Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Tue Jul 18th 2017

Tuesday 1* Evening Ride	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 6:30 pm	Start Location: OMH
Description: Our leisurely and sociable 10-mile club rides are designed specifically with adult newcomers to cycling and youngsters in mind, or those who just want some relaxed and sociable exercise. We cover a distance of about 10 miles at a gentle pace of 8-10 mph, following quiet country lanes and the occasional easy off-road track. We stop regularly to catch our breath, to take in the views and anything that takes our interest along the way. Tonight we'll head eastwards to Ginge and West Hendred. We'll take the cycletrack along the A338 to Charlton and after winding our way through the estate, pick up Sustrans Route 544 near the Nelson PH. We'll follow route 544 through Lockinge and Betterton climbing gently to Ginge. We can then enjoy the lovely long descent into West Hendred. Once in the village, we'll take an easy off-road track from the church through to Ardington and then return to Grove via Lains Barn, with a second long descent into the Vale. A round trip of about 12 miles.
Riders: Alvaro Rey Brian Hipwell Gemma Steele Kerry Tucker Lorna Swanton Naomi Merritt Sheena Arnold Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Thiyanga Kotecha Riders = 10 Weather: Report: After the poor weather and abandonments over the last month, it was nice to have 'normal service' resumed this week, albeit with the threat of storms in the air. A good turnout too - a warm welcome to Thiyanga and Gemma on their first rides with us and welcome back to Kerry. We had a bit of everything on the ride tonight: road, cycletrack, steady climbing and 2 lovely long descents plus an introduction to cyclocross and some real rough-stuff! Heading out through Charlton to join the Sustrans route by the Nelson, we made steady progress to Ginge stopping on several occasions for a brief rest and to admire the views up to the Downs and across the springline plateau. At West Hendred we stopped by the church and dismounted to walk through the graveyard before carrying our bikes first over a kissing gate and then over a low stile. Crossing a small bridge over Letcombe Brook, we climbed up into the field beyond. There we remounted to join the path across to Ardington, initially a baked mud track through a field of ripening wheat and then metalled, this was a lovely change from the A417! At Ardington, Gemma and Alvaro continued on to Wantage while the rest of us climbed up to the Lains Barn crossroads (with aplomb) and sped down into the Vale, passing several small groups of Didcot Phoenix riders out for their Tuesday training ride. Back in Grove about 8:10 we arrived at OMH at the same time as the 2* group. A really enjoyable ride with a smashing group; thanks everyone.
Distance: 19.31 km (12.00 mi)
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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