Breeze Woosehill to Sherfield on Loddon

on

The official start of  today's ride was 9.30 at FBC, (to make the route a bit shorter), but since all the ladies who signed up live on, or near Woosehill, we mostly started at 9am from Woosehill.😂 Louise was waiting for us as as headed down Blagrove Lane and we picked up Jill at FBC. We were 7 today, with Amanda O, Clare, Jeanette, Janet, Louise, Jill and myself. 

A very pleasant low 20's as we started out, with sunshine and a gentle breeze. Much more pleasant than recent temperatures. 

Route link (screen shot at end)

As we left FBC, I missed the very first turn.😂 And once along Nine Mile Ride, I got us lost again going through the ever evolving new estate of Arborfield Green. (It changes every time I go there, which isn't too often). We came to a dead end, but Jill came to the rescue, and got us back on track to join Sheerlands Road. Thanks Jill. 

Over Farley Hill next, to Swallowfield, and Charlton Lane.

Barge Lane, as we keep right to join Kingsbridge Hill,
and where the road deteriorates!

A little stop in the shade.
Louuise, Amanda, Jeanette, Clare, Janet and Jill

We split into 2 group to ride the next stretch to Beech Hill, regrouping at this house at the X Roads at Chequers Lane. (Welly Farm shop to the left here). 



All very flat for a few miles now as we skirted Strafield Saye. (Janet asked what the big house was as we passed, as this area is new to her). Lovely quiet  lanes all the way to SOL, and to our coffee stop at "The Coffee Shop". (clever marketing.😉)


Not often I see Chelsea iced buns on offer. Too temping.
(for me and 2 others!)

My hubby had ridden this way on Monday and reported that the awful footpath alongside the A33 was being widened! At last!!  And today it was finished. What a treat. Perfectly flat tarmac and all the grass cut along the entire length of the path. (it has at times been hard to find it was so bad). 

And soon our turn off to the pretty Mill Lane alongside the Lyde stream, at Lyde Green.

Crystal clear water in the Lyde River

Since Janet had never been before, I suggested we also take a look at the working turbine.  Louise photographed a poster with information about the turbine, which is apparently quite unique.... for now. 

The Picostream Floating Turbine which provides power. 



photo by Jill

photo by Jill. Amanda and Janet looking at the turbine info.

And a peek into the back garden, with the stream coming through
which allows for bog plants to thrive. 

Just then, we saw a car turning into the drive. It was the female owner of the house. She seemed delighted that we were interested in the property, which she has now owned for 4 years and loves it.

The inevitable climb away from river level, up to  Rotherwick, but sadly no sign of sunflowers being grown this year. 

Or return loop, passed Mattingley Church, and uphill to The Mutton, where Jeanette shot passed using her magic power button. (quite right. I would have too if I had one!) And after an enjoying whizz downhill as we crossed Hazeley Heath, we all slowed down as we puffed up Plough Lane. But it doesn't seem as bad as it used to we all agreed.  Apart from Janet who is not so familiar with it. 

Easy peasy as we crossed the Bramshill track to Eversley Ford, with Amanda about half a mile ahead of the rest of us. 😆


And finally on Nine Mile Ride back to California Park, where Jill left us. 

Thanks all for your good company and hope you enjoyed the ride. Not too challenging, and perfect weather.