The forecast a few days ago was for a cold start this morning, so I suggested a 10am start. There was thin ice on our pond this morning, infact the newly laid frogspawn was also frozen, so not sure if it's now viable. This happened a few years ago, and the frogs returned to lay some more a few weeks later. They are clever.
I drove to meet Daphne and Linda at Frost Folly car park. John cycled from home today, and was heading for the Honesty Cafe, Cranbourne, which opens today. (I am leading a Breeze ride there this Wednesday). He stopped for a couple of minutes as he passed Frost Folly at 10am. I was sitting waiting in the van. Daphne and Linda arrived a few minutes later. The car park is normally empty, but there were at least 15 cars today, all with dogs.
Passed Warfied church, where there were a huge number of cars, with men in high viz jackets. What's happening we asked? A creche! (John asked too as he passed 😊)
We used the same route we did in the Autumn, heading to Cranbourne initially. We stopped to check out the new cafe on Crouch Lane, but not to have a drink. Just said a quick hello to John, and set off.
Just passed the Cranbourne Fishing Lake Cafe, we turned left into Lovel Lane, and then right at a X Roads to ride a short section on Forest Road, before a left turn into New Road. These are quite fast roads, but we were not on them for long. Good to get into New Road, which is a residential street, and much more relaxed. We were on the look out for a "snicket", to cut through onto Kennel Ride. Soon we are into the Racecourse.
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| A gloomy day and quite cold, with a Northerly wind |
Through the Racecourse, and on New Mile Ride, ignoring Watersplash Lane, we dropped down on Cheapside Road. At the Tjunction with the main B383, a right turn, and after just a hundred yards or so, left into the quiet Mill Lane. This undulates a little, with a rise at the end to the Black Nest Gate Entrance to Windsor Park. Last time we were here, the Autumn colours were glorious, but of course it's February, so no colour today. Soon through! We are all fed up with cold weather now. We continued passing the Polo club, to the Saville Garden cafe. (The new kids play area still not finished, but due to open at Easter).
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| The grasses still not cut down, but looking interesting. (They need to cut then down in the next couple of weeks, or they will be chopping off the new growth!) |
We decided too cold to sit outside today, so opted for inside. We got a table in the restaurant, which was very slow to produce our drinks. It wasn't until I went to the loo, that I spotted a self service cafe at the other end in the same building! Useful to know for another time if it's too cold to sit out.
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| A little bit of light on the roof as we left. |
I had a new chain fitted a few days ago, but the gears were jumping around all over the place today, and then I developed a squeak as well. I think the answer is that I also need a new cassette. More money. It never ends.😓 We passed an elderly couple riding their fold up bikes with tiny wheels. Then I stopped to check my squeak, and they passed us. A few minutes later, repeat. 😂
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| 70 new Oak trees planted last year along this Lane. |
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| One of the new Oaks |
We exited the park, and climbed Watersplash Lane. It's not that bad, but my legs were rubbish today. Maybe did too much climbing yesterday, and my chain definitely wasn't helping. Through the Racecourse via the tunnel, then left at the end of Kennel Lane, to follow Burleigh Road passing the enormous expensive homes, where we cut through a barrier to the Library car park.
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| Top of Sandy Lane, which is a track. |
Right turn, then soon left into Chavey Down Road, towards Winkfield Row, crossing the Forest Road at some a traffic controlled X Roads. This passes Lambrooke School. At the Tjunction a left turn onto Bracknell Road. (right here would take us to Oaktree Garden Centre). Riding on Bracknell Road, we took the first right into Malt Hill. Almost back, and we once more passed Warfield Church back to Frost Folly.
23 miles enough in the cold today. Poor Linda never felt warm. Thanks for your company ladies.
