Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Sun Oct 1st 2023

Weekend Off-road Ride 🚵🍁🍂🚵‍♀️ ☕️🥐	2*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Lord Nelson, Charlton Road
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Off-road half day ride around local tracks, usually 15-30 miles. Knobbly tyres required. We are keen to welcome new riders of all abilities. Sometimes we ride in cold and/or wet - but please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons. The first part of the ride will take us out through Lockinge & Betterton following the bridleway up through Great Bottom Wood, then passing over the Ridgeway descending to Landsend. We’ll then come back up via Old Street & follow the Ridgeway out as far as Sparsholt Firs, taking in the stunning views over the Vale & Letcombes. We’ll take the nice descent into Sparsholt stopping at Cantorist Farm/cafe Childrey for morning coffee. Once we are refreshed, we’ll return to Wantage via the Wilts & Berks Canal, passing through West/East Challow & Stockham. Expect to be back In Wantage for around 12:30pm. Ride distance 20 mi/32km
Riders: Eddie Little Jane John Karen Townsin LeeAnn Norris Paul Bentley Sally Bensoussis Tim Waite Riders = 7 Weather: Report: A good turn out for our first autumn weekend ride. Five of us started from the Nelson. Karen & Jane joined en route as we passed through Betterton. We had good weather conditions, very mild & mostly cloudy with the occasional glimpse of the sun. The trails were mostly dry, though the trail from the Ridgeway down to Landsend did have some big puddles which were great fun. Our section of the Ridgeway from the top of Old Street through to Sparsholt Firs was mostly firm to good, just a little tacky above Letcombe Basset. Exiting the Ridgeway at Sparsholt Firs, we then took to the road descending to Sparsholt, this gave us the opportunity to stop & enjoy the magnificent sight of a ploughing match consisting of mostly vintage tractors & one team of horses. Cantorist Farm Bakery was as usual an excellent stop. Once refreshed we then joined the Wilts & Berks Canal at West Challow & followed the tow path through to Wantage. The canal tow path was nice & firm making for a nice ride home. A lovely ride with great company!!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
Autumn 2023 Weekend off road ride. Looking strong up Coldharbour Road Autumn 2023 Autumn 2023 off road ride. The monument Wantage. Great opportunity to stop & view the ploughing match. Always a pleasure to stop at Cantorist Farm Bakery. Nearly home, Wilts & Berks Canal Stockham.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44563845"
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Tue Oct 3rd 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: 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 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Barry Stanton Jane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 11 Report: First turbo of the season and once the initial technical issues were dealt with, it was good to get going again with a series of negative splits intervals. Film tagline quiz kelp our mind off the work. Great to see you again folks
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Tue Oct 3rd 2023

Off-Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 us know. Dark, cold and wet - we’ll ride in any two. But please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons.
Riders: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Steve Legate Riders = 4 Report: Lights on from the start of the ride now, and we headed west to find some trails that were not too puddly (some were!) Out through the Letcombes and somewhat painfully Gramps Hill. Then continued south to the Sheepdrove barn, and made our way across via a rutty trail to the rutty Seven Barrow decent. Then it was a gentle climb back to the ridge for the fun decent down Sparsholt Field track - running well, with a bit of judicious slowing for the puddles. Back via the springline villages. With softer trails, 16 miles now feeling like plenty.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)
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Thu Oct 5th 2023

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Carin Tranter	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph). A ride to Munch cafe at Southmoor. We will go out via Charney, Gainfield and Pusey and then across the A420 to Hinton Waldrist. Back over the bridge to Southmoor for coffee and finally return via Lyford and Denchworth.
Riders: Angie Fisher Carin Tranter Geoff Neill Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report:
Distance: 30.90 km (19.20 mi)
Thursday 1* group on Southmoor bridge
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Thu Oct 5th 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). A longer ride today, to Blake's at Clanfield
Riders: Barry Stanton David Bridge Des Higgs Jayne Sawyers John Groves Katherine Boyce Martin Hook Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Terry Ryland Riders = 11 Weather: Report: A very lovely ride with lovely people. No mechanical problems so a very easy ride to lead. Blakes was up to its usual standard (if a bit pricey). We seemed to have a headwind out and partially back - I think the wind changed (sorry)! Got back to Grove in time for another coffee so a good ride with good company - thank you.
Distance: 48.00 km (29.83 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44591588"
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Sat Oct 7th 2023

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Half day ride (60-70km / 38-45 miles), with a tea stop, riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). A familiar route through small country lanes, with Aston pottery as the cafe stop at 25 miles. Hoping for some great autumnal views as we go.
Riders: Barry Stanton Jo Little John Tranter Nick Dunton Paul Smith Yvonne Bird Riders = 6 Weather: Report: It started off cloudy and with a surprisingly strong headwind but after a while we turned a corner, the sun came out and it turned into a lovely day for a ride. The roads were mostly quiet and nearly every driver we met was considerate - with one notable exception. Aston pottery looked great with all the flowers and it was warm enough to eat out. A great ride and thanks to everyone for their company.
Distance: 61.16 km (38.00 mi)
3* ride on Great Brook road 3* ride on Great Brook road 3* ride on Great Brook road
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44606456"
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Sun Oct 8th 2023

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: 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. PLEASE NOTE WANTAGE START AT 9.30 Straightforward route to White Horse Hill followed by a spin round the Vale. As ever with me and hills, you will be waiting for me at the top!
Riders: Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Perfect group, route and weather 😊. Always worth a trip up WHH for the view 🤣. Mellow stop at Stanford coffee stop. Amazing to be able to sit outside in shorts and short sleeves in October!
Distance: 42.75 km (26.56 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/9999548030
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44660139"
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Tue Oct 10th 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Nicole Pethybridge	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: 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 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
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Tue Oct 10th 2023

Off-Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 us know. Dark, cold and wet - we’ll ride in any two. But please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons.
Riders: David Brown Richard Pethybridge Robin Tucker Steve Legate Riders = 4 Report: The last warm evening in this strange summer October before autumn proper arrives. Up Lark Hill, across to Chain Hill, and at the top a long slice of Ridgeway with the wind behind us. Then down at Harwell, round the woods, (with a break for a leaky tyre) and back.
Distance: 30.00 km (18.64 mi)
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Thu Oct 12th 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader:	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled due to lack of leaders and bad weather forecast - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph).
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Thu Oct 12th 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). Coffee at Cantorist Farm, route TBA.
Riders: Chris Marchant Des Higgs Geoff Neill John Salmon John Tranter Martin Hook Roger Turnbull Terry Ryland Riders = 8 Weather: Report: As we set off the weather didn't look too good but fortunately the rain never really came to anything. We went the usual way via Denchworth, Goosey and Baulking with a slight detour around Uffington Station, back through Uffington and up the climb of the day, Fawler Hill - well done for negotiating it so well, especially Geoff who had stepped up from 1*. Onwards towards coffee at the Cantorist via Sparsholt. At coffee Terry left early for a prior engagement and Geoff set for a shorter route home. The rest of us rode back via the A417 to Circourt Road, Denchworth and home. A very enjoyable ride with excellent company, no rain or mechanical issues.
Distance: 37.01 km (23.00 mi)
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Sat Oct 14th 2023

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Half day ride (45-55km / 30-40 miles), with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). A route to the west of the Vale, going through Fernham and Shrivenham before the lovely villages of Bourton and Bishopstone. Coffee stop at Ashbury Tea Room before heading home across the Vale. 34 miles / 54km
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs John Salmon John Tranter Mike Bailey Riders = 5 Weather: Report: We were feeling pretty smug that the torrential rain of the previous 24 hours had passed, just a bit worried about standing water. In the event, it wasn't too bad, just a bit of flooding on the edge of Denchworth to contend with. There was a cold nagging wind in our faces down the long straight from Hatford to Shrivenham, but the group coped with it well and we had almost made it to our coffee stop when Barry suffered a puncture - quickly and efficiently fixed, obviously! At Ashbury, we then had a trickier problem to deal with as Des had a loose cleat and couldn't get his shoe off the pedal. We adopted a track/triathlon approach of leaving the shoe where it was and getting his foot out of it - leading to some interesting gymnastics when we set off again! We were expecting to see a flood under the railway bridge between Uffington and Longcot, but in fact the water had subsided leaving only a lonely stranded Porsche. Not smug at all... Des headed for home, one shoe still firmly attached, and the rest of us made good speed back to Grove. Thanks to all for a fun ride.
Distance: 56.33 km (35.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/137282652
Interesting contortions as Barry helps Des with a loose cleat!
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41716389"
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Sun Oct 15th 2023

Weekend Off-road Ride Autumn Colours	2*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: The Nelson Charlton Road
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Off-road half day ride around local tracks, usually 15-30 miles. Knobbly tyres required. We are keen to welcome new riders of all abilities. Sometimes we ride in cold and/or wet - but please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons. As we are at the beginning of autumn I thought it would be nice to ride some trails staying close within the woods, enjoying the fantastic colours on the trees. The route consists of going out through Henrietta Knight’s yard, then passing through Old Street/Happy Valley, Bluebell Wood, Wickslet Copse, Catmore, Heath Copse, Dark Lane & Red Lane Wood. We’ll then ride back through Bluebell Wood passing over the Ridgeway at Scutchumar Knob, stopping at Chilton Garden Centre for elevenes. From Chilton we’ll take the Sustrans Route 544 back to Wantage via the Harwell Campus. Expect to be back in Wantage for 12:30pm. Ride distance 23mile/37km.
Riders: Andy Child Eddie Little Sally Bensoussis Riders = 3 Weather: Report: Three of us set off from the Nelson towards Lockinge on a crisp & sunny autumnal morning. Some of the trails along the route were a little tacky in places along with some standing water, but mostly pretty good. As we came into Catmore we spotted the 3* roadies heading towards Lilley. Wildlife was plentiful, including three separate sightings of Muntjac, a close encounter with a fallow deer & several Red Kites to name a few. Coffee, warm cheese scones & flapjacks were gratefully consumed outside in the sun at Chilton Garden Centre. We then returned to Wantage along the Sustrans route 544, mostly into a very chilly headwind. A lovely autumn ride along with great company & some fantastic views.
Distance: 38.62 km (24.00 mi)
Perfect weather on the trails Lockinge October 2023 Dark Lane Autumn 2023 Weekend MTB Ride. Great to be out on the trails Autumn 2023
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44721673"
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Sun Oct 15th 2023

Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: 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 trip up Chain Hill and around the country lanes before descending down Court hill and back to Wantage.
Riders: Andrew Rimmer Andy Pixton Barry Stanton Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Paul Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Although it was a bit cold to start with we all soon warmed up with the ascent of Chain Hill. After that it was a great ride through some quiet roads with considerate drivers. Thanks to everyone for being such a great group to ride with and congratulations to Andy Rimmer for his first climb up Chain Hill.
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44688916"
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Tue Oct 17th 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: 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 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Jan McCabe Jane John Jo Little Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Riders = 9 Report: Strength workout today with a 'band names' quiz. Jane was a clear winner .
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Tue Oct 17th 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Off-Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Sorry, not enough people - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 us know. Dark, cold and wet - we’ll ride in any two. But please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons.
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Thu Oct 19th 2023

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Lorna Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph). Out to Letcombe Regis by back routes of Grove and Wantage, to Letcombe Bassett, up Holborn Hill then along and down to Childrey for coffee at Cantorist Farm. Return via Goosey and Denchworth.
Riders: Angie Fisher Lorna Swanton Patrick O'Leary Susan Holdroyd Riders = 4 Weather: Report: After much checking of the weather forecast we decided to go ahead as planned, and were rewarded with a lovely ride, a rainbow and even a few glimpses of sunshine. It did rain, but not on us! Three of us set off from Grove, taking the tree-lined path between Crown Packaging and Badgers Drive to Stockham (much smoother surface than the last time I went that way), before picking up Susan near Naldertown. Coffee and cake at Cantorist Farm were very welcome after our ascent of Holborn Hill. Nice to see the 2* group there too! Rain was threatening so we didn't dawdle on our way back from Childrey, Angie leaving the ride before our loop round to Goosey in order to get back to Wantage sooner. Thanks everyone, for your company.
Distance: 25.75 km (16.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44737467
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44737467"
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Thu Oct 19th 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). Last minute change of route due to weather. Still Cantorist Farm tea stop.
Riders: Des Higgs John Salmon Katherine Boyce Martin Hook Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Despite the weather, 6 optimists gathered for a revised route and were rewarded with a slightly damp ride with plenty of sunshine. The enormous pieces of gluten free sponge cake at Cantorist Farm were much appreciated by those that tried them and Des heroically led us out of Childrey on a route that eliminated a stretch with the nagging SE headwind. All-in-all a winning morning. Thanks to a great group to lead 😊
Distance: 38.73 km (24.07 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44783369
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44783369"
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Sat Oct 21st 2023

1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Update 21/10 - The ride is on! While there is still a chance of rain it's looking ok. We may encounter some puddles, but we are avoiding flooding in the vale. Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 12-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. Plan A is to head eastwards along NCN Route 44 to the Harwell Campus for a tea stop at Chilton Garden Centre. It's a chance to explore the cycleways and tracks around the campus and catch some autumn colour. We can pick up in Charlton en route. Please let me know if you would like to join us.
Riders: Anke Otto Lorna Swanton Rebecca Lindgren Roger Postbeschild Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 7 Weather: Report: After all the rain brought by the fringes of Storm Babet during the week, we were lucky enough to enjoy an almost rain-free ride. A warm welcome to Rebecca on her first ride with us. 5 of us set off from Grove, picking up Susan and Anke in Charlton, before skirting the edges of Kingsgrove en route to Lockinge. There were some big puddles here and there, fairly wide and long on the climb to Betterton, but generally the surfaces of the tracks were damp but not muddy. The only change from the planned route was at Ginge, where we avoided the muddy section up to the Farm track and took the Icknield Greenway instead. We looped through the Harwell site, pausing by the big hole in the ground that used to be the “tank farm”, then in the new Quad (where the refurbished café is due to reopen soon) and to view from afar Hangar 10, the site of the UK’s first large-scale nuclear reactor (BEP0). We continued on cyclepaths through to the Chilton Field Estate and our refreshment stop at the garden centre cafe. A good break with quick service and most of us had large slices of tasty cakes. From the garden centre, we took a cunning underpass beneath the A34 to reach and cycle through Chilton Village. We then picked up a Byway that took us back under the A34 and onto the track across Harwell Field. This stony track was relatively hard-going with a nagging north-westerly in our faces. However, we soon rejoined the NCN route 544 to return to the Harwell site and retraced our steps along the Icknield Greenway to the Ginge-West Hendred road. We then continued straight on over the Bridge of Lesser Doom to cross the Ginge brook back to Ardington. Roger had already left us by this point to get back early and Susan continued straight on at Christopher's Wood into Wantage while the rest of us turned up the hill to climb up and over Lains Barn to return to Grove. And just as we got back the sun came out! Thanks everyone for your company on an enjoyable and easy-to lead ride.
Distance: 31.87 km (19.80 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44803575
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44780932"
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Sun Oct 22nd 2023

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:15 am	Start Location: Beacon
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. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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. In view of the flooded roads in the Vale, the route has been changed to take us more up. A figure of 8 with a repeat between Lambourn and Eastbury. This is a bit hillier than originally but does give us the opportunity to stop in Hungerford for coffee / brunch / cake at around 35k and maybe at Saddleback before descending Chainhill. Weather forecast is looking promising but water will still be very evident on the roads west of Wantage and Grove. Please note this is now a Wantage Beacon start
Riders: Barry Stanton Des Higgs Eddie Little Jo Little Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 8 Weather: Report: With so many floods in the Vale, the route was changed to a figure of 8, which on the day became a lovely straightforward circular ride courtesy of Sharon. This was a gorgeous route that included the roller coaster out of Baydon and the peaceful descent to Aldbourne. The climb out of Aldbourne was interesting, with much of what followed on roads we seldom (if ever) use. Elaine’s in Hungerford was up to its usual standard and we enjoyed being able to sit out. The return via Eastbury and Great Shefford was also interesting, the climb over the ridge ensured we avoided some of the smaller roads that were likely to be mucky after the storm. All in all a cracking ride, with lots of laughter and heroic clubbiness from Barry who volunteered at least 3 times to assist with mechanicals. Personally as I tried to get thick oil of my hands after reseating my chain, I wish I’d accepted Definitely a route to revisit, thanks Sharon. I will endeavour to run the planned ride later in the season.
Distance: 84.33 km (52.40 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/10084622766
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44803024"
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Tue Oct 24th 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Jane John	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: 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 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Barry Stanton Jan McCabe Jane John Joy Arthur LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: A few warm up sets followed by 3 X 5 sets of FTP. Thanks to Lee Ann for the last minute quiz, collective brain power score of 9/10!
Distance: 0.00 km (0.00 mi)	Ride Details: N/A
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Tue Oct 24th 2023

Off-Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Chilton Primary School, Downside
Description: Note late change to start point. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 us know. Dark, cold and wet - we’ll ride in any two. But please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons.
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Thu Oct 26th 2023

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). A ride to Faringdon via Fernham. Coffee at Our usual favourite cafe in Faringdon, with backups available.
Riders: Chris Marchant David Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs John Groves Pauline Clark Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 8 Report: A very simple ride to lead, no problems with riders or mechanicals. Everybody kept in a fairly tight group - no problems with weather, although we had quite a stiff headwind out but reaped the benefits on the way back. Cafe stop as good as always - reasonable, quick service so no problems at all. A very good ride with good company. Thanks to all!
Distance: 38.00 km (23.61 mi)
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Sat Oct 28th 2023

2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out to Canfield for coffee and cake; out via Littleworth with a lovely descent to the river and on to Blakes for coffee. The planned return route is via Aston,Cote and Buckland Marsh. A ride of 32 miles return to Grove approx 1.30. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Half day ride (45-55km / 30-40 miles), with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph).
Riders: Barry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs John Groves Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: How lucky to be out at the end of October in sunshine and shorts! It was great to see 10 riders out today making best of the morning. We headed out to Clanfield for coffee via Denchworth, Charney stopping briefly at the Buckland crossroads to have a drink and derobe and check all were ok. At this point Steve and Lorna decided to go a little slower as Steve's knee was causing him some pain. So we headed off towards Hatford when Sharon had a minor mechanical with her new saddle. Thanks David for catching us to let me know! Whilst we waited for Sharon Steve and Lorna sailed passed, and the hare and the tortoise sprang to mind . All fixed thanks to Roger we continued through Hatford and up the track to the A420, at which point we met up once again with Steve and Lorna. We then enjoyed an unusually quiet stretch on the A420 into Littleworth and a beautiful descent towards Radcot. A then easy flat ride to coffee. A relaxed coffee chat and a few scotch eggs, sausage rolls and cinnamon buns later we rode off to Bampton. Our return was slightly shorter than planned due to floods in Great Brook, so we took the shorter route home via Buckland marsh, it was also slightly slower due to an unfit leader! The return journey was without incident and we finished the morning off with a lovely coffee in costa, Thanks Roger and all for your company and patience.
Distance: 46.67 km (29.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44838718"
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Sun Oct 29th 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 ride around the Vale with a climb up Sparsholt Firs to finish.
Riders: Barry Stanton Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Paul Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: The weather forecast had looked promising, with no chance of rain in the morning. Unfortunately, it was wrong! We started off in the dry but ended up with cold rain that led us to cut the ride short, missing out Sparsholt Firs hill. There was a nasty incident early in the ride where a van cut up Joy, causing her to crash. Luckily she wasn't hurt and Barry fixed her bike (thanks Barry) so she was able to carry on. Thanks to everyone for being such a good humoured group to ride with and hopefully our next ride will be much dryer.
Distance: 41.84 km (26.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44778322"
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Tue Oct 31st 2023

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: 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 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Jan McCabe Jane John Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report: Russian steps this evening. Luckily everyone was on the ball when the so-called leader missed some of the start/finishes Great Halloween quiz from Jan
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Tue Oct 31st 2023

RIDE CANCELLED - Off-Road Tuesday Evening Ride	2*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - It's going to bucket down, so we are opting to keep our knobblies dry. - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 us know. Dark, cold and wet - we’ll ride in any two. But please let us know if you are coming so we can tell you if we decide to cancel due to bad weather or other reasons.
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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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