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Virtual Turbo |
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Leader:Karen Townsin |
Start Time:7:00 pm |
Start Location:Online |
Description: |
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Early 2* White Horse Challenge | 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).A ride to Ashbury Cafe along the springline road with an option to go up Dragon Hill for those that cannot make the organised rides on Sunday. Bring a mince pie! We can regroup at the foot of the hill with those not wishing to do White Horse Hill. |
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Report:This was not your ride leader's first ascent of the hill for this year's challenge, but it was for Angie and Roger.Unfortunately, the tantalising prospect of clear weather and great views from the top vanished as we approached the climb. The top of the hill was now shrouded in cloud and it was distinctly damp. Undeterred, we ascended Dragon Hill and duly consumed pies at the top. We carried on down and enjoyed coffee at Ashbury shop before scooting back on a wind assisted return trip. A turnout of three for a Thursday ride was a little disappointing......was it the weather, or the prospect of Dragon Hill, or, both, maybe? | ||
Distance:45.00 km (27.96 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/241282734 | |
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Mince Pie Rides to White Horse Hill 2024 |
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Leader:John Tranter |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:PLEASE NOTE after careful consideration, we are GOING AHEAD with the Mince Pie Rides this morning. It is dry and the wind is less severe than yesterday. Thanks to our ride leaders for rising to the challenge.Our annual festive rides in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity, and the culmination of this year’s White Horse Cycle Challenge (9 Nov-8 Dec). Please join us in Wantage Market Place from 9.00 for the start of the club rides or meet us at White Horse Hill NT car park (grid ref SU 293866) from 11.00 to 12.00 for mince pies and mulled wine. We will have road rides at 1*, 2* and 3* grades and an off-road ride – see separate ride entries for route details (note staggered start times). Guest riders are very welcome. All takings on the day will go to Whizz-kidz (see www.whizz-kidz.org.uk) or please donate on-line through: http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/whitehorsecyclingchallenge2024 This is a very popular event, so if joining one of our rides please arrive in good time for registration (it's a great help for rides organisation to contact the leader for your chosen ride beforehand). Afterwards there will be led rides to The Fox at Denchworth for a pub lunch for those who have booked, from where it is a short ride back to Grove and Wantage. |
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Report:Very challenging weather as Storm Darragh swept through over the weekend. We came close to cancelling, but I'm glad we didn't. In the end, the day dawned fairly bright and dry, still with a gusty northerly wind but at least just about safe for riding. Our ride leaders rose to the challenge brilliantly and we also saw a couple of other clubs plus assorted individual riders on the Hill. In total we served 36 people - down on previous years, but better than we expected given the weather.Many thanks to Carin for epic mulling and to Carin, Steve and Mandy for heroic serving on the Hill. It was a great relief to get out of the nagging northerly and into the welcome warmth of the pub! | ||
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1* Mince Pie Ride - merged with 2* ride | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE - THE RIDE IS ON!Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity, and the culmination of this year’s White Horse Cycle Challenge (9 Nov-8 Dec). Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. Please text me if you would like to join the 1* ride. You will receive confirmation. Meeting from 9:50 for briefing for a 10:00 start, the 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups. Pick ups along the route by prior arrangement. We will follow a relatively direct but undulating route through the springline villages before we turn up the big hill. Even if you can't make it all of the way up awheel, the views across the manger and the Vale are breathtaking and worth the push. We'll regroup at the top before taking the gentle descent down into the main NT car park to meet up with the other groups. ETA 11:20am. After the gathering we will descend to Woolstone and return across the Vale via Uffington, Baulking and Goosey. The ride will formally end at the Fox PH in Denchworth (see separate entry for lunch details) from where it is a 2-mile ride back to Grove and 4 to Wantage (20-mile round-trip). |
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Riders:Riders = 0Weather:Report:Given the windy conditions, we decided to merge the three rides together, taking the most direct route to the hill. Please see 2* report for details. | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38136121" | ||
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2* Mince Pie Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Gareth Smith |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE - THE RIDE IS ON!Note: The start time and route for this ride was updated on the 23rd November. Our annual festive ride, in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity, and the centrepiece of this year’s White Horse Cycle Challenge. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. From Wantage Market Place we head out through the Letcombes to Childrey. From there a fairly direct route to White Horse Hill. A distance of around around 10 miles but this does include the stiff climb up White Horse Hill. After partaking of the refreshments at White Horse Hill we will return on a slightly longer route via Goosey and Denchworth for those lunching there. The full route from Wantage back to Wantage is around 22 miles. |
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Riders:Anke OttoBrian Hipwell Brian Watson Eddie Little Gareth Smith Katherine Boyce Martin Casey Patrick O'Leary Paul Smith Pauline Casey Simon Atkin Stephanie Haddrell Stephen West Steve Swanton Riders = 14 Report:Storm Darragh had brought extremely high winds over the weekend and there was considerable doubt whether this year's Mince Pie Rides would take place at all. However, the storm had eased by Sunday and an early morning ride round Grove by Steve Swanton led to a decision to go ahead. It was also agreed that all three road rides (1, 2 & 3*) would meet at Wantage Market Place at 10am and take the shortest route to White Horse Hill.12 people met at Wantage Market Place on what was a windy and cold but cyclable morning. We set off to pick up two more at Challow Primary School. On the track towards Childrey we passed another group of hardy souls in the form of conservation volunteers preparing to plant hedges at a spot rather exposed to the north wind. We reached White Horse Hill and then the car park with no incident. Theoretically there was some wind assist on the way up - but it appeared no match for the electric assist some had. We were welcomed at the car park with the traditional Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. A big thank you to those who organised and helped provide these refreshments. It was also great to see some other riders as well as a few familiar faces who had not ridden out but joined us there. As is usual with this event people made their own way back. As it was very cold, one group opted to leave fairly quickly and re-trace the route back to Wantage. Another group, particularly some of those dining at The Fox, returned via Uffington, and Goosey which was a fairly easy, largely wind assisted ride. There was a little rain at the end but we were back before it mattered. | ||
Distance:32.35 km (20.10 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38136121 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49118060" | ||
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3* Mince Pie Ride Route & Start Time Change!! | 3* |
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Leader:Eddie Little |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE - THE RIDE IS ON!Our annual festive ride, in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children’s mobility charity, and the centrepiece of this year’s White Horse Cycle Challenge. Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. If it’s safe to ride, then the route will go via East Challow, Childrey, Sparsholt, Westcot & the Spring line. This will give us a more sheltered & shorter ride. A final decision will be made by 08:00am tomorrow morning. Please look out for updates on this website! Ride distance 9 miles each way. After participating in mulled wine & mince pie tasting on White Horse Hill we will return to Wantage via Goosey and Denchworth for those having the Christmas meal at The It’s important that all riders arrive at least 10 minutes before the start/departure time for the ride briefing!! |
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Mince Pie Rides Lunch at The Fox |
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Leader:Diana Whidborne |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:Denchworth |
Description:Pub lunch after the Mince Pie Rides. Please book with Di as detailed in recent newsletters. |
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Riders:Anke OttoBrian Watson Carin Tranter David Bridge Diana Whidborne John Tranter Mandy Wassell Nick Portsmouth Patrick O'Leary Robin Tucker Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 13 Report: | ||
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Off-road Mince Pie Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Robin Tucker |
Start Time:9:30 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:SUNDAY MORNING UPDATE - THE RIDE IS ON!This is the off-road ride. It's about 9 miles up to and along The Ridgeway to White Horse Hill - splendid views and not a difficult route, apart from an inevitable climb up the The Ridgeway. Drop me a text or email robin@cyclingukoxfordshire.org for info |
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Report:Just me! And weather that was windy, but not raining, which I took as a win.I rode out to Letcombe Bassett, and up to the Ridgeway at Segsbury Castle, then headed West. The cross wind from the North was strong in exposed sections, but at least this had dried some of the trail. A bit of hard work to get to White Horse Hill at Uffington and then the Mince Pies and Mulled Wine to celebrate! | ||
Distance:16.00 km (9.94 mi) | ||
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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. 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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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 ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph).A classic route - out through Denchworth and Hanney then across Cow Common to Steventon, up the hill and Featherbed Lane to East Hendred. Then we take the Icknield Way to coffee at the Grocer Chef in Ardington. Home on the new path alongside King Alfred Way. 18 miles / 29km |
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Riders:Angie FisherBrian Hipwell David Jackson Des Higgs James Bosley John Tranter Louise Bowers Patrick O'Leary Pauline Clark Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Terry Ryland Tim Hoyle Riders = 13 Weather:Report:It was clear that even the tiniest hint of halfway decent weather was enough to get lots of people out, eager for fresh air and exercise! A big group assembled - many thanks to Roger P for leading a second group on the road. All went well with the route, although it was unfortunate to have to deal with two separate incidents of cars overtaking on blind corners and then trying to veer into the group.As we climbed out of East Hendred we entered the gloom and mist and the ride was distinctly wet from there on. However the mood was lifted by warmth and great service at the Grocer Chef in Ardington. We finished off with a ride on the excellent shared use path alongside the new King Alfred Way road (although the difficulty in crossing the A417 highlighted the need for a priority crossing point there). Thanks to all for your cheerful company throughout! | ||
Distance:28.97 km (18.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/242304012 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49226180" | ||
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Daytime 1* Thursday Ride | 1* |
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Leader:Lorna Swanton |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Please 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 gentle ride to coffee at the Grocer Chef in Ardington, perhaps to meet the 2* riders there. Out on the cycle path to Wantage, through to Charlton Road via Courtenay Road, then the track from Lark Hill to Lockinge. Up to Ginge on the road, down to Ardington on the Icknield Way. Home on the new path alongside King Alfred Way. Possibility of meeting on the track near the Lord Nelson by arrangement. |
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Report:A murky morning, but it was good to get out and meet up. A select group of four, we pedalled out along Main Street and the cycle path to Wantage, through to Charlton Road via Courtenay Road, then on the track from Lark Hill to Lockinge, where we paused while a surprising number of pedestrians, cars and horses went by. The road up to Ginge wasn’t as muddy as we’d feared, but we seemed to meet more clouds as we ascended, getting steadily damper. Down to Ardington on the Icknield Way, to the ever-welcoming Grocer Chef, where the 2* riders arrived as we were about to leave. We were all keen to try out the new cycle path by King Alfred Way and enjoyed its smooth surface and clear junctions. Not so much the cold wind driving drizzle into our faces! But our hearts were warm and the company was good. Thanks, everyone. | ||
Distance:20.28 km (12.60 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49237418 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49237418" | ||
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2* Saturday Half Day Ride | 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).A re-run of a classic Oxford ride - using the shortest possible route into and back from central Oxford. A combination of cunning cut-throughs, riverside paths and insider knowledge. We will have a VIP coffee stop at St Cross College in the heart of the city. Just over 40 miles at a steady 2* pace |
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Report:With an uncertain weather forecast I wasn't sure if anyone would be motivated to join me, but in the event a nice group assembled and we were rewarded with increasingly sunny conditions as the ride went on.All went smoothly with the route and I was relieved to see that the floods had receded sufficiently for the riverside paths to be used. We indulged in some tourist moments around the town before coffee and cake at Taylors and a quick pop into St Cross College. We then headed north along the excellent Oxford Canal towpath, around Port Meadow, up Cumnor Hill and home. Thanks to all for a fun morning and for coping so well with a longer than usual 2* ride. | ||
Distance:67.59 km (42.00 mi) | Ride Details:https://ridewithgps.com/trips/242633058 | |
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/47689685" | ||
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Regular Wantage Ride | 3* |
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Leader:Jo Little |
Start Time:9:15 am |
Start Location:The 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.Up Chain Hill, along to Great Shefford, Lambourn and Ashbury before stopping at Shrivenham Farm shop, then standard way home. Only 43 miles so should finish at a reasonable time for those needing to finish any Christmas jobs. |
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Report:It was great to be out on the bike in the dry again after several weeks without rides. Unfortunately, that meant Chain Hill felt harder than normal. Thanks to everyone for waiting for me! We all enjoyed being out in the countryside, though the headwind between Lambourn and Ashbury made the cafe stop at Shrivenham feel even more welcome.Thanks to everyone for their company. | ||
Distance:70.81 km (44.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49086101" | ||
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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. 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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Daytime 2* Thursday Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A ride out to Stanford via the Letcombes and Childrey. Returning via Charney and Denchworth.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). |
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Riders:Angie FisherBrian Hipwell David Bridge Huw Palmer James Bosley John Groves Louise Bowers Pauline Clark Roger Postbeschild Stephanie Haddrell Terry Ryland Riders = 11 Report:So lovely to be out on a club ride and for the sun to be shining and the company great even better!A familiar route out to the Letcombes and up Holborn hill, it was certainly chillier of late and so we mostly kept moving, although a brief stop at Letcombe Church to check all were well caused a degree of confusion ! Weather continued to be favourable and we enjoyed the decent into Childrey, on to Westcot and into Kingston Lisle. We met a rather fiesty horse as we turned into the village and just as we let go down Fawler Hill, another couple of riders curtailed our freewheeling. No trouble though and it was then an easy ride to coffee at Stanford, where we enjoyed a convivial chat and the usual banter. fully refreshed we then headed back to Grove Via Gainfield and Charney Bassett. great company and a lovely morniing on the bike Thanks all. | ||
Distance:36.37 km (22.60 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49271598" | ||
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1* Mini Mince Pie Ride | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:1:00 pm |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Update 20/12 - weather forecast for Saturday suggests gusty conditions with a chance of light rain - not dissimilar to the Mince Pie Rides 2 weekends ago! Currently, the plan is to go ahead with the ride but if anyone would prefer just to join us for a glass, nibble and chat afterwards you would be most welcome. Please let me know and I can give you our address/directions. Please keep an eye on the website for any further updates.An opportunity to enjoy some of Carin's lovely mulled wine left over from the main event last Sunday as well as a mince pie or two. But first, a loop around the Vale to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. Please let me know in good time if you are thinking of coming to judge catering. 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). |
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Riders:Anke OttoBrian Hipwell Carin Tranter John Tranter Lorna Swanton Stephanie Haddrell Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Weather:Report: | ||
Distance:23.01 km (14.30 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26589494" | ||
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RIDE CANCELLED - 3* Sunday Shortie | 3* |
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Leader:Katherine Boyce |
Start Time:9:00 am |
Start Location:The Beacon |
Description:RIDE CANCELLED - Ride Leader ill - 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.Off to Chaddleworth via Chain Hill, back via Great Shefford and the Springline to Childrey for coffee before returning to Wantage. |
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Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49278258" | ||
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Boxing Day Special 2* 18m | 2* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:Burn of the excesses of Christmas and blow the cobwebs away. A social 2 star ride around the Vale out through Denchworth Goosey and Baulking, Back Via Kingston Lisle and the Letcombes to Wantage.Please note the ride will finish in Wantage with coffee and social and for those who wish the opportunity to see the Mummers Play outside the Bear at 12.00. 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). |
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Report:Lovely to be out in the fresh air and to see the Sun albeit briefly!A quick ride out to Childrey via Baulking and Kingstone Lisle back via the Letcombes to finish in Wantage for coffee and the traditional Mummers play outside the Bear. | ||
Distance:27.36 km (17.00 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49289889" | ||
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2* Saturday Half Day Ride | 2* |
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Leader:Stephanie Haddrell |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:OMH |
Description:A 28m ride out to Blakes at Coleshill for coffee and cinnamon bun!A lovely ride out to Blakes via Coxwell returning via Kelmscot Radcot and Littleworth, with the majority of climbs before coffee. 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). |
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Riders:Anke OttoDavid Jackson Louise Bowers Neil Mowforth Philip (Pip) Jackson Stephanie Haddrell Riders = 6 Report:Lovely to be out on the bike and great to be joined by other like minded optimists! The weather was not as bright as forecast and we rode mostly throughj cloud and light drizzle, but this didnt dampen our spirits. We rode out through Baulking and Fernham, Little Coxwell and onto Blakes at Coleshill for coffee and cinnamon buns. My reliable source of information advised that it woudl be quiet, however it was packed and we huddled together on gloves waterproof trousers beneath an umbrella for our refreshments, which thankfully were delightful! We then made haste on our journey home to keep warm via Radcot Littleworth and Hatford.Thanks for the company. | ||
Distance:61.96 km (38.50 mi) | ||
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49330095" | ||
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3* Sunday Shortie | 3* |
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Leader:Katherine Boyce |
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.Trying again to do last Sundays cancelled ride: Chaddleworth via Chain Hill, back via Great Shefford and the Springline to Childrey for optional coffee before returning to Wantage. |
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Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49278258" | ||
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