Oakley to Overton 20 miles 1021 feet.

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A message a few days ago from a cycling buddy, included some photos of an amazing field of red poppies, near Overton.  Not quite sure where that was, (its near the Bombay Gin distillery),but having looked it up, hubby and I took off today in search of the field, and more importantly the coffee and cake courtyard stop also reported to be open!

We drove from home through Basingstoke, and parked in Oakley and did just a 20 mile loop, with Overton about half way round. (My friend did 64 miles on her trip). It was gusting around 30mph today, which was not good, and why we cut our ride a bit short, however it was a nice change to see billowing clouds rather than the bright blue skies of the past several weeks. (which get a bit boring for photos!)

Route

After just a couple of miles, on Summer Down Lane, (great name), I spotted this crop field, and loved the light dancing across the fields.





We continued, up hill mostly, to Ibworth where we stopped to plan the next few miles. Good old map in use today, since we hadnt actually planned our route. (nightmare in the wind though)

Captain's Log

Views at Ibworth, just next to Captain's log.
 The next part of the ride was across the contours, so level at last.
Lambs as we cross betweeen Ibworth and Hannington
Once in Hannington, we chatted to a couple of old guys hedge trimming, and when we said we were heading for Overton, they said "oh, its all down hill from here."  They lied.
Hannington centre, looking like it needs a good downpour of rain on the green. 
 A few miles of undulations and finally we arrived at the Poppy fields, just as these trotted past. There were a few cyclists and also motorists stopped to go for a look at the poppy field. There was a lady sat with a table and chair, and we thought she was collecting money for charity, but it turned out she was sitting with her birthday cake.


The wind was really gusting, so no chance of close ups, but the bigger picture was stunning, and I loved the clouds too, so the light across the poppies changed by the second.






Now dropping from Ashwarren to Overton, to find the coffee shop, called Prestons, which was in The old post office buiding. With social distancing, no tables were allowed inside, but they had a few benches in a gravel area outside. Nice cake and cuppa before we in a southward direction. (first half was north of Overton). It started with a climb.

Part way up the hill, Waltham Lane, we spotted a herd of buffalo! Not quite what you expect in Hampshire.



We undulated up and down a bit more, turning left at St Michaels church, North Waltham for the final leg back to Oakley.


Modelling his new Chinzano top today.