I led a ride today from Stoke Row accompanied by Ravinder, Susie and Linda H. At the 7 mile mark and after enjoying the big downhill from Woodcote to South Stoke, I gave them a choice. Right turn to do a ride of 23 miles, or left down to Goring adding another 5 miles. Having just enjoyed the long downhill, everyone agreed to go for the longer route. I think knowing what we know now...... was that the best decision? A 2001 feet gain overall, and Susie annoyingly forgot her Garmin which would have awarded her another star for a PB.
the route
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| Lovely drift of Bluebells just south of Stoke Row |
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| Stopped in Checkendon to show them the skeleton art I saw for the first time recently |
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| A tiny bit of light on the fields, but otherwise very grey today |
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| The first climb after saying we would go for the longer ride over to Goring |
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| Goring Lock |
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| The late George Michael's house at Goring Lock |
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| Another tiny bit of light! Hurray |
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lunch stop at The Waterfront cafe at Benson. Linda sent back her spicy soup which was rather too spicy.
The other food was great. |
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| Some funny goings on by the waterfront |
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| They were off on a weekend trip. An annual outing for them. |
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| Super cute ducklings |
So, being at river level, the only way now is up. We went through Benson, to Ewelme , where we climbed out just opposite the church, then finally up Brixton Hill to Nuffield. (a KILLER of a hill!)
Then downhill into Stoke Row. Well done team. having made all my notes of the route, I amazed myself by not once checking we were going the right way. Its finally all linking together.... until the next time I get lost!
