Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sun Oct 16th 2016

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Andy Pixton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: Faringdon market place
Description: Monthly 80-100km (50-65 miles) all-day touring ride, lunch and possibly tea stop en route, at a riding pace of 18-22km/h (11-14mph). Not suitable for irregular riders. Climbing almost inevitable. **** NOTE CHANGE OF STARTING PLACE. IT IS NOW FARINGDON MARKET PLACE. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE AT Southampton Street (SN7 7AZ) and Gloucester Street (SN7 7HY) ****** A pretty flat ride of around 100km, out to Thames Head and back, from Faringdon market place. The plan is to have brunch at the café at Cotswold Outdoor, near Cerney Wick. There will be plenty of opportunities for a refreshment stop after this, if needed.
Riders: Andy Pixton John Tranter Katherine Boyce Nick Stokell Richard Pethybridge Riders = 5 Report: The weather forecast was grim. The rain and standing water between Wantage and Faringdon suggested we would be cancelling today's ride. It was, after all, the third anniversary of The Wet One. Thereafter, things just got better. Cessation of the rain, a rim of blue sky, and the arrival of three more riders. After agreeing to reassess things at our brunch stop, the five of us set off. We arrived in good time at Cotswold Outdoor cafe, with the weather looking ever more promising, and topped up our pre-ride breakfasts. The clouds were grey for the last time as we left the cafe, leaving us to enjoy the big skies and flat roads. We stopped by the first section of the Thames Path, and walked our bikes the kilometre or so, to Thames Head. The actual source resembled a small stoney hearth, marked by an engraved monolith. After a few photos, we cycled back to the road, and on. The return was very pleasant, a couple of small hills, skirting the new developments north of Swindon, and up to Highworth for afternoon tea. The sunlight illuminated the Ridgeway beautifully, as we returned to home territory, touched Uffington, then turned north back to Faringdon. We only experienced one light rain shower during the entire ride, and oddly, it occurred with the sun shining warmly. Being a small ride, of experienced ride leaders, this was a very easygoing excursion. Thanks to all those who came along for making it so.
Distance: 99.45 km (61.80 mi)
departing from Thames Head
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/17120536"
Comment on this ride

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : October 17, 2016 at 2:24 PM

Thanks, Andy. It was a great ride, well led and really interesting new territory.

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