Emmer Green to Goring and Blue Tin

I was supposed to lead Week 3 of Breeze "building miles" course today, but the one lady who signed up, Sally, needed to cancel last night. So, I was out with John today (Thursday!) which will be very confusing for the rest of the week... again. We drove to Emmer Green heading for Goring, and eventually Blue Tin.

Route (route photo at the end)

We dropped down passing Reading Golf course, then through the lane to Kidmore End. I spotted this pretty knitted piece on the old well.

Coronation knitting at Kidmore End

Rather than straight over to Wyfold, we turned left then right into Park Lane, Cane End. Don't do this so often. It's a nice lane and the Beech of course at their best.

Park Lane, Cane End

We opted to use the Quiet Lane to Exlade Street, but came to a horrible flood. It was filthy from field run off, so we pushed through the hedge into this field to miss the flood. (I did this once before but in winter when the flood was much deeper and longer)

Hook End Lane, to avoid the flood

As we passed through Exlade Street, I called Debi to find out if she was in, but no answer. (Got a message later to day they were in the hot tub 😂)

Crossing at Woodcote, we dropped down the long Elvendon Lane. A few really sandy/gravelly bits here too today, so took it easy. I pulled over at these gates to see the back up the hill, since the view down is difficult to capture because of the hedges.

Looking back on Elvendon Lane as we drop down towards Goring.

And opposite view.

Flowers by the gate. Honesty I think.

We didnt drop all the way to Goring, but turned onto the Ridgeway track just after the rail way bridge.

Thames views from The Ridgeway path near Goring

A short section on the B4009, then first right to climb to pass the farm on Grove Road. Id forgotten about the first steep bit. Down to bottom gear. John very nearly lost his balance on a nasty sandy patch near the farm, but recovered.

Catching my breath after climbing out from the farm to join Icknield Road.

Ickneild Road. The "airport field" at the bottom of this hill, now agriculture land.

Straight over to cross the A4074, left at Braziers Park, then right turn at the Xroads, to climb Garsons Hill. We were both feeling a bit weary after challenging rides yesterday, so would we make it?

Garsons Hill. Blue Tin at the top.

I ran out of gears fairly early on, but somehow managed to keep going, all the way to the farm shop! I've done it before, but not every time. John rested at the top of the steepest section, presumably because he thought I would want to stop. 😉