Another Sunday and an ebike ride with John. Not a difficult ride, just a lazy ride. And why not? I had it confirmed that Hanbleden Lock is now passible, following recent flooding on the road from Aston. We have not been up the Hambleden Valley for a month since it's been too cold, or flooded, so today in double digits, a perfect time to go. Sunday is of course busy out there with walkers and cyclists everywhere!
Route
We wiggled to Hare Hatch and Crazies Hill before dropping down to Aston. John lifted our bikes over that stupid locked gate at the lock. It never used to be locked and is sooooo irritating since the bikes are awkward to get through the little side gate, which is often wet and muddy too.
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The annoying locked gate where we need to lift our bikes over
to avoid getting filthy feet at the side gate. |
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| lots of debris in the Thames at the weir. Some substantial logs too |
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| alway a pretty scene |
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| The converted barn as we approach Hambleden |
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| The Masked Man going to order the tea |
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Window boxes. I chatted to this lady who is a friend of Lady Hambleden
and who is often invited for tea with her... but not allowed atm. |
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| Snowdrop time. |
We ride through the village and towards Pheasants Hill, turning left across the high road with no name!
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If you squint, you can see the windmill at Turville
(which lost its sails last February in a storm) |
We just did a loop, then back across the weir and into Henley. Climbing to Harpsden and continuing on Woodlands Road, we dropped into Lower Shiplake, and back up towards Binfield Heath. At this point, John's front tyre was sounding a bit strange, so pulled off. A slowish puncture, so some air and fingers crossed.
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| Adding some air, and hoping for the best! |
Now with power on red, it was a case of home as far as we can before the tyre gives out. We stopped in Sonning, then once more on Sandford Lane to put in air, and thankfully made it home without the need to change the tube. A job for this afternoon for John.
