Riseley to Englefield - 27.5 miles

Daphne organised the group today and I invited Louise to  join us. Barbara was also due to join us, but got scared because of the high winds which were forecast.... which infact came to nothing, during our ride at least. Five of us met at Riseley and since heavy rain and wind was due to arrive at 1ish, we set off earlier than normal, by 9am.

I first took Daphne on this route about 6 weeks ago, and it has become her new favourite ride. She had also done it "backwards" and I was keen to try that too, but was a bit worried today that Park Lane may be flooded and it would be a long way round to turn back. (We would find our on our return journey instead). So we stuck to the original route, taking us to Beech Hill and into Stratfield Mortimer, then the slog up the hill, The Street,  to turn right at the War Memorial. 

Route

We stopped for a breather part way up Mortimer hill. It was a mild day, and Cathy decided she was already overdressed.

Daphne in her lovely new pink jacket, with Louise, Linda R, and Cathy.
Part way up the hill in Stratfield Mortimer

Mostly easy going now apart from a couple of undulations as we drop down to cross a stream then up again to cross Goring Road and on through the edge of Burghfield.  Passing the Police College its then another big downhill to ride between Hosehill Lakes at Sheffield Bottom, where we stop for a  moment. 

Sheffield Bottom, Hosehill Lake.

Annoyingly some temporary lights as we approach the railway bridge in Theale. It's unusually high and is always best if it can be approached with a good run up, but not today. Its about this time that it started to rain, lightly, but definitely rain.  We pass through the hamlet of North Street and because of the rain decide not to go into Englefield today, but just head straight to Cobbs for coffee. 

For the benefit of those who have not yet been into Englefield here are a couple of photos from previous trips . We will visit next time in better weather.

Englefield Church photographed 4th November 2020

Englefield House photographed 4th November 2020

Cobbs Farm Shop. Thank you Linda who treated us all to drinks and cake today.

Now skirting round the edge of the Englefield Estate, Bostock Lane connected us the A4. We use the "footpath" to ride alongside the A4 since it seems the safest way, rather than ride the A4. Unfortunately, the conditions of the path was pretty muddy in places today.  Linda, trying to avoid slipping in the mud, steered slight left onto a grass section and before we knew it, she was lying on the main road. We jumped off our bikes to retrieve her. Fortunately just at that moment no car was passing and the approaching traffic slowed down to check she was ok. She was, but very wet and muddy and no doubt bruised. But she soon recovered and was able to carry on.  A few us walked the rest of the path just to be sure.  Phew! 

Now crossing the K&A Canal for the second time, we need to climb to Ufton Nervet. Always a good one to warm you up if you are feeling cool! I must say that I found that hill much easier on my new bike. 😊

All pretty flat for a while now, and the woodlands looking pretty flat too in todays light. They looked amazing in the autumn. One more climb as we drop down at West End passing the Red Lion, then up the hill to Wall Lane, Silchester.   Poor Cathy was finding the hills a bit more difficult today, so we had a short rest again, then find that her chain was not moving out of top gear. A faff around, but no luck, then as we set off, it corrects itself. Probably covered in muck from the messy lanes. 

Now a gentle rise up Park Lane, where I was concerned it may have been flooded at the bottom. It wasnt, but large puddles across the road, so after the rain this afternoon, it may be flooded later. 

Top of Park Lane as it joins Mortimer Lane,  as we look left
in the direction of Stratfield Estate

Turning left into Green Lane, the ladies ahead as I stop for this next photo.

4 bright jackets brightening up the view on Green Lane. 
Lovely winter trees.

Finally around the edges of Stratfield Saye, up Barge Lane, then down Bull Lane and back to Riseley.

The rain never did come to much this morning, but by 2.30 it was chucking it down and would not had been enjoyable to get caught in.  Good news from Daphne that Linda is fine after her fall, although no doubt will feel a little bruised and sore tomorrow. Best wishes Linda. 

The roads were pretty mucky and  I cleaned my bike yet again when I got home. A few minutes later an ENORMOUS box arrived with my mudguards.

slightly oversized box?

Thanks everyone for your good company. As always, nice to be out whilst we can. News today of numbers of Covid infections still getting worse, and I fear Tier 3 may be here before we know it. 😟