Good to be back on my bike! Stoke Row to Wallingford 24 miles

on

It's been a busy month.......my son completed on his first property and whilst empty, hubby and I have spent much of our time decorating and meeting with many tradesmen to get the flat ready to move into. Also a trip to Scotland a week ago, means that I have not been on my bike for almost a month! Feeling apprehensively unfit about today's ride.

After weeks of grey, wet weather, the sun is out. It's ridiculously mild for December, so let's go!

Route Map takes a few seconds to open

Started at Stoke Row, and a familiar route for the first 5 miles  to Cookley Green. Here, we normally turn left towards Swyncombe, but instead carried on to the next left into Britwell Hill Road, toward Britwell Salome. A quiet lane, with loads of Red Kites around today against the blue sky.... well OK only one in this photo, but there were lots more.


Look at the size of these ponies. Tiny!
12.5% decent. Woopee,

Wheeeeeee... down from Brighton Upwell towards Ewelme



here he comes.....




Didcot in the hazy sunshine

Then on to Ewelme shop for a tea and cake, and a quick look in at Almeshouses to see what Christmas theme 
they had in the courtyard.
The Almsehouses courtyard


And inside the church was looking lovely with the low winter light, and the Christmas flowers.





A quick stop at the weir at Benson. The Willows shining golden in the sunshine.




And from river level, the climb begins. Oh dear..... not feeling fit! At least it levels out after the initial climb from Wallingford.

Level for a while through Hailey

Loved this line of trees with their long winter shadows. Photo of the day for me.

Looking across to Rowan Atkinson's new build. Is it ready? Will he be in for Christmas?
The nasty climb up towards The Blue Tin farm...... and seconds later.....

I was off already. Chris if you are reading this I am still full of admiration as to how you got
up this hill in one go last May!!!
 Finally back to Stoke Row. We returned driving via Sonning where the Willows next to the bridge were looking fab in the sunshine.

And now it's Christmas with lots of family days, but hope not too long before back out again.