When I rode through Hambleden about 3 weeks ago, I had made a mental note that the Hollyhocks were budding up nicely, so posted a Breeze Ride for today in the hope that a few ladies would push themselves a little further than normal, not only in distance, but a couple of hills on the way back. (OK, so I might have lied and said only one hill!😂). The official ride was 33 miles round trip starting at Cantley. Some drove, but a few rode from home so will have done extra miles too. Well done! At the end they were all still smiling and really enjoyed their morning out. So here is where we went.
Route
Shortest route to Crazies Hill to drop down to Aston is through Hurst, then the climb to pass the vineyard in Twford, over the railway bridge at Ruscombe, then to Hare Hatch where we crossed the A4. Dropping down a little to Wargrave on Mumberry Hill, we crossed Dark Lane, to emerge at Wargrave Manor. Then a left turn into the wide, straight road passing Hennerton Golf Course. On this section, a female driver felt obliged to shout "you should be in single file". I soon corrected her. If she cant pass two cyclist on that road, she maybe needs to go to specsavers.😣
A bit of effort to get to Crazies Hill, where we stopped for the first photo of the day.
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| The phone box confirms our location |
Now the fun drop down Aston Lane to the Flower Pot. Wheeee. Once through the gate I asked for a 30 second start to get ahead with my camera. Here they come. Beautiful formation so they can all see the camera... as instructed.
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| Hambleden Valley looking lovely. This "pond" just a big puddle. |
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| The Hollyhocks did not disappoint. |
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| Lady Hambleden's Cottage full of Roses |
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| The Hollyhocks continued around the corner |
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| Pretty Gardens next to the Post Office |
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| The team. Linda, Sue, Louise, Barbara, me and Denise. |
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| Couldn't resist one more selfie before we set off. |
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Ian, opposite the Sports Club is responsible for the seedlings around
the village. They all started in his garden several years ago. |
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| This cottage has disappeared behind the tall planting. Gorgeous Roses and perennials. |
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| The stream as we leave the village to retrace our route back to the river. |
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The lock keeper held this lot to allow us all over the swing bridge.
The canoes looking tiny next to the narrow boat. |
We now rode to Henley on Remenham lane, under plenty of shade, since it was pretty hot now. Through the one system and turned right towards Harpsden. Then all the way through Harpsden to the unmentionable hill which was a first for most ladies. (Devil's Hill aptly named). Well done to everyone, whether up in one, on an ebike, or just sheer determination. We all made it. It's never as bad the next time.
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| Horse standing in shade at the top of Devil's Hill |
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| Enjoying the shade before we set off to Binfield Heath for one more climb to the crossroads. |
Then all downhill through Dunsden to Sonning. Quite busy today through Sonning, so we allowed traffic to pass a couple of times. Next we cross the A4 at Charvil, shortly after which a right turn towards the ford. A particularly dense white van driver did his best to mow us down as we clearly signalled to turn right with plenty of warning. Swearing as he passed of course. Why oh why do they do it!
Finally back via Sandford Lane, and Hurst Lanes to Winnersh, and Toutley Road to Cantley.
Thank you ladies for your good company, and for pushing yourselves that little bit further. Home at 2.30, which is an improvement on 6pm on Monday's Ride.😂
2 photos by Sue. Me catching up.
The fields opposite the cows were covered in a yellow weeds. They are like a small version of Dandelion. Anyone know what they are called?
Photo by Sue. 
