Past Rides
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Sat Nov 2nd 2024
| 3* Saturday Half Day Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Joy Arthur |
Start Time:9:00 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).NB. Starting at the Beacon Out up Hackpen, through Lambourne to Aldbourne for coffee at Time at the Forge. Home via the Springline. |
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Riders:Barry StantonChris Bailey Eddie Little Jo Little John Tranter Joy Arthur Lisa Footner Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 9 Report:I was a little apprehensive at the start of the ride as it was my first go at planning and leading a ride. However, all was well with a couple of significant climbs pre coffee, a lovely stop in Aldbourne and a great group who were really good fun to lead. | ||
Distance:59.21 km (36.79 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/234971646 | |
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48706058" | ||
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Tue Nov 5th 2024
| 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. 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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Riders:Jan McCabeJane John Jo Little Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report:A strength workout today. Increasing cadence then progressively increasing resistance, with a quiz on nicknames of places to take the pain away.Callum from Peebles joined in the fun too. | ||
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Thu Nov 7th 2024
| Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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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 this week is at Coffee Lush, Watchfield, a recently opened independent. |
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Riders:Angie FisherChris Marchant Des Higgs Geoff Neill John Groves John Tranter Patrick O'Leary Riders = 7 Weather: Report:A bit of drizzle at the start didn't put off a good group setting off on wet and muddy roads across the Vale. All went well and we enjoyed good cakes and drinks at the Lush cafe in Watchfield. We then found a problem as the ride leader discovered a puncture which couldn't be easily fixed (it turns out that tubeless tyres are not perfect). John T took the group back while the support crew was called out. John G was also nursing a slow puncture but managed to get home with a few pump-up stops.All in all, a bit chilly and damp, but good to be out in the glorious Vale. | ||
Distance:54.72 km (34.00 mi) | ||
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Thu Nov 7th 2024
| Daytime Thursday 1* ride | 1* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph)An easy ride out to the Grocers Chef in Ardington for coffee |
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Report:A short ride out to Ardington Grocers Chef for coffee. It was lovely to welcome a new rider Rob Godfrey to the group. We used the cycle paths to go to Denchworth Road and cross the aeroplane roundabout. We then rode across Camel Crossroads and onto Locks Lane where we turned and crossed the brook joining Portway at the top of the Hill. We then went over the Royal Oak traffic Lights along Ormond Road to Trinder Road on to Springfield Road and along the Track to Lockinge. We then passed our Best Mate and the Rhino before turning sharp left to cruise down to coffee at the Grocers Chef. A lovely half hour or so catching up and sharing cycling stories or problems which I hope didn't put Rob off! Our return was up to the A417 and then down Laines barn road which has been repaired after a fashion. A lovely gentle ride with good company, thanks for joining me! | ||
Distance:18.51 km (11.50 mi) | ||
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Sat Nov 9th 2024
| 2* kick-off for the White Horse Challenge | 2* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
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).As this is the first day of this year's White Horse Challenge, it seems appropriate to head over there with the odd mince pie or two and conquer the great Hill. We will then head home via a loop around the Vale with coffee either at Ashbury or Shrivenham. |
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Report:A cold and grey morning, but always good to head for the great Hill. We were particularly pleased to be joined by Brian, a friend of Anke visiting from Yorkshire. I found myself the only non-motorised rider in the group - not the best for morale when White Horse Hill is involved! But we had a good ascent and visibility was still reasonable at the top. A mince pie was consumed to mark the kickoff of the White Horse Cycle Challenge 2024 and then we headed for coffee at the Baking Bee in Ashbury - excellent as always. The second half consisted of an uneventful loop around the Vale via Shrivenham, Fernham, Gainfield and Charney Bassett.Thanks to all for your company. | ||
Distance:51.50 km (32.00 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45009223" | ||
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Sun Nov 10th 2024
| 3* Sunday Shortie Villages through the Vale | 3* |
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Leader:Eddie Little |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:The 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.An autumnal ride through some of the villages in the Vale. West Challow, Shellingford, Uffington, Kingston Lisle, Westcot, stopping at Cantorist Farm, Childrey for morning coffee. Return to Wantage via East Challow bridleway/cycle track. Ride distance 24 miles/38km. |
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Report:It was nice to have Nick & John join me on this ride, as I hadn’t seen either of them for quite some time, a good catch - up was had by one & all. The roads were nice & quiet which is always a bonus. It was good to see other clubs out enjoying the quiet road conditions too. We all enjoyed some good coffee & cakes at Cantorist Farm, service was as usual excellent. At 11am everyone in the cafe observed a two-minute silence. Thanks to Nick & John for good company. Look forward to seeing you both on future rides. | ||
Distance:38.62 km (24.00 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/48959831" | ||
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Tue Nov 12th 2024
| Virtual Turbo |
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Leader:Jon 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. |
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Riders:Jan McCabeJane John Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Simon Wysocki-Jones Riders = 7 Report:Tonight's workout was Sweetspot plus.Quiz the 20 longest rivers in the UK ! | ||
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Thu Nov 14th 2024
| Daytime 1* Thursday Ride | 1* |
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Leader:Susan Holdroyd |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader.Ride out to Stanford coffee shop via Denchworth, Lyford and Gainfield returning via Park Lane and Asti Stud. Easy sociable ride of 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a pace of 14-17km/h (9-11 mph). |
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Report:A gentle ride around the vale stopping off at the Church in Lyford for a quick visit before going on to coffee in Stanford. The ride started in overcast weather but the sun came out whilst we were having coffee to make a sunny return route to Grove. | ||
Distance:24.38 km (15.15 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/42212987" | ||
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Thu Nov 14th 2024
| 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 ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph).A slightly longer route to Stanford via Longworth |
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Riders:Brian HipwellChris Marchant David Bridge Des Higgs Gareth Smith Geoff Neill John Groves Louise Bowers Patrick O'Leary Paul Bentley Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 13 Weather: Report:A gloomy start, but the sunbeam out later, which was most welcome.13 riders on the two start in addition to a decent turnout for the 1 star made Millbrook car park a busy place. Thanks to Roger T for taking a second group and to Des for sweeping. We should have been a 6/7 split but the first group set off with only 5, Louise was apparently having trouble clipping in.... Due to a road closure on the Denchworth to Hanney road, we took a diversion via Charney Bassett. Louise caught us up after Fyfield, as we paused to cross the A415. At this point, Louise promptly fell off her bike. Loose cleats are very difficult to unclip! Loiuse and bike, still clipped in, were picked up and yours truly then tightened up both cleats. No further issues there! Stanford Coffee Shop was a busy place with all of us descending.....they coped admirably though. Thanks to all.....a good natured bunch! | ||
Distance:38.00 km (23.61 mi) | ||
| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49029074" | ||
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Sat Nov 16th 2024
| 1* Saturday Half-Day Ride to Longworth | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A ride out to Longworth with a refreshment stop at the Blue Boar PH. Out via West Hanney, returning via Hinton Waldrist (passing one of my favourite hidden places) and Charney Bassett a round trip of just under 20 miles. After a gentle climb up to Southmoor on the outward leg we'll be able to enjoy the gentle downhill to Charney on the return. We should catch some late autumn colour and an unexpectedly late floral display....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. |
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Riders:Anke OttoBrian Hipwell Des Higgs John Tranter Lorna Swanton Nick Portsmouth Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 10 Weather:   Report:A good turnout of 10 for our monthly Saturday afternoon 1* outing. It was grey and chilly as we set off from Grove, but there were some lovely autumn colours in the hedgerows as we made our way out through Denchworth to West Hanney (no obstructions or roadworks at all despite the road closure and diversion signs). After a rest by the church, we continued up Winter Lane towards Southmoor, stopping briefly beyond the Lyford turning to admire an unseasonal field of red poppies on the left.Once in Southmoor, we took a small detour through Blenheim Way to avoid the stoniest part of the bridleway up to the bridge over the A420. We were soon settling into a cosy corner of the Blue Boar for refreshments (beer and twiglets featured prominently). Brian and later Steph left us from the pub as they had to get back. As the rest of us continued on the track past the church and manor house and on to Hinton Waldrist, the sun broke through to light up the landscape. Lamb Lane, a forgotten road, cut-off when the Southmoor bypass was built, was new to many (Des said that the last time he had been that way was by car!). As it descends towards the A420, it affords lovely views across the vale to the distant downs. The drawback is crossing the A420 at the end of the dual-carriageway, but we took it patiently, crossing one by one to the central reservation and then to the other side. All across safely, we regrouped in the Lamb & Flag road. Then it was a gorgeous ride downhill to Charney Bassett in the late afternoon sunshine before the clouds rolled in and the breeze picked up. We briefly had the wind in our faces but as we turned for home past Asti stud we gained a tailwind for the last few miles. Back in Grove just after 4pm, it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride and a pleasure to lead. Thanks to Des for sweeping and everyone for your good company. Thanks to Anke for the poppy and Lamb Lane pictures . | ||
Distance:31.54 km (19.60 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49042113" | ||
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Sun Nov 17th 2024
| Half day to Coleshill | 3* |
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Leader:Jo Little |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:The Beacon |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Half day ride at a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders.PLEASE NOTE: This has changed from the originally posted ride due to a change in circumstances. This is now a half day ride starting from The Beacon at 9am, heading out to Coleshill via Shellingford and Great Coxwell and then returning to Wantage through Shrivenham and Fawler Hill. 36 miles, aiming to be back in Wantage by 12.30. |
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Riders:Eddie LittleJo Little John Groves Katherine Boyce Louise Bowers Paul Bentley Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Weather:Report:After looking a bit grey and cold to start with it soon warmed up into a lovely sunny autumn morning. Blakes at Coleshill as good as ever and great to be out on the bike. | ||
Distance:59.55 km (37.00 mi) | ||
| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49048269" | ||
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Tue Nov 19th 2024
| 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. 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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Riders:Jan McCabeJane John Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report:Session based on Functional Threshold Power with a celebrities real names quiz. We were joined by Calum from Scotland where it was -9! | ||
Distance:0.00 km (0.00 mi) | Ride Details:N/A | |
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Thu Nov 21st 2024
| RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Roger Postbeschild |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - In addition to the prospect of icy roads, I am now physically unable to lead in the morning in any case! With no time to arrange a substitute leader, the ride is cancelled. - 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).It Looks pretty chilly for Thursday, so I am keeping well down in the Vale, with a route to Munch in Southmoor, with obvious options to shorten depending upon the chill factor. THERE IS A STRONG POSSIBILITY OF ICY ROADS IN THE MORNING. I WILL POST HERE AT 9.15AM AN UPDATE, AS THE RIDE MAY BE CANCELLED. |
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49090778" | ||
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Sat Nov 23rd 2024
| RIDE CANCELLED - 2* Saturday Half Day Ride | 2* |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Beaten by Storm Bert!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 loop around the Vale before heading from East Hanney to Steventon, up the hill and across to East Hendred. Then we take the Icknield Way to our cafe stop at the Grocer Chef in Ardington. Home via Lains Barn. Just under 30 glorious miles. |
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49076640" | ||
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Sun Nov 24th 2024
| 3* Sunday Shortie Ride Cancelled Due to Adverse Weather Conditions | 3* |
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Leader:Eddie Little |
Start Time:9:15 am |
Start Location:The 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.From Wantage we’ll head through the Letcombes, Childrey, Charney Bassett, Southmoor, West Hanney & the Challows. Optional stop for coffee at the end of the ride in Wantage. Ride distance 24.08 miles/38km. |
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49101241" | ||
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Tue Nov 26th 2024
| Virtual Turbo |
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Leader:Joy Arthur |
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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Riders:Jan McCabeJane John Jon Townsin Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 8 Report:Another go at my Wahoo climbing workout.Callum from Peebles also joined us. Thanks to Jan for a great quiz about pre-decimalisation money. | ||
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Thu Nov 28th 2024
| Thursday coffee meet |
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Leader:Roger Postbeschild |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:Down to Earth Café |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - ICY ROADS - 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).UPDATE THURSDAY: MINUS 2.5, DENCHWORTH ROAD IS TREACHEROUS WITH VEHICLES HAVING TROUBLE GETTING OVER THE RAILWAY BRIDGE. CANCELLED. We had a social meeting at Down to Earth as a consolation. |
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Riders:Angie FisherCarin Tranter David Bridge Mila Yearley Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Riders = 8 Weather:  Report:Denchworth road was hideous, so the ride morphed into a combined social event at Down to Earth Café.It was warm and dry and had coffee and cake....what's not to like! | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49090778" | ||
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Thu Nov 28th 2024
| RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 1* Thursday Ride | 1* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - ICY ROADS - 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).UPDATE THURSDAY: MINUS 2.5, DENCHWORTH ROAD IS TREACHEROUS WITH VEHICLES HAVING TROUBLE GETTING OVER THE RAILWAY BRIDGE. CANCELLED. |
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Sat Nov 30th 2024
| 3* 5th Saturday Special | 3* |
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Leader:Sharon Bedford |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:The Beacon |
Description:Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. 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.ROUTE CHANGED 29/11/24 We will mark the last day of November by a circular (and therefore hilly) route round the Downs. Lunch stop at Priscillas (60k into the ride so you may want to bring a snack). Hope to be back no later than 14.30, (possibly before) |
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Report:After a few cold days we were blessed with an uncharacteristically warm day for late November. As ever a route into the Downs always delivers hills and they certainly kept coming! (Circa 900m of climbing). But the route also gave us stunning views - and staying high kept us away from the floods. A new road (for me) from Peasemore to East Ilsley was delightful and definitely worth using again.We had a brief stop at Hampstead Norreys Community Shop and a great lunch at Priscilla’s (where we actually sat outside!). Thanks to my three companions for their company and making ride leading a doddle. | ||
Distance:77.00 km (47.85 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49158908" | ||
Comment on this ride | ||
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- 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.
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