A very foggy start this morning, which by 10am had still not fully burned off at the start of our ride.
We drove the Pet Barn, and were heading for Goring.
Route
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| Arriving at our starting point. Oh dear! |
We headed intially along Wyfold Lane towards Exlade Street. The lanes were beautiful, just couldnt see very far!
Then crossing the A4047 and shortly after turned left, and then a right into Pot Kiln Lane, which becomes Shirvells Hill. A fabulous long downhill run into Goring, passing through ancient Woodlands. Its Snowdrop time, and by this time we had blue sky.
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| The long hill down into Goring |
We stopped for tea at the cafe at the bridge, but it was a bit misty again by the river so opted for indoors... which was busy. Martina had some Beetroot Coffee. Interesting she said, but not desperate to have it again.
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| The cafe where by the time we left the sun was out. |
A quick detour to the lock, since Martina had never been to Goring before.
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| Lynne, Jeanette and Martina at Goring Lock. The Willow trees starting to show first signs of growth |
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| This poor old house had recently had a bad fire. House worth 2.8 million apparently. |
Now we took the Ridgeway Path (well after turning back from a Private Drive!), which runs high above the river towards South Stoke, before crossing the railway bridge. A short stretch on the main Wallingford Road then a right turn into Grove Road, where we all stopped to peel off a layer. It was hotting up! The views here are in stark contrast to the earlier part of the ride, and views really open up.
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| BIG vista |
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| Jeanette approaching |
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| Martina |
Now over passed the Brazier flying club, where its always amusing to have to stop for a plane crossing the road.
A bit more climbing now, up to Ipsden.
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| Waiting to regroup at Ipsden crossroads |
Flat for a bit as we pass the view to Mr Bean's house on the hill in the distance, then a nasty climb awaits us, on a road with no name, but signposted to Bluetin Products. Myself and 2 of the ladies were off half way up, but full marks to Jeanette who kept on going. She has riden this before, but always got off. Her top tip is to sing. "I'm H.A.P.P.Y. and breathe (then repeat). lol.... it seemed to work. We regrouped again at Bluetin Products.
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| Waiting for Lynne at the Bluetin Farm. Didcot is out there somewhere in the fog. |
Finally, back via Stoke Row, and right into the lovely Busgrove Lane, passing the rather smelly pigs..
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| Busgrove Lane where the light was beautiful |
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| Waiting for the photographer on Busgrove Lane |
Nearly there, and left into Wyfold Lane, retracing our early part of the route. Every rise now was promised to be the last one..... until the next one. A nice downhill to end with back to the start.
It started at 1.5degrees and rose eventually to 13 degrees with blue skies. A great ride. Next time it will all look different with fresh foliage on the trees.
