Soooo difficult yesterday to decide whether or not to ride today, and what time to set out if we do? 24 hours ago, there had been rain forecast for early on, as well as only 2 degrees, whereas it had looked a little warmer by 10.30. (3 or 4 degrees) But still too cold for Amy and Amanda O, who opted to cancel.
We had agreed to meet up for coffee if the ride didn't go ahead. With heavy rain and yet another named storm on the way tomorrow, I was keen to get out today if possible. Last night, I messaged the group to ask them to check for a message at 9am.
But when I got up this morning, the forecast now was no rain, and also no warmer if we waited..... so I messaged at 8am, reverting to plan A ie 9.30 start. Everyone was fine with that, apart from Rose, who now wouldn't make it on time. (Still in bed Rose?😉😂) Shame. But she also doesn't like the cold, so maybe not the worst decision.
Linda, and Amanda T drove to Cantley, and met with Kim, Louise and myself, who all agreed that we were not the least bit cold having ridden to the start.
route link screen shot at end.
We headed via the Hurst Lanes, to pick up Sandford Lane.
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A nose blow stop and photo opportunity
in Dunt Lane, Hurst. Gloomy day. |
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| A few seconds later, and a huge flock of birds over the farmland. |
From Woodley, we headed to Charvil, and cross the A4 to Sonning. Everyone feeling fine, and we were doing a good pace of 11.8mph as we reached Playhatch to climb to Dunsden. Of course we slowed a bit on the climb, but not too much.
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| A breather and regrouping at the top of Dundsden Way. |
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| Amanda T, Linda, Kim and Louise |
We took the next left into Gravel Road for a change, and then joined Emmer Green Road before reaching the X Roads in Binfield Heath, where we turned left. (The Barn cafe would have been just a little further ahead).
We enjoyed the downhill of Sonning Common Road, (which we usually come up), and passed the long flint wall which is still being repaired, and ongoing for several weeks. No signs of workmen, but lots of sacking on top to keep off the cold.
At the top of the climb in Crowsley, I decided to take the left road, which just loops around and joins Sonning Common Road again, but since I've not ridden it for ages, and with no big puddles today, it was a good opportunity.
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We turned into this lane, just as postman Pat
had emptied the postbox in amongst the hedge opposite.
(I wonder now many people use that?) |
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Unnamed lane to Crowsley hamlet, and the lane
looking surprisingly clean for once!
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We stopped to see the horses for a couple of minutes
in Crowsley. |
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| They refused to look at the camera. |
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| This one more willing. |
Just opposite the horses, is a thatched cottage. On the roof was some very clean loose straw, and also some lying in the front garden. It looked a bit peculiar. As we set off, two dog walkers in the lane approached, so I asked them about the clean pieces of loose thatch on the roof? They said it's probably caused by rats pulling out the clean straw from underneath the top layer. 😟 Expensive to repair I suspect.
Almost at coffee now, as we dropped down passing the pond on Widmore Lane (ah, I know where I am now, I heard at the back.😂). Then a short climb pass Sonning Common shops, and we passed where we often park for the start of a ride.... but no cars today.... we are only half way.
The Pierreponts Cafe (from Goring) have recently taken over the cafe at The Herb Farm, so thought I would give it a try today. Can't go wrong with a cup of tea, so I was fine. Linda said the sausage rolls passed the test, and her coffee too. A couple of ladies preferred their coffee warmer, but no problem when asked to have it heated up.
When I've taken rides here before, we always start to head back to Emmer Green, via Bird in Hand Lane. So, a different route back today, as we headed back to Sonning Common initially, then to Kidmore End Church, to turn left and all flat and downhill on Kidmore End Road.
(We took one turn to the right into Tanners Lane, but it's just a loop , and thanks to an articulated lorry, we couldn't get through, so doubled back and followed Kidmore End Road once more.)
We have often come UP the hill we now dropped down, passing what once was the golf course, and now new housing well under way. It was nice to get a little climb in, since we all got a bit chilled in the last few miles.
In Emmer Green, we crossed to drop downhill on Lowfield Road, passing the old BBC listening station and where BBC Berkshire was based. A lovely long downhill, which would be perfect on a warm sunny day. 😎😂
And soon we came back through Sonning, and climbed out passing Blue Coat School, and over the A4 to Woodley, and eventually back down Sandford Lane.
All a variation on other rides, but the ladies enjoyed the route, not all instantly recognisable to some, and all agreed we were glad we got out. Not too cold really, and no rain. Thanks all for your good company today.
