WLCG Wargrave via Warren Row - 27 miles

Yesterday... Shall we go? If raining at 8.30, we decided to have a social at my house instead. Scones by Anne, Pear Jam by Gill. 😋.  Jeanette and Andrea couldn't ride today, but could eat scones. Martina is trying to impress in her new job, so was working. What! On a ride day! Slippery slope Martina. 😅

8.25 no rain, and a 2.5 window until the rain came.  4 of us decided to go. 

8.40 message from Gill. "It's pouring in Sandford Lane." 

OK.  Revert to plan B.  

8.45 message from Gill. It's stopped. I'm on my way. 

We thought a ride to Wargrave would be far enough, and could be abandoned if we got wet. 

Route

It started off with some light drizzle as we left Wokingham heading to the Straight Mile, but it was so light, and so mild, that it didn't matter. The sun came out by the time we reached West End Road, to turn into Sill Bridge Road.

Turning into Sill Bridge Road, to head to WSLawrence 5 way junction. 

Since it was now looking brighter, Gill suggested a wider loop, so we took the sharp right at the 5 way junction, passed through Beenhams Heath, then left into Smewins Road.

Smewins Road, where we stopped for a large vehicle to pass.

Smewins Road. Lynne now in teeshirt. It was so mild today.

We passed the Beehive in White Waltham, and into Butchers Lane, across the A4 at Knowl Hill, to climb passed Velo life cafe. Its a while since I came this way in this direction. The distant tree colours were looking lovely, but this blasted tractor came towards me, and stopped,, blocking the view. Grr.

Warren Row, with potentially good views. 

Zoomed in, but now the tennis court in the way. Anyway, love
 the trees in the far distance. 

 We decided not to stop at Velolife, since a fair way home if it rained now, but Louise popped in to buy a protein ball that she likes. I went ahead a bit in search of a better view. 

Gap in the hedge just a few yards further along. 

We rode on Highfield Lane then dropped down the hill to Wargrave to h'Artisan cafe. (I was expecting to see John and Dave there, but it turned out they went to the Velolife cafe on the riverside. They were the only ones there.)  h'Artisan was busy as usual, and we had to sit outside, but until a large canopy. It was very stuffy indoors anyway, so suited us.

Apricot Frangipan. Yes please. 

And it was delicious. 

Today's team. Gill, Lynne, me and Louise.

Gill was telling us the latest "wedding news", and that she has found a dress. No details here! It's a secret.  But it does look lovely.  Riding today, Gill asked if I would pick her up tomorrow? To do what? I had forgotten that we are going to Sonning tomorrow on another art course. Bought the paint colours, so knew it was coming up soon. 😂

As we were about to leave, the heavens opened, and it poured for a few minutes, so we hung on. Then a dash to get home in the dry, hopefully. We headed uphill from Wargrave, through Ruscombe and continued straight along the main road into Twyford Xroad. Then straight through the lights to Charvil. 

Before our normal turn at the mini roundabout, I heard a shout from behind "LEFT TURN", and Gill and Lynne navigated us on a route which they know, to cut through a housing estate missing a bit of the main road. Thanks ladies.

We left Gill on Sandford Lane, returning our usual route from there. We got a bit wet in Winnersh, but by then it didn't matter.

So glad we went out today, since it's a lovely time of year to enjoy the trees. Probably no ride next week, since it's half term, but also a few of us "artists" are attending a watercolour workshop. See you all in a couple of weeks.  

NEWS . Liz Truss resigned as Prime Minister 2 days ago, after 44 days in office. (she sacked her chancellor last week.) She has held the post for the shortest time in history. The plan is to have a new PM in place by next Friday 28th. What a shambles. I saw a picture on social media this morning, which read..... 

Only 2 more Prime Ministers 'till Christmas.   

You have to laugh or you'll cry. 😓