Stephanie planned a more gentle route today after many of us struggled last week with undulations and the strong winds. The weather was much more calm today, so a very enjoyable ride even if it took almost until the end before the sun came out. We actually climbed over 500 feet all in, so a few bits to get the heart pounding.
Today's team were Stephanie, Carole, Susie, Chris, Kay and her friend Hazel, Jackie, Linda, Sally, Ravinder, Liliana, Elise and me. Big group, but we all stayed pretty close.
The route (takes a few seconds to open)
We met at FBC, then into Warren Lane, and crossed over to Wick Hill Lane. Usually we return by Wick Hill Lane, so had never previously been UP the Lane..... steeper than I remember!
Frustrated with my point and shoot camera today as it did not focus fast enough for the action shots. Must take my DSLR again soon.
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Sorry ladies, camera too slow, but wanted to include as you are not regulars
...... yet! Elise and Hazel |
But the benefit was that we got to go DOWN Dell Road.. Wheeeeee.
From the bottom of Dell Road, a left turn and the plan to go around Horseshoe Lake had to be abandoned because after all the recent rain, it was just too muddy.
So we went around instead, which is pleasant anyway on quiet lanes, eventually onto Chandlers Lane, through Upgreen, and coffee stop at The Chequers at Eversley. The barman had a bit of a shock when we all turned up!
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| This poor guy thought he could read his paper in peace! |
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| He was very obliging when I asked if I could photograph him. |
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| Thanks to Jackie who took this shot to include me........ good shot Jackie! |
And now the climb back begins. This time UP Dell Road, and down Wick Hill Lane, and then another climb UP Church Lane to St James's Church, Finchampstead.
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| Crossing at Dell Road to Wick Hill Lane |
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| Wick Hill Lane. This bit goes downhill..... |
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| .... before the uphill |
Whilst the others shot off enjoying the ride down White Horse Lane, I stopped off to get a couple of shots as the sun finally came out. These two taken half way down White Horse Lane.
Finally round California Lake and back to the meeting point.
I stopped again on my ride home to Wokingham, as the light on these majestic Oak trees caught my eye on Nashgrove Lane, but with blackening skies behind I wondered if I would make it home without getting wet!
On Blagrove lane, this natural arch framing the Hawthorne blossom ahead.
I always admire these rusty old farm buildings on Blagrove Lane, and have them in mind for a photoshoot with a model in a few weeks time, if I can contact the owners..... watch this space!
Finally a lovely splash of spring colour, just before I reached home. A lovely morning out. Thanks as always to our Breeze leaders Stephanie and Carole for your time and good company, and to all of today's riders for amusing the photographer.
