Daphne has seen quite a bit of Juliette during lockdown both cycling and walking, and they have become good friends. She is moving out of the area next week, so Daphne had organised a group of 6 today to ride with Juliette on her farewell ride. Checking my blog, I first met Juliette in January 2015! How time flies! Cathy, Susie, Linda R also joined us..... since we can now meet as a group of 6.
I volunteered to put a route together, and tried a new starting point of Emmer Green at the Tennis club car park. Worked well, although our van just fits under the height restriction barrier.😏 John needed the van today so dropped me off, and I would cycle home. (37 miles total)
Route
It was a cold day after a few days of warm sunshine, so a bit of a shock! The start of the route had a nice downhill passing Reading Golf club, but with the cheeky hill to climb back up again. That warmed us up. We did a wee loop on Tanners Lane, where there was a great commotion with a dog on a lead being attacked by a huge big Golden Retriever. It wasn't clear who the retriever belonged to, but Linda R asked if the lady needed some help? "Yes" she said so Linda hopped off her bike and took the lead of the little dog, but the big dog followed, growling rather viciously . Then Linda (being a doggy lover) through herself on the ground between the 2 dogs!! Rather her than me! A few yards behind, a man was hovering with another dog on a lead. Turned out that the Retriever was his, but he was doing nothing to help at this stage. Anyway, finally under control, we moved off.
Soon we arrived at Kidmore end, with the pond on our right, church on our left, and continue straight to the T-Junction. Normally I go straight over here to Wyfold Lane, but today turned left then right on the quiet Park Lane. Quiet, until there was the next commotion!
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| 4 Guinea Fowl making a proper row. |
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| Stopping to see the Guinea Fowl on Park Lane |
Next a left turn and through Exlade Street, and soon cross the A4074 to Woodcote, and drop down Pot Kiln Lane and Elvendon Lane all the way to Goring. Wheeeee. A detour into Goring to use the loos, passing the cricket pitch.
For the first time ever, I made it up in one! Woo Woo!! It was tough and sorely tempted to get off as I passed 3 others who were off walking. But managed to hang on. I got up the top to wait, and Susie was next up. She had been behind me, and also stayed on. Well done Susie👏👏👏
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| here comes Susie next |
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| Juliette kindly bought all the drink and cakes. Thanks Juliette. |
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| Selfie of the group. |
We are almost at the top of the hill, just a wee bit more of a push to Stoke Row, then we enjoyed the long downhill to Sonning Common to The Pet Barn. Just one last hill to climb to Binfield Heath, then a right turn to keep us flat all the way back to Emmer Green.
I left everyone at the car park and beat some of them over Sonning Bridge. Then the rest passed me nearing Charvil. Lovely to have your good company and so glad that the sun shone for us, even it was a bit windy at times.
Good luck with the next chapter Juliette. Exciting time ahead.
