As a thank you to the fabulous Breeze Champs who give up so much time to plan and organise the regular rides, I offered to lead them today on a ride I did with hubby in December. It all looked very different this time of year! Infact I think better in the winter, when the foliage is off of the hedges. Need to go back then. I had also forgotten how many hills there were. 1900 feet gain. All rather hot and bright today for photos... again. Hoping that this spell of 30degree weather breaks soon.
The route
We met at Bradfield, and headed towards Stanford Dingley. A short detour to visit the lovely church there, then we headed over to Buckleberry.
We crossed a ford and after a mile ended up back in Buckleberry. Ooops! At least it was an easy loop.
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| Susie at the ford.... first time around. |
Now a fairly steep climb to Frilsham after passing this beautiful farm.
No surprise who were first up the hill! Well done Steph and Carole, but we were not far behind you. Welcome dappled shade of the tree canopy. After the climb a lovely downhill, dodging the pot holes and gravelly bits and passed the Pot Kiln Pub.
Now we cross over the M4 and into Yattendon, passing another lovely church and head out towards Hampstead Noreys. A bit of climb, but not too bad. The worst is yet to come.
Great tea stop at the Community Shop at Hampstead Norreys.
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| Building at the back of the Shop |
And soon after, one of the big climbs of the day up a lovley quiet lane but 250 feet climb. I stopped to take a couple of photos, but the others continued all the way.
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| Carole and Steph continue uphill |
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| Not steep but it goes on a bit. Looking back to where we came from |
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| The Four Points Pub as we turn right for the climb into Aldworth |
Once through Aldworth, we wiggled around some lanes for about 4 miles heading in the direction of Upper Basildon, with guess what..... a sharp 300 feet climb into Upper Basildon. Phew.
Then into Gardeners Lane where we met a lorry coming towards us and with no space, we had to backtrack a few yards to stand off the road. A group of cattle were fighting for space in the shade under the tree.
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Feeling very brave with a secure fence between us and the bullocks
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Finally a downhill and some open views of the crops fields.
We passed St Andrews School, which Carole recognised without realising where we were, and shortly after a right turn in to Dark Lane, where the cars were just 1.5 miles away, crossing under the M4 this time.
Thanks Champs for joining me, and hope you all enjoyed the changed of scenery with no responsibilities other than turning up.
