An afternoon ride today since Gill was busy until late morning. We had hoped that it would be a bit warmer by the afternoon but sadly not. 6 degrees but feels like 3, was the forecast. A biting chilly wind again.
We were joined by her neighbour Lizzie, who has become a regular companion of Gill's recently, and who is now the proud owner of her Orro bike .... the same as Gill. Jeanette also joined us, on her new Specialized bike .... same as mine, so which bikes would be the best performers?😂
I put the route together, and Jeanette and I met with the others at Sindlesham and I asked Gill to show us the way through some off roads bits she has recently used off Mole Road. (John tells me he used to do them years ago on his mountain bike.) We turned into Betty Grove Lane, and soon take a sharp left turn onto a track, which was dry and no problem at all to cycle on. Eventually we come to some open gates, with signage.
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| "Private keep out" Gill and ridden the opposite way previously and we felt a little uncomfortable about proceeding |
But, we stayed left of these gates, which takes us a parallel route on a bridal way, which was also fine and dry mostly, if a little bumpy. It passes over this ford bridge.
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| Then we squeeze through here |
We continue to a cross roads,where there are some gravestones and a tiny bit of building of an ancient Arborfield Church. We turn left here, and emerge on Church Lane, where we turn right to take us to the main road and then join Greensward Lane. We decide to climb over Farley Hill to warm us up, and then drop down Sandpit Lane, where we all came to an abrupt halt.
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| oh dear. Orro in trouble on Sandpit Lane. |
Lizzie had taken her bike to the shop only yesterday to have her chain sorted, since it was slipping. She decided to call them and ask them to come out, and they agreed to do that. She was happy that we left her, so that we could continue without getting cold. (Gill later reported that they could not fix it roadside, so took Lizzie and bike to the shop and fitted a new chain there.) Good service, although if only she had bought a Specialize.....😅
So, now 3, we cycled to Part Lane Swallowfield and then to Ford Lane, where nearing the end, we joined a track into Bramshill. At Eversley Ford, we stayed this side, and made our way to Chequers Lane, Eversley, then cut through some tracks through Yateley that I have not ridden for some time, emerging at Moulsham Lane, and a right turn into Vicarage Lane. Round the lakes, and up Ambarrow Lane, which was closed, but the digger driver moved to allow us through.
At the junction with the main road, a request from Jeanette to go straight over and follow the railway track to Crowthorne Station. Next, off Wellingtonia roundabout, we joined Heath Ride where just a few yards along, there was a bonfire. It was Brian from the film club! He has a gate which backs onto this lane. Gill left us at the top of Nashgrove Lane. Just Blagrove Lane now and almost home.
Well done Jeanette. You are definitely getting back to fitness now, no doubt assisted by your fantastic new bike. Did I mention it's made by Specialize?😍