With the forecast a bit uncertain for Friday, I asked the WLCG if anyone was free to ride today, Thursday, incase we don't get out tomorrow. Martina was free to join me, but needed to back by noon, so we kept it to JUST 25 miles. How we have progressed.😇 We both got new bikes in the last 2 weeks, so are keen to get out before the weather means we can't. It's warming up a bit, about 6-7 degrees, so that means probably more wet days ahead,instead of frost/fog.
I had not been to Fernygrove Farm Shop for months, so planned a route that would take us there, but not directly otherwise we get there after only about 10 miles. (Turns out Martina had never been there)
We bumped into Lynne as we rode through Emmbrook, part way round her jog. We had stopped since Martina was not happy with her saddle which was lower than she normally has it. (Kids has been testing it out!). I lent her my "handy tool" which had an allen key that fitted so she could adjust it, and we were soon underway again.
Leaving over the two motorway bridges, we turned right and through the Hurst Lanes, before joining the Straight Mile, then 2nd right into Hungerford Lane. Passing Waltham St Lawrence School, we turned right at Waltham St Lawrence crossroads, following the main road all the way to White Waltham, passing Butcher's Lane. We climbed Church Hill, and pulled over for me to get a photo of Waltham Place. It's now just after 10 o'clock, as the church bell rang out.
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| The clock tower at Waltham Place, near the top of Church Hill |
At the top, left and through Paley Street and passing the (now closed) Royal Oak, we turned right to cut through the L shape road called Sheepcote Lane. This joins the busier A330 Ascot Road, although it wasn't too bad today. We split up to give cars a chance to overtake. Carrying straight over the Drift Road roundabout, we soon arrive at Fernygrove on our left. We push our bikes through the cafe to the seating at the back with the distant views. A grey day, but in clear weather fabulous views from here. Would have been nice to sit indoors in the warm, but not allowed to atm.
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| Views at Fernygrove |
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| Martina making another adjustment to her saddle height. But this time one of the screws broke off. It would be enough to get her home, but needs to be replaced. |
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| Views at Fernygrove |
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| Fernygrove |
A lovely warm mince pie and a cuppa was perfect on this miserable day, but sitting outside we chilled off so were keen to get going asap.
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| Misty views as the dampness turns more to light rain as we turn into Weller's Lane |
Passing Frost Folly car park, we turn right at the bottom of the hill then join the A3095 for a short distance, turning at the traffic lights into Forest Road at West End. Now immediately leaving the Forest Road, we pick up the cycle path running all the way along the edge of Warfield new housing development. Its a great path and pretty much all downhill to join up with Binfield Road near Jocks Lane. We head for Binfield, and turn right at Stag and Hounds and climb Tilehurst Lane to emerge on Terrace Road North. I had only dropped down Tilehurst Lane before.... not come up it. Martina had done it once and said it was horrible, but today, on her new bike, not so bad.
Home via Murrell Hill Lane then the new cycle path at the Oakingham Bell back to Cantley.
A bit miserable weather wise, but nice to be out. Thanks for your company Martina.