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Sat Nov 26th 2022

White Horse Cycle Challenge kick-off ride	2*

Leader: Steve Swanton	Start Time: 10:00 am	Start Location: OMH
Description: A special ride to kick-off this year's White Horse Cycle Challenge and a chance to tackle the hill in a relaxed 2* group. We'll follow the route in our White Horse hill route sheet with a minor diversion in Grove due to the closure of the A338 cyclepath. A round trip of about 20 miles. Out along the Springline through East Challow, Childrey, Sparsholt and Westcot before attempting the climb. Everyone can take the climb at their own pace (on two wheels or two feet) and enjoy the unfolding view across the manger and the vale as you near the top. We'll regroup for photos and refreshments at the top. Please bring your own mince pie and mulled wine (or alternative snack and warming tipple) and something to sit on (insulated mat or plastic bag) if you would like. After taking in the views, etc, we'll descend steeply to Woolstone and return to Grove on the flat via Ufffington, Baulking and Goosey. Possible coffee stop at the Fox and Hounds in Uffington, if we need to warm up! Please let Steve know by text beforehand if you are planning to come.
Riders: John Tranter Lorna Swanton Steve Boreham Steve Swanton Riders = 4 Weather: Report: It was a much better morning than expected for the start of this year's White Horse Cycle Challenge. Bidding farewell to Karl and David as they set off from OMH on Steph's 2* ride there were 4 of us determined to conquer the hill. Avoiding the A338, we used the newly surfaced cyclepath along Denchworth Road to Stockham and wiggled our way through to the A417 and East Challow. The unmade section of the track to Childrey was dotted with large puddles but there was just room to navigate a winding path between. We stopped briefly by the pond in Childrey - nice to see it full again after all the recent rain. On through Sparsholt, Westcot and past Kingston Lisle to the foot of the hill. We stopped to catch our breath before the ascent. As the others set off and I waited to take some pics, I could hear the steady clip-clop of hooves approaching rapidly from behind. The hunt! Fortunately, the two leading riders reassured me that they would not be following us up the hill and duly turned right. The pack of hounds was an impressive sight. I then set-off in pursuit of my fellow riders, passing John who had stopped to take his own pics by Dragon Hill, and on to the top. It was a little breezy but not far off perfect late autumn conditions at the viewpoint. The others soon followed. the hill conquered, we duly consumed mince pies, drank coffee and took pics while enjoying the views. We eventually dragged ourselves away, dropping down past the main car park to Woolstone. A lovely wind-assisted ride back to Grove ensued (we decided not to stop in Uffington). A most enjoyable ride to kick-off this year's challenge - thank you to my amiable companions. Good luck and enjoy, to all those who will follow.
Distance: 32.67 km (20.30 mi)	Ride Details: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/41509483
Starting the climb - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 Were we about to be overtaken by the hunt? - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 Fortunately, the pack turned right! - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 John nearing the top of the climb - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 You're nearly there Steve - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 The challenge conquered - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22 Atop the hill - WHCC kick-off 26Nov22
Proposed Route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/34595333"
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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