WLCG Henley via Crazies Hill - 35 miles

A team of 6 were free today, but the forecast was a bit iffy. I think we all secretly thought someone would cancel, but no one wanted to be the first! 😂 So we met as planned, and although it was a bit drizzly, never really came to much. We met Gill at Pound Lane, and we swapped around as to who was leading today, aiming for Warren Row, on no particular route, but to see how the weather panned out by the time we got there. If all ok, we would carry on to Henley.

Route

The Straight Mile as we head to Shurlock Row. Grey, grey, grey.

Down Bottle/Butchers Lane at White Waltham to cross the A4, and the climb begins to Warren Row. We had spread out a bit so waited by the pretty pink blossom to regroup, just short of Velolife. 

So nice to see blossom on our ride today. A lot more than a week ago. 
(Gill with her trusty hankie. It was definitively a nose blowing day.)

Everyone was happy to continue to Henley, and the hard work for this part was over now, as the road flattens out across to Remenham.  Road closed! Signs don't stop us!

More blossom as we head to Remenham.

We stayed this side of the river today, to ride along Remenham Lane, passing the church. I was expecting some big puddles on this part of the road, but it was fine. 

Catch us up on Remenham Lane. Gill, Martina and Lynne.

And here we all are at the end of Rememham Lane. 

Whilst I was taken with the fact the Willow tree is budding up,
the others was more interested in the robot lawnmower. 😊

Remenham Church. Not exactly bursting with colour, but nice to see few daffs.

Over the bridge into Henley, and to the rowing museum cafe, which was quite busy today, but excellent service. Soon we were all tucking into a variety of goodies. 

Shortbread and Lemon Curd cake

Toast for Louise, with Marmite to arrive shortly.

Toasted teacake for Gill

Chocolate something for Lynne.. I think Jeanette abstained? Will power!!

Looking in from the outside. Busy today. 

From the cafe deck, the view to the Thames path.  The
Willow trees definitely not far off breaking bud.

Willow buds. Love this time of year. 

A quick visit to the Museum shop, where Gill found the perfect finger-less gloves
for her outdoor band concerts.

We used the Thames river path to Mill Lane, then headed to Harpsden. It's always cooler here, and we all felt a bit chilled as we rode along the valley road. But soon warmed up as we climbed Devils Hill. It appears just around a left hand bend, and doesn't give much chance for a run up! We all got up, but  the photo shows everyone catching their breath at the top where it flattens out. 

At the top of Devil's Hill. Phew! Not cold anymore!!

The worst climb is over, but a cheeky little climb follows soon to get to Binfield Heath, then its all downhill to Dunsden Green. As we pass the end of Church Lane, I spot my hubby  approaching from the right, and he passes us on the road into Sonning.   We loose him again, and it turned out that he went home via Charvil, whilst we opted for the Woodley route today.

We left Gill on Sandford Lane, where sadly there was an accident yesterday with an Amazon delivery truck leaving her drive, and a tandem coming down Sandford Lane. Gill assisted with blankets and hot water, while they waited for an ambulance, which took 3 hours to attend. That's terrible! What a horrible situation for everyone, including the van driver, who although not hurt, was very shaken up. (not his fault on this occasion, just a dangerous bend). 

Through the Hurst Lanes to Winnersh and home.
It's brightening up... if you squint! 

I thought it would be around 33 miles, but mine was 35 in total, so similar for most of us. Well done ladies, some good hill practice today. A few of the "oldies" are on hols or busy next Friday, but I am free the one after. Hope those who are free manage to get out next week. 

(NEWS. More heavy casualties in Ukraine yesterday and a nuclear power station was targeted in Ukraine last night. The fires have been put out, and reports are that radiation levels are not affected. It's all very worrying, as a disaster like would affect all of Europe, including UK. Putin it seems will stop at nothing.)