Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

We send details of upcoming rides in a weekly email newsletter. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact [javascript protected email address].

Sun May 22nd 2011

CTC Oxfordshire Century (100-mile) ride	3*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 8:00 am	Start Location: Benson
Description: An opportunity to ride 100 miles taking in some less familiar territory in West Berkshire and North Hampshire (and we'll just touch Wiltshire too). Riders are very welcome to join us for some or all of the ride by prior arrangement and to make up their own personal century if they wish. We'll maintain a steady pace of 12-13mph. The main stops with approximate timings are: Start: Benson village hall 8am (prompt please) Coffee: Hilliers Garden centre, Hermitage (27.5 miles) 10:15-11:00 Lunch: Crown & Garter, Inkpen Common (52.7 miles) 13:30-14:30 Tea: Chez Swanton, Grove (76 miles) 16:30-17:15 End: Benson (102 miles) 19:15-19:30 The plan is to follow a clockwise route through the Chilterns, dropping down to the Thames at Pangbourne and following the Pang Valley up to Hermitage. We'll ride around Thatcham, down to Kingslere and cycle west along the foot of Watership Down and the North Downs to Inkpen. From Inkpen we'll turn north-ish returning to Oxfordshire by way of Hungerford , Chilton Foliat and Lambourn. From Grove, the last stretch is across the Vale via East Hendred, Milton, Culham and Chiselhampton. Be preapared for a long day in the saddle and something approaching 1000m of ups and downs.
Riders: Adrian West David Smith Des Higgs Iain Kent James Wigmore Peter Hallowell Steve Swanton Ursula Hallam Riders = 8 Report: Epic! Five hardy riders completed the century. Due to the windy conditions it was one of the toughest club rides I've ever done and one of the most satisfying to have led. Thanks to Adrian, Dave, Des and Peter for their excellent company during the day. It was good to have Ursula, Iain and James along on the first part as well. Some pictures of the day below. Fuller report (and stats) to follow.
Distance: 164.15 km (102.00 mi)	Ride Details: http://connect.garmin.com/activity/clickThrough/embed/88413984
Nearing the top of the climb into the Chilterns Adrian eating banana in the shelter of a tree Half-way and still smiling ...and still a long way to go! Catching up with Team Lambourn en route to Crooked Soley A rest on the railway embankment at Upton
Comment on this ride

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : May 23, 2011 at 5:22 PM

Wow! I am in awe of this achievement - well done to the centurians. In that wind, that was a great 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.; More Information