Breeze Champ Stephanie suggested it would be a nice idea is we could do a ride with just the 4 of us ie other halves. I was worried, as I knew I would be the slowest!
Forecast was OK until 12 noon today, so we set off at 9 from home and parked at our regular spot in Highfield Road, Upper Wargrave. We were heading to Freith in the Hambleden Valley.
The route (takes a few seconds to open)
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| John and Terry happily chatting as we approach Remenham Hill |
We all enjoyed the long ride DOWN to the Flowerpot at Aston, then cut across towards Hambleden Lock, over the footpath.
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| Cutting through from Aston to The Thames |
A few boats at the lock, so a short break until the footbridge opened up again.
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| Hambleden Lock |
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| The Weir, looking almost monochrome today. |
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| Great reflections of the Mill House today. Can never resist a photo! |
Then on to Hambleden Village, and as we left started the climb into Pheasants Hill, a road block. We had to push the bikes under the legs of the crane to get passed. They were replacing a telegraph pole.
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| A lovely open view of the valley at Pheasants Hill |
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| Just passed The Frog at Skirmett, and I had never spotted this pretty building before |
Since Terry and Stephanie were not familiar with the villages, a quick detour to Turville to see the famous "Chitty Chitty" Windmill, at the top of the hill.
Then retraced our steps for a mile or so, and another road block. This young horse would not budge! It was really scared of the car. We had to wait a few minutes, then stood still as he finally walked passed.
From here, we cycled passed Fingest church, then turned right towards Freith. I had not ridden this part before. John mentioned it as a slight hill, but it was a
long slog uphill. It had already been mostly uphill from the Thames of course, but by the time we got to the top at Freith, we had climbed for 10 miles! No wonder I felt knackered!! But then the payoff..........a fabulous downhill all the way back to Hambleden for tea at the Village Store as usual. Stephanie and I decided we did NOT need cake today, but John and Terry were weak.
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| Hiding the empty tubes of Smarties! |
We recently found out that there IS a public loo in Hambleden, but it's tucked away behind the Village Hall.
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| Hambleden Village hall |
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| Making our way back across Hambleden Lock, skies darkening. |
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| The Lock Keeper's House. |
Now the slog back up Remenham Hill. I had not done this all the way to the top before in one, so was pleased that I finally made it one today. (There is a nasty little steeper incline just at the top.)
We continued back to Cockpole Green, when a few spots of rain turned into a downpour. It was 12.10, so the forecast was pretty accurate. So near, and yet so far! We all got drenched, but thankfully just for the last 2 miles or so.
Thanks Stephanie and Terry for your company. Good fun, and will do another with a better forecast soon.
