Gill's in Devon for a few days, but Lynne, Martina and Louise joined me for a ride to Henley. Poor Andrea has a cold, and Jeanette planned to drive to meet us for coffee at 11.15.
At around 8am, a message...
Louise Could I have the route please, so I can test that my Garmin is behaving. (it wasn't last week)
Anne Don't have a route. You can lead.
Louise Oh I don't think so. Must be Martina's turn!!!😂😂
Martina I'm not sure I can make it now. 😅😂
We met at our usual place, including a detour to Martina's house, since she was late again. 😉😊
With a bit of joint leadership, we made it successfully, with no route to follow all the way to Shurlock Row. Amazing. Big decision next, and although it was tempting to go straight over at the pond, heading for White Waltham, I encouraged a left turn, to get to Waltham St Lawrence, passing the hay stack.
Blossom as we arrived in Waltham St Lawrence passing
The Bell.
Across the A4 at Hare Hatch, and I was feeling overdressed, as we climbed a slight rise to take the right turn to Crazies Hill. With jacket removed, thermal gloves off, and snood off. I felt much happier. 
A beautiful clear day, where we stopped for me to derobe
on our way to Crazies Hill
Lynne looks overdressed to me in her red jacket.
Once at the top, the long downhill on Aston Lane, where I did mention to watch out for the deer in the left field as we dropped down. Not sure anyone else spotted them, but I saw loads of them sitting down enjoying the sunshine against the hedge line. (But no way of getting a decent shot through the hedge).
Theview to Hambleden today, just beyond the Flower Pot pub
on Remenham Lane.
It was 11am as we joined Rememham Lane, so we were hopeful of being on time for our rendevouz with Jeanette, who was planning to park at Marsh Lock, Mill Lane, and have a stroll along the river to meet us at the Rowing Museum cafe.
Got a red light as we crossed the bridge in Henley
so a chance for a photo across the other side. 
My 5 second timer wasn't on today, so caught me off guard.
A nice catch up with Jeanette, who is not able to ride atm, but exciting news that she has bought an ebike and is going to pick it up next week in Plymouth of all places. (The only x/s bike in the country, with her name on it. 😊)
So, how to get back home from Henley? Martina wanted to avoid any hills, but that's impossible when at the riverside. Harpsden Valley then, and up Perseverance Hill to Binfield Heath.
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| Harpsden Valley Road, and Louise and I spotted a few deer in this field. By the time I got my camer out they had gone into the hedgeline. |
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| At least 4 deer watching us. |
Martina and Lynne took a while to catch us up, and it turned out they had started to climb Chalk Hill, before realising it was wrong. We have NEVER gone up that way! 😂 Perseverance Hill ahead, and we all met again at the top.
The new thatched roof now finished on the pretty cottage at the
top of the hill.
As we waited to regroup the top, an elderly couple on old bikes went past us heading straight on passed the two cottages. This heads DOWN Chalk Hill. But a few minutes later, they were back again, staying high!
As we came to the junction with the Bottle and Glass a few exclamation of recognition as to where we are.😂😂😂. Left or straight on ladies? We went straight on today, and then I suggested we use Gravel Road, which is not actually gravel, and connects to Dunsden Road. As we reached about half way, the two elderly cyclists were heading towards us, continuing on their circuit. They presumably live locally and out for a flat ride.
All downhill now to Sonning, via Playhatch, and the next decision was, do we go back via Charvil, or Woodley? "Shortest route please", said young Martina. Woodley then. I had hoped to see the lambs at the bottom of Sandford Lane, but they've gone!!! I saw them once a week ago.
Well done team on our 33 miles (36 for Louise), route today. Lovely day to be out. I've attached some homework below.
