My first aid certification is missing one crucial sign off atm from British Cycling, but I hope to have that resolved in about 3 weeks time. So for now, I am "assistant" to any Champ who is free, and willing to have me along. By doing that we can offer a few extra places, splitting the group in two on any busier sections of roads. That worked well today, assisting Sue and we were joined by 7 riders, with one free place.
Always lovely to meet new ladies, and also some who don't come out so often. New today were Collette, and Kim, and nice to see Beth for a second time, and Claire that I have only met a couple of times before. Regulars, Sandra, Sue C & Louise joined us.
Sue had loaded the ride as an 8.50am meeting for a 9am start today, since the forecast was for 27 degrees this afternoon. It was pleasant riding to the start leaving home at 8.30, along leafy lanes to FBC. We all gathered in the shade, waiting for just one more rider. A no show? Or a bit late? Just after 9, Sue P called the missing rider, who incidentally lives probably the closest to the start point, but who shall remain nameless. She is now known as "The Late Sue", so no prizes for guessing her name. (I know her well btw, and know that she won't mind me taking the Mickey.)😉 She had just forgotten about the earlier start time, but was able to join us a few minutes later. We were off.
Route
Cutting through California Park, we road along Nine Mile Ride then Park Lane in two groups, regrouping in New Mill Lane, heading to cross the ford. As we arrived, two dog walkers were about to cross the bridge, and we insisted they go ahead, so we got off our bikes to walk. Following them on to the bridge, Kim called out to one of them, realising she new her. So she went ahead in front of me, but them we all screeched to a halt as said dog decided the middle of the footbridge was the perfect place for its morning poo. 😕
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Patiently waiting to continue to cross the ford bridge.
"Poo alert" . |
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And now into the shady Bramshill path, where we turned first right,, following the track
and emerging on Wellhouse Lane, near Thatchers Ford. Very sad to see a caravan
dumped at the ford today. |
Continuing to the junction of Part Lane, we headed left towards Riseley.
(Sue had originally planned to come over Farley Hill into Swallowfield today, but I had a feeling I had spotted a sign about the road being closed this week. Sure enough, Part Lane towards Swallowfield was closed at this point.)
Under the A33 on Bull Lane, and then the long whizz down Chequers Lane, passing the back gate entrance of Statfield Saye estate. (I had been for a tour yesterday, and came out that gate for the first time.) Then left to follow the road all the way to the Fairoak X Roads, where Louise spotted that this little cottage was once the INFANT SCHOOL in MDCCCXLI. Thanks to google that is 1843.
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| Infant School at Statfield Saye at the corner of Fair Oak Lane, Built 1843 |
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| Straight over, to pass The Iron Duke Pub. |
At the next 5 way X Roads, left into Mill Lane (to avoid going into Bramley, and cycling on Bramley Road.) Mill Lane is never busy, and a very pleasant lane which joins the Bramley Road, about half a mile short of Sherfield on Loddon.
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Someone got there ahead of us and got the last fruit tart!
(aka my hubby) |
There were no tables with shade outside, so we sat indoors with air con, which was no bad thing.
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The full team, photo taken by a kind gentleman at the next table.
At The Coffee Shop, SOL. |
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| A couple of ladies opted for Iced coffees today. |
It took us a good few minutes to get everyone across the A33 after we left SOL, to head to Hartley Wespall. My hubby had done this ride in the opposite direction this morning and at the coffee shop, mentioned that the Lyde River was running quite nicely at the ford bridge. This was only a half a mile detour, so I asked if Sue fancied doing that? She had never been, which was even better. Such a pretty spot, and well worth a detour.
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Mill Lane at Lyde Green, getting organised for a some photos.
 | Sue trying to round everyone up for her photo of the team with the thatch cottage
as her background opposite the little ford..........
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... and her we all are.
Me, Sandra, Beth, Louise, Kim, Collette, Claire and Sue C. |
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| Some people got a bit over excited.😂 |
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Splash of pink from the Loosestrife, happy alongside the stream.
Not sure where all the water is coming from! No rain for weeks. |
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Back on course, we passed the pretty Hartley Wespall church.
I remember roads, which can all look much the same, by a landmark of some kind. On Bottle Lane, it's this thatch cottage with it's clock, which is reliably at the correct time. Facing the wrong direction on our route today, but I stopped for a photo.
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| The ladies all missed it since it was facing the wrong direction,so this is for you! It was 11.55. |
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| I will catch them up, along Bottle Lane, nr Chandlers Green |
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| A shady spot for a drink of water on Bottle Lane. |
At the end of Bottle Lane, a left turn, and ignoring the Dipley Mill turning, next right to Mattingley, and Sue requested a look at the church, hidden behind the trees.
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| A couple of young lads, hoping to catch Pike or Trout. |
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This was their Mum, who already in the water, offered to take a photo on Sue's phone.
We have had many a photo at this spot over the years, but none taken from this point of view!
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| And one final shot. |
Almost back, and we cycled along the very dusty track behind Nine Mile Ride, to cross over White Horse Lane, and emerge near California Park once more.
Thanks Sue for having me along, and to all the ladies for a lovely morning ride and chat. Hope to see you again soon. Anne.
