I led the ride today with Susie assisting, on a familiar route over to West Green Gardens. Alison was one of our riders, but unfortunately had a problem with a tyre that wouldn't keep the air in, so she had to limp home right from the start.
We set off via the Greenway through Arborfield, and were all feeling decidedly chilly.
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| Turning leaves through Arborfield. But lacking light today |
Never mind, we had to go up Farley Hill, so that helped a bit... until we came back down again.
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| Top of Farley Hill, looking forward to the downhill section |
Worried incase we might get to our coffee stop at West Green a few minutes earlier than opening time, I added an extra loop down Nutbeam Lane, and up Sandpit Lane. That warmed us up!
Now a leisurely ride over to Swallowfield, and emerging on the Bramshill Road, we crossed over after a short section into Reading Drive South, which joins Plough Lane. Everyone enjoys Plough Lane on the way there. It's the way back that's the challenge.
We arrived at West Green still feeling a bit chilly, only to find that there was no heating on in the cafe. Our warm drinks helped, but no one felt like removing a layer.
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| Parking up at West Green Gardens |
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| Inside was only marginally warmer than outside! |
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| But no takers sitting out today |
Our return journey was initially the same route, but turned right and along Bramshill Road, and over Eversley Ford, at which point the sun came through. What a difference that made. We felt instantly warmer.
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| Blue sky now as we stopped to watch the wildlife for a moment at California Country Park |
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| Heron the middle of the lake |
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| Baby swan lit up by the newly appeared sunlight |
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| The parents coming to check what is happening |
Thanks to Kay, Jodi, Barbara, Sally and Susie for your company. Shame about Alison having to miss out. 29 miles by the time I rode home, so earned by cake I would say.
