A Monday ride, and whilst Daphne is off tall ship sailing, (rather her than me!), Linda B, Gill and I had planned to ride today with Linda leading. Linda opted for Welly Farm Shop, but poor Linda needed an emergency dental appointment, so just me and Gill in the end. The early morning weather was dreadful with heavy rain and gusty winds, but we held off, the sun came out, and we set off at about 11am. We decided to still go to Welly, but planned a lunch instead of cake stop.😉
Gill came to me, and we headed to Finchampstead. With my gravel bike still away for a brake pad repair, I opted for my e-bike, so that I could do a little off road too. It was still pretty gusty. We climbed White Horse Lane, and I spotted this little scene on the right, as Gill continued to the top.
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| White Horse Lane, Finchampstead |
Next we crossed to Wick Hill Lane, then down Dell Road, continued downhill all the way to Eversley Cross. Then along the Bramshill Road to the left turn for Hazeley. Enjoying the downhills still as we finally came to the crossing at The Shoulder of Mutton, where this next photo was taken.
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| Interesting skies at the back of Shoulder of Mutton. The cows adding to the timeless scene |
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| Opposite Mattingley Church |
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| I suddenly had a horrible feeling that the teastop might be shut on a Monday! Gill checked their website. Phew. Lunch stop still on. Hungry now. |
Crossing the B3349 to ride on Bottle Lane, we discussed the fact that there are a few Bottle Lanes around here. According to Google there are 4 in the UK. So, why are they called Bottle Lane? I still don't know.
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| All the cattle facing the same way. Unusual that they are so organised. Maybe down to the strong wind? |
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| Bottle Lane cattle |
Now at the "green triangle" we take the left fork, then shortly right, passing Daneshill School. Following the roads all around the edges of Stratfield Saye, we opted to climb on Welsh Lane, all the way to the top to the farmshop, rather than detour around Barge Lane. We chatted to 4 cyclist (2 couples) who were just leaving, with panniers, and who were just setting off to join the King Alfred Way.
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| Views at our lunch stop |
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| We sat outdoors, with this view for lunch |
A lovely bowl of potato and sweetcorn soup, and we were on our return trip now, to Risley, Swallowfield, then Arborfield. After the new road junction, we turned left into Greensward Lane, then joined the off road section around the back of Arborfield Church, passing through the University agriculture buildings. A little new detour suggested by Gill into Gypsy Lane, emerging a little further along Mole Road. That bit will be messy in winter, but ok today. Here we said our goodbyes, Gill heading to Sainsbury's X Roads, and me to Bearwood Road, to cut through Sadlers Lane.
Certainly blew the cobwebs away today!
My left gear lever has been giving me trouble for some time now, and by the end of the ride home, I could NOT get the chain to move to the big wheel. John did a short test ride, and finally agrees there is something wrong with the cable. I've been telling him that for weeks! It used to be easy, so when I get my gravel bike back, will take the ebike to the repair shop. We certainly keep Berkshire Cycles busy between us with all the maintence on these bikes, which have done thousands of miles this past 2 years.