Past Ride
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Sun Dec 10th 2023
| 1* Mince Pie Ride | 1* |
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Leader:Steve Swanton |
Start Time:10:00 am |
Start Location:WMP |
Description:Update 9/Dec: Despite the iffy forecast, the Mince Pie Rides are on! There will be an artisan market in Wantage on Sunday morning with road closures in town from 7am. The 2* ride will start as close to King Alfred's statue as possible, but please can all riders walk their bikes in and out of the pedestrianised zone.Our annual festive ride, which again is in aid of Whizz-Kidz, the children's mobility charity, and which forms the centrepiece of this year’s White Horse Cycle Challenge (2-24 Dec). Ride out with us to the NT car park at White Horse Hill, Uffington, for mince pies and mulled wine. This is a pre-bookable ride. To book your place, either text me or email me on steve.swanton@cyclingukwantage.org.uk. 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. ETA for White Horse Hill car park, 11:20am. |
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Report:It was still dry when five of us set off from the Market Place just after 10. But by the time we picked up Anke in East Challow it was raining lightly. We were soon noticing the stiff crosswinds as we took the track over to Childrey (with the very welcome new surface on what was the muddy pot-holed section ). Patrick dropped off at this point as he wasn’t fully equipped for the conditions, but the rest of us pressed on, making record speed for a 1* ride to the foot of White Horse Hill. By the time I had taken a few photographs at the bottom, the rest of the group were already disappearing from view! Anke, Angie and Alan all made it up the hill for the first time. Well done to all! And having suffered from a dodgy knee since the summer, I was delighted to be able to complete the climb again, following on behind.The worst of the climb was actually the last 20 yards to the small car park at the top where, coming out of the shelter of the hill, it was rather a shock to be buffeted by the strong cross wind and driving rain. Soon however, we were down in the shelter of the main car park to join the milling throng of cyclists. The warm mulled wine and a mince pie were much appreciated as was the camaraderie. It was good to catch up with various cycling friends of old. Richard returned directly to Wantage at this point, while the remaining four of us descended with care into the vale and continued through Uffington, Baulking and Goosey to the Fox in what was increasingly heavy rain. But it was a challenge shared. At last in the dry we shed as many wet layers as we decently could and gradually dried off. Joined by other riders and helpers from the hill, we enjoyed an excellent meal with interesting conversation before eventually we had to don damp cags to make our ways home. Particular thanks to Carin for the delicious mulled wine, all those who helped to make the event happen and John for co-ordinating it all. And thanks too, to the A-team for your excellent company throughout the day. | ||
Distance:32.99 km (20.50 mi) | ||
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| Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38136121" | ||
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- 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.
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- 4* - Suitable for athletic riders who can ride safely above the 3* standard. Quick rides for the fit.
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