I thought it would be nice to offer a Breeze Ride to Marlow and take in Hambleden Hollyhocks, but it's a long ride from Wokingham, and I thought nobody would come. So I offered it to start at Crazies Hill, as 20 mile ride.... with the option to ride from Wokingham. Hats off to the ladies who opted to join me for the longer ride. It was 45 for me, or 41 for those who drove to start at Cantley. Well done Daphne, Cathy, Angela and Gill.
Then 2 days ago, I noticed that the annual Swan Upping was passing through Hambleden Lock around noon today. I've never seen it, so sent a message out to the riders asking if others would be interested in a later start, to see the Rowing boats and "Uppers" coming through the lock? They were all keen since no one else had ever seen it either. So, plan B was to start Cantley 9.30 and liase with the other 4 riders at Crazies Hill 10.45.
We took the shortest route to Crazies Hill, basically to Shurlock Row, and Bottle Lane White Waltham, but left Bottle Lane to cut through a section of the Knowl Hill track, to get us safely across the A4 at Warren Row. I requested a loo stop at Velolife (not a tea stop), just incase we were a while at Hambleden Lock. We bumped into Gill's husband there. His electronic gear's battery had died! (note to self to check mine regularly. Not got a routine for that yet)
Then just a few more minutes to our rendevous at Crazies Hill with Barbara, Linda, Amy and Jean. infact we arrived at 10.44! 😇
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| Photo by Daphne as we all meet up at Crazies Hill. |
We had managed at average speed of 11.9 on our first 14 mile section, and now all flat and downhill to Hambleden Lock, via Aston Lane. The forecast was suggesting a rain shower at any time late morning, but it never happened. Infact a glorious day, reaching 26 degrees by the afternoon.
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Prime Spot for the boats arriving at the lock... with swans being corralled?
We weren't quite sure what to expect. And we were quite early. The actual
timing is only an estimate, but we decided to hang about to wait. Plenty opportunity
to chat.. as if we need an excuse. |
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| Photo by Daphne. Patiently waiting in the sunshine, |
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| The first sighting of some boats with flags, but we were expecting rowing boats. |
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| The boats pulled up to wait for the lock gates. |
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Definitely got Swan flags, so must have some purpose.
We thought just preparing the way for the BIG arrival? |
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| Beautiful interiors, and that looks like a load of shot glasses! |
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| And then... nothing happened. But at least it was a beautiful day. |
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| Next this boat with clientele drinking champers on the upper deck. |
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And finally, after an hour of waiting, 2 rowing boats appeared.😂
To say we were underwhelmed was an understatement! And not ONE SWAN😂 |
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| Swan feather in his Cap. |
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| And these ones had stripey outfits |
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So that was it! On reflection, somewhere on the river where you do actually
see swans would have been perfect, but it just seemed like an good idea at the time.
So now walk over the weir to ride into Hambleden Village. |
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| The Hollyhocks just about hanging on but will soon be over. |
I was kind to the ladies today, as we left the village on the "low" road, passing the Hovis house, around the church. Then we split in to 2 groups to ride up the Hambleden Valley road, passing through Skirmitt, and then right turn at Fingest.
The climb up to Freith is very gradual no more than 4% mostly. Jean trying out her lovely new Ebike today.
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| Daphne and I spotted this lot on our way up the hill and couldn't resist stopping. |
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| One of them had a lick of my front tyre. 😊 |
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We carried on through Frieth where the road flattens out.
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| And the view from the ridge to our left. |
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We dropped down in to Marlow, through Bovingdon Green, and a new stop for Breeze at
this Church I have used a couple of times now with friends, tucked away down a little alleyway.
(Great for the bikes and peace and quiet too) |
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Amy and I asked for a slice of cake and were handed a knife to cut ourselves a slice!
Left a bit more Amy 😂😋 |
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Now 2.30. We found some shade, and those who hadn't had "lunch" in Hambleden
ordered Paninis. (or half paninis were also offered) |
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| We left Marlow across the main Bridge, and to Temple, and into Hurley. |
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| Views from Hurley |
Final leg to Crazies Hill was the horrible short section of the main Marlow Road, and then up the pretty Rose Lane. The longer route then returned to Cantley via Ruscombe, and Hurst.
Quite a long day out, but everyone enjoyed the laid back approach. Angela said that her husband now expects her to be gone a while if she's "on one of Anne's rides". 😅
Thanks to all who joined Cathy and me for a fun day out.
