Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Tue Sep 3rd 2024

Tuesday Evening 1* Ride	1*

Leader: Michael Tayler	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: For our last Evening outing of the season, a tour of the vale visiting the three village greens at Goosey, Charney Bassett and Lyford. Lights required as the evenings are drawing in. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Our leisurely and sociable Tuesday evening 1* rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of 10-15 miles (16-24km) at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph (13-16kph), following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. Please arrive by 6.20pm for the ride leader's briefing and a prompt start to the ride. We are not always able to wait beyond the start time.
Riders: John Stamp Lorna Swanton Michael Tayler Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 5 Weather: Report: Good ride thanks for coming on ride
Distance: 18.88 km (11.73 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/29341976"
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Tue Sep 3rd 2024

Tuesday Evening 2* Ride	2*

Leader: John Tranter	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: Weekly 1.5 hour rides at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph). Not likely to be very hilly. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 1.5-2 hour ride at a riding pace of 18-20km/h (11-13mph) Goosey Stanford Hatford Pusey Please arrive by 6.20pm for the ride leader's briefing and a prompt start to the ride. We are not always able to wait beyond the start time.
Riders: Angie Fisher Anke Otto David Jackson Des Higgs John Tranter Paul Kyberd Stephanie Haddrell Tony Clark Val Smith Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Threatening skies and a few drops of rain at the start - but we got away with it and were rewarded with a glorious evening and a very nice sunset. Lovely to be out in the Vale for our final Tuesday 2* ride of the summer season with a great group. We came across a couple of unpleasant and aggressive drivers in Stanford, but didn't let that put us off. It was getting properly dark by the time we got back to Grove - thanks to all for a great evening!
Distance: 32.19 km (20.00 mi)
Final 2* Tuesday ride of the 2024 summer season Final 2* Tuesday ride of the 2024 summer season Final 2* Tuesday ride of the 2024 summer season Final 2* Tuesday ride of the 2024 summer season
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31860825"
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Tue Sep 3rd 2024

Tuesday Evening 3* Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: Weekly 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). May be hilly. Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 1.5 - 2 hours at a riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Final Summer Evening ride of 2024. Sparsholt Firs reversed. Please remember to bring lights. Please arrive by 6.20pm for the ride leader's briefing and a prompt start to the ride. We are not always able to wait beyond the start time.
Riders: Chris Bailey Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Matt Adamson Philip (Pip) Jackson Sharon Bedford Simon Atkin Riders = 8 Weather: Report: The evening started off dull and looking as though we'd get wet but improved after a while, meaning by the time we got to Sparsholt Firs the views were as good as ever. The hills were feeling a bit tough for those of us still recovering from the Isle of Wight but it was an enjoyable last ride of the season. Thanks everyone for all your support over the spring and summer.
Distance: 30.58 km (19.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42119465"
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Tue Sep 3rd 2024

RIDE CANCELLED - Off Road Tuesday Evening Ride	3*

Leader: Robin Tucker	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: WMP
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Sorry, have to cancel as the riders have evaporated. - 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. Please arrive by 6.20pm for the ride leader's briefing and a prompt start to the ride. We are not always able to wait beyond the start time.
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Thu Sep 5th 2024

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride - RIDE CANCELLED due to rain	1*

Leader: Lorna Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: To Stanford Coffee Shop, via North Drive and Kingside in Grove, then a short stretch on the A338 over the railway bridge, turning past Bradfield Grain Store, along the (roughish) track to West Hanney, on to Charney Bassett, Gainfield and Stanford. Return via Park Lane and Denchworth. Please book 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).
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/39302236"
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Thu Sep 5th 2024

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
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 route around the Vale to coffee at Stanford in the Vale cafe.
Riders: Angie Fisher Des Higgs Louise Bowers Richard Kidd Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 5 Report: What a morning light showers gave way to full on rain and it was a suprise that 4 crazy cyclists joined the ride! So given the option we took the planned route out to Childrey, Sparsholt and up to the Spring line. At this point we decided to take the direct route to Stanford for coffee Kingston Lisle, and down Fawler hill to join the A 417 at the Baulking turn where we turned left to Stanford. We were wet, drenched and in need of a coffee, the staff were most accommodating providing bin liners for us to sit on and great coffee and refreshments. A long coffee chat and recharge before we headed back to Grove via Hatford Charney and Denchworth. Great to be out with good company and thanks so much to Des for leading!
Distance: 40.23 km (25.00 mi)
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Sat Sep 7th 2024

3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

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). It seems a long time since we've been to Priscilla's so making a welcome return there. A fair amount of climbing but hopefully the scenery, and cafe stop, will make it worth while.
Riders: Jo Little John Tranter Lisa Footner Louise Bowers Philip (Pip) Jackson Richard Kidd Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 8 Weather: Report: This was a very hilly ride and several times throughout many of us wondered just what I had been thinking when I planned it! It was misty to start with which stopped us enjoying the views over the downs, but gradually improved over the ride. There were several unfamiliar roads for most of us, which added to the enjoyment of the ride. Priscilla's was as good as ever and the route back to Wantage was relatively flat compared to what had come before. Congratulations to Louise for her first ascent of Chain Hill and her hilliest ride, and to Pip and Steph for their second ascent, with a long gap since their first. This was also one of the hilliest rides Steph has done, so further congratulations to her for doing it. On a personal note, my thanks to Pip for leading me down Hackpen hill and helping me achieve a new PB, which I've been trying to get for a while. Finally, thanks to everyone for being such a great group to cycle with.
Distance: 67.59 km (42.00 mi)
3* group at Priscilla's cafe
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48105399"
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Sun Sep 8th 2024

3* Sunday Shortie	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: The Beacon
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. A 3 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. Making no apologies for taking inspiration from Jo's route of the previous day - but this one is shorter, (reflecting the name). The route is plotted via Cantorist Farm Cafe in Childrey, where I intend to stop - but there is the option for riders to find their own way home (either before or after coffee) if that better suits their plans. No offence will be taken.
Riders: Andy Pixton Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Riders = 3 Report: We set off with some trepidation because there had been thunderstorms overnight and the weather forecast was unclear. As it turned out we had a dry ride, (apart from a few spots of rain near the end and splash from the wet roads). We even managed to sit in the sunshine at Cantorist Farm Cafe for coffee and cake. Traffic was quite heavy for a Sunday Morning - so instead of doing the climb to Hackpen we diverted by Seven Barrows.
Distance: 55.00 km (34.18 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48307567"
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Thu Sep 12th 2024

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). Out to Steventon, then Featherbed Lane to East Hendred and coffee at the Grover Chef in Ardington
Riders: Angie Fisher Barry Stanton David Bridge Des Higgs Louise Bowers Peter Dalgliesh Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Tim Hoyle Riders = 9 Report: A very easy ride to lead as all riders were well up to it. Traffic was quite busy, but not too bad (apart from one or two idiots). We decided to stick to roads as there were a few skinny wheeled carbon road bikes. No problems except around Ginge where the road was almost impassable due to large flints, gravel and potholes, but we managed to negotiate it without incident. Coffee stop at Grocer Chef was up to the usual excellent standard and the service was fast. Then just a gentle ride back to Grove via Lains Barn - no problems at all. Thank you for being a very good group and good company.
Distance: 38.00 km (23.61 mi)
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Thu Sep 12th 2024

CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Susan Holdroyd	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: CANCELLED - no participants Simple loop out to Munch in Southmoor and back.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37293614"
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Sat Sep 14th 2024

Ride and Stride for Churches 2024	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: The second Saturday in September sees the annual Ride and Stride event in aid of the Oxfordshire Historic Churches Trust (further details at: https://ohct.org.uk/ride-stride/ ). The idea is to either stride or ride (awheel or ahoof) to visit as many Oxfordshire churches as you like during the day. Many churches will be open between 10am and 6pm (thanks to the generosity of many volunteers) making for an interesting, sociable ride and a great day out. Discovering historic gems, often in hidden corners of local villages, away from the beaten track, is one of the great charms of this event. The intention is for an all-day ride at leisurely 2* pace (17-20km/h or 11-13mph) covering around 40 miles with not too many hills and (obviously) a lot of stops. Some will be brief and some longer depending on particular points of interest and, where churches are open, the chance to look around and the temptation of refreshments. In recent years we've been north to Witney (2021), stayed around Wantage (2022) and northwest to Faringdon (2023). So this year we will head eastwards through the springline villages to Didcot returning through the Vale - see provisional route below. This would enable us to visit up to 26 churches if we manage the whole route, many of which we haven't visited before for Ride & Stride. But we won't be in a rush and there are lots of short-cut options depending how the time goes... We will stop for a café or pub lunch along the way (probably in Didcot). It's not compulsory to do the whole ride and we can advise on routes home. Riders are welcome to join us en-route too. For those who fancy the whole day, we'll expect to be back in Grove between 6 and 7pm - but lights recommended. Participants are encouraged to seek sponsorship or make a donation. This is split between the OHCT and a participating church you can nominate. This year Lorna and I have set up a donation page through Goodhub supporting St John's parish church in Grove: see https://app.goodhub.com/ohct-steve-lorna-ride-stride-2024. Please contact me for more information and/or please let me know if you’d like to come for all or part of the ride. Guest riders will be very welcome. It's an interesting and fun day out and a very social day awheel. Do join us for some or all of the day.
Riders: Anke Otto David Bridge Gareth Smith Lorna Swanton Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Val Smith Riders = 7 Weather: Report: We had a beautiful sunny day for this year's ride. We managed to visit 25 churches over a long day. Most of the churches were open, allowing us to have a quick look around inside, and provided light refreshments to keep us going. Our first stop was at St John’s in Grove. Prewarned of our early start, Terry the welcomer was already set up in the entrance hall. After signing in, a group photo, inside the church for a change this time. Then it was a short hop to Grove Methodist church, where we surprised the welcomers by our pre-10am arrival. We had at least a couple of miles to cycle to church #3, Holy Trinity in Charlton before we headed out into the villages. At West Lockinge, it was a delight to find All Soul’s chapel open for the first time on a visit. Hidden up a small driveway off the village green, it’s in a delightfully peaceful setting. There is a fine panoramic view towards Wantage and the Downs from the edge of the well-kept cemetery. But we couldn’t help noticing the significant subsistence cracks in the south wall of the nave, highlighting the challenges in maintaining our ancient chapels and churches. At East Lockinge, All Saints was being decorated with flowers for an afternoon wedding and we just managed to visit flower-bedecked Ardington church before their wedding party started to arrive. From Ardington we followed the Icknield Greenway to cross the Ginge Brook and then enjoyed the lovely descent into West Hendred. Holy Trinity, nestling within its ancient graveyard near to the brook was probably the most picturesque and atmospheric church of the day. At East Hendred, St Augustine’s parish church was open, but we could only view St. Amand’s chapel attached to the manor house from a distance, although there was a signing sheet for it at nearby St Mary’s catholic church. With 10 churches visited by 12:15, we now had a longer stretch of cycling, continuing along the Icknield Greenway to the Harwell campus and then down the Winnaway into Harwell village. The impressively large St. Matthew’s was the first of 11 new churches for us along the route. The interior had recently been refurbished with the pews removed and the nave carpeted to make an open community space that revitalised the building. By now we were all starting to feel hungry (despite biscuits consumed at the churches along the way) and as we passed the Hart of Harwell, we were enticed by the scent of spices. Investigation revealed that the pub was open. It has recently reopened as a curry house and a curry lunch made for an unexpected and pleasant change. Rested and replete, we resumed our ride into Didcot, visiting the baptist, catholic and ancient All Saint’s churches in quick succession, all completely different in design and atmosphere. By now, Gareth and Val needed to head back for an evening event and David decided to join them. They returned to Grove via Milton Park while the remaining four of us continued on to the modern church of St Peter’s. This church, in the south of Didcot, is notable for the train on its glittering weathervane and an amazing collection of individually designed kneelers that were on display across the pews. After a quick stop at the methodist church, we headed out of Didcot on NCN5 then continued on to isolated SS Peter & Paul at Appleford. Turning back onto the B4016, next stop was Sutton Courtenay. Disappointingly, the church was closed with no signing on sheet to complete. However, we took the time to pay our respects to Asquith and Orwell buried in the churchyard. At this point, Roger decided to head for home, while the remaining 3 of us continued on to Drayton. St. Peter’s church was still open and we were ushered through to their hall at the side where we enjoyed a sit down, chocolate biscuits and a very welcome cup of tea. Back on our bikes, we made a loop through old Drayton, stopping briefly by the Baptist church, all locked up near the green, then retraced our steps before turning south to Milton. Both churches there were open. At the Methodist church, we saw that Gareth, Val and David had preceded us. We had just signed is as only the sixth, seventh and eighth visitors of the day, when two breathless American ladies on tandem dashed in, signed up and rode off in a hurry to catch a train from Didcot. We met a further Ride & Strider at St Blaise, where the welcomer was just in the process of closing up when we all arrived. From Milton we took the bridleway under the A34 to Steventon. The going was only a little muddy in places on the Milton side but after the A34 we joined the ancient, cobbled causeway through to Steventon green. A little bumpy but great fun. Passing along the road by the Causeway over the level crossing we arrived at S Michaels and all angels church, at 5:55pm. We weren’t surprised to find it closed. However, we took the opportunity for a brief rest, sitting in the evening sunshine before continuing on over Cow Common to the Hanneys. After a photo stop beside St James in West Hanney, we decide to follow the road rather than the shorter track back to Grove. This also provided the opportunity to stop at St James in Denchworth, our 25th and final church, where we were delighted to see a white peahen and three chicks on the small green. We returned to Grove at 7:10 after a very long, tiring but satisfying day. Thank you to everyone for your convivial company and especially to all the welcomers we met who make it all possible. As always, a grand day out.
Distance: 59.71 km (37.10 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/221726307
Ride & Stride 2024 - signing it at St. John's in Grove (church #1) Ride & Stride 2024 - Our 7 riders in St. John's, Grove (church #1) Ride & Stride 2024 - All Soul's chapel at Lockinge (church #4) Ride & Stride 2024 - inside Holy Trinity Ardington (church #6) Ride & Stride 2024 - approaching West Hendred church (#7) Ride & Stride 2024 - St Augustine's East Hendred (church #8)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48176367"
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Sat Sep 14th 2024

Heritage Weekend Two Barns Tour to Puttenham Camping Barn	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:15 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: We have been invited by Sukey from Cycling UK Brighton and Hove to join a ride she has planned to the amazing Puttenham camping barn (https://puttenhambarn.uk/) which provides simple overnight accommodation for walkers and cyclists, right on the North Downs Way, between Farnham and Guildford in Surrey. We will ride from the Market Place to the Court Hill Centre (https://www.courthill.org.uk/) for a short coffee stop before starting the ride of 2 historic barns. The route a little over 60 miles, ending at Puttenham Camping Barn, where there will be warm welcome of an evening meal (free but donations welcome) and the possibility of staying overnight (for about £20). For those returning home the same day, there are regular trains from nearby, Guildford to Didcot via Reading. For those staying overnight we will return via a different route. This would be a great ride for anyone considering touring. As of 7/9/24 there are still a few places left.
Riders: Andy Pixton Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Peter Brodie Riders = 6 Weather: Report: Well weren’t we lucky with the weather: a perfect, sunny weekend amongst rain plagued, unpleasant weather weekends! We got off to a good start by cycling up Courthill to the cafe for coffee and cake which opened early especially for us to allow us to do an Historic Barns Tour during Heritage Weekend. We then had 2 further cracking cafe stops: the Blackbird Cafe Buckleberry and the Courtyard Cafe, Hartley Wintney. As well as great weather and cakes, Sukey from Puttenham Barns had devised a really lovely route, full of interest, quiet roads and great cycling. Being greeted at the Barn with a selection of homemade cakes, followed by a fab curry for dinner, followed by syrup pudding and custard was pretty perfect too (except for the custard ). A great end to day 1.
Distance: 99.95 km (62.11 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/12410669990
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48292114"
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Sun Sep 15th 2024

Two Barns Tour: Return	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Puttenham Camping Barn
Description: A slightly longer second day, returning to known routes from Pangbourne. 2 cafe stops: Sherfield on Loddon and Goring on Thames. Riders can join us for either day if they are unable to do both.
Riders: Andy Pixton Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Peter Brodie Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Weather: Report: Being well carb’d up from yesterdays epic cafe tour and a good breakfast from the Barn, we cycled to Sherfield-on-Loddon Coffee Shop for elevenses - there’s definitely a theme to this tour! Sharon who’d joined us for the day really enjoyed hearing all about yesterdays cake stories . The return ride through Farnham had used mainly cycle paths which really showed what a pretty town it was away from the main roads. The route towards Theale became familiar from previous rides. The route to Pangbourne was more gravel at first, but with the pleasant weather was not a problem for anyone (definitely to be avoided in winter though). The dreaded Whitchurch Hill was conquered and we all survived the newly gravelled descent and the incautious car on a bend! The final stop at Pierreponts Cafe in Goring was relaxed and pleasant. The final push for home was hard going for me but the others were very patient. All-in-all a great tour that will hopefully be repeated to other neighbouring counties. Thanks everybody that made this one so special
Distance: 109.45 km (68.01 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/12418380203
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48321835"
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Thu Sep 19th 2024

RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader:	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - No Ride Leader Available - 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 Sep 19th 2024

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: Old Mill Hall
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 45km ride out to Lush Looking Coffee & Cakes at Watchfield. As flat as they come!
Riders: Angie Fisher Barry Stanton Chris Marchant Des Higgs John Groves Katherine Boyce Louise Bowers Nick Portsmouth Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Paul Smith Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Riders = 14 Weather: Report: Des split us in 2 groups, Katherine leading the second group. Puncture in Uffington paused the second half of the ride. Fab new (to me) coffee stop at Shrivenham Business Park (Lush Cakes). Second puncture at the Watchfield roundabout. At which point some had to get back but those that didn’t assisted with the puncture. Believe the first group had an uneventful ride!
Distance: 52.94 km (32.90 mi)	Ride Details: https://www.strava.com/activities/12449939442
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Sat Sep 21st 2024

1* Monthly Half-Day Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 2:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: At 21,4 miles, a slightly longer 1* ride to the Plum Pudding PH at Milton for refreshments with a few sections of easy off-road tracks. We'll be taking in some of the Science Vale cycle network around Milton Park and a cunning short-cut under the A34 to Steventon following in part the ancient causeway path. Our regular social and family ride on the third Saturday of the month, usually with a cafe stop. We cover 16-32km (10-20 miles) at a leisurely pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph), tackling the occasional hill (nothing too long) and easy off-road track (conditions permitting). Please let the ride leader know if you are planning to come.
Riders: Anke Otto Des Higgs Renate Otto Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Renata's ride. This was the first ride I've been on where I was the only rider on a manual bike. A warm welcome to Renata, Anke's Mum.
Distance: 37.50 km (23.30 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48527618
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48461403"
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Sun Sep 22nd 2024

2* Sunday Off-Road Ride Cancelled	2*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: Lord Nelson, Charlton Road, Wantage.
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. A pretty standard off road ride suitable for gravel bikes too. From the Nelson we’ll follow the Icknield Way across to the top of East Hendred. Then a small climb on tarmac to the top of the Ridgeway at Scutchamer Knob. We’ll then follow the Ridgeway out as far as West Ilsley. From this point we’ll move onto the Hendred Estate following the trails along Dark Lane, Red Lane, Catmore & Bluebell Wood, finishing the ride through the Lockinge Estate. Ride distance 20miles/32km.
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Sun Sep 22nd 2024

RIDE CANCELLED - Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Ride cancelled because of forecast rain and flooded roads. Will run this ride next Sunday instead. - 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. A trip to the north of Witney, skirting the edge of the Cotswolds. The first cafe stop is at the Long Hanborough coffee shop (24 miles) and the second at Aston Pottery at 46 miles, where we get a chance to admire their stunning summer borders. The route is on hopefully quiet roads and isn't very hilly.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48414431"
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Thu Sep 26th 2024

Daytime 1* Thursday Ride	1*

Leader: Des Higgs	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 Stanford-in-the-Vale cafe, route to be decided on day depending on the weather.
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Thu Sep 26th 2024

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Stephanie Haddrell	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A ride out avoiding floods; Letcombe and Seven Barrows returning via Sparsholt and Childrey with Coffee at the Cantorist. 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).
Riders: Angie Fisher David Bridge Des Higgs James Bosley John Groves Louise Bowers Pauline Clark Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 8 Report: Great to see the sun and to have a dry morning. Sorry to have had to change the route, but a wise move and it was lovely to go to the Valley of the Racehorse and see the horses out training. A lovely morning with great company, good to see the girls and lovely to see James out. Happy cycling
Distance: 33.80 km (21.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48562822"
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Sat Sep 28th 2024

2* Saturday Half-Day Ride to Lambourn and Ashbury	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: After all the rain, it is looking brighter for Saturday. So a ride above the Vale to (hopefully!) avoid the floods. Out through the Letcombes, over the Downs to Lambourn, up the Lambourn valley to cross the Ridgeway, then down the hill to Ashbury for refreshments at the village shop. We'll return along the foot of the Downs road to Westcot, then through the springline villages back to Wantage. A lumpy 30 miles, but taken at a steady 2* pace, no rush on the climbs, with time to catch our breath and enjoy the views at the top of the hills. Please let me know by text if you would like to come. Happy to pick-up en route by arrangement. 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 Bridge David Jackson Des Higgs Huw Palmer Lorna Swanton Mike Bailey Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: After all the rain this week, lovely to have a bright sunny morning with light winds, but it was distinctly cool early on. 8 of us set off from Grove to be joined by Mike at Letcombe Bassett. The roads along the route were surrprisingly dry and free from large puddles or surface water and it was good to find that the road from Wantage into Letcombe Regis was essentially dry after the long-standing flood last winter. We climbed the hills at our own speeds, regrouping at the top, first of Holborn Hill then Hackpen, waiting to regain our breath. Then it was the lovely long descent into Lambourn. The gentle 5-mile long climb up the Lambourn valley was beautiful in the sunshine. Sadly, the trees and bushes have now obscured the view of Ashdown House from the road. No-one was up for an optional tour to Kingston Winslow, so it was first right down Ashbury Hill and straight to the shop and cafe. Lovely and large slices of cake and pastries were enjoyed by all. For the ride along the foot-of-the-downs road we split into two groups with Roger leading out a faster four while I lead the following five. We don't often ride as far along the B-road as today and it was lovely to enjoy the panoramic views. There was beautiful light across the manger and White Horse Hill before clouds started to roll in. Mike left us at Childrey and David in East Challow and we were soon back in Grove after nearly 30 miles. Well done to Huw on his longest ride to date. A good morning out and thanks all for your company.
Distance: 48.28 km (30.00 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/225631682
Sat2* riders enjoying the autumn sunshine near Ashdown House, 28-Sep-24
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48564050"
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Sun Sep 29th 2024

Rescheduled 3* Regular Sunday 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. 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. A trip to the north of Witney, skirting the edge of the Cotswolds. The first cafe stop is at the Long Hanborough coffee shop (24 miles) and the second at Aston Pottery at 46 miles, where we get a chance to admire their stunning summer borders. The route is on hopefully quiet roads and isn't very hilly.
Riders: Barry Stanton Eddie Little Jo Little Riders = 3 Weather: Report: The day started off quite chilly but the sun came out by lunchtime, which made a pleasant change. We all enjoyed the route, which took us along some quiet and unfamiliar lanes. The views over the Cotswolds were as scenic as always and both cafe stops were welcome, with the borders at Aston pottery putting on a great show. Although the route wasn't that hilly, the concentration of it in the middle section and a strong headwind on the way home made this ride feel harder than expected. Thanks to Ed and Barry for their company and we all agreed we'd like to ride this route again in the Spring.
Distance: 94.95 km (59.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48414431"
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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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