Today's riders changed a couple of times before finally filling up yesterday. Jill had planned her own Wednesday ride, but unfortunately had no takers on this occasion, so she joined ranks with me this morning. (Sue had a full ride yesterday, so maybe that was why, or maybe Easter holidays). My planned route was 30 miles from Woosehill. We met up with Jill and Linda in Finchampstead.
MORE heavy rain last night.... just as lanes were starting to dry out! Grrrr. So to avoid Nashgrove Lane, after dropping down Blagrove we wiggled through Manor Drive estate to emerge on the Finchampstead Road opposite the Golf course, and next to some handy temporary lights which were conveniently on red, so we joined very easily with the traffic held back. 😊
Next a wiggle through Foxcote aiming for California X Roads which are closed atm (and for several months!). I had arrange to meet Jill at Bobs Fish and Chips, but they have changed the pedestrian access since I was there a few days ago. One of the workman said "she said to meet you at the Co-op".😊 And there there they were. Nine Mile Ride beyond California x Roads was therefore not at all busy, but I had a feeling that Park Lane may be more of a rat-run than normal, so we split in 2 for this bit.
As we crossed Eversley Ford, I asked a local dogwalker how the Bramshill Path was looking? (I had heard it was fine a few days ago). She considered not too bad (Gill C had already shot off ahead anyway, so were going that way! Gill needs her mud hit.😂). The dogwalker said that the water level at the ford had increased by a foot since yesterday.
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| A beautiful morning as we rode through Bramshill Forest track |
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| The Gorse looking lovely, and the trees almost purple in this mornings light. |
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| Crossing from Plough Lane, a request from Rose to stop to take a photo of The Mutton, to remind her to check the menu. (which I can personally recommend.) |
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| Photo by Rose. Nice to see Clare on her school holiday break. |
We had lost the sun, and felt the first few spots of rain just after The Mutton, as we headed to Mattingley Church, to cross over to Bottle Lane.
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| It got a bit more persistent as we turned in to Bottle Lane, where a few jackets went on. |
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| Vicarage Lane. The "crocodile" bottom right was pointed out. Never noticed him before. |
Discussions about the difference between Croc and Gater? Basically... run if you see either!
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| Amanda T, Gill, Jill. Rose, Clare, Linda |
At the top of the hill, a left and after 100 yards, into Hortus Loci Garden Centre. The cafe has changed ownership just recently, and now called Casu Hortus. A useful Monday stop.
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Same system as before ie order at a hatch.
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| It was quite a challenge, infact I didn't finish it, but someone might have helped me. ( Mentioning no names, but she's eyeing it up in this photo😂) |
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| The cafe has open sides, but with blankets over us, we were fine. And a heater just to our right too. |
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| Easter weekend coming up. |
We had some seriously HEAVY rain and hailstones whilst at the cafe. The temperature as we crossed Bramshill had been 12.5degrees, and as we left the cafe 4.5degrees. Brrrr. I suggested at £5 a head, we could ask if one of the van drivers might give us a lift? He thought we were joking. We were deadly serious. 😂 With rain forecast for at least the next hour, we finally bit the bullet. We just need to get on with it.
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| C'mon you lot! It's only a bit of rain. |
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| Sopping wet outdoor seating as we left. |
I made the decision to cut 5 miles out of my planned route, and instead of looping Stratfield Saye to Riseley, we headed up Laundry Lane to Heckfield. I had planned to avoid this today, since I knew it would be a real mess. And it was. The lane was more like a river. And quite a few wey-hey muddy areas too. But no one lost their sense of humour.
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| So cute. At Mole Road junction. |
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| Little black lamb too. |
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| Enjoying the lambs at Church Road junction, Arborfield. |
I dont often ride on Mole Road, and much prefer via the University farm lane, but much too messy for that atm. But Mole Road seemed much busier than normal today, perhaps to do with Nine Mile Ride Diversions? Who knows. We did pull over a couple of times, so did our best not to annoy the drivers.
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| Sadlers End. The lane was fine until near the end. Bikes were filthy by now anyway. |
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| Our shortened route via Heckfield |
Thanks to all for coming out today, despite the risk of rain. Yes, we all got a bit cold in our fingers and toes for a short time after coffee, but otherwise a nice day to be out, and the countryside looking gorgeous. I missed a call from hubby, near Arborfield, and meant to call him back. It turned out he had a puncture just a mile or so from home, and had hoped I might be home first to come pick him up. He got so cold changing his tube than he actually switched on the heating as soon as he got home. Every cloud 😂😂😂. Happy Easter to everyone. See you next time.