3 of the WLCG were not available today. Gill is on her fabulous family cycling holiday in the Hebrides, of which we are all very jealous. (Would we be so jealous if the weather was blowing a gale? Hmmm, not so sure. 😉 ) Martina busy with kids, and Lynne at London Zoo for her son's birthday treat. The schools go back next week. (which is why I go on holiday next week.)
I heard a couple of days ago via Breeze Champ Cathy, that the Pop Up Cafe at Silchester has relocated to the Village Hall, since there was a fire at the Cricket Pavillion. I also thought the cafe was only there in the summer months, but the ladies who run it are actually there every Wed and Friday throughout the year, with their home baked cakes, and savouries.
Rather than cycle from home, on very familiar territory, I offered to drive everyone to start in Riseley. I cobbled together a route based around other rides I'd done, but then realised the tea stop was at 12 miles. so reversed the route. My planned route was 30 miles, but we only did 27, and it wasn't until I was home that I saw where I went wrong in the last few miles. (not wrong.... just not what I had planned.) The other 3 ladies all had problems with their GPX devices for one reason or another today. Mine was spot on, but I just ignored a turning!
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| Opposite the "exit" from Stratfield Saye on Chequers Lane, a field of sunflowers looking rather pathetic. (terrible photo too!) |
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| We took the left fork, passing the main entrance to Stratfield Saye house, then continued straight on Great Dover Street for a few miles, all the way to these 5 way Xroads at Fair Oak Green. |
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| Sharp left at Fairoak X Roads, heading towards Bramley on Folly Lane. The ground looks damp, but never did get wet. |
Turning right into Olivers Lane, we crossed the railway bridge, and first left into Minchens Lane,
continuing to Bramley. Then on the main road for a short distance, and a left turn into Vine Road.
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| On Vine Road, this property on our left. These style of windows are seen in several properties around this area. |
A fast scoot down Vine Road, passing NT The Vine on our right, with a few glimpses of the buildings. Then the road undulated a bit, as we arrive into Sherbourne St John. The road bends left, and we took the first turn on the right which the ladies were pleased about, since they could see a bit of a climb straight ahead. 😅 This was Cranes Road, an ordinary residential street, which changes to Spring Close, to meet the main A340 Aldermaston Road.
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| We turned right here on the A340 opposite The Old Bakery Emporium. After 100 yards, left into the quiet Monk Sherbourne Road.. |
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| The Alpacas on our left just before a small climb into Charter Alley. The ladies carried on up the hill, whilst I stopped to feed the goats. |
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| They were very excited to see me, jumping up on the gate. |
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| The owners have a box of straw and animal feed to give them. |
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| I caught up with the others outside this shop, which also serves drinks/cakes! I popped to ask when they were open? Every day from 7am. Tables outside and a loo which we could use. Might come back another time. |
A bit about Charter Alley
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| Baughurst Church |
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| Baughurst Church |
A right turn now onto the slightly busier Baughurst Road, passed The Wellington Arms, on our right. Then right into Shaw Lane and the not so pretty part of the ride through the residential part of Pamber Heath to reach Silchester.
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| Lovely house just next to Silchester Village Hall, called The Old Stores. |
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| We ordered indoors, but sat outside. Great choice of goodies. |
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| The carrot cake was amazing Soooo moist. |
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| A fellow visitor took our photo, boasting that he is a photographer. Did a good job. |