WLCG Blue Tin loop - 30 (ish) miles.

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Just back from Budapest last night after a week of cycling in average 37 degrees, so looked forward to some normal temperatures today, of mid 20's!

5 of us free, with Louise on holiday.  Jeanette had a commitment to be home by noon, so she had planned to join us for coffee at Wargrave Marina, but not ride.   Then, I happened to notice in my diary last night that I had a hair cut in Woodley at 9am!   I suggested I drive with my bike, to meet everyone at Gill's at 9.30.  That worked out well, and Gill also suggested we bring our swimming costumes for a dip after our ride. 😎

Last minute change of plan that Jeanette couldn't meet for coffee in Wargrave, so since the rest of us had no time commitments, we decided we would ride to the Blue Tin. Lots of leafy lanes on the route to keep us cool.  (Although, it was by now quite overcast, so although warn, not toooo warm.)

Route

As we set off from Sandford Lane, I felt strange on my Orro bike, since I had been on a straight handlebar hire bike all last week.  Then Gill pulled over, within a matter of yards of leaving,  saying that her Orro electronic gears weren't working.  She went back to change to Emma's bike.... basket in the front for her shopping. 😂. She was a bit worried now about getting up Dunsden Hill, but she did really well, and on the flat she was often at the front. 

Lovely to see a field of White opium poppies at Emmer Green X Roads. 

Waiting opposite the poppy field. 

We had also pulled over to let a few cars to go past at the X Roads. There had been a lot more than normal as we rode on the lanes to Bird in Hand junction. Turns our there was a diversion in place from Caversham.  But then all quiet as we started our gradual climb to Checkenden. 

We just missed 2 Penny farthings as they turned off into Wyfold Lane, at Wyford X Roads.  The riders  were dressed in all white today. 

Dark, cool, Emmens Lane, approaching Checkenden. 

There had been a bit of overnight rain, and the lanes here were still
damp, keeping it feeling cool. 

Baby "Dexters" Bullocks at the Blue Tin entrance. 
They were stamping one hoof trying to look mean and scary. 😂

Look who's here. Ordering a second coffee. 

John took this one for me. 

Our return was into Stoke Row, to join the Kingwood Road, which was looking gorgeous at the top end, with it's Cathedral like Beech Trees. 


At The Pet Barn, in Sonning Common we dropped downhill and up again to Binfield Heath. 

Well done Gill. Emma's bike got her up the hill in 2nd place.😇

Nice to have Andrea riding with us more often again. 

Lynne and Martina.

Back to Sonning now all downhill of course, and our return to Sandford Lane via Charvil and Beggars Hill Road. 

I was second into the pool! It was a very welcome way to cool off, as by now 27 degrees. 

"synchronized" Swimming.  Nil points!

Better, but now Andrea is sinking. 😂

Thank you Gill.  I now drove home with my bike in the car clocking up 28 miles, and the others would have done around 34 miles. 

Well done team. Gill, Jeanette and me will be away next Friday (with Daphne) for a girls tour of Wiltshire.  A few hills, so hoping Gill gets here bike sorted !!!