A glorious day for a ride in the Chilterns with Susie, Chris, Yvonne and hubby John, who was our guide.
We parked next to The Pet Barn at Rotherfield Peppard and headed off diagonally opposite into Stoke Row Road. I was mostly filming today so a few photos and video screen grabs, but also some which John took. I produced this 5 minute
FILM of our trip.
Route (takes a few seconds to open)
For the first 5 miles we steadily climbed 300 feet to Exlade Street, passing between Beech Woods with gorgeous dappled light. Some lambs too.
The next 4 miles were all downhill through the edge of Woodcote, turning into Pot Kiln Lane, and Shirvers Hill and down down down and down 600 feet in total, to Goring.
We waiting for John at the bottom who had stopped for some photos, but after a while, phoned to check if he was OK. He had a puncture, so we girls carried on to the coffee stop where he finally joined us.
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| He made it! |
After tea, a short detour to the Lock at Goring
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| Goring Lock |
Then, the climb! Last time I did this route, I was off, so was pleased that we all made it to the top of the 200 feet climb back up on Icknield Road. After the enclosed lanes of the first part of the ride, spectacular open views, which unfortunately came with a head wind.
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After our first climb out of Goring, Yvonne stopped to adjust her helmet.
Turned out her sunglasses were on her head... under her helmet.. lol |
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| Susie and Chris at South Stoke. The rape field were gorgeous. |
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| Yvonne and John often out in front with their road bikes. The rest of us on Hybrids. |
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| Approaching the Woodcote Road |
The next big climb, had 3 of us off, but Susie and Chris stuck it out and climbed the mile or so to the top at about the 14 mile mark. We then stopped for a well deserved rest to admire the bluebells.
A more gentle ride now, with just a few inclines, but mostly downhill , and a brief to stop at The Maharaj's Well for the benefit of those who had not been before.
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| At The Maharajahs Well, Stoke Row. |
Running out of time, and thankfully a lovely fast downhill for the last 2 miles back to Rotherield Peppard. Well done team.
