Better late than never! Finally, before Linda reaches 61.... a group of 6 whom Linda had invited to join her for a birthday ride last October. She asked me to plan the route, so I chose to do an area not familiar to her, beyond Odiham, which was also handy for Kay meeting us. It's a beautiful area, with undulations and some decent height at times, giving lovely views. In other words, they will be hills.😂
Route
Linda and I met with Cathy in the Canal car park, as others arrived on bikes, having parked at The Barley Mow Pub.
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| Photo taken by John who was now off to do a recce route |
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| What a colourful group we are |
Initially, we leave the car park under the busy A287, soon turning right into the pretty Bagwell Lane, passing Winchfield Church. At the junction, right towards Dogmersfield, passing the Barley Mow. Over a couple of bridges over the river Hart, and then a right in Crookham Village, where the landscape opens up to fields with some horses. At the junction with the busy A287 (Farnham Road), we dash across into the little cut through, and then straight on into Crondall.
I suggested a slight detour in Crondall to visit the church, since no one had ever done it (including the regulars who ride through Crondall). We turned first left, squeezing passed some roadworks forcing us onto the pavement, and almost as soon we did, I had a feeling that this wasnt the way I had been before. oops! Back through the roadworks, crawling behind a man with a walking stick. So its the NEXT left, in the centre of the village. (Karan has a friend on this street... some beautiful homes)
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| Detour to see Crondall Church |
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| The flags still up from Easter Day lining the path to the church |
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| Opposite Crondall Church |
Now down the street next to that white house, and rejoin the main street through Crondall, starting a gradual climb into open countryside with crop fields.
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| Views on our right between Crondall and Well |
The climb to Well is not as bad a I remember, although everyone is thankful to arrive at the well, where we stop for a breather, with these pretty blossoms opposite
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| Well crossroads, with the "road ahead closed" sign out of shot. |
We go straight over at Well crossroads, into Well Lane, heading to Lower Froyle, and hope that the road closed is passable to bikes. There is a rather lovely big downhill into Lower Froyle, so we really DONT want to have to turn back.😉
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| Arriving in Lower Froyle, where we squeeze through and turn left, then immediately right |
The road to Upper Froyle is also a lovely undulating lane, heading fast downhill at times, which is never good news when you are heading to "Upper anywhere" !! Arriving uphill into Upper Froyle, with the church on our left, we pass the very pretty Froyle Park hotel. ( we will return here after tea stop).
Just around the bend from the hotel, we regroup and I take a few photos before we drop down the hill into Froyle.
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| Upper Froyle |
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| Inside the dining room, for those having lunch |
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| Car park at West End Flower Farm |
Nice location, although disappointing cake choice today... almost run out! The only problem with this location is that we now need to climb back to Upper Froyle to take a left turn just opposite Froyle Park. Actually, it's fine, but worse is to come. We have a break after the first section of the main climb, and halt at the logs. I've been here before with John (on e-bike). Appartley this is also known as "Lucy's log."
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| Views at the log |
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| Not sure why they are smiling. We are not yet at the top😂 |
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| oh no!!! Karan's tyre, which was completely flat, stayed up after some air added. Phew. |
Another tough climb for a short distance after the log, but then it flattens out a bit and at a xroads, we turn left into Froyle Road. This is fun, fast downhill to the junction at Golden Pot (now an Indian Restaurant). Straight across and flat on the main road, passing Lasham airfield. We saw several gliders out today. Once passed the airfield, a right turn into Back Lane, heading into Herriad.
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| Lucy and Cathy catching us, as we ride on Back Lane, into Herriad |
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| Herriad ahead. |
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| Right turn |
Now a fast downhill section, where Karan always feels cheated with her speed. I was very happy with mine which hit 30.5mph, before we screech to halt and take a sharp left... uphill.
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| An undulating ride for sure. Top speed at 30.5, but lots of slooooow bits. |
From the top, another fast downhill section to a junction, where everyone groaned when they saw the next climb as we turn right heading for Upton Grey. Only a short one this time.
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| Views on the road to Upton Grey |
After a mile or so, a left turn at Upton Grey, following Upton Grey Road, to Greywell. That cheeky little kick right at the end, and almost the last hill of the day. Almost. Passing the Fox and Goose at Greywell on our left, we turn right heading towards Odiham, but at the next junction, turn left and continue to drop down to North Warnborough. A pretty loop here over the canal and a couple of fords.
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| Crossing the canal in North Warnborough |
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| The river Whitewater, North Warnborough |
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| nice reflections of the colourful jackets |
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| The Old Millhouse restaurant |
One final hill, climbing up to the top of Odiham High Street, then all downhill back the car park at the canal centre. We say goodbye here to Karan, Lucy and Kay who continue to the Barley Mow, for the 3rd time today. John been back 30 mins and caught us on camera as we approached.
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| Cathy looking super cool in her blue bike and outfit |
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| Linda and I on our Specialize Diverge bikes |
The forecast had been for a gloomy day, but we got lucky. Fabulous weather. So nice to see everyone and our pace was not too shabby considering all the undulations. We all agree to do it again soon. Thanks to you all for your good company.
