Breeze to Wargrave via Twyford - 27 miles

 I had billed today's ride as "last chance to go the Cwtch". I was there on Friday with friends, at which point the plan was for it to open until this Sunday, but at the weekend, they decided to shut up shop for good.  A real shame, especially as 2 of today's riders had not been there. 

Clare W had signed up for today's ride, so I was looking forward to seeing her again, the first time since pre Covid. But at the last minute, literally, she couldn't come do a family Covid related contact issue. Amanda joined us, which is nice, since this was only her second Breeze Ride. She had no problem keeping up!

We headed to Winnersh, then up Sandford Lane and since Amanda was not familiar with the cut through to Charvil, we did a mini detour to ford. It was running quite fast.

Route

Sue and Louise still with decorations on their bikes😇
Linda and Amanda at Heron on the Ford.

For a change, we then headed into Twyford on the main road, which was not at all busy, straight through the crossroads and then right to Ruscombe. Up Castle End Road, to then turn left to cross the A4 and up Tag Lane. We dropped into Wargrave on School Road to H'Artisan.  We all struggled to use the bike racks as usual!), so when we ordered our drinks, we asked if one of the staff could give us a demo on how to use them properly before we left... I always felt there must be a knack to these racks, which I had yet to master.😂

3 types of coffee, each had individual patterns on top. 

It was so mild that we sat outside. Had the garden to ourselves. 

Our demo on how to use the racks properly was very helpful, so will be well prepared next time. It did help that they guy demonstrating was over 6' though, so a slight advantage. The key is to approach from the right of the bracket, and whilst holding the bike in mid air "simply guide the bike to the left, looping it  onto the hook, and drop into the channel". Hmmm.

I had noticed that my shoe on my right peddle, had been proving difficult to unclip on my last couple of rides, and today I finally got stuck! After a huge effort, I did release my foot as we left Wargrave, so then was paranoid about NOT clipping it in again all the way home. I really missed it though at every junction, when I had to get my peddle in the correct position. I was worried about arriving home, with hubby out, and would be attached to my bike until I was rescued.

We returned via Mumberry Hill to cross the A4 once more to Ruscombe, and for the second time today, up Castle End Road, this time turning right to Waltham St Lawrence. Straight over at the 5 way junction to Shurlock Row, doing a little extra loop passing the Polo stables at Beenham Heath. 

The Straight Mile out of Shurlock Row next, and great confusion as I signaled a right turn at the end. (away from Wokingham). This had been planned with Clare in mind, to drop her back in Hurst, so I just stuck with it otherwise the ladies might have complained that I had cut short the milage.😊

Passing the Castle Inn, Hurst, I noticed the fencing replaced at the cottage where it was knocked down by a hit and run driver a few weeks ago, and all now looking very smart with its fresh picket fence. 

Sue left us on the Hurst Lanes  to approach Wokingham via Cantley direction, whilst the rest of us headed over the other motorway bridge near Dinton.

I got home, and as I walked into the garage, my clip fell off my shoe, with one screw obviously missing. Problem solved. 

Thanks for your company ladies. Lovely to meet Amanda, and hope to see you again on another ride soon. So nice to be complaining that we were too warm!