This morning was chucking it down, so a delayed start today until 2pm. I met Susie at Eastheath Avenue/Ludgrove junction. We have not ridden together for a long time, but have met on a 1-1 walk a couple of times. We thought we would ride to Wargrave to check out the new H'Artisan bike friendly coffee shop, just opened a couple of weeks ago.
When things get back to normal, the idea is that you can hook up your bike in the shop, and eat either indoors on in their garden. AW Cycles are also going to be on hand for bike maintenance from what I can gather. The only problem may be "how secure is my bike? Could anyone just take it? whilst you sit in the garden?"
Route
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| I rode via Ludgrove Lane to meet Susie. Weather looking good! |
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| Tree surgeons at Ludgrove. They were still there when I returned 3 hours later |
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Strange piles of wood viewed from Ludgrove
presumably for the Pheasant season? |
We crossed at Easthampstead Rail crossing, although the road was closed to traffic today. We waited for the barrier and sneaked through into Waterloo Road, heading to Plough Lane. Leaving Wokingham over the motorway bridge on Warren House Road, we made out way through Hurst, then up the hill passed the Vineyard. Next, straight over at Ruscombe Church on New Road and once across the A4, we dropped down to Wargrave on Mumberry Hill. The cafe is just a few yard on the right at the crossroads in Wargrave.
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Susie waiting her turn to go inside to order, whilst I grabbed the
bench opposite the shop. |
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This door leads to the bike racks.
(not in use atm) |
Delicious slice of Pistachio and Lime cake, which we shared, then a slight detour off the main street to pass the church, rejoining the main road into Twyford, using the cycle path. At the crossroads in Twyford, a right turn and then back via Charvil.
Susie had some strange noises coming from her bike today something to do with the derailleur clonking (?), and her chain came off for the third time on her ride. Soon back on, but noise persisting so something not right. As we dropped into Sandford Lane, I loved the light on the old Mill House....
Susie continued on Eastheath, whilst I once more crossed via Ludgrove. The light was beautiful.
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| No Herons today at their usual spot but the Carex grasses were glowing in the late sun. |
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| Long shadows from the trees at around 4.30pm |
I came home feeling energised, and so glad that we left our ride till later in the day to enjoy the lovely weather. There was still a really annoying wind today though. Susie reported later that Roger thought she might have been caught in a hail storm, but thank goodness that seems to have been localised to Crowthorne. That would have been miserable! Great to see you Susie.
