Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sun Dec 20th 2015

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
Description: Nearly the shortest day, so only 74 km but bring lights as we will almost certainly finish in the gloom. Hilly first half with some small, muddy lanes; second half is flatter on larger roads. Out over Chain Hill, though to Isleys to Four Points, then down Streatley Hill [optional coffee stop in Streatley, c. 30km]. Then through minor lanes to Ipsden. Climb again to Nuffield and then the brilliant descent of Brixton Hill. Lunch in Catherine’s Café, Wallingford @ 53km. Then home through Didcot, Harwell and the A417 [I may vary the route home for a little extra mileage, depending on group composition, timing, weather, etc.]
Riders: Andy Pixton Katherine Boyce Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Phil Ward Riders = 5 Weather: Report: We were favoured with a mild, if windy, day – more like late March than December – with one light shower after lunch. We made good time to Streatley where we stopped for coffee at the excellent Boat House Cafe: recommended. Katherine made us all jealous of her VeloCulture inner-tube phone case - immediately added to my list for Santa. I entertained the group by elegantly toppling on to the grass verge at the top of the climb out of Goring. The lanes then became progressively muddier culminating in a real horror on Garson’s Hill where Andy punctured. I was volunteered for group bike-cleaning duty at this point. The descent of Brixton Hill from Nuffield was entertaining. Lunch was taken at Catherine’s Cafe in Wallingford where Robin Tucker joined us prior to the Wallingford off-road ride. Robin was so engrossed in describing beard sculpture that he nearly missed the start of his ride and had to make an attempt on the world record for eating beans on toast. We chose a slightly longer way home to get in some extra miles – through the Mortons, Appleford, Sutton Courtenay, Drayton, Steventon, East Hanney and Grove. Thanks to Nick S for the lead on this section. There was a nasty head-wind on the final leg which slowed progress, well, mine at least. Back in Wantage by 3.30 before lights were needed. Total distance: 83.6 km. An excellent end to the year’s three-stars.
Distance: 86.30 km (53.62 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11311837"
Comment on this ride

Written by : John Talbot

Posted on : December 21, 2015 at 11:48 AM

Garsons Hill has been in a terrible condition all year. It's basically a dirt track at the top past the farm. We've been avoiding it on our lunchtime rides as it's so bad. Please report it via Fix My street and mention it's part of NCN5 (http://fixmystreet.oxfordshire.gov.uk/)

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