Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sun Dec 18th 2016

Regular Wantage Ride	3*

Leader: Nick Dunton	Start Time: 9:30 am	Start Location: WMP
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. 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: Lyn Taylor Nick Dunton Nick Stokell Riders = 3 Weather: Report: What a stonking ride to end the 3* programme for 2016 with very clement weather for December. A pity more riders didn’t make it but there are other priorities at this time of year, I know. The three riders were evenly matched – Nick and Lyn disappeared up the hills like two sleek, under-exercised greyhounds and I managed to restore some dignity at the front on the flatter sections. At least this meant I was able to 'lead' and sweep on the hills, which simplified logistics. My bike developed an alarming squeak half way down Streetley hill – never a good place to get a mechanical – but it was only a stone lodged in the front brake-pad which we eventually managed to diagnose and remove. We stopped for coffee at The Swan in Streetley. Lots of riders out: Streetley was velo-rammed. We took Bottom Lane after Ipsden as a slightly less muddy option. Catherine’s was wonderful, as ever: particularly good soup and mulled plum cordial, although Nick was less impressed with his chorizo-free chorizo panino. Homeward-bound, we did the Le Cercle de Didcot, Hagbourne Hill, and Featherbed Lane to add some mileage before a final blast down the 417. Happy Christmas to anyone who bothers to read this and here’s looking forward to the 2017 ride programme!
Distance: 81.30 km (50.52 mi)
Proposed Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/11311837"
Comment on this ride

Written by : David & Ursula

Posted on : December 18, 2016 at 8:05 PM

Merry Christmas one and all!

Written by : John Tranter

Posted on : December 20, 2016 at 5:38 PM

Thanks, Nick. Sorry to miss this one - it was a great day for it!

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