E-bike Sunday usually means a route with additional hills, and today I actually ran out of power in the final mile which just happened to be UP the long slog of a climb out of Turville. Ooops 😟
(I had used power a lot today, partly because of the wind, and the hills, and to save my legs for my ride tomorrow, which involves a few more hills with no power.)
Route
We parked at Northend, and were heading initially for Christmas Common. This bit of road is a missing link I couldn't imagine in my head, although I know I have ridden down it before as part of the 3 counties ride several years ago. But as soon as I saw these buildings in the field, I remembered that I had been here before. (I often need photographic evidence.. hence the blog!)
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| Northend to Christmas Common |
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| they do look weird |
Once dropping down Hill Road into Watlington, we passed through Pyrton again, as I have done twice recently, but did not stop at the church today to see the daffodil display. We would see plenty more.... churches and daffodils. Once through Pyrton we have only turned left previously, heading towards the Brightwells and Ewelme, but today a right turn into new territory.
Some beautiful hamlets, the first of which I regret not photographing through a gap in the hedge on our left. The moment passes and its quickly not so visible. It was on our left and called Stoke Talmage. (Must visit next time). Our route turned right at the next junction, and very soon we rode through the Medieval hamlet of Wheatfield. The little church is the only surviving building I read. The Manor house long gone.
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| left here to Postcombe |
The next section is another very straight road, but also a bit exposed and with a northerly wind today, I use my power on green more often than normal. We are due to take next right, but firstly go straight on to recce the village of Sydenham. Very pretty cottages, church, a pub, but no coffee shop as far as we found. (pub also closed of course atm)
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| Takeway cuppa in Princes Risborough |
Round the one way system, then a right into Station road, (actually straight on on a bend), and we are now back on country lanes, passing through Saunderton. (On the look out for a suitable comfort stop!)
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| leaving Princes Risborough behind |
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| View to our right to the Bledlow Ridge |
The ridge is a climb in two parts, the first not too bad. Then a big downhill to a left bend, where it kicks up again... next photo of the road ahead.
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| Bledlow Ridge part two of the climb |
At the top, a dogleg crossing, and we immediately drop down a steep descent to Radnage. A very narrow road, and we had to pull over for a couple of cars to pass today. I have done the remainder of the route a few times now on different loops. At the bottom, the steep climb up again out of this valley to The City. A left turn at Waterend, then another dog leg to Horsley Green where we once more drop down a steep descent through a woodland, which immediately climbs again. Terrible potholed lanes, so need to keep very alert. This is quite a tough ride, and have used my power a lot! But have done all this part before, so no surprises.
Our final stretch crosses the M40, then to Chequers Lane.... all downhill to Fingest Church. The last bit is through Turville, with just 2 miles to go as we arrive at Holloway Lane. My power supply is now on red ie not much left, and part way up Holloway Lane it starts flashing and it dies! Oh no!! I walk a short distance, then manage to get back on but its hard work on this bike with no power on a hill like this. I limp towards the end. Phew.
