Cycling UK Wantage | Programme of Rides and Events

Past Ride

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Sat Oct 15th 2022

Monthly Saturday 1* - Morning Ride to Childrey	1*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: Please note the change of start time to 10am to allow us to visit Cantorist Farm at Childrey for our refreshment stop, Aiming to catch some autumn colours and expansive views, this will be a ride of two halves, a relatively flat loop around the Vale with the option of a short-cut back to Grove, followed by a more undulating section to Childrey, returning via Wantage. For a change, we'll cycle out to West Hanney using the byway over the railway line and the farm track past the Bradfield Grove grain store. Though pot-holed and stony in places, the tracks have remained dry and give a nice alternative off-road route northwards from Grove. From West Hanney we'll loop round to the villages of Lyford, Charney Bassett and Denchworth. From Denchworth there is the option for a short-cut back to Grove for those that would like the opportunity of a shorter, flatter ride (total distance 11 miles). From Denchworth we'll turn south to cross the railway line over the Circourt Road bridge (with a great view of the Downs). We'll have one short section along the A417 before turning right to West Challow then climb gently to Childrey using a tarmacked bridleway before our refreshment stop. After the break, we'll head back towards Wantage using the partly paved bridleway (with a short potholed section) to East Challow, which gives lovely sweeping views across the Vale. After a short ascent through East Challow, our reward will be a nice long descent into Wantage. We'll turn off at Ham Road and return to Grove along the Denchworth Road making use of the new cyclepath some of the way. Total distance about 16.5 miles, expect to be back in Grove by 12:30. To help gauge numbers, please let me know by text if you plan to come. Monthly 16-32km (10-20miles) family and social afternoon rides on the third Saturday of the month, usually with a tea stop, at a riding pace of 13-16km/h (8-10mph). Occasional short or gentle climbs.
Riders: Carin Tranter Diana Whidborne Edmund Richards Emily Richards John Tranter Lorna Swanton Patrick O'Leary Roger Postbeschild Steve Swanton Riders = 9 Weather: Report: This was definitely a ride of two halves - a gentle family ride as far as Denchworth and then a 2* ride pace for the more undulating second half. The autumn colours were superb! Lovely to see Edmund and Emily again on their first Saturday outing. We started in bright sunshine but with a strong south-westerly breeze. Despite recent rain, the Cow Lane track was not muddy or greasy and made for a nice alternative escape route from Grove. We stopped for a picture on the farm track to West Hanney, which was lined by glorious maples. The going was easy until we turned towards Lyford into the breeze and then, as the sky clouded over, a few spots of rain. After stopping to don jackets it quickly stopped (of course); the sun soon returned and stayed with us for the rest of the ride. After Charney Bassett, we continued on towards Goosey, still with a nagging headwind, and it came as great relief to turn towards Denchworth with the wind now behind us. John took his leave at this point and at Denchworth Emily and Edmund decided to head back to Grove too, with Roger kindly volunteering to escort them back. The remaining 5 of us then continued as planned on to Childrey, where we enjoyed an excellent early lunch at Cantorist Farm. The Afghan eggs are recommended! We last stopped here on the churches ride and as on that day we made a short detour to St Mary's church, which, delightfully, was open. Once awheel again, we returned to Wantage via the bridleway to East Challow, stopping mid-way to take in the view, and then enjoyed the long descent on Ickleton Road. We returned to Grove via Denchworth Road trying out the new cyclepath alongside the sports fields. Unfortunately, the crossing point by the plane-off-the-stick roundabout at the end of Mably Way leaves a lot to be desired.... Thanks all for your company on a very mellow morning ride. Well done to Edmund and Emily on completing their longest ride so far in the blustery conditions and thanks to John and Roger for sweeping.
Distance: 27.68 km (17.20 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41220083
Autumn colours on the track to West Hanney - Sat 1* Oct 22
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/38361233"
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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