A lovely bright sunny day for a Breeze ride I led from Cantley to Hambleden. It turned out an eventful ride for a variety of reasons! Cathy unfortunately had to cancel yesterday, but Chris had already volunteered to join us, so 2 Champs and 7 riders. I had ridden 30 miles yesterday so by the time we were almost back, I was feeling it.
I forgot to press go on the Garmin (again!) but her is the route. 1158 feet overall.
route
The first part went well, over to Shurlock Row, White Waltham and crossing the A4 towards Crazies Hill. Approaching the top of the hill just near Velolife, I realised that Chris and Lucy were rather far behind. The others, Hazel, Vanessa, Linda B, Andrea, Daphne, and Jackie continued to the top to wait whilst I road back to look for them.
Lucy had had a puncture... on her puncture proof tyres. After a bit of pumping in air, she road a short stretch then walked to Velolife. The planned coffee stop of Hambleden turned into an earlier stop at Velolife instead whilst we waited for Lucy's tyre to be sorted.
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| Earlier than planned coffee stop at 11 miles, but its always good here anyway. |
We decided we still wanted to ride over to Hambleden anyway, so off we set. Just a mile or so further, Hazel decided she was feeling a little unwell, although she was happy to ride back on her own.
So now down the lovely hill to Aston where we have to dismount to get through the gate.
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| Next to the Flower Pot, Aston |
I then got a 30 second start to capture the next two photos.
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| Linda and Andrea at the front of the group |
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| Chris and Jackie bringing up the rear |
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| And off they go down to the river crossing. Look at that blue sky! |
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| I loved the golden light just hitting the edge of the weir this morning |
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| Now approaching Hambleden. The colour in the trees now fading after some wet and windy days. |
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| Bit of left overs in Hambleden Village |
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| Hambleden Church looking gorgeous today.... |
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| ... as are the pretty houses and their tall chimneys |
After a quick scout around Hambleden, back down the valley road and return trip over the weir, where THAT hill was waiting. No problem, everyone managed.
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| Returning over the weir. |
At Crazies Hill, I chose the option to return via Highfield Road (which in theory should be almost traffic free), however there was some nasty mud on a low part of the road, and Andrea just caught a rut and came off her bike. We then had to stop a couple of cars whilst Andrea recovered. She assured us she was fine, just rather dirty and a hole in her Brand New Trousers! She will no doubt be bruised by tomorrow, but otherwise fine, thank goodness.
My first accident report filled in on the website, the same day that I got a card from British Cycling thanking me for my running my 10th ride last week.
Thanks to everyone for your company.
