Riseley to Old Basing - 34 miles - GROUP OF 6!!!!

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It was wonderful to be able to ride in a group of 6 again today for the first time in months. The group were Lucy, Linda, Stephanie, Daphne, and Kay.  I have managed to see most of these ladies 1-1 from time to time other than Lucy, whom I have seen only once recently when we rode to Pangbourne, after various aborted attempts. But not seen Kay for months, because of the need to stay local. Last time I think was Linda's "birthday lunch" in the autumn (when we should have riding but got rained off).

I planned today's route which started in Riseley, so not so far for Kay to come to the start. John got a lift, but then set off on his own heading for home eventually after riding to Wooten St Lawrence.

I had shared the route with the group so that we could split up a bit if the speedy ones wanted to go ahead, but it didn't quite work out.... only a few seemed be able to rely on their devices.

Route

Leaving Riseley we started off going down Part Lane, and then right and right again to follow the lane around the back of Heckfield Place, then left at Heckfield roundabout and right into Laundry Lane. This is a lane we usually come up, so was looking forward to the nice downhill run but we had to screech to halt quite soon after joining the lane!

Just enough space to squeeeeeze past

They were loading the lambs who were heading off 
to be sold for a supermarket chain. Co-op or Tesco?

On our way once more, we enjoyed the downhill of Laundry Lane, then crossed straight over the B3349 on the road with no name, but which  joins Bottle Lane, where we turn right, then we keep left at the Daneshill School sign. Almost missed the next turn...left into Turgis Green Lane, passing the pretty Hartley Wespall church.      At the junction, we turned left to do a loop, which is an uphill section on Rotherwick Lane, so that we can loop down Mill Lane, Lyde Green passing the pretty Mill house and stream.  3 were ahead climbing the hill and shot passed the right turn of Mill Lane, so a bit of yelling STOP and they finally doubled back to join us.

Mill Lane, Lyde Green

Selfie


We are shortly back at the junction with Turgis Green Lane, but this time turn left and carry on to the A33. We use the horrible lumpy footpath to avoid the busy road, crossing to Sherfield on Loddon. Through the crossroads and soon a right turn into another Mill Lane, then at Fairoak junction a sharp left  into Folly Lane then Olivers Lane, crossing the railway bridge, and left into Bramley. (At this point a few recognised where they are since we usually approach from the other direction).

Right in Bramley then left into the lovely downhill of Cufaude Lane for a few miles, then using the Chineham cycle path all the way to Pyotts Hill.  Part way down Pyotts Hill, a right turn and then under the railway arch, and passing Basing House, the coffee shop is on our left. The Bakery.

Old Basing Bakery 


Lovely cakes! Then we are off again, and double back just a few yards to leave the village on Crown Lane and Milkingpen Lane. Soon, on a bend, we fork right into Newham Lane, which an easy lane most of the way with just a climb at the end as we approach Newnham. At the funny crossroads, we take second left then keeping left, we climb up passing Tylney Hall. The golf club is open again, so we could have cut through, but just stuck to the road anyway. Now a right turn into Rotherwick and then cross the main road,  to pass Dipley Mill.

Dipley Mill

Great reflections with the overcast sky

Finally, through Hazeley to the Shoulder of Mutton, and to Plough Lane... our favourite climb. 😄

A short section of Bramshill Road to Ford Lane and joined back into School Lane/Part Lane where we started.

Thank you all for your good company. The sun never did come out but a very pleasant temperature and definitely tee shirt and shorts/crops weather. Our ride today on 31st March brought my personal ride total this month to 20 rides and 596 miles. Should I dash out and do 4 more miles today....😏 I think not!!