Daphne rode John's ebike today, just to try it out. So, we needed a route with a few hills to make it worth while! I rode mine too of course. John joined us on his gravel bike. Daphne was worried he wouldn't be able to keep up😁. It would be an interesting test.
Having fitted Daphne's own saddle, we headed to Bradfield to park in our usual spot in Dark Lane. It WAS dark too. Another miserable overcast day, and just 15 degrees. I suppose summer now officially over.
Route
We cross the road into Back Lane, where the first few miles are easy and pretty flat over to Bucklebury, so a chance for Daphne, who had never ridden a drop handlebar bike before, to get used to different gears and brakes, and switch power on and off. Finally a little incline as we get closer to the Buckleburry ford.
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| Power on as she appears round the bend from the first rise |
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no action at the ford today, where just a couple of weeks ago,
we were paddling with our boat with grandchildren |
Once over the ford a right turn and a gentle climb to pass the pretty Marlston House School.
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| Marlston House School |
We carry straight past the school, and soon face a more substantial climb, where the gap opens up a little between us and John, when Daphne and I hit the power buttons. I did this before on my gravel bike, and I know it's quite hard work. Then at a junction, we turn left, into Hermitage.
Taking second right, we turn into Curridge Road, and this next few miles is new for me. (Have previously turned towards Chievley to loop round that way).
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| Views on our left on Curridge Road |
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| Pretty flat on Curridge Road |
We get some speed up as we pass under the A34, and at a junction, dogleg right then left back onto a quiet road to Snelsmore Common. (We have parked here a few times too for another ride). We pass through and down the hill of the gorgeous woods of Snelsmore Common with loads of ferns under the trees, then stop as it opens up for a couple of photos. Daphne continued downhill.
All flat for a while now as we follow the route of the Winterbourne River, firstly through Bagnor, passing Kimber cottage with it's sculpted hedges, then we stop for a few minutes to detour for a look at the Watermill Theatre in Bagnore village.
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| We turn left at this garden with its pond, into Castle Lane, Donnington |
We have a gradual climb as we leave Boxford, and separate a little from John as we use power on this section. It becomes quite exposed with open fields either side and the WIND became rather unpleasant. As we turn right, heading towards Leckhampstead, I notice that my battery power indicator turned to orange. This is not good news! This means my battery is now half empty. (I can only assume that it was not fully charged last time since Daphne's is still 75% +). I will need to be a little careful now about when I use power or may run out😔.
We soon drop down, to cross the B4494, and immediately have a climb now to Peasemore. I would prefer to have been using power here, but was a bit worried about using it, so struggled up the hill without it. Then John decided to change the planned route, to go the "steeper" way into Peasemore. Great.
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| At Peasemore church, taking a breather |
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| What a dull day again. |
A bit of up and down now to Beedon, then under the A34 on a downhill run for much of the way into Hampstead Norreys. This cottage on our left just near the community shop. (We are not using the shop today, since have a booking at the Berkshire Brewery... not far now!).
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| Hampstead Norreys Cottage. Upstairs window height Hollyhocks!! |
Through Hampstead Norreys, and a right fork into Yattendon Road, then a left turn to climb the hill to Yattendon. I feel happy now using the power knowing this is about the last proper hill. It's actually not too bad anyway, but green power gives a useful bit of assistance on this heavier bike. John peddles along side without power.
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| Bradfield House, Scratchface Lane. |
All flat now back to the van. 35 miles, and it's now 3.30! A lovely leisurely ride, stopping as and when, and a leisurely lunch of delicious pizza all round at the brewery. Glad you enjoyed your power spin Daphne. Tempting isn't it!
