Riseley to Englefield - 29 miles

Tomorrow, all of England goes into a second Covid-19 Lockdown. A grim reminder that we are not getting this awful virus under control. I feel very fortunate that I have cycling to keep me sane, and that the weather generally has meant that over the past months, I have been able to get out with either hubby or girlfriends for company. The one exception sadly has been Linda B's "birthday ride". Due to wet weather it was postponed for a second time recently. Attempt number 3 was to be next Wednesday. Now with the latest ruling that only 2 people can meet up, her ride with a group of 6 friends will have to wait a bit longer. She was however out with me today making the most of the glorious weather.

Bigger news today, and even more worrying, is the unbelievable fact that Donald Trump is very close to being voted in for a second term. Its neck in neck I write this. 😔

Route

Daphne and Barbara joined Linda and I today. Cathy had to pull out at the last minute due to feeling unwell. Such a shame. 

From Riseley we followed a familiar route towards Stratfield Mortimer, but continued up the long slog of a climb, turning right at the War Memorial at Mortimer Common. A film crew were just setting up with the minister and a handful of others at the Memorial. (South today?) No official poppy collections this year due to covid of course.

film crew

Then we enjoyed the relatively easy section starting with a downhill through the pretty Wokefield Common where the trees were looking lovely. Still only just above freezing, so a bit chilly in the shade of the trees, but warm enough in the open sunny parts.

Passing through the edge of Burghfield Common, we continue straight through to Sulhamstead Abbots turning right and passing the pretty church. Now we drop down Folly Lane and Jacques Lane, crossing between the two Hosehill lakes. at Sheffield Bottom. I dived in to the edge for a photo of the lake.

We pass over the K&A canal, then through Theale, having to stop at some temporary lights then start from zero to climb over the railway bridge. Soon we are riding through the pretty lanes of North Street, then eventually cross straight over the Xroad junction of the main Pangbourne Road, for a look at Englefield Village.

Englefield

Englefield

Englefield

Englefield. The ladies riding up hill for a look at the house.. but got told off. Oops.

Englefield House

Englefield Church, from the other side

Now a short ride to our teastop at Cobbs Farm Shop. Sadly Englefield Tea Rooms have never yet been able to reopen since Covid restrictions in March. I hope they do open again, as its a nice place to stop.

It was by this time very pleasant in the sunshine, so we sat outdoors for our cuppa. Daphne reports that the coffee was excellent. (I can report that so was the flapjack!)

From here, we take the road which skirts the walls of Englefield Estate, joining the pretty Bostock Lane, which connects us to the A4. We use the footpath here. (its not great but better than the busy road). Before long, we turn left, over the K&A once more, and start a bit of  a slog of a climb to Sulhamstead and Upton Nervet.  The roads here are gorgeous this time of year. 

Nr. Upton Nervet. 

Dropping down the steep hill passed the Red Lion Pub to cross the stream at Mortimer West End, its a short sharp uphill before turning into Wall Lane at Silchester.

Can see for miles today, from Silchester

Everyone too hot as we take off another layer for the final few miles.
About 10 degrees now.

Dropping down from Silchester, we take Park Lane. The road is pretty wet here, but at least not flooded like last time I tried this lane. We continue, then follow Green Lane all the way to Stratfield Saye, and the usual route back to Riseley. 

Such a beautiful day, with no wind. Last time riding with more than one person for a while, so nice to go out with a blast. Thanks for your good company ladies.