Stephanie led today with me assisting, on a route I had suggested, parts of which were new to Stephanie. Only one rider, Julie joined us, so we all piled into my van and set off for Stoke Row to start about 10am.... when the rain was forecast to stop! And it did. We stayed dry. Would have been such a shame to cancel, since it turned out beautiful. The whole ride was new to Julie. She heard a rumour that the Chilterns can be a bit hilly.
route
The ride started in Stoke Row, and we climbed 200 feet steadily for the first 7 miles over to Nuffield, Park Corner, and Russell's Water, before the big downhill into Britwell Salome. I had already ridden 20 miles yesterday, so was feeling a little weary today, so was looking forward to the downhill bits.
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View from the top of Britwell Hill Road. The sign to the right says 12.5% Gradient.
Wheeeeee |
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| Stephanie and Julie on their way down. |
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| Half way down. Love this tree. |
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| Same tree with view to the LHSide of the road, showing the undulating scenery |
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| Looking back to where we came. |
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| And at the bottom coming into Britwell Salome Village |
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| Trees at the top of the hill where we came down |
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| The light was amazing, and that very vibrant green is genuinely that colour. |
We then did a short stretch on the A4009, then a right turn and did a loop through Britwell Upperton. We crossed back over the main road, and through the edge of Ewelme and downhill into Benson, where we stopped at The Waterfront Cafe for some lovely Lemon Cake.
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| The view at The Waterfront Cafe looking to Benson Lock |
So, unfortunately now the only way is up. We made our way through Preston Crowmarsh, and Crowmarsh Gifford, then up the hill to Ipsden, crossing the Ridgeway. Shortly after, turned left, and at the next junction a right up Nuffield Hill. This is a tough hill. I had my power on to keep up with these two, who did brilliantly and made it all the way to the top. Julie was panting, but she did it. I have never done this hill in one go!
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| The start of the steady climb up Nuffield Hill which is a 300 feet climb. |
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| Views from Nuffield Hill |
Almost back, and other than a couple of rises, pretty much downhill much of the way into Stoke Row, where we got a good speed up to 20mph, which was a nice way to finish. Phew. Feeling weary, and another ride planned for tomorrow!
