In the past 48 hours, the government has implemented "Covid Plan B", and back to level 4 (of 5), as a result of the Omicron strain spreading very fast. Everyone over the age is 18 is promised a Booster jab by year end. (I got mine last week). Facemasks are once more compulsory in all shops etc, and it's back to working from home where possible. This is not good news. 😒 Restaurants report that several large party groups are now cancelling. Such a shame as these business NEED the business badly.
As it turned out, we had our own plan B today. John and I picked up Linda to drive to Silchester to start a ride to Ibworth. As we got to Finchampstead, it started to rain lightly. John had not even brought a rain jacket, so we drove back home first to get his jacket. As we drove enroute to our starting point, the rain got worse, so we decided to scrap the idea of cycling, and just go to Welly Farm Shop for a cuppa. instead.
As we finished our tea, it cleared up!
 |
| Welly Farm Shop. No one sitting out today! But its clearing up. |
 |
| We're off. Leave the van here, and ride to Silchester. |
 |
| It was very pleasant, and warm too. |
 |
| Mudguard rubbing. |
 |
| The sky looking a bit threatening as we climb to Silchester... .will we make it and stay dry? |
We went around Wall Lane, then a left, and first left again (Bramley Road). This is the way I usually cycle here, but after just a few yards, John had another plan, to take the second left at this 3way junction (Little London Road), which takes us through Silchester Village. I dont remember ever doing that before. We dropped downhill to then turn left, uphill, onto Byes Lane.... this I normally come down.
It was rather messy today after a fair amount of rain yesterday afternoon, but a nice lane even uphill. It joins to the Bramley Road (which we turned back on earlier.) A right turn as we join Bramley Road and stay on this as it wiggles around, eventually passing Clappers Farm Road on our left (to the ford), and finally over the railbridge near Bramley. Left now onto Strafield Saye Road and right at the Active Tots Xroads, into Mill Lane and stay straight on passing the main entrance to Stratfield Saye House. Finally, Welsh Lane and Barge Lane back to the van.
John decided to cycle home, so left us at Bull Lane, and almost immediately it started to rain. Linda and I spent a few minutes in the farm SHOP, and John appeared at home 2 mins after me. A little damp at the edges.