A WLCG ride today, and it's a sign of the times that despite the forecast for rain, all the "able bodied" ones amongst us, were still keen to get out! It was about 11 degrees when set off this morning, so at least we knew we wouldn't get cold AND wet .😉 Berkshire goes into Covid Tier 3 restrictions from tonight, so last chance to sit down outside at a coffee shop for a while. Takeway only from tomorrow.
My Garmin battery died after less than a mile, (user error), so I have plotted out the route since I got home (map at the end of the blog)
For a bit of variety leaving Wokingham, and initially heading to Binfield to the John Nike centre, we wiggled over to Oxford Road to cut through St Paul's Churchyard then passed Holt School to cut through Cantley. Using the new Diamond Jubilee Road we climbed to continue under the A329M roundabout when today the pedestrian lights were with us for a change. (it can take forever if they are on red). Now a lovely downhill run, passing the ski slope, and continuing on Cain Road all the way to the end. Then just a short rise uphill to cross over to Jock's Lane. Nice and traffic free, then a short section on the Binfield Road, before we cross Forest Road and in behind the Water Works to join Ryehurst Lane.
A few puddles along here today, but nothing yet joined up to cause a flood, although it can't be far away with more heavy rain due tonight. Then to the back of Moss End Garden Centre and right at the grass triangle, to drop down to pass Warfield Church. Largish puddles here too, but not flooded.
We follow the route used before to get to Maidens Green, and continue all the way to the end on Winkfield Road to the Drift Road. Left here, where we split into two groups, although it was pretty quiet, and enjoyed the gentle downhill all the way along, including dropping downhill to Fifield. A left then a right into Coningsby Lane, where I stopped for my first photo. (Martina it turned out had a sneaky snack stop!)
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| Grove Farmhouse on Coningsby Lane, Fifield |
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| Coningsby Lane. |
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| Green Lane |
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| views from Green Lane, where we turn right into Gays Lane along the tree line ahead |
Green Lane is a good surface, but the first section of Gays Lane was a bit messy, but fine on my gravel bike. First outing of my new Mudguards today, and they worked a treat. Martina was filthy! Soon we arrive in Holyport, which was chosen as our destination today since I knew they had a cover over the garden space as well as a heater.
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| delicious cakes at The Cuppa, Stompits Road, Holyport |
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| Selfie timed shot |
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| Gill kindly presented us all with a Christmas tree gift which she had made. Thank you Gill. Very kind. |
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| Holyport House with beautiful red ribbons as decorations |
We had so far got off lightly with just either no rain or drizzle, but as we rode through Money Row Green, it turned to serious rain. Horrible! And a strong headwind too as we turned into Howe Lane.
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| Junction of Islandstone and Nelsons Lane, Hurst. |
Gill continued straight over into Lines Road, whilst the 3 of us literally battled our way up over the two motorway bridges into Wokingham. The rain, spray and gusts were pretty horrible, with spray from large trucks making it particularly nasty at times.... could barely see!
Almost back and Lynne lead us through some paths on the new housing estate emerging at The Dog and Duck.
As always, good to be out, and yes we got soaked but only for a short time, and no one ever felt cold. Hope to see some of you for a ride over the festive period, weather permitting. Happy Christmas to you and your families, and hope that anything bike related on your "wishlist" is safely delivered. I can recommend good mudguards! SKS Speedrocker Mudguard Set
Map below...
