The official start was FBC today, so that the ride was advertised as 30 miles, but for the ladies who started from Woosehill, it was close to 35. (And Karen who then cycled home would have done 40). It was forecast to reach 17 degrees today, (at long last!), but initially it was around 5 degrees. So a "what on earth to wear?" ride.
I met the two Amandas and also Karen at Woosehill at 8.55, and just as we were about to set off for FBC, my phone rang. It was hubby to tell me I forgotten my water bottle. 😖😖😖. If not for the forecast, I would have managed without, but I thought wise to have it with me. He was about to leave on a ride anyway, so he peddled to meet me. Then, a few minutes late, we picked up Sandra at Woosehill Lane, who was already taking off a layer. 😂
Route link screen shot at end
The final 4 were Kim, Louise, Rose and Caroline, who started at FBC. I was keen to share the leadership again, and Kim took the batton to set off, heading to Beech Hill, via Hogwood Lane. My route was to head out on 9 Mile Ride, so we were already "off course" as Kim took a right along the Greenway to head for Arborfield. That's fine.... as long as we get to Sheerlands Road somehow.
As we crossed Commonfield Lane, Kim suggested we use the newly built track across the ever increasing new housing estate. It was a good track to start with but deteriorated to quite a rough surface, before we popped out in a car park. (part of the Hogwood Ind estate). Then back on my original course as we joined Sheerlands Road.
Rose took a turn to lead next, over Farley Hill, where we stopped for a drink after our short climb. Time to change to spring gloves!
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| Top of Church Lane, Farley Hill. Lovely dappled shade. |
We split in two groups to ride into Swallowfield, and regrouped as we climbed Carlton Lane, and over to Barge Lane.
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| The house on the junction of Barge Lane and Spring Lane. |
A fast downhill over the A33, and heading to Beech Hill now, and we finally all met up again near the end of Trowes Lane. There was a handy black dustbin, at this driveway, perfect to balance my camera for a team shot. But can you believe it. A white delivery van wanted to pull into the drive! Whats the chance of that happening. 😖
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| Me, Rose, Kim, Amanda T, Sandra, Karen, Caroline, Amanda T, Louise. |
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| Inside. Tulips on the counter. Should soon be seeing those on our rides. |
There were only a few tables outside, and such a nice day, so we wanted to be out. A staff member (kind of reluctantly) set up more tables and chairs for us. More were set up too by the time we left.
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| Too bright!!! Never happy. It was now 18 degrees according to my Garmin. |
We used the footpath alongside the A33 to connect to Hartley Wespall, and a little loop to pass Lyde Mill House.
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| The Lyde river running quite high and fast. |
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| Here they come, passing Lyde Mill |
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| Louise and Kim |
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| Amanda T and Sandra |
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| Rose and Amanda O |
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| Karen and Caroline |
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| I stopped for one more photo as I peddled to catch them up at the top of the lane. |
Flat now for a few miles, as we passed through Rotherwick, and crossed to pass Dipley Mill.
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| Passing the bridge at Dipley Mill, then the next left into Stoken Lane |
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| Dipley Mill garden still bare but good reflections today. |
It's been too easy for too long.... so the inevitable climb up Red Hill, to The Mutton, and over to soon climb Plough Lane. I've not crossed Bramshill track for ages, but since it's all dry atm, we returned that way to Eversley Ford. Some signs of yellow from the Broom in the forest.
Rose suggested using the track which runs parallel to Nine Mile Ride to get back, but unfortunately after a short distance a huge boggy wet area, so we doubled back to Park Lane, and used Nine Mile Ride.
We left Rose and Caroline at FBC, and gradually dropped of others on the way back to Woosehill.
A glorious morning to be out. Thanks all for joining me, and especially to those who shared leading today. 😇
