Our second cycle trip with Barry and Monica, and this time we drove to start at their house near Odiham. (Monica borrowed by ebike again). Barry does a regular 13 mile circuit from home, but today we would hope to show him some new ground. It's quite undulating around here, so we will all be working hard to earn our cake!
Route
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Almost ready to go. The rape fields opposite their house now peaked, but still vibrant
We left their house turning left up the gentle rise, turning right at Roke Farm. I am leading a ride to a garden just a few yards from the farm this week, so wanted to check exactly where it is. |
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| Turning at Roke Farm.... |
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| Views from the corner at Roke Farm |
Now a loop on Hillside passing the new homes, and eventually to take us into Odiham High Street. At the top of the High Street, we turned right then first left to ride on the road in the direction of Greywell, but staying on Bidden Road towards Upton Grey. There can be a reasonable amount of traffic on this road, but fairly quiet today. Its undulating, and following a fast downhill section, we turn left into Ford Lane. Much quieter now. Continuing into Long Sutton, we turn right at the pond, into Copse Lane.
This becomes a bit of a slog, and at the top, views to RAF Odiham in the distance
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| pause for breath, looking across to RAF Odiham in the distance |
Near the end of Copse Lane, the back entrance to Lord Wandsworth College, where B&M's children went to school. We pause just around the bend to take in the view, and see a welcome downhill run ahead.... but that's never good news around here.😉
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| Just round the bend from Lord Wandsworth back entrance |
We now all go as fast as possible downhill, since there is a nasty uphill section to come! I was sooooo tempted to get off, but with John and Barry still on their bikes ahead of me, I gritted my teeth and made it. Barry confessed he too was almost off. It was hard! Monica did so well, power assisted, but still having to work hard. At the top of this climb, I realised where I was, next to the "field with the horses" that I have passed twice in the opposite direction. (no horses their today but always my reference 😏)
The good thing now is that we ride downhill for almost 1.5 miles. Wheeee. At 22.5 mps Barry passed me. He was on a road bike with skinny tyres, so had the advantage of no resistance. I pulled over to try to get a shot of John and Monica coming downhill towards the end, but couldnt quite get my camera ready.
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| John and Monica passing me as we approach Lower Froyle |
In Lower Froyle, we turn right to pass the Village Hall, and then another fast downhill section passing through Upper Froyle. I get ahead of them this time, giving me time to get my camera ready.
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| View to our right as we head to join Isington Road |
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| As as stop, two cyclist approaching. They get to go down that nasty hill. |
We cross a railway bridge and the Mill Farm Shop is straight ahead.
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| Isington Mill on the river Wey |
Soon, under the A31 this time, and a right turn at a T junction towards Bentley. All very flat at this point. Turning left into School Lane, then left again on Hole Lane, we do a little detour to visit St Mary's Church (uphill!)
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| St Mary's church, with it's old Yew tree branches |
We rejoin Hole Lane, which wiggles a bit with lovely views. I pull over for a couple more photos.
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| Hole Lane, Bentley |
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| Hole Lane views to the right, with a climb ahead of us |
I have only done this section on my ebike before, so was convinced I was not going to make it. I would have done, I think, but seemed a shame not to stop to admire the views behind us from here. John stopped too and took some action shots.
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| Looking back towards Bentley |
Barry and Monica went on ahead and waited at the cross roads at the top. Poor Monica then felt unwell, and after a few minutes, we decided best that John and I continue to get the van, to come and collect her. (just 4 miles to go now). The sun was out and warm now around mid 20's which probably didn't help with no shade here. The 4 miles back is lovely since its pretty much downhill all the way. We turned left just before Crondall, to join us the lane back to their home.
We collected Monica, and the bike, whilst Barry opted to ride home now and he was back just a couple of minutes after us. Thankfully Monica recovered, and having pre-prepared a lovely lunch for us, she insisted we stay. The weather was perfect to sit in their beautiful garden for our mid afternoon lunch.
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| All fully recovered and a relaxing lunch outdoors |
A tour of the garden followed, and John and I headed home about 5 o'clock! A whole day out, to ride 22 miles😂😂😂.
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| Cant wait to see how these alliums look! |
Thanks for your good company, delicious lunch, and great that you are already looking forward to the next ride together.
