5 of us free today, with Andrea in Scotland. We were all thinking of Jeanette today who had an early appt at RBH.
I had suggested a route to Hound Green yesterday, but then Gill was going to be pushed for time to get back. So a change of plan this morning, to go to Riseley Tearooms and return to a point where Gill could peel off on the way home.
I woke up early with a few ideas to shake up the predictable route, so made it into a course and shared it with everyone.
As I rode down Chestnut Avenue to the meeting point, a message popped up from Martina. "I'm here!". It was 9.10! This is a miracle!!! She was not only first, but early. 😂
Lynne and Gill arrived and we set off to meet Louise on Blagrove Lane. She told us she had ridden up an down Blagrove twice to warm up. 😇
We headed to climb Farley Hill, via the greenway to Arborfield, and up Bunces Shaw today, where we turned LEFT at the top, and stopped for a drink next to the white tower. Which is a water tower.
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| Lovely light at the water tower on Castle Hill, Farley Hill. |
We were heading for Sandpit Lane today, which I haven't used for ages. It's not great in winter, but a good chance to ride there today. A HUGE tractor, with a plough attached, was also turning in to the tiny lane, so we waved him passed!
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| Much further down the lane, the tractor had pulled into the field next where the gate is normally shut. (left here to cross the ford) |
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| This is where Sandpit Lane changes it's name to Nutbean Lane. I need to now catch them up. |
Up Part Lane in Swallowfield to the tearooms and it was only 10.20! lol. I still managed a piece of lime cake and 2 ladies had cheese scones. All very nice.
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| First customers today at the tearooms but a busy afternoon in store for them. |
A loop now under the A33 on Bull Lane, and then since I have not ridden on Barge Lane for ages, we used it today, which means a dash across the A33 to head back into Swallowfield. It was busy, but we managed.
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| Barge Lane. A nice lane just a shame about the dash across the A33 to get there. |
Into Swallowield next, then out again, turning left at the War Memorial, to pass the village hall, to join the B3349 towards Spencers Wood. I came down this way a few weeks ago, but never ridden uphill. Its not difficult, but double white lines on this stretch since its bendy, so the traffic doesn't pass. It was ok, and rather than continue on this road to the traffic lights, I planned a turn to Back Lane, then on Beech Hill Road to pop out again to rejoin the B3349.
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| University Farm track |
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| And we took the option to cross the ford bridge today too. (Barretts Lane) |
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| Big Willow tree a the ford. |
A cheeky climb away form the ford to a T junction where I've only ever gone or come from the left, to emerge on Betty Grove Lane, which is quite a mucky path. But a right turn today and it was tarmac all the way to Mole Road. 😊
Gill left us at Sindlesham, on good time to be home to dash off out again to see The Brown Horse racing later today near Bristol. So now we are 2, and Louise and I return home via Sadlers End.
It's all very dry still, and no rain expected over the next week, infact it's hotting up.
Updates from Lynne, Jeanette and Gill
Lynne and Martina apologised for loosing us, and the news that from Cutbush Lane they had used a new pathway to Arborfield Church. (We had met an MTB guy last year who had mentioned this path, but very wet over the winter, so not tried it out yet.) So, I guess they probably finished their ride similar to us after that.
(Suggestion for future. If anyone gets separated from the group just stop. We were only a few yards apart!)
Gill - The Brown Horse came 2nd 😊
Jeanette - Home and all went well. She is off to Scotland in a few days so won't see her for at least a couple of weeks now. Have a great trip.
I am off to Scotland in 2 weeks and Andrea is there now! Gil is also planning a trip there. Scotland is THE place to be this year. (Don't tell everyone how beautiful it is!)
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| Cat route today? |