5 of us made it out again today, and the route started the same as last week, crossing Sonning Bridge to climb to Dunsden Green. As we approached Sonning from Woodley there was an enormous queue of traffic backing up, so we took the left turn on Pearson Road, to walk through the church yard.
 |
| Walking through Sonning churchyard. Sorry, terrible focus. My camera on the wrong settings since my factory reset yesterday. |
We emerged from the churchyard expecting a big queue to cross the bridge, but no traffic! There were some temporary light holding them all back further up the hill, so we got a nice clear run through.😊
 |
| Here they come at the top of Dunsden Hill, heading to Binfield Heath |
We turned right at Binfield Heath whizzing down hill to Upper Shiplake, passing the Memorial Hall. Straight over the main Henley Road, into Lower Shiplake, where the trees were looking very colourful.
 |
| Dropping down to Lower Shiplake on Mill Road... ...to very soon climb back up again to Harpsden. |
 |
| Harpsden Woods. Leaves just about hanging on, but another week and they will be gone. |
 |
| Harpsden Woods |
 |
| Harpsden Woods |
Having climbed up, we enjoyed the steep downhill now into Harpsden village and stopped for a look at the interesting barns with their wooden block end elevations. I looked up "Printers Pie" again on Google to see if I could find any history about the place, but still found nothing. Except that you can stay at Printers Pie as an Air B&B property.
 |
| Acers like fireworks on the Thames in Henley |
 |
| Gill and Jeanette having a laugh |
 |
| A quick look at the shop, and Lynne bought these for Xmas gifts for someone. |
 |
| Whilst I bough a new leather bag! I was asked if I wanted it put in a bag, but said "no thanks I'll wear it ".😅 |
Through Henley, across the bridge and then we climbed Aston Lane. It does go on a bit, and some of the ladies had voted to do this ride the opposite way round, to avoid this hill, but the more you do it, the easier it becomes. Don't you agree ladies?
Passing Velolife at Warren Row and across the A4 to Bottle Lane, Gill suggested that we cut through Shottesbrook. It was mostly fine, but a bit messy in the last section, so our tyres got filthy!
 |
| Exiting Shottesbrook |
Left and then right into Smewins Road, where Lynne screeched to a halt as she spotted some timber by the roadside. She needed some for a Brownie Christmas decoration project. So, quite a shopping trip today😂.
 |
| Lynne with extra weight now with a log on the rack, AND another in her front bag. |
Through Shurlock Row, and then Broadcommon Road to Hurst. We said goodbye to Gill at Pound Lane, and the rest of us peddled up over the motorway bridge to approach Wokingham at Cantley.
Well done ladies. Shame the light today was a bit flat, but otherwise ideal weather for cycling. Getting colder next week I fear!