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Past Ride

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Sun Dec 8th 2024
2* Mince Pie Ride 2*
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.
Riders:
Anke Otto
Brian 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
2024 Mince Pie Ride at Childrey.
2024 Mince Pie Ride at Childrey.
Ready for the off from Wantage - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Ready for the off from Wantage - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Regrouping in Westcot - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Regrouping in Westcot - Mince Pie Ride 2024
On the hill - Mince Pie Ride 2024
On the hill - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Paul & Brian reach the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Paul & Brian reach the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Steph reaches the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Steph reaches the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Pauline & Martin reach the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Pauline & Martin reach the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Garethe reaches the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Garethe reaches the top - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Milling throng around the serving table - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Milling throng around the serving table - Mince Pie Ride 2024
The mulled wine was much appreciated - Mince Pie Ride 2024
The mulled wine was much appreciated - Mince Pie Ride 2024
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49118060"
Comment on this ride

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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