What a difference a day makes! I postponed leading yesterday's ride since it was forecast heavy rain (which is was), and led the ride today instead. Unfortunately only 2 ladies were free to join me, but great company from Rachael and Becky of course. A very sociable ride with just the 3 of us and they were unfamiliar with some parts of the ride too, so that is always a bonus.
route
We met at Cantley and set off to climb over Carters Hill, where I took this photo. It was a beautiful day. Not a cloud in the sky.
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| Views from Carters Hill |
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Views from Bottle Lane
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Our destination today was the Potting Shed Cafe at Oaktree Nurseries, so we continued behind Moss End, then passed Warfield Church and up Malt Hill. We only stayed on the main road for about 300 yards before turning left to explore the lanes off to the side, Garsons Lane, with beautiful properties, horse rider out for a ride, and very quiet. Then straight over to our tea stop.
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| We were the only ones sitting outside, but it was very pleasant in the sun. |
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| Selfie time! |
Now we retraced our route back to Warfield Church. We had noticed a good number of cars parked here on our outward route, and as we passed now a few people were coming out of the church. Low and behold, Rachael knew 2 of them, even though she didn't know where she was! lol
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| Warfield Church |
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| Spring well under way |
We return via Ryehurst Lane, and the Binfield Road, and just as we approach the bridge over the A329M, Rachael slows right down... a puncture. I managed to blow some air back in, but it didn't last. Becky and I peddled back to Cantley, leaving Rachael to start to walk along the footpath of Diamond Jubilee Way. Becky then drove back to pick Rachael up, and take her and her bike to Cantley to collect her own car. (thank goodness they hadn't ridden from home today, otherwise it was going to get complicated. Might even had needed to try fitting a new inner tube, but thankfully got away without doing that!)
Thanks for your company ladies. Great to be out enjoying the sunshine.
