I had planned a ride to visit the newly opened Spire and Spoke cycle cafe in Watlington with a couple of friends 2 weeks ago, but it was rained off, and postponed until today. The forecast today unfortunately was 30 degrees and climbing by mid day. We opted to meet up at Sonning Common half an hour earlier at 9.15, although Karan decided to cycle there from home so started her ride at 7.15! (She would do a 70 miler today).
The first 12 miles would all be uphill, and we started off through Wyfold and Checkendon, a gentle uphill, but even so after just 4 miles, I didn't feel particularly well. Steph offered me a bite of her fruit bar. It was one of those all natural bars, which are normally very tasty and quite moist. But this morning it seemed to me like sawdust! I just couldn't swallow it. It literally stuck to my mouth. I normally enjoy these bars. We later decided that I was badly dehydrated, after having sweated a lot during a horrible sticky night. After a drink, a sit down, a couple of "Wiggle" sweeties that come with your purchases, I thankfully recovered. (They didn't know the route, so it was not ideal that I would turn back).
Onward we went more gentle climbing through Nuffield and up to Christmas Common.
 |
| First photo call, at Christmas Common |
Now after 12 miles of climbing we are rewarded with a fabulous downhill. (hit 28.5 mph) It was pretty hazy today because of the heat, so the views into the distance were not as good as normal, but still pretty impressive. Spire and Spoke is at the bottom of Hill Road.
 |
| Spire and Spoke. There is a a bar as well as coffee and cake. (Karan had been here just yesterday on a walk and also recommends the Pizza) |
 |
| In the garden at Spire and Spoke. The hill we came down is behind Karan, but since this is a mobile phone selfie, the camera could not cope with the exposure. |
We left Watlington around its one way system, then branched off right to Cuxham. Its a very pretty village, typical Midsomer Murders territory, and then on through pretty Britwell Baldwin, and Ewelme. I have taken lots of photos from these villages before, so not stopping today. From Ewelme we take the route to Swyncombe, which is a hill I have climbed many times, and just two weeks ago, very nearly made it up in one. Today..... my legs were drained of energy, and I met up with the other two back at the junction of the main road at Cookley Green.
 |
| leaving Ewelme behind, and starting our climb towards Swyncombe. |