It's hot again, but it's thankfully day 4 of 4 "severe heat warning" days, with temperatures in the mid 30s. John and I drove to Caversham Tennis club, and were heading for Goring. He mentioned not even bothering with a coffee shop... just get home before its too hot. WHAT!
I was testing out a different bracket on my ebike in an attempt to make the bike a but shorter, and more like the reach on my Gravel bike, where the reach is 2" shorter. But for some reason Berkshire Cycles have fitted a bracket which is just an inch shorter. They haven't charged me yet, so I will ask for another one. It's better, but I think another inch will make a big difference to neck strain.
Initially we headed to Kidmore End Road, but then immediately left into Grove Road, and right into Barnabus Road, leading to Gravel Hill. I have only done this in the opposite direction, once. Climbing to Caversham UP Gravel Hill is a tough one, and so I suspected going the other way would be similar, since it dips down and up again into a hollow. But it was not nearly so bad. (I did use power, but was never panting.)
Camera colours look weird today, since a Filter had somehow been switched on. Only found out on my last photo today!
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| Start of the dip down on Gravel Hill, then we need to climb out again into Tokers Green |
Then into Tokers Green, and a few undulations to Mill Lane, where the pot holes get no better, but a useful link to cross the Main A4074. After crossing, we took the first right turn through Trench Green and passing through the lovely shady roads of Nuney Green, to Goring Heath. We went straight over, and slogged up Long Toll to Greenmore Hill (only ever come down Long Toll... much better!)
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| heading downhill on Battle Road into Goring. |
We went as far as the railway, then turned into the Ridgeway track, emerging at Don Giovanni on the Thames. Onto the main road for a couple of hundred yards, and a right turn, passing the farm with the views of pig city. Left now and the open landscape of Braziers Park area.
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| Think these are seedheads of cornfower blue spring flowers. |
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| John ahead as we dip down on Ickneild Road to turn right and climb South Stoke Road |
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| Wierd colours. Stupid camera. Its a bit too sensitive at times. |
At the Xroads in Woodcote, we turned left and first right into Tigmore Lane. I had used this recently, but a first for John. Basically avoid the traffic on the Reading Road through Woodcote, so much quieter.
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| Park Lane woods near Cane End. |
Finally to Kidmore End, and back dropping down past Reading Golf club and up again. John's power unfortunately died at the crucial moment, then on again at the top of hill.😌 Its not a bad hill on normal bike, but these bikes are heavy. Back to the van at noon and time for shade back home.