The Garmin website has been "down" for over 24 hours. Disaster! So I was unable to plot a route on my Garmin for today's ride with Jeanette. I had in mind to stop off for tea at The Blue Tin farm shop, starting from Sonning Common, but the route became fluid, since we stopped for tea at Benson Waterfront cafe instead, since it was not too busy. (John has been earlier in the week and it had a huge Q, so didn't bother waiting). Not much point heading for the Blue Tin then. Where else shall we go?
Route to be added later, if GARMIN get their problem sorted.
(update sorted 27th -
route)
I collected Jeanette's bike, then because we still cannot care share, we met up at the Pet Barn. We headed through the village on Wood Lane, and Kidmore Lane, following the road to Kidmore End, where we turned right at the Church. Confusingly, this then also becomes Wood Lane. Crossing to Wyfold Road, we turned left at the X -roads with Wyfold Lane, and through the pretty woodland lanes to Hook End.
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| On Wyfold Road |
I often use the Quiet Lane to Exlade Street here if going to Goring, but today continued straight on heading to Checkendon. Think I may had used this lane once before and forgot.... its uphill. Sorry Jeanette! Into Checkendon then left down Lovegrove Lane. This lane changes its name a few times, but we just keep going, passing the furniture makers shop, where I stopped to photograph this lovely block of Persicaria in flower, whilst Jeanette heads on downhill.
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| Jeanette heading downhill |
At the bottom of the hill, the trees disappear to this big open view
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| Looking back to where we came from.....down through the trees. The lampost is not straight btw! |
Shortly, we almost missed the turning which takes us past Braziers Park. Road surface not great, but a nice route crossing to Ipsden village.
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| right turn! |
Passing through Ipsden, this next photo is taken looking back, just before we cross the Ridgeway path.
Now into Crowmarsh Gifford, and Preston Crowmarsh, where we detour on foot to see the views from the weir bridge.
Now to the Waterfront Cafe, where, because we were choosing cake, we had to wear a face mask (compulsory from today). We had come prepared, so not a problem. All good social distancing and lots of sanitiser everywhere. Lots of boats on the river meant you cant actually see the river!
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| The river is under all those white boats! |
Now carefully crossing the A4074.. its busy! Traffic is back to normal. We ride through Benson and Eweleme and take the High Street road to Swyncombe Hill. Its very gradual, until it isnt.
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| Looking back towards Eweleme, heading slowly towards Swyncombe and Cookley Green |
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| Here she comes. Well done, no stopping. I stopped for a few seconds, before continuing. |
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| View from the Ridgeway path, used to include the towers at Didcot, now gone. |
At the top, a right on the B481, for a mile or so, then right to Huntercombe end, where we passed several fields of Opium Poppies.
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| house at Huntercombe End |
Crossing over the A4130, and passing Nuffield Golf Course, we drop down to Stoke Row, and once through the village, turn down the Kingswood Road, enjoying the downhill back to our cars.
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| Kings Wood, Stoke Row |
We did it, with no help from a Garmin or map. Quite a sense of achievement considering it seemed not so long ago, I got horribly confused on all these roads. Now come on Garmin... need to get my miles logged.
