It was all downhill..... after the first 15 miles!!
The route in detail
Five of us today, and I led a ride from Mill Lane Henley, to Peppard Common, Stoke Row, Nuffield, Russells' Water, Stoner and back to Henley. 24 miles in total, with an 800ft gain in elevation, all in the first 15 miles. No wonder everyone was complaining. Phew.
Today's Team. Liliana, Stephanie. Linda and Susie. I had hoped that these would be lovely sharp photos, but it turns out hubby's camera that I borrowed got knocked into a manual setting whilst in my bum bag. Only later did I change it to continual focus, so a lot of photos were rubbish. Grrrr.
Before we set off at 9.45, I walked down to Marsh Lock for a couple of photos before the sun got too high in the sky. There was some frost on the bridge, so we had to be careful about black ice on any parts of the ride which were in shade.
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| Marsh Lock |
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| Marsh Lock with frosty planks |
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| The Thames at Marsh lock, and signs of spring |
We immediately started our climb away from the river, and off the main road towards Harpsden
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| Harpsden Church |
Then a steady gentle climb until we got to Devil's Hill. I had not yet changed down gear and since I had not been on my road bike much recently, completely lost momentum as I had forgotten how to change to my small chain wheel! So I was off, but joined by another about the same time. (That was the only time today we were off)
Then onwards towards Stoke Row with lovely light and shadows amongst the Beech Woods
A bit further on, and I loved this wheelbarrow laiden with straw for the pigs.
3 of our group had never been to Stoke Row before, so a stop at the Maharaja's well is always a must.
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| I always admire the textures in the garden next to the well, with the Monkey puzzle Tree and the clips conifers. |
After crossing the A4130 from Nuffield to Hunterton End, we stopped to peel off hats and neck scarves as it was now warming up nicely. We stopped in the drive of this house, with snowdrops in abundance, but also noticed the 3 arches, one is a garage, and the other two are filled with hedges.
I went on ahead a short way, and stopped to capture this view. Lovely fluffy clouds building up now.
Still heading uphill, through Park Corner, before turning off towards Russell's Water, this view to our left is always gorgeous in the right light.
And a brief stop at the Duck Pond in Russell's water....
Cycling through Maidensgrove, it is very exposed, but sitting on the ridge at the highest point of our ride, another gorgeous view across to the other valley.
AND NOW...... ALL DOWNHILL!!!!
The reward for the last 15 miles is a BIG downhill towards Stonor, where we regrouped at the bottom of the hill.
Coffee stop on a Monday can be problematic, but I knew from experience, that the Quince Tree at Stonor was open.The Quince Tree
The service sadly was terrible and it took about 20 mins to get 2 bowls of soup and 3 scones, and nobody else was even there when we arrived! It soon got busy after.
From Stonor a gentle downhill all the way into Henley, along the riverside back to the start.
Thanks to my friends for joining me today. Hard work, but good to be out keeping fit in the glorious surroundings of the Chilterns. Will plan a less challenging one for next time!