I led today's ride, starting next to the Flower Pot at Aston. Susie joined me as an assistance. We were also joined by recently qualified Breeze champ Sarah who cycled over from Cookham.
Route (although forgot to record the first 4 miles)
Other riders were Andrea, Sarah, Lisa, and Jean.
It was a pretty chilly start to the day infact around 2degrees, and a mist was still lying over the river at Aston.
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| view from Remenham Lane as we set off |
This ride was planned to take in two of the
easier hills around this area, so initially we went through Henley, then up the Fairmile, before turning into the Stonor Valley. We continued up the Stonor Valley, through Lower and Middle Assendon steadily climbing, until just beyond the Manor House. Then a right turn up the hill to Turville Heath, where we regrouped at the top. Although overcast, the colours were still looking gorgeous.
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| start of the climb out of the Stonor Valley... |
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| ... and regrouping at the top on the tree lined avenue at Turville Heath |
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| I stopped for a brief look through the gate as we enter Northend |
Now at the top, we are rewarded with the downhill in to Turville. Other than Susie, no one had been in this area before, so enjoyed the stunning countryside.
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| my mobile phone not doing justice to the cathedral like tree tunnel |
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| Flattening out as we come into Turville |
Once through Turville, we climbed up to Frieth, and some of the lanes were rather messy to say the least!
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| Lisa and Sarah last through the puddle near Frieth |
Next straight on through between the open views before that cheeky climb to Rockwell End, where re grouped once more,
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| looking back to where we came from at Rockwell End |
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photo taken by Susie. (too cold for my red uniform today!)
Lisa, Jean, Andrea, Sarah, Me, Sarah. |
Now after our final climb, the fabulous downhill into Hambleden Village.
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| coming into Hambleden |
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| ahh. tables outside of course at Hambleden, but it was fine. |
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| Lady Hambleden's cottage with the pretty Cherry Tree foliage |
Then just as we about to leave and ride the last 2 miles back to the start... look what happened!!!
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| blue sky at last. Just a bit too late. |
Thanks to all the ladies for your company. You all did well on those hills, and a well earned piece of cake. See you soon.
