2* Sunday Shortie	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A Sunday shortie out to Seven barrows via the Letcombes, and Hackpen Hill.Back via Kingston Lisle, Baulking and Goosey, with an optional coffee stop back in Grove. 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 shortie ride out to Hackpen Hill. Coffee stop back in Grove.
Riders: Des Higgs Rob Martin Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A beautiful sunny morning for a climb with marvellous views over the Vale from the ridgeway. Des Roger and Steph set off as planned at 10 to Letcombe, and were joined on the Letcombe road by Rob Martin who narrowly missed the start time due to stopping for refreshments having already done 30 miles! We enjoyed the snowdrops in Letcombe as we headed to the downs and stopped to admire the views at the top of the hills, (or was it to allow Steph to catch up)? The descent from Hackpen was a joy, and Roger and Des climbed back up to the Ridgeway with ease. A short pause and then down Blowing stone through Kingston Lisle and back to Grove for the obligatory Costa, Thanks Des. A lovely morning with great company and so good to feel the sun. Spring is on its way.
Distance: 37.34 km (23.20 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37191565
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Sun Feb 19th 2023

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	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. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book a place, text your name to the ride leader. A ride out to the Thames Valley with an early coffee stop at Hinton Marsh Farm cafe in Shrivenham and a late lunch at Bampton or Aston Pottery as the group decide. The ride will take the scenic route to Lechlade before heading up to the pretty villages above the Thames before heading east to Bampton and Aston and a return via Buckland.
Riders: Andy Pixton Jan McCabe John Tranter Joy Arthur Sharon Bedford Simon Atkin Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A chilly, slightly cloudy, morning turned into a beautiful sunny day. A small group of six riders, we managed to keep together well, only occasionally teased apart by the nagging westerly wind. Following a recommendation, we took an early coffee stop at the Hinton Marsh Farm Shop in Shrivenham; very accommodating with nice cakes and coffee. This pushed lunch back to 1:00, but with two thirds of the ride done, we had a welcome stop at Lynwoods in Bampton. Back in familiar territory, we made short work of the return to Wantage via Grove. Thanks to all for pleasant company and easy riding companions.
Distance: 87.00 km (54.06 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41994732"
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Mon Feb 20th 2023

Committee Meeting

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 7:30 pm	Start Location: Grove Rugby Club, Recreation Ground, OX12 0FL
Description:
Riders: Andrew Rimmer Diana Whidborne Jo Little John Tranter Jon Townsin Lizzie Hardingham Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Report:
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Tue Feb 21st 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Ride cancelled due to various reasons for each of the potential ride leaders. Robin's is that he'll be helping out at a Cyclox online event about cycle campaigning, why not register for this instead?: https://www.cyclox.org/index.php/2023/02/18/cycle-campaigning-in-bicester/ - 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 Feb 21st 2023

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 Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Riders = 7 Report: A strength ride tonight; 5 minute blocks of increasing cadence and resistance. Well done everyone, the last set was tough . At least the quiz on advertising slogans got us singing 'If you like a lot of chocolate on your biscuit .....'
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Thu Feb 23rd 2023

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 Ride to Southmoor to join the 2* riders for coffee.
Riders: Andy Belcher Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne John Stamp Kevin Hazell Sarah Macaulay Riders = 6 Report:
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Thu Feb 23rd 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Southmoor for coffee route TBC. 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: Barry Eggby Barry Stanton David Bridge Des Higgs Graham Bergdahl John Groves Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A good turn out for a Thursday 2* - nice to welcome new boy Graham (clearly a 3* candidate!) and also a lot of old faces. Weather not too bad except we had quite a stiff headwind all the way to Southmoor (not too bad on a e-bike). We were well looked after at the cafe and were soon joined by the 1* riders and a little later by Barry Eggby who had ridden over from Abingdon and joined us back to Grove. The return wasn't quite so bad and we made good progress via Hanney. A very enjoyable ride with excellent company. No problems with riders or machines - look forward to seeing you all soon!
Distance: 28.97 km (18.00 mi)
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Sat Feb 25th 2023

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	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. 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 David Jackson Des Higgs LeeAnn Norris Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A lovely morning for a ride out to Lechlade and blessed with 6 lovely companions. It was great to see Lee Ann out so good to have female company on a 2* ride! Great also to see Barry and David after layoffs due to the dreaded winter bugs. The wind was bitter and we were all glad of winter layers as we headed out to Uffington via Goosey and Baulking. The head wind was challenging and we appreciated Des taking the lead at times to give us a boost. From Uffington we headed to Shrivenham, out towards Highworth and across to Coleshill, Hill being the operative word, a tough climb to the turn off, which we all managed without pause, it was however good to have a drink and catch our breaths once we had cracked it! With the cafe stop in our sights we rode through Buscot Wick to Lechlade and made our way to Lynwoods and were blessed that they could accommodate us. The food was good if a bit pricy but did the trick in refuelling us for the second half of the ride. We headed out of Lechlade towards Faringdon and then turned off towards Kelmscott , a flat section of the ride bit again chilling winds made it challenging and I was grateful to Des for stepping up and taking the lead. We rode through Radcot and over the river and then on to littleworth for the final big climb, such a beautiful hill when descending): ! again all riders came up trumps, met the challenge and gathered at the top for some celebratory pats on the back! Great job especially for Terry who signed up late after being relieved of grandad duty, and had not looked at the route! From here it was a smooth ride back to Grove with the wind mostly in our favour and the traffic on the A420 being very kind. One minor mechanical with Lee Ann's mudguard on the home straight, which she dealt with by removing it. A fantastic ride with great company and further treats at Costa on our return.
Distance: 68.56 km (42.60 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41785346"
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Sun Feb 26th 2023

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Jo Little	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. A flattish loop around the Vale before ending with the climb up to Sparsholt Firs.
Riders: Andy Pixton Jo Little John Tranter Joy Arthur Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 6 Weather: Report: A bit cold when we started off but, with the sun shining, it soon warmed up. We enjoyed the views over the Thames valley as we descended into West Challow and then did a loop around before climbing up Sparsholt Firs. There was a tough headwind at times (thank you Roger for helping me with that) but it did also mean we could appreciate the benefit of the tailwind. John left us at Sparsholt to meet a group from Charlbury who were doing a delayed mince pie ride to White Horse Hill, complete with mulled wine and mince pies. We all enjoyed the views throughout the ride. Thanks for being a good group to cycle with.
Distance: 45.06 km (28.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42021430"
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Tue Feb 28th 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled - but two of us will be riding from Abingdon with the Freewheelers at 6:30 tonight! Robin - 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 Feb 28th 2023

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: Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Riders = 8 Report: Negative Splits this week and Name the Queen hits of the 70's...
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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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