Sad news via Facebook this week that The Cwtch is closing on 19th December ..... for good. So, today I suggested we ride over there. Just Jeanette and Lynne free today, and poor Lynne has been struggling with a horrible cold for 2 weeks. Well done for coming out. I gave them the option at the start of our route, of the lower route or the climb, and we agreed Carters Hill would warm us up, in the strong winds today. It worked as usual.
My Garmin had no power this morning, so not route to share today.
Then to Howe Lane, and a detour to Westley Mill to get us off the main road for a stretch before rejoining Howe Lane as far as the roundabout, then a left turn towards Beenham Heath.
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| heading towards Smewins Road, long shadows from the trees |
Right now into Smewins Road and over to White Waltham Cricket pitch. As we rode down Bottle Lane, I realised I didnt mean to come this way... not the first time I've got my Walthams mixed up😊. Didnt matter of course, it just meant more climbing as we passed Velolife to Crazies Hill.
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| One of our noseblow stops today dropping down from Crazies Hill towards Wargrave |
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| Its almost the shortest day and long shadows even at mid morning |
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| 😔😢 |
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| Delicious warm mince pies on offer today. And a dash of cream. |
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| passing by as we sat indoors |
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| Kirsty who runs the cafe, owned by the Marina next door. |
Jeanette thought "usual way back?" There isnt really any usual way back, as I try to change it every time, so today we came through the centre of Wargrave and turned into Braybrooke Road, to then climb Mumbery Hill. Braybrooke Road had all its potholes filled in during the last year, apart from about 4 metres at the top end, which today was a huge puddle across the entire road! We dismounted and opted to walk the bikes over a grass bank instead.
Then across the A4, to Ruscombe, down passed the Vineyard and into the Hurst Lanes. Lynne led the last bit which was over the motorway after Dinton, then we used the footpath to connect to Poplar Lane, emerging on Watmore Lane.
It was a lovely bright sunny day, and mostly we were warm enough. The weather is due to warm up to around mid teens next week, but it is going to be dull and rain at times, so it was good to make the most of the sunshine today. Thanks for your company ladies.