Just Daphers and me free today, so I suggested that we make the most of the "pop up cafe"at Hambleden Lock, which closes this week. (I had a fabulous 5 course taster meal there for £55 with friends, and will happily go back next year if it returns.)
I invited Gill and Jeanette to join us too, but Gill is away and Jeanette was riding with two friends today..... to Henley! Would we see them?
(My Garmin battery was flat so no route recorded today, but nothing new anyway).
We left my house at 9.15 and it was already warming up, with 27 degrees forecast today. We climbed Sandford Lane to wiggle through Woodley, and can't believe that we popped out on Butts Hill Road, near the wrong end! What is it with Woodley! I always get lost.😆 Too much chatting no doubt. Anyway, we peddled in the right direction along Butts Hill Road, and as we approached Duffield Road junction on the right, where we should have been, 3 cyclists pulled out ahead. It was Jeanette and her gang!
Daphne and I shot passed them, saying hello of course, and once over the A4 roundabout, we headed downhill into Sonning. A quick nature break at the Coppa club and a photo stop in Sonning and we still didn't see them.
 |
| Beautiful day on the Thames for canoeing |
 |
| Very bright, but the Willows lighting up with the sun in places, contrasting against the shadows. |
Daphne's legs were on fire today, as she shot up Dunsden Hill. Mine not so much, but I did a lot of peddling yesterday in Hampshire. From Binfield Heath, we passed the Bottle and Glass pub, where we pulled in for a car to pass next to the harvested field.
 |
| Binfield Heath |
A lovely downhill now into Harpsden, as we rode on Chalk Hill passing the golf course on the way down. I have been avoiding the riverside footpath on recent rides since it can be pretty busy and bikes seem a nuisance, but just fancied it today, and it was empty!
 |
| Empty footpath next to the Thames |
 |
| Liked this little boat scene with sunflowers and bike on board |
 |
| This boat had Agapathus in flower, with the blue matching the boat. |
Whilst I was photographing, Daphne was chatting up a man (what's new?), and he was working on his boat which was for sale. He and his wife had lived on it for 5 years. It was called Adventure II. "What's Adventure III going to look like?" asked Daphne. Dry land he replied.😉
 |
| Daphne full steam ahead as we come closer to the town, with her Ice Cream radar on.😅 |
 |
| Remenham church, where we cut through to the riverside. |
As we approached the church, Sandra pointed out that Jeanette's back wheel looked a little flat, and sure enough it was. Jeanette insisted Daphne and I go on ahead and she would put some air in her tyre and see us at the cafe. As we cut through the river, Daphne announced that she had never been here before. Really! I can't believe that. Daphne does loads of walking with various groups too, so I was sure she must have been here... but apparently not.
 |
| Temple Island. All new territory for Daphne. |
This loop to Aston, is probably about an extra mile, as an alternative to continuing along Remenham Lane to the Flower Pot, since the river swing well away from the lane, But worth an occasional detour in summer when the ground is dry. Daphne and I were at the cafe for a good while, had our drinks, but still no sign of Jeanette and co. Oh dear, this didn't bode well.
 |
| Jeanette caught up with the 4 of us, but didn't even get a coffee, as she walked further to the Flower Pot. |
 |
| The evening meals are served upstairs with lovely views across the river. We also saw a hot air balloon when we were there a week ago. |
 |
| Quite a busy day for boats waiting to go through Hambleden Lock. |
We caught up with Jeanette again just as Martin arrived. I also had a go at getting the bolt loosened to get the wheel off, but it was bloomin' tight! My wrists are not particular strong, but Martin managed, so at that point, Daphne and I opted to head off for home. I have this problem if my hubby tightens things too much! There is tight, and then there is overkill, when we woman can't fix things.... 'cos they are too tight to even get started. 😉
 |
| Action Man. |
Had to get the legs moving to get up Flower Pot Hill, which thankfully had lots of shade. Quickest route home now, which was to drop down from Crazies Hill to cross the A4 at Hare Hatch, and across to then turn right into Castle End Lane to Ruscombe. Then down Broadhinton to Hurst and round the lanes to climb over the motorways at Cantley.