With no Breeze leaders available this week, I took the initiative and planned a route yesterday on new territory to Sherfield on Loddon, and was joined by Yvonne, Lottie and Kay. We met at Finchampstead BC, one of our usual starting points.
I was familiar with the first 6 miles, crossing the Ford at Eversley, across Bramshill Plantation, and over to Hazeley (Shoulder of Mutton pub). The rest was new.the route (takes a few seconds to open)
I had my GoPro on my bike today, so made a SHORT FILM which you can see here. (This camera is HD, so it's worth changing the little "settings" cog on youtube to 1080 rather than view in standard 420 as it opens as standard on youtube) (The photos below are screen grabs from the video.)
Now we continued along Red Hill to Mattingley, then across into Bottle Lane, and at 10 miles, went off road (an interesting path initially, but then beautiful smooth tarmac at Hill House Farm. Bliss!)
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| Off road stretch towards Hill House Farm |
Then right towards Hartley Wespall, before joining the A33 for a short stretch, on cycle path. Right at the A33 roundabout and tea stop at Sherfield on Loddon Post office which shares with a wonderful tea shop called House Twenty8
Next over to Mill Lane, and around Stratfield Saye area.
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| I put the GoPro on Kays bike for a few miles, so that I was included too. |
Went wrong at about 15 miles. There are no road markings or names around her, so it's easy to go wrong. We took a right turn too early annoyingly only by about 100 yards, but did not realise for several miles, when we had crossed back over the A33 at the Wellington pub rather than the Wellington Monument.
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| The route crossed over 2 maps which is never helpful |
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| Kay was amused that she could film the 3 others pouring over our OS map. |
Never mind, we finally decided to just continue back towards Finchampstead on part of the route we had come earlier, rather than extend further, as we were heading for a 27 miles without a diversion! And to home for me and Lottie was 35 in total.
Having done the Wokingham Bikeathon a few weeks ago, I knew I could do 35 miles, so was keen to do this longer ride today. We were not racing, and no deadlines to be back for, so it was really enjoyable. Lovely countryside, great company and no punctures. Phew!
The schools break up this weekend, so will not see some of the younger riders for much of the summer, as they will be looking after their families, but hopefully some of the 50+ group will be available to get out over the summer. Next week, with no officials available again. I am planning to lead a ride in The Chilterns.