WLCG Marlow via Pinkneys Green, Return Temple Bridge 36 miles

I  missed out on a ride which Lynne led a while back, to a church cafe in Marlow. She had returned via a pathway to Temple to cross the Thames.   I had requested a re run of that ride today. A couple of others had missed out too last time. Louise originally said she couldn't make it, since her bike is being serviced, so I offered her my "spare" Speciliase Gravel Bike, since I now have my Oro Gravel bike. šŸ˜Š  She peddled over to me on her Brompton. Jeanette is in Jersey, and Martina working today.

Route (screen shot at the end)

Initially we headed to Shurlock Row, and White Waltham, where, shortly before the airfield we turned into the concrete tracks across Haywood Barn Farms. It was looking gorgeous today with the rape crop in full bloom.

Haywood Barn Farms. White Waltham

Two of my bikes out today! 
Louise borrowed my Specialised Diverge. Did she enjoy it? 

I got a little ahead to capture the group

Lynne directed us through a wiggly route of the residential part of Cox Green, avoiding Cannon Lane, which is a busier road. We emerged further along Cannon Lane to  go under the A404, then up to cross the A4 at the traffic lights in to the Private Newlands Drive.  I normally turn right as we emerge from a little path, but we more often than not are heading for Cookham from here. Today, Lynne took us left, with the promise of just one short bit of  potenially "muddy" path.  

We saw a couple of these magnificent trees as cut through Arlington Close
I thought it was Elder, but now not so sure. Anyone know?

 Arlington Close, where the big tree was on our right.
Just ahead, we came to a very short, slightly muddy cut through.....

.... to emerge here on Pinkneys Drive.
I had been on the look out for a nice property with a Wisteria. And it was straight ahead.

We turned right here, then almost immediately left into Lee Lane, which I have ridden many times in the other direction, passing Pinkneys Green Common. 

Pinkeys Green Common

Lee Lane, Pinkneys Green, And now I need to catch them up. 

We turned left into Dungove Hill Lane. I climbed UP this Lane a couple of weeks ago from Temple, so was looking forward to going down it again. Much easier!

Dungove Hill Lane. Great views, before we drop down steeply to go under
the A404 .

The windsock on Dungove Hill Lane. It was really windy today.
A model airplane club meets here. We saw a couple of "pilots" but no planes flying.

After the tunnel, a good track alongside the A404, before this lovely downhill into Temple. 

Wheee. 

The countryside is looking gorgeous atm. 

Next, a section of the main road into Marlow, which was pretty empty, and across the bridge over The Thames. All the way up the High Street to turn right at the top and soon the cafe is on the left. There is a Black hanging sign "Methodist Church and ARK cafe"on the Helen &Douglas Charity Shop, and the entrance between the two buildings.
 

A good find! Tucked away from the traffic, and loads of seating indoors for winter stop too.
All very modern, with plenty of toilets.

A couple of ladies opted for toasted Teacakes, and Gill and I shared a piece of Orange and Almond cake. It was smaller than some of the portions that other cafes serve, but delicious. Fed and watered, we headed back down the High Street to turn off before the river into Pound Lane, next to the Playpark. This is quieter than using the A4155, passing The Hand and Flowers. We eventually joined the main road for just 100 yards before turning into Harleyford Lane. (pretty much traffic free).

 Harleyford Lane, Marlow. This photo just a reference point.
We turned left here.

The road soon comes to a gate ahead "PRIVATE" but a narrow slightly muddy section, skirts around the property, then soon rejoins a good surface once more, all the way to Temple Lock. 

We emerge from Harleyford Lane here, at Temple Lock. 

A decent surface, then a steep ascent up the pedestrian footbridge. Gill and Louise ahead.  I missed it, but Louise fell off. (my bike). I missed it, because I had held my electronic gears a fraction too long, and was spinning, and nearly fell off too. šŸ˜‚ Decided to walk it!!

Views from Temple Bridge

And behind us now, as a boat comes through the lock.
(I had heard that river traffic was not allowed atm with the river running so high and fast, must have just re-oponed)

As we descend from the bridge, a huge Chestnut tree in bloom.

The next short section was a bit dodgy..... very muddy, tree roots and slippery. Louise and I took our time. I shouted "Gill will be loving this".šŸ˜…  ME, not so much, but it didn't last long. A sharp left turn to leave the riverside track, and we soon emerged on the familiar hardcore track between Hurley and Temple. 

We stuck to the clean road through Hurley today, on Shepherds Lane, then split into 2 groups for the inevitable section of the A4130 Henley Road. (never enjoy this with fast traffic, but soon over). Next our only long climb of the day, on Rose Lane up to Crazies Hill.  Louise shot off, on my gravel bike! She said she didn't even consider it a hill today, compared to her normal heavy bike.  At the top, I offered for her to try my ORO with the electronic gearing. 

Gill and I had a short race on the flat on Crazies Hill. top speed 24.5mph for me. šŸ˜‚ Specialise v Oro. 

Louise then swapped back to my Specialise Diverge. She preferred the handle bars of the Specialise. I agree it's a softer handlebar layout, a little narrower, chunkier I think, and of course has the built in futureshock suspension to the stem. BUT I do like my gearing on the ORO, and not one rattle... so far.  (Andrea's husband just awaiting delivery of an Oro too!) 

The light rain became a little heavier as we approached Ruscombe, but never did come to much. We returned via Hurst and left Gill after the Church.

A lovely ride and good coffee stop too. I think a bit of dry weather and one to repeat when not quite so muddy in the key places.  Thanks to Lynne for our route today.