We have not done "ebike Sunday" for a few weeks, so got out today complete with our brand new chains and cassettes.
We have both done so much cycling in the last 18 months that we have worn out the chains (on all bikes) the consequence of which is that the cassettes have also worn out. John bought a "chain checker" for £9.99 and so far it has cost several hundreds of pounds in repairs! At least we can get the parts for the ebikes.... unlike our Specialised bikes!! We now know that the chain should be replaced approx every 1500 miles, in order to avoid the expensive cassette also wearing out.
With bikes in the van, we were heading for The Pet Barn, Sonning Common, but as we set off, it started to rain. It was still raining, harder, by the time we got the the Pet Barn, so we drove a bit further in the hope that it would stop. We parking instead in Checkendon opposite the church. Almost dry now, just a bit of drizzle. We had no route in mind, other than head eventually to Spire and Spoke in Watlington for a cuppa.
Route
Leaving Checkendon, we decided to drop down Berins Hill. Not done that for a long time. It's a steep descent, and much more enjoyable than the ascent.
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| John heading down Berins Hill |
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Looking back after dropping down Berins Hill to Well Place
A miserable grey day! |
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| Now across Hayley and the view to our left also grey, grey, grey. |
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| Arriving into Eweleme |
We leave Ewelme crossing the main B4009 and head into Brightwell Baldwin. Some pretty cottages here, with planting trying to brighten things up.
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| Pyrton Church |
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| Wild scabious |
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| house next door to church |
Through Pyrton, and the climb on Knightsbridge Lane, a lot easier today on ebikes! Left at the top, enjoying a lengthy downhill stretch, before a right turn heading on the main road B480 for about a short section to Chalgrove.
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| Chalgrove |
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| Chalgrove |
A loop through the village and left into Mill Lane, then through Berrick Prior and Rokemarsh, eventually joining Brook Street, Benson. Crossing the main road, next to the Waterfront Cafe, was a bit tricky and then through Preston Crowmarsh.
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| Hollyhocks at Preston Crowmarsh. |
We took a little look at the cafe on the bend, (The Cartshed), at the back of the industrial park, just next to this pretty house. Shame there is no Thames View at the cafe, but must try it sometime. (John been once).
Next the climb up to Ipsden, and is always exhausting, but not today! 😁. The weather still not improving, but at least the rain has now passed.
Good to be out after a day indoors yesterday... cleaning! Whatever next?
