Today I was due to ride with either Andrea or Gill as part of our WLCG, riding in pairs, whilst current restrictions are in place. Sadly Andrea is out of action now for a few weeks, having had a nasty fall on Wednesday, whilst out with Gill. Such a shame, and caused, as is so often the case by an impatient driver, forcing Andrea in to a rut at the roadside. 😡
Jeanette also out of action with a dodgy knee, so we are 2 down for a few weeks.
Lynne and Martina rode together, and I had sent my planned route to Lynne a couple of days ago. It was 35 miles plus, and I wasn't sure they would be up for the whole ride, but there ain't no stopping them now!
The weather was wet first thing, so we delayed our start time until 9.45 and 10am. Gill and I finally caught up with them at our tea stop.
Route
Trying to ring the changes leaving Wokingham, my route today left Woosehill and then down the Barkham Road, all the way to School Road, Arborfield, then up to Arborfield Cross. The road were very quiet, so not a problem at all. From there, down the Swallowfield Road, and crossed over the new intersection, which was supposed to have opened this week. The new cycle lane and footbridge is a bit of a detour, so with not much traffic around, easier just to go across the road for now. More often than not I return on the Swallowfield Road, and its much more enjoyable heading down hill!
Now to Bramshill and a right turn to connect to Plough Lane. I spotted this field of cows looking a rather nice golden colour in the sunshine.
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| Plough Lane |
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Plough Lane
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Crossing at the end of the road, the next view is next to the Shoulder of Mutton.
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Views over the hedge at The Shoulder of Mutton
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Straight on downhill to Mattingley Church, and left to pick up the road to Rotherwick, where the light was just catching the church as we passed.
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Rotherwick Church
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Now into Lyde Green, and down Mill Lane. The road pretty muddy down here, so I picked my way through cautiously. Gill on her gravel bike, felt more stable. Mine due into stock next week!
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Views as we approach Green Lane..... very flat round here
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Now left at New Street, and eventually the climb to Beech Hill. We now head for Grazeley and pass the gates of Grazeley Manor
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Entrance to Grazeley Manor
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Lynne and Martina catching us up on Grazeley Road
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Now a loop around Grazeley area, including the pretty Kybes Lane.
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Gill ahead on Kybes Lane, Grazeley
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Sadly we now say goodbye to the country lanes as we cross the A33 using cycle paths at Three Mile Cross, then make our way up to Shinfield. Bit of a climb on Brookers Hill! Then Cutbush Lane into Lower Early. It's a pleasant lane and I don't know why anyone would use the new cycle path on the Lower Early by pass right next to the traffic?!
Gill continued heading home near the cinema, whilst my route was to use the cycle paths along the new road to Winnersh. Then a bit of Bearwood Road, to join to Sadlers End back to Woosehill.
So nice to be out on another sunny November day. And well done ladies for not batting an eyelid on the length of today's ride. Martina even commented that she didn't notice any hills in the first half.... Gill and I did!!
