Lovely to be out today with Steph, Daphne, Susie and Linda. We met at The Horns Pub Crazies Hill, as did John and Dave. We would head off on different rides, attempting to be back around the same time, so that I could have my lift home. Or I could ride home.... we'll see. I was also very touched that each of them gave me an early birthday card. Thanks ladies.
Route
Off to a flying start all downhill on Aston Lane, and along Remenham Lane towards Henley. We screeched to half to allow space for an approaching vehicle with this house to our left. Interesting conservatory!
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Remenham Lane
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Stopping on the riverside to use the facilities
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Posh loos with a living wall
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Through Henley, and we took a right fork on Harpsden Road. A bit uphill, before a drop down again into Harpsden. Now a left towards Rotherfield Greys which IS a bit of climb.
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Turned next to this old barn out of Harpsden
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Passing through Rotherfield Greys, it turns out that Daphne did a Ramblers Walk here just yesterday. She pointed out the Bus Shelter where she had her picnic. After passing Greys Court,we stopped to regroup and peel off layers, since everyone now feeling a bit overdressed. We continue passing Bix Manor, and straight over the A4155 into Bix Village.
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Bix Church. We keep left here, going through a flooded bit of road.
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Now a steep descent down Rectory Lane, which seemed to be in a worse state than ever with potholes. Slowly picking our way down, we stopped at the view through the gate.
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Nearing the bottom of Rectory Lane, Bix Bottom
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At the fork in the road, a slight detour, since the ladies had never seen the Old Bix Church
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| St James Church, Bix Bottom (Bix Brand) abandoned c1875 |
Now up the Stonor Valley, and we begin a gentle climb, passing Stonor Manor then a right turn towards Turville Heath. A nasty little hill, where today there seemed to be more traffic than usual including 2 lorries and 5 cars! A good excuse to pull over and stop for a breather. At the top we took a right turn (well some of us did!) and continued into Dolesden Lane, a fab long downhill, a welcome bonus after all the climbing.
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| Here they come. Dolesden Lane |
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Dolsden Lane with a tiny glimpse to the Windmill at Turville
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At the junction of the Hambleden Valley road my route took in the climb to Frieth, but Daphne made the decision (on behalf of most I think!) that the valley route sounded better. So we stuck low and came into Hambleden passed the churchyard.
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Hambleden Churchyard
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Fed and watered at the shop, it just started to rain as we set off, so pulled in at the carpark a mile or so out of Hambleden to put jackets on. Daphne gave us a laugh when she put hers on back to front. 😂
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Daphne is not going to see very much with her hood over her face😅
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heading into rain as we leave Hambleden towards the Thames
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Had to wait today for the lock bridge
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The rain didn't last too long, thankfully. Almost back, just up Aston Lane and back to Crazies Hill.
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Sun back out as we arrive at Crazies Hill
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I forgot to take my van key, so considered cycling home if John wasnt due back within a few minutes, so I called him. He was just a mile away, so worked out fine. He came back with the news that their planned route had to be changed since the road through Christmas Common was closed. Police stopping anyone going through. Having checked the reason, seems there had been a murder on Friday in the village. 😮 They ended up doing 37 miles today because of their detour.
I was much relieved that I did not ride home, since a few minutes later the heavens opened and it absolutely threw it down.
