Sunday ride to SOL with Carole & Nigel - 31 miles

A cool start today and an annoying wind at times too, meant layering up for our ride today to  The Coffee Shop, at Sherfield on Loddon. We arranged to meet Carole and Nigel at Bob's Fish and Chip Shop, Finch. I've not ridden with Carole for months, so it was lovely to catch up again.

route

Carole led the first half which took us through Hogwood path and over Farley Hill.

Straight over to enjoy the downhill into Church Road, Swallowfield

Now up Part Lane, and across at The Bull.

Nose blow stop, and I loved the clouds here at 
Bull Lane

A lovely Wheee down Welsh Lane, then skirting around Stratfield Saye we finally came to Sherfield on Loddon. Cafe pretty busy already at 10.30, and packed inside. They had some "heaters" in the garden so we sat under the canopy, although not convinced that it made any difference. Nice cakes and we were off again.

"The Coffee Shop" with Carole and Nigel

Carole had planned a more or less there and back route due to time restrictions, but we suggested a more circular route which actually was not really any further.  We used the cut through I had used recently taking us across the A33 and into Hartley Lane then we took a right fork to pass the lovely Lyde Millhouse.

Lyde Millhouse

Millhouse front garden.

Now a bit of a gradual climb which ramps up before we join Frog Lane into Rotherwick. Straight on now to take our turn at Mattingley Church, and begin the climb over to Bramshill.  Crossing Eversley Ford bridge, Carole realised she had a puncture 😔. OOooh so close to home!  Carole decides best to let Nigel go on home and return with the car, and insists that we also go on. Delighted that not long after we  get home, a text from Carole to say she fixed it and rode  home. Well done Carole. Never doubted it! 

Nice route and good company. Must do it more often.