Amongst the riders who joined me today, were some of the ladies who joined Breeze on the "couch to 20 miles" programme with Carole and Jill just a few months ago. Now they are ready for the Chiltern Hills.
Lost the stats for the route, but here is what we did.
Garmin
We set off from Crazies Hill this morning in -1 degrees in thick fog. (Crazy Cyclists?) We were very colourful and lots of flashing lights so although a lot of fog around, we were clearly visible. So, a chilly start especially as we were heading downhill to the River Thames, but we would soon to warm up, with some climbing to do.
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| Crazies Hill at 09.45am |
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| Crazies Hill |
Then across the path which leads down to the Thames where the visibility got even worse.
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| approaching the Thames at Aston. Clare, Rachael, Becky, Katherine, Linda and Julie |
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| This one to include me taken by Linda |
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| We arrived at the Lock and a strange man took our photo! turned out to be my husband. |
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| photo by John |
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| Bye John.. see you later. |
And so we were off to start our climb into the Hambleden Valley. We cut through the Village, and this amazing pink car was just pulling out of the old garage.
We climbed around the village and soon warmed up at Bottom Hill, where suddenly the mist lifted
to reveal a brilliant blue sky.
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| Me taking my shot...image by Linda Rudden |
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| image by Linda Rudden |
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| Mist looking down into the Hambleden Valley from Bottom Hill |
Passing through Skirmett and Fingest our first long climb up to Frieth. Everyone very capable.
Then making our way over to Rockwell End crossing the lane where the views open up.
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| heading to Rockwell End |
We were soon at the top, and then (most of us) enjoyed the fab downhill back into Hambleden. It is a steep road, and a couple of the ladies were a little cautious so took their time. As we came back into Hambleden, the blue sky disappeared and the Church was barely visible once more in the mist.
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| Just a suggestion of Hambleden Church |
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| Coffee just around the next corner. But tables are outside! |
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| Decided to go inside. Not enough seats, but warm at least |
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| The Village Store. Katherine just coming in |
Whilst the ladies finished their teas, I popped out to take a photo of the stream running through the fields. I have not seen this happen for the last couple of winters, so quite unusual to see it.
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| I chatted to this lady who was visiting and had been told to cross the field, heading for the barn.... what barn she said! |
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Finally back across the weir, where once more it was foggy.
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I had kept quiet about the fact we had to climb back up the long hill we first we came down, but think I got away with it!
Well done everyone. I thought it was a shame that you couldn't see a lot of this ride, but infact you were very lucky to see it so atmospheric. There will be plenty more opportunities to see it on a sunny day.
