Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Rides

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Thu Jan 1st 2026

New Year's Day 2* Ride	2*

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 chance to clear those hangovers and get the year off to an active start.............. Aston Pottery - one of the few venues that are open on New Years Day! Route avoids Great Brook as I expect that it will still be flooded.
Riders: Des Higgs James Bosley Louise Bowers Roger Postbeschild Terry Ryland Riders = 5 Weather: Report: A chilly wind with some milky sunshine. No snow yet! One icy patch coming out of Denchworth (the permanently wet bit) but otherwise the roads were OK. Aston Pottery was good, as ever, even down to supplying delicious cake that was gluten and dairy free! We were joined on the return leg by Terry, who had just completed his ascent of Dragon Hill as a belated Mince Pie Ride. No mechanicals and a great group.
Distance: 53.80 km (33.43 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53555828"
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Thu Jan 1st 2026

RIDE CANCELLED - New Year's Day 1* Ride - around the vale	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cancelled due to illness with no leader available to step in at short notice. - Bring in the new year on 2-wheels! An easy ride around the vale villages finishing by the Bay Tree PH in Grove for those that would like to stop for a coffee/drink and a natter. Note the later start time for this one. Wrap up warm, it's likely to feel cold. Guest riders very welcome. Please let me know if you are planning to come. 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/53617959"
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Sat Jan 3rd 2026

RIDE CANCELLED - 3* Saturday Half Day Ride	3*

Leader: Katherine Boyce	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED due to damp roads and freezing conditions predicted for tomorrow. - 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). Relatively flat ride over to Southrop with a coffee stop in Lechlade. Return via Buckland and the Vale.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43154385"
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Tue Jan 6th 2026

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Jane John	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Barry Stanton Jan McCabe Jane John Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Lisa Footner Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Simon Wysocki-Jones Yvonne Bird Riders = 10 Report: First session of 2026 led by Jane, all very glad to be inside with the negative temperatures outside. A Wahoo workout based on Functional Threshold Power, with a new year themed memory game. Joined by Callum in Scotland.
Distance: 0.00 km (0.00 mi)	Ride Details: N/A
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Thu Jan 8th 2026

RIDE CANCELLED - Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - Cold again overnight and rain forecast for late morning. - Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). Coffee at Baking Bee, Ashbury. Route to be advised on the morning. Due to winter weather, this ride may be subject to cancellation.
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Sat Jan 10th 2026

RIDE CANCELLED - 2* Saturday Half Day Ride	2*

Leader: Anke Otto	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: RIDE CANCELLED - More damp roads and low temperature forecasts suggest icy conditions. - 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). Route to be advised. Due to winter weather, this ride may be subject to cancellation.
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Sun Jan 11th 2026

3* Sunday Shortie CANCELLED	3*

Leader: Eddie Little	Start Time: 9:30 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. From Wantage we’ll keep the ride within the villages of the Vale keeping the ride reasonably flat. Letcombe’s, Childrey, Goosey, Hatford, Shellingford, Uffington, Westcot, Challow. Ride distance 26.8 miles/ 43km.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53653469"
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Tue Jan 13th 2026

Virtual Turbo

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. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Calum Clark Jan McCabe Jane John Joy Arthur Karen Townsin Katherine Boyce Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Yvonne Bird Riders = 9 Report: 3 x 12 mins blocks of varying intervals with a slightly different cool down set. Live Aid Quiz
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Thu Jan 15th 2026

Thursday coffee meet	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 11:00 am	Start Location: Costa Coffee, Grove
Description: Heavy rain forecast for Thursday morning, so there is now a coffee social at Costa in Grove, meet of 11.00.
Riders: Andy Belcher Barry Stanton John Stamp Lorna Swanton Richard Kidd Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Steve Swanton Susan Holdroyd Riders = 9 Weather: Report: A convivial chat over our beverages while the rain fell steadily outside. Hopefully we shall have more clement weather on a Thursday for cycling soon.
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Fri Jan 16th 2026

Daytime 2* Friday Ride	2*

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). OK, so Thursday looks to be pretty much a wash-out so I am again moving the Thursday ride to Friday. Goodies Cafe in Lambourn, return via Seven Barrows. If we have too much on Thursday, I may tweak the route to go down Fawler Hill to avoid a possible flood under the railway bridge. UPDATE: in view of the amount of standing water on Thursday afternoon, I have updated the route to return via Fawler Hill and Uffington. Still a modest 43km!
Riders: Anke Otto Barry Stanton James Bosley John Groves Katherine Boyce Peter Dalgliesh Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Tony Stevens Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Having moved the ride from Thursday - during which we had 20mm of rain - it was good to see that Friday dawned much brighter. We set off with six riders from Old Mill Hall and collected three more on the way. As we scaled Hackpen Hill, the weather got steadily murkier and visibility was poor by the time we reached the top. Goodies Cafe in Lambourn is a favourite of mine - the staff are always both cheerful and efficient. By the time we left, the murk over the hills had cleared and we had a clear run up Seven Barrows and down Blowingstone Hill. Rather than risk the railway bridge down from Kingston Lisle, we took Fawler Hill down and returned via Uffington. Baulking turn on to the A417 was quite deep, but passable. Good to be out, and a great group. We hit a lucky window in the weather, there was a further 10mm of rain on Friday evening!
Distance: 43.00 km (26.72 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/52835944"
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Sat Jan 17th 2026

1* Saturday Half Day Ride	1*

Leader: Anke Otto	Start Time: 1:00 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: 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. Coffee at Munch, Southmoor. If it is getting late, there is an option for a shortcut back at Charney Bassett.
Riders: Anke Otto Julie Haynes Sarah James Steve Boreham Riders = 4 Weather: Report: Lovely afternoon ride out to Southmoor via Lyford, Fyfield and Kingston Bagpuize. Sunny weather with some big clouds all the way. Met Steve at the Munch café which closed at 2pm so we visited the local Horse & Wagon pub instead. Had a nice cup of coffee and a good natter, then went back via Charney Bassett, Gainfield to Stanford. We crossed a few large puddle on our way and surfed successfully over the flooded area on Park Lane before hitting Denchworth for the home straight. No stop at costa as it was getting rather dark already and all were keen to get home.
Distance: 35.89 km (22.30 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53726348"
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Sun Jan 18th 2026

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Jo Little	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Beacon Car Park
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. We're not going too far today as I wanted to guarantee an indoor cafe stop. This is at Aston pottery at 31.5 miles. The total ride is 53 miles and not much climbing, so should be bearable on a cold, winter's day.
Riders: Barry Stanton Eddie Little Jo Little Joy Arthur Katherine Boyce Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Weather: Report: I think everyone, including me, was wishing I had cancelled the ride to start with as it was cold and very misty . However, we soon all started to be glad we were out riding and, despite the weather conditions and lack of views, enjoyed the ride. Aston pottery was a welcome stop and we decided to cut the ride a bit short and return by the more direct route. Thank you to everyone for their good company and it was great to welcome back Joy on her first 3* ride since her accident in June.
Distance: 75.64 km (47.00 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53646536"
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Tue Jan 20th 2026

Virtual Turbo

Leader:	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Riders = 0 Report: Turbo Social at the Vaults in Wantage. Great pizzas and so good to meet up IRL.
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Thu Jan 22nd 2026

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

Leader: Des Higgs	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. Sociable ride of 24-40 km (15-25 miles) at a pace of 18-20km/h (11-13 mph). Coffee at Faringdon, a new venue, Ferns Cafe - scoped out earlier this week.
Riders: Des Higgs Louise Bowers Pauline Clark Peter Dalgliesh Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Tony Stevens Riders = 8 Weather: Report: A very good ride with a good group of steady riders. Weather was pretty good, just a few showers & not very windy. The new café venue of The Ferns passed with flying colours and no complaints.
Distance: 47.50 km (29.52 mi)
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Sat Jan 24th 2026

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

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: To avoid flooded roads in the vale as far as we can, a ride out to Ashbury via Lambourn with a loop back through the vale via Uffington and Fernham (avoiding the Baulking turn on the A417). Refreshments at the Baking Bee Cafe in Ashbury. Forecast is showery with a breeze from the south east, perfect for pushing us up the valley from Lambourn to the Ridgeway! The planned route is 36 miles, which we will take at steady 2* pace, with almost all of the climbing (and 2 of our 3 descents) before coffee. Expect to be back in Grove around 1:30pm. There are options to shorten the route back (e.g. via Westcot and Childrey) if conditions deteriorate. Please let me know by text if you are planning to come. 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 Chris Gray David Jackson Julie Haynes Nick Portsmouth Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Weather: Report:
Distance: 56.01 km (34.80 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53808156
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53793106"
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Sun Jan 25th 2026

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 2-3 Hour ride (24-40km / 15-25 miles), riding pace of 20-24km/h (13-15mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing likely. Flattish ride with options to vary depending on weather conditions
Riders: Barry Stanton James Bosley Jo Little Roger Postbeschild Sharon Bedford Riders = 5 Report: The overnight deluge (on top of a couple of wet weeks) meant there were many puddles and minor floods to negotiate. Nothing we couldn't get through - although we did take a short diversion ( added a few kms) in case the flood just outside Denchworth had deepened from the previous week. Luckily it stayed dry for the ride and we even saw a little sunshine. Great to be out as ever - and with good company.
Distance: 46.00 km (28.58 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53760721"
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Tue Jan 27th 2026

Virtual Turbo

Leader: Karen Townsin	Start Time: 7:00 pm	Start Location: Online
Description: A virtual turbo workout of up to an hour including warm up, workout and warm down. You will need your own turbo set up, a computer/laptop/mobile device and Zoom version 5 installed on your device. This is a pre-bookable event. To book a place text your name to Karen Townsin 07768066413, no earlier than 09:00 on the Wednesday before. You will receive confirmation including the link to the virtual meeting.
Riders: Barry Stanton Jan McCabe Jane John Jon Townsin Karen Townsin Nicole Pethybridge Sharon Bedford Riders = 7 Report: 3-2-1 Intervals tonight with a quiz on the largest islands in the world.
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Thu Jan 29th 2026

Daytime 2* Thursday Ride	2*

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). We haven't been to Blake's for a while.....the cinnamon buns are calling! We should be OK for overnight frost but it now looks like being foggy. Please bring AND USE lights. Route previously used Park Lane, which is more flooded than most. Revised route now loaded.
Riders: Angie Fisher Anke Otto Des Higgs Pauline Clark Peter Dalgliesh Roger Postbeschild Roger Turnbull Steve Swanton Terry Ryland Riders = 9 Weather: Report: Thankfully, there was no overnight frost. It was, however distinctly chilly and the south easterly wind, although light, made its presence known on the return trip. The route was tweaked to avoid Park Lane, which was still substantially under water. Blake's was busy, as ever, but two tables came free at the right time, and the coffee was excellent. Leaving for the return trip was delayed by your ride leader returning to the cafe to retrieve his phone.......... We even had a little sunshine towards the end of the ride. An excellent group, with no mishaps bar the senior moment!
Distance: 48.20 km (29.95 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53840778
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53840778"
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Sat Jan 31st 2026

1* Snowdrop Special	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:30 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A special easy-paced ride to visit the best of our local snowdrops in the churchyards in Wantage, the Letcombes, Childrey and Sparsholt. These displays seem more impressive each year and this year they are earlier than ever. We will stop to explore and enjoy them; do bring a camera. Provisional route below, designed to keep high and avoid flooding in the vale. Refreshment stop at Richmond village cafe in Letcombe Regis. Riders are welcome to join us along the way... Please let me know by text if you are planning to come. As with all our Saturday half-day rides we will cover 24-32 km (15-20 miles) at a leisurely pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph), tackling the occasional hill (nothing too long) and easy off-road tracks (conditions permitting).
Riders: Anke Otto Julie Haynes Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report: A thoroughly enjoyable ride! More details and some pics to come...
Distance: 26.07 km (16.20 mi)
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53833725"
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Sat Jan 31st 2026

3* 5th Saturday Special CANCELLED	3*

Leader: Sharon Bedford	Start Time: 9:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: CANCELLED DUE TO FORECAST RAIN AND WET ROADS pre-book for this ride by contacting the ride leader. At a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Trip to Hungerford (mostly direct with just a minor diversion after Chilton Foliat). Keeping it to 70k given the time of year. We will stop for an early lunch (late coffee) in Hungerford either at Eliane's or Trays.
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/53705147"
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Ride Filter

Start Locations: WMP
Wantage Market Place; OMH
Old Mill Hall, Grove

Categories: 1* - Suitable for irregular, social, beginner or family riders, pace will match the slower riders. Not hilly or long. Expect rides up to 3 hours. Gentle exercise.; 2* - Suitable for regular riders who prefer to cover some distance but at a more relaxed pace. Likely to be half-day rides. Solid exercise.; 3* - Suitable for experienced riders, may be hilly, long, quick, or any combination! Likely to be half or full-day rides. Challenging exercise.; 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.; More Information

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