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Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Roger Postbeschild |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 (particularly if you have forgotten to book) if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled.Coffee in Faringdon. |
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Riders:Barry StantonDavid Bridge John Tranter Martin Hook Pauline Clark Roger Postbeschild Riders = 6 Weather:Report:Pretty much perfect weather for January and an uneventful ride to Faringdon Coffee House. Good to see Pauline out and also to meet up with Des at coffee.John did his own thing after Hatford as he had a meeting to get back for. | ||
Distance:42.80 km (26.59 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45230037" | ||
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3* Saturday Half Day Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Jo Little |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:The Beacon |
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).Up Chain Hill and over the downs to Great Shefford before heading to Lambourn for our cafe stop, which comes half way through the ride. We'll then head to Ashbury and back to Wantage through the villages. 37 miles and a hilly ride but with the hardest climbing in the first half of the ride. Just wait for me at the top of the hills, please! |
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Riders:Barry StantonChris Bailey Jo Little Katherine Boyce Lisa Footner Paul Smith Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Weather:Report:A reversal of a familiar route led to a different feel to the ride. We had quite strong head/cross winds heading up chain hill and out to Great Shefford before a great cafe stop at Priscilla's. Then onto Lambourn and Ashbury before heading back to Wantage, the last few miles were helped by a tailwind by then. Lovely views of the countryside with loads of snowdrops everywhere. Great company, and special thanks to Barry for continuing my climbing lessons. I had plenty of opportunities to practice them today! Thanks everyone for being such a great group to cycle with and it was really nice to see Lisa and Chris on their first rides with the club for a while. | ||
Distance:59.55 km (37.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45375467" | ||
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Sunday Shortie | 2* |
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Leader:Roger Postbeschild |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. A 2 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely.Out via Uffington, up Fawler Hill and coffee at Cantorist Farm |
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Riders:Andy PixtonBarry Stanton David Jackson Des Higgs Julie Haynes Michael Johnson Roger Postbeschild Riders = 7 Weather:Report:As per usual, these days, there was a blustery wind blowing from the west.Still, it wasn't cold and it was dry. So not all bad! The wind out to Uffington was testing, as expected. Thanks go to Des for taking the wind - just a shame that we couldn't all keep up! Thanks also to Andy for taking the sweep position - as usual, I didn't even have to ask. Fawler Hill saw Des go sweeping past me on his e-bike, with Andy in hot pursuit. Barry would normally join in this game, but not today. Going up the same hill yesterday may have influenced his decision...... Cantorist Farm was busy and it was good to bump into Eddie and Amanda there. Coffee was up to scratch. Andy left us then to go straight to Wantage and the rest of us returned, without incident, to Grove. Further coffee was then taken in Grove. It has been said that there is not currently much difference between 2 and 3 star rides. If you look purely at average speed, this would be pretty much true - we are normally within 1 kph. However, there are differences. 3 star rides generally have more hills and 2 star rides have more coffee and cake! | ||
Distance:40.40 km (25.10 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45471188" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Heavy rain forecast - 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 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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Virtual Turbo |
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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. If you have not attended a turbo session this season, you will need to contact the ride leader for joining instructions. |
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Riders:Barry StantonJan McCabe Jane John Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report:Workout based on FTP, dog based quiz | ||
Ride Details:N/A | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Des Higgs |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Horrible weather forecast! - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 (particularly if you have forgotten to book) if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled.A new venue - Java Cafe in Abingdon. Route TBA. |
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RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride | 1* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Heavy rain forecast - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 (particularly if you have forgotten to book) if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled or the start time changed.Weather forecast is for heavy rain, so uncertain if the ride will be run. I will update as we get nearer the time. |
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2* Saturday Half Day Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Des Higgs |
Start Time:9:30 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). Not likely to be very hilly. Might be a struggle for new or irregular riders in winter months. Blakes for coffee, cinnamon buns and scotch eggs! |
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Report:What a lovely day for a ride. Most of the roads weren't too bad for standing water - just one or two large puddles, but nothing too deep to ride through. A very easy ride to lead, no mechanical issues so we made very good time.Blakes was busy as usual so we had to sit outside under the canopy, but no problem as it was not too cold anyway. On the return journey via Littleworth we made very good progress and even the A420 wasn't too busy. Park Lane had a bit of surface water, but not too bad. Back at Grove it was time for another coffee. Good ride with good company - thanks! | ||
Distance:48.00 km (29.83 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/44591588" | ||
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Sunday Half Day Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Sharon Bedford |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:Beacon |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader.Another attempt at the route scheduled for 31/12/23 that had to be curtailed due to waterlogged roads. Please note 9am start (from Beacon) to allow us plenty of time to get to the Hampstead Norreys' Community Shop before it closes. |
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Riders:Andy PixtonJan McCabe Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce LeeAnn Norris Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Riders = 8 Weather:Report:It was a grey and drizzly start but once we got up on the Downs the sun started to peak through the clouds - and we were soon blessed with a sunny ride.The roads were still very wet in places with lots of debris and gravel - so we were lucky really just to have one puncture!- poor Jo. It was only a slow puncture though so with a couple of stops to pump up the tyre - we were able to get to the cafe. Once there, Andy was able to diagnose the problem and fix it, thanks Andy. The cafe was exceptionally busy, (lots of cycling groups). No seats inside but we didn't mind too much as we found a sunny spot out of the wind which was very pleasant. We only just made it in time however for coffee and there was then a very long wait. The staff (mostly volunteers) were doing an excellent job - but there was just too many thirsty cyclists. I must admit I would think twice about using it again on a Sunday. Nicole did her own ride from home and met us at the cafe. It is always great to be up on the Downs - we are so lucky to have it on our doorstep. | ||
Distance:56.00 km (34.80 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45453747" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - It's wet and cold, so not tonight! - 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 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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Virtual Turbo |
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Leader:Sharon Bedford |
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. If you have not attended a turbo session this season, you will need to contact the ride leader for joining instructions. |
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Report:A few computer / wifi issues this evening made for a bit of a chaotic time. However we all got a good workout in the end. | ||
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Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 (particularly if you have forgotten to book) if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled.Planning to go via Hanney to Steventon and back to Grocer Chef in Ardington. Very dependent on how much it rains and how many floods we get! |
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Report:Goodness me - what a remarkably nice day! We got lucky with sunshine, light wind and temperatures in the teens. And a few dry days had done wonders for the flooding - nothing major anywhere to be seen, although the battered and abandoned Merc near West Hanney was clearly a reminder of the floods that have been there until recently.A great group and a lot of fun and banter. A straightforward ride with fairly light traffic and no problems. extremely good service and coffee at the Grocer's Chef as always. Thanks to all for a very nice morning. | ||
Distance:32.19 km (20.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45111858" | ||
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1* Saturday Half Day Ride - Snowdrop Special | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Update 16/02 - as the Letcombe road is still closed due to groundwater flooding, we shall detour via East Challow on our way to Letcombe Regis. Updated route below.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 refreshment stop, at a riding pace of 12-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs. |
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Riders:Anke OttoCarin Tranter Diana Whidborne John Tranter Lorna Swanton Nick Portsmouth Patrick O'Leary Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather:Report:It was lovely to meet under blue skies and warm sunshine on another unseasonably mild February morning. Sadly, the sunshine didn't last beyond Grove, dark clouds rolled in and there was soon a dampness in the air, which lasted on and off for most of the ride. We made a brief detour in Grove to view the daffodils emerging by Vale Avenue then made our way to East Challow through Stockham where Anke joined us. It was a nice surprise to see drifts of snowdrops in the verge of Windmill Hill as we descended into Letcombe Regis, these drifts continued throughout the village. We arrived at the church at the same time as Anne Williams, who has been responsible for planting the snowdrops around the village for the last 20 years. A nice encounter. The snowdrops have been early this year and were starting to go over in the churchyard. Nevertheless, anemones, cyclamen, crocus, primrose and some early daffodils were extending the floral display.Then it was on to Letcombe Bassett where the less sheltered snowdrops were at their peak. We decided to stop at Cantorist before visiting Childrey churchyard. The cafe was busy and we were fortunate to get a table inside. The cakes, sausage rolls, paninis and eggs were excellent. As at Letcombe Regis, the snowdrops at Childrey were starting to go over, but it was noticeable how the drifts here seem to have grown in recent years. Then it was on to Sparsholt with possibly the best displays of the day adorning the verges just to the east of the village. And so we finally made our way back to Grove, via Challow station, Goosey and Denchworth for one final floral viewing of the daffodils by Sycamore walk. These newer planting should come into bloom in the coming weeks. It was a thoroughly enjoyable ride, easy to lead with a super group. Thanks everyone for your good company. | ||
Distance:27.36 km (17.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45610794 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45610794" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Regular Wantage Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Jo Little |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Heavy rain overnight and lots of standing water. - 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.Trying an all day ride and hoping the weather proves kind to us. We'll head,via Great Coxwell and Little Faringdon, to Coln St Aldwyns (27 miles) for our first stop at the community shop/cafe, . Then return via Aston (44 miles), with an opportunity for another cafe stop if needed, before retracing our steps along Bampton road to avoid the still flooded Great Brook and then tackling Buckland hill. 57 miles in total but only 576m of climbing, so should be doable at this time of year. |
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Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45502257" | ||
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Sunday Shortie | 2* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Flat Sunday shortie of 22 miles out to Fyfield with optional coffee back at Grove.Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. A 2 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. Out to Fyfield, finishing with coffee at Grove. |
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Report:The best laid plans! So a fine morning after heavy rain overnight somewhat scuppered our plans ; as we headed out to Denchworth we rode through some large puddles before getting to the bridge. At which point we were advised that the floods ahead were too deep . we discussed going along the main road but decided that the route back would be a problem and so we decided on an alternative short route to Ardington via Laines Barn. Roger who was suffering with back pain returned to Grove, and Des David and myself rode on. The road to Laines barn had some flooding but having observed traffic passing we carried on. We did a circle around Ardington and came back into Wantage using the cycle path on the outskirts of the Kingsgrove estate. Coffee in Marmalade was lovely after which we rode back to Grove. A measley 12 miles but good company and great to be out in the fresh air. | ||
Distance:19.31 km (12.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45608806" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - No one around to ride with me - 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 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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Virtual Turbo |
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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. If you have not attended a turbo session this season, you will need to contact the ride leader for joining instructions. |
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Riders:Barry StantonJan McCabe Jane John Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report:Flying Shorties tonight with a quiz on first lines of lyrics. | ||
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Thursday social cafe meeting |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:10:30 am |
Start Location:Down to Earth cafe, Wantage, OX12 7AU |
Description:We have yet another terrible weather forecast. The plan is therefore not to do an official ride, but for anyone who wants to let's meet up socially at the wonderful Down to Earth Community Cafe on Stirling Close in Wantage. Great food and drinks guaranteed! Also - warm and dry...(thanks to Angie for the idea) |
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Riders:Andy PixtonAngie Fisher Barry Stanton Carin Tranter David Bridge John Tranter Katherine Boyce Lorna Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 9 Report:A nice change in the face of torrential rain and flooding. At least there was some walking and therefore a bit of exercise involved. Great to meet up and good chat all around the table.Great drinks and delicious cakes from the Down to Earth team (and particularly good service from Katherine...) Thanks to Angie for a very nice idea! | ||
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2* Saturday Half Day Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A 31m ride out to the Farm shop in Shrivenham for coffee and cake. Out Via Baulking and Uffington, back via Shellingford Hatford and Lyford.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). Not likely to be very hilly. Might be a struggle for new or irregular riders in winter months. |
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Riders:Barry StantonChris Gray David Jackson Des Higgs John Tranter Philip (Pip) Jackson Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 7 Report:Great to be out on a Saturday morning 2* and delighted to see Chris Gray out on his first ride of the seasonIt was a pleasant morning dry but with a chilly breeze, so after a minor mechanical with Chris's bike we rode on the planned route to Baulking, some damp roads but nothing impassable and at a steady pace to keep the blood pumping. We road through Uffington avoiding potholes and onto Shrivenham where we filled the farmers shop, a very kind elderly lady gave up her seat for Barry- draw your own conclusions . John also enjoyed the opportunity to catch up with his daughter. The return journey via Fernham Shelligford and Charney was good with some assistance from tail winds. On arrival back at Grove a few of us went to Costa for a second coffee and were greeted by Roger which was super! In all a great mornings sociable ride with lovely company. | ||
Distance:50.37 km (31.30 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45608975" | ||
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Sunday Shortie | 3* |
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Leader:Katherine Boyce |
Start Time:9:15 am |
Start Location:Beacon |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. A 2 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely.Okay so there’s a lot of rain due before the weekend and who knows if we’ll get to ride but here is Plan A - off to Shrivenham for a coffee and a longer than normal Sunday Shortie - trying to make up for all our missed rides! If it becomes clear this is not feasible due to floods still around on Saturday I will change to Plan B. Make sure I know that your coming so I can keep you update |
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Report:Great to get out despite so much rain in the run up to the ride. Helped that whilst cold, the threatened frost hadn’t materialised. Jo had to call for a lift when a puncture wasn’t able to be sorted road-side. Shame it hadn’t been a few miles further on at the excellent Hinton Farm Shop cafe.A niggly head wind on the hilly return but all-in-all a great couple of hours riding and company | ||
Distance:49.16 km (30.55 mi) | Ride Details:https://www.strava.com/activities/10833814807 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45651728" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:6:30 pm |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled - 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 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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Virtual Turbo |
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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. If you have not attended a turbo session this season, you will need to contact the ride leader for joining instructions. |
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Riders:Barry StantonJan McCabe Jane John Joy Arthur Karen Townsin LeeAnn Norris Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report:Climbing intervals, in and out of the saddle, and a surprisingly difficult quiz to name the 12 signs of the Zodiac. | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Des Higgs |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Too wet to be enjoyable! - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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 (particularly if you have forgotten to book) if the weather is poor as the ride may be cancelled.Coffee at Cantorist Farm, route to be advised. |
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