Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sun Dec 11th 2011

Mince Pie Ride - 1*	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:15 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: For full details of the event see the "Annual Mince pie ride" entry above. The 1* ride will be a sociable ride at a leisurely pace leaving after the other groups at about 10:15 - but please arrive at least 10 minutes beforehand to register. We'll take the direct route to White Horse hill (about 7 miles)following the A417 out of the Market Place to East Challow, across the track and (metalled) bridleway to Childrey, through Sparsholt, Westcot and then rejoin the Downs road to White Horse hill. There will be the opportunity to climb (or push) up the road beside Dragon hill and beneath the White Horse to enjoy the fantastic views across the manger and the vale. We'll then drop down to the main NT car park for mince pies and mulled wine (all in aid of Whizz Kidz, the disabled children's mobility charity). After the meet, the ride will return to Wantage (by about 12:45) by a similar route and continue on through Grove to Denchworth for those coming for lunch at the Fox.
Riders: Barbara Lambers Chloe Tucker Jasmine Tucker John Stamp Kerry Tucker Sara Smith Steve Swanton Riders = 7 Report: There were 8 riders in the 1* group, including newcomer Angela, and John, from Northampton (who was visiting a member of Abingdon Freewheeling). We were the last to head off from the Market Place and followed the route as planned. Barbara joined us in Childrey. We enjoyed a relaxed ride, stopping several times after the ups along the way to regroup and enjoy the views. The 2* group came past us while we were resting on the corner at Westcot. On turning the corner by Britchcombe Farm we had our first view of Dragon Hill and could see an impressively long chain of cyclists slowly climbing up. Several chose to walk up Dragon Hill from the bottom while others gave it a go until they ran out of gears or puff. If Kerry had had lower gears, I’m sure she would have made it all the way. We regrouped near the top by the footpath, where Mavis caught us up. Once we’d all caught our breaths, we carried on over the top to drop down to the car park, by then a milling throng of cyclists. Excellent mulled wine (with a bit of kick) and a lovely convivial atmosphere, made for a thoroughly enjoyable meet. Gradually the various groups drifted away. Half of the group joined Glenn to head directly to the Fox, while Barbara, John S and I headed back to Childrey and then on to Grove. My thanks to John S for acting as sweeper. I arrived at the Fox just as it came on to rain. How lucky we were with the weather!
Distance: 24.14 km (15.00 mi)
Glenn leads 2* ride past us at Westcot ...familiar faces Resting atop the climb from Kingston Lisle Starting the climb of Dragon Hill Kerry was close on my heels Barbara and visitor John were next and John swept from the rear.
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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