WLCG day again. The weeks seem to be flying by! Last Friday we went 2x2 to the Chilterns on a very cold and frosty morning and got pretty cold at times. So today, I planned a route south, but infact I think I felt colder today than I ever did last week. Hardly any hills today to keep us warm I guess. I had also been expecting it to warm up with sunshine by 11ish, but it never really happened.
Since we are still restricted to ride with only one other person, I sent the route yesterday so that they could all see where we were heading, but only Gill managed to load to a device to follow easily. So she led again, initially with Martina, whilst Lynne and I followed a minute or so behind.
Down Blagrove Lane, where we also bumped into John and Dave meeting up, and then rather than down Nashgrove Lane, we continued to the end of Edneys Hill, climbing up eventually to the junction of Bearwood Road. Ignoring the turn we continued straight on passing the Bull at Barkham and to Arborfield on Langley Common Road. We were heading to the new footbridge to continue to Swallowfield Road.
 |
| Lynne and I caught up with Gill and Martina crossing the new pedestrian bridge, before they set off again ahead of us to Swallowfield. |
 |
| Along the Swallowfield Road.... sun is doing its best to make an appearance |
We used Trowes Lane and Carlton Lane, crossing to Barge Lane, and up Kingsbridge Hill to Beech Hill.
 |
| A very weak winter sun, giving no heat at all as we climb Kingsbridge Hill |
 |
| Cross Lane Beech Hill. First two riders a dot on the horizon |
 |
| Lynne brought a flask of tea, so a brief stop at Beech Hill |
 |
| Two tone crop field on Green Lane, Stratfield Saye |
 |
| Same field with two tone crops. |
 |
| At the junction of Bull Lane/ Barge Lane. We go left today which means a dash on foot across the A33, but with lockdown it should be much quieter. (It was) |
 |
| Sunshine on the bridge at Swallowfield Park. |
Almost back, and over Farley Hill, then cutting through to Bowhunt School and Nine Mile Ride. Gill and I continued on NMR and cut through Gorse Ride North avoiding walkers in California Park, but we encountering 2 sets of temporary lights. Lynne and Martina opted to come through California Park, a slower route, but we actually arrived at St James Road, at exactly the same time thanks to our delays with lights.
Thanks for your company ladies. Good that you escaped the homeschooling kids for a few hours! Following my L'ortolan takeaway for hubby's birthday last Friday, Gill is doing the same tomorrow night as a farewell to her son who is off to continue his studies in America. (subject to a negative Covid test today). Enjoy your meal Gill. 😋
PS.....Martina was telling me that she had not yet done Dell Road. I was sure she had, so have checked my photographic evidence........
 |
| 15th November 2019 when you borrowed Bob's bike |
You then did it again, the first day we met after Lockdown 1 last June. Can't find the photo, but it was this ride, when you and Lynne also picked up some crockery! Yateley ride Sounds like you are desperate to do it again, so we might revisit next Friday. 😊