Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sat May 15th 2021

1* Saturday Morning Ride to East Hendred	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A 15-mile, figure-of-eight ride to East Hendred with a stop for refreshments at the Hendred Store and Post Office. We'll head out through Charlton, joining the sustrans route 544 on Larkhill through to Lockinge and climbing steadily to Ginge. We'll then enjoy the long descent to West Hendred. A short stretch of the A417 will bring us to East Hendred. We'll return to Ardington using the new Icknield Greenway returning to Grove via Lains Barn, with another long descent into the Vale to enjoy. Note that this has been switched to a morning ride due to limited opening times of cafes. This is a pre-bookable ride only. To book your place please text the ride leader no sooner than the Monday before the ride. Monthly 16-32km (10-20 miles) family and social afternoon rides, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs.
Riders: Des Higgs Diana Whidborne Karl Blake Lorna Swanton Steve Swanton Riders = 5 Weather: Report: What a lovely ride. Undeterred by light rain as our small group gathered at OMH, we were rewarded with a mostly dry ride amid all the showers. By the time we reached the Nelson the first shower had passed and we were able to enjoy the lusciously fresh, green, tree-lined corridor that is the NCN route 544 that climbs steadily through Lockinge and Betterton to Ginge. After a brief stop, we continue to the top of the climb before the long descent into West Hendred. A short stretch of downhill on the A417 into the Hendred dip brought us into East Hendred. We were soon parking up outside the villages stores and post office. We were warmly welcomed, the service of hot drinks and fresh bakes went smoothly and we were able to sit outside on a picnic bench and enjoy a natter. It started to spit with rain towards the end of our break and then more heavily as we climbed out of the village. But by the time we had reached the Icknield Greenway, the shower had passed and it remained dry for the rest of the ride, with even the odd glimpse of brightness through the clouds. The general concensus on the track surface was "not too bad", although the quicker the fine loose gravel across most of the surface is removed, the better to avoid rutting and potholing along the narrow, cleared tracks . For those who hadn't used the bridge over Ginge brook before, the sharp climb out of the gully on the Wantage side came as a bit of a surprise (despite warnings to keep in low gear). Noticeably, a muddy short-cut is already developing across the zig-zag climb to avoid a tree where riders (such as me) have come across the bridge slightly too quickly. Something the county engineers need to be made aware of. Apart from the stony descent to the bridge, the worst part of the route was the un-remade public road into Ardington. We eased our way up to the Lains Barn cross-roads and enjoyed the long descent down into the Vale. Back in Grove by 12:20, we continued chatting for a while before heading our separate ways. Thanks all for your company. Great to catch-up with Di, Des and Karl. Hoping for similar fortune with the weather tomorrow.
Distance: 23.82 km (14.80 mi)
1* riders at the top of the Icknield Cycleway, May 21
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35990813"
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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