With no other champs available this week, I offered two rides. Today's was a shorter, flatter ride, to Wargrave to H'Artisan Cafe. I was a little surprised that it wasn't fully booked, but that's good in a way, and means that ladies are doing something more exciting .... like long awaited holidays! (My turn soon.)
It was particularly nice to welcome Laura, whom I had not met before, and only her second Breeze Ride. The 5 of us today, were a mix of ladies who did not know each other so well, which was great. They certainly knew each other better by the end of this sociable ride in sunshine.
Storm Dudley was with us for many hours yesterday afternoon/evening, and Storm Eunice arrives tomorrow morning, with gusts of over 80mph! A RED weather alert has just been announced, which is a rare thing in the South East. I have even decided to cancel a lunch arrangement tomorrow. 😔 But today we are in between the storm winds, so making the most of the sunshine.
We set off from Woosehill, and over the motorway bridges towards Hurst. That was the biggest climb of the day behind us 😊. Then we wiggled through the Hurst Lane to pass the Church at Hurst. It was a blustery morning, but beautiful with the sun on our backs.
We will swing around to pass the church in Hurst, where the sunshine was lighting it up. |
I heard the bleating of the new lambs over this hedge in Hurst. Loads of them! |
As we rode into Tape Lane, Hurst, we could see a Tesco delivery truck blocking the lane, with a car behind it. No big deal, except that the car driver took great exception to the truck driver blocking the lane, and as we squeezed passed heard him having a go at him. Pathetic.
Tape Lane Hurst |
At the junction, we turned left for the short section on main road out of Hurst, towards Twyford. This was where the first seriously bad driving of the day took place. With close passes, but also the overtaking car heading straight for the oncoming car, who had to break. What is the matter with people!
The chef took our photo. Laura, Rose, Louise, me and Jeanette. |
I love how they put the pastries etc on greaseproof paper and NOT on top of he paper napkin. So many times, the napkin is sticky before you even use it! |
Wargrave Church. |
Crossing one of the rivers on Loddon Drive. This one is called St Patrick's Stream. |
We experienced some very pleasant drivers on Loddon Drive today, all seemed very happy that we were there, as they smiled as we pulled over as necessary to allow them past. Just one walker who rolled her eyes at us suggestion that we shouldn't be there.
Further along Loddon Drive. Look at the lamb on Mum's back. Cute or what! |
Enjoying seeing the lambs over the hedge. |
Soon we were 4, as we cut through Charvil, and along Beggars Hill Road where, on yesterdays ride, a tree had blocked the path. It had now been chopped enough for a clear run through, with the discarded logs left on the grass verge. Next, down Sandford Lane, as far as the Dinton car park, where I decided to detour through Dinton, under the new cafe, and along the lakeside. The breeze whipping up some stormy water today.