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Past Ride

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Fri Dec 2nd 2016
Dickensian Evening
Leader:
Steve Swanton
Start Time:
6:00 pm
Start Location:
WMP
Description:
Update 1 Dec: Our stall will be in front of Peter Casey's amd the Helen & Douglas House shop on the south side of the Market Place. We'll have two vintage bikes on display as well as lots of information about cycling and the club. Please come and say hello if you are in town.

This is a well established local event in Wantage Market Place, held this year on the evening of Friday 2nd December. Fortunately, the origin of the bicycle fits nicely into this historical era - we participated for the first time last year and found it a very positive experience with some good contacts and lots of interest. Steve Swanton is heading up this initiative, and he would love to hear from you so we can have a broad cross-section of the club to be on the the stall, perhaps in 1 or 2 hour shifts, who can enthuse about cycling with the club as well as cycling generally. Any old cycling memorabilia to lend for the evening would be great too. Please get in touch with Steve.
Riders:
Andy Pixton
Christine Ashdown
David Yearley
Jon Townsin
Karen Townsin
Katherine Boyce
Lorna Swanton
Mila Yearley
Nick Portsmouth
Steve Boreham
Steve Swanton
Tony Ashdown
Riders = 12

Weather:
cloudy (night)
Report:
Our second attendance at the Dickensian Evening went well. The event itself was very well attended and the Market Place was thronged. After the cold and frosty nights midweek, the evening was pleasantly mild with no breeze to disturb us – pretty much the perfect conditions. It meant that people were milling around right through to 9pm.

We had a better position for our stall this year, outside Peter Casey’s, and with a gap between us and the next stall giving us room to expand to display the vintage Rover Safety bicycle (beautifully restored to pristine condition) in full view under a street light. The road in front of us was much less congested, making it easier to see the stall and catch the attention of passers-by. We had a steady stream of visitors throughout, and we gave away about half of our business cards, about twenty 1* leaflets and other materials. Quite a few said they intend to come on the Mince Pie Ride next weekend and a number signed up for our email newsletter. We even had one gentleman, who, encouraged by his family, is going to learn to ride a bike. That was a special moment.

Thanks to everyone who put in a shift on the stall and for all your enthusiasm in promoting cycling and the club. Special thanks to Chris and Pam Marshall from the Benson Veteran Cycle Club, who very kindly supported us. Apart from a short break, Chris was chatting away to visitors the whole evening. Overall and enjoyable and satisfying evening; it was great to meet so many potential new riders. If you visited the stall, we hope to welcome you on a ride sometime soon.
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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.
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