With a gorgeous forecast for today, it's difficult to beat a waterside location for a tea stop! So 4 of us went in my van and Gill met us at Watersplash Lane, Ascot. Andrea had to pull out last night unfortunately, and Louise was off to cycle in London today with some friends. So we were 5.
Route link (photo of route at end)
We started uphill on Watersplash Lane, and soon went in under the tunnel to Ascot Racecourse, passing the paintings of the Queen. We were of course aiming to go out the other gate at the opposite side.... which was blocked by this car! That green gate on the left is usually open, and has a tarmac path. But TODAY is race day, and the turf had been wheeled across to fill in the "gap" in the racecourse.
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| We were told we could still get out just a few yards back, but had to duck under the white barriers. |
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| We don't usually get to actually peddle across the race track! 😊 |
Gill had apparently been awake a couple of nights ago, trying to work out my suggested route in her head. She was nearly right, but just a couple of missing links. It all became clear, as we peddled along two slightly busier main roads to link to Cranbourne, when we passed the Fishing Lake Cafe on our right, and very soon left into Crouch Lane. Its such a pleasure to ride on Crouch Lane, which always has a great surface! No potholes.!! We then passed the Tally Ho Honesty Cafe on our left.
Familiar route then to join Drift Road to Fifield, where after a couple of turns, we pulled over at my request at this Barn conversion on Coningsby Lane.
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| Coningsby Lane. John and I had been to an open garden here a few weeks ago in the middle house. A couple of photos below of the garden open day. Very nice.  |
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| Enjoying the sunshine. Not sure why they have jackets on! |
Then to cross the very busy A308 Windsor Road, to Monkey Island Lane, a climb over the M4 bridge, and through the village of Bray. From Bray we do a right hand turn to a cyclepath gate into Braywick area. A car was behind me, and I gave my RH Signal, followed by a "slowing down" signal, followed by another RH direct pointing signal. As he passed, he put his window down. I was ready for the usual impatient driver abuse.
But NO. He actually took the time to say "thankyou for such clear instructions. That was much appreciated". I was in shock. That NEVER happens!
As we emerged at the Bray Road roundabout, now in Maidenhead, there were cones closing one of the exits, and a long Q of traffic from the opposite direction. Didn't affect us, since we were heading the other way, to turn into Old Acres to wiggle through the residential area. I knew we were heading down Horseguards Drive, but hadn't previously noticed before that 3 turnings are called Horseguard Drive. A close call when I changed my mind at the last minute, almost clashing with Martina. Sorry about that! Good recovery. 😂 Then we cut through the barrier to this house ahead, and the spooky looking one next to it.
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| It always gives me the creeps. |
A right turn next to ride on the A4 bridge over the Thames, and immediately left into Mill Lane. I warned them that we were about to climb a steep hill, when Martina spotted a path across a green space, looking like it was going the right direction..... and maybe avoid the steep hill! Ok, lets go!!
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| We turned back part way along Mill Lane to use the track instead, which came to an abrupt halt where there should be a pedestrian bridge over the Thames. |
A bit more backtracking, led by Lynne, and we emerged facing the old Mill Building, which we would have passed on our left, had we stuck to the original route on Mill Lane. So we didnt avoid the hill.... which we starting NOW. It peaked at 14% gradient. I've done it 3 times now, so was kind of prepared, but down to granny gear.
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| Mill Lane, where we turned right, to climb a 14% gradient. |
But of course a lovely fast downhill followed, on Berry Hill, as we headed to cross straight over the A4 on traffic controlled lights, and just a couple of hundred yards to Taplow Lake Cafe. ( this avoids riding a section on the A4, so although its a climb, its preferable in my opinion.)
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| Lemon and Ginger Tea for me with Lemon and Coconut Cake (thank you Martina for paying for my tea and cake today.) |
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| It was 11.30, so some ladies fancied an early lunch. Lynne and Martina had egg and spinach Bagel |
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| Mushrooms and toast for Gill. |
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| Me, Lynne, Gill, Jeanette, Martina. |
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| It's a great setting, and Gill's first visit. |
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| The flags are for the Octoberfest on this weekend with German Beer and food this evening,and tomorrow. |
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| Our return route started by continuing on the road out of the cafe, which once over the Thames Bridge, joins the Jubilee River Path. |
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| The cattle which are probably the ones I have previously encountered wandering near Dorney Lake. |
We rode about 5 miles along the Jubilee River path. At our turning where we left it, an old boy was having a picnic. I continued, but Gill and Lynne got chatting to him. He was doing a week long Thames Walk, heading to Marlow today.
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| Gill and Lynne catching us up, after chatting to the elderly gentleman having his picnic. |
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| Over Eton Bridge, and I noticed the flag flying at Windsor Castle. Presumably King Charles there. |
We got slightly off course, as often happens, when we emerge to join York Road on the other side of Windsor. Looking at the map, I now see that there is a York Road, opposite where we emerge from under the tunnel, and a York AVENUE crosses it. Ahhh. Now I get it. Gill guided us through, and we got back on track eventually.
Next the long gradual climb to get into Windsor Great Park at Prince Consorts Drive.
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| Prince Consort Drive inside Windsor Great Park. What fabulous weather. |
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| Jeanette ahead. Jacket finally off. 😊 |
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| And these 3 following. Shot taken on the go pointing it behind me and hoping for the best. Turned out ok. |
As we came through the undulations of the park, passing all the big old oak trees, Gill announced that "the climb was not as bad as she used to find it.". That was because we hadn't got to it yet.😂
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| Saddlecam shot. Final climb done as we are about to leave WG Park. |
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| Martina SHOT off, as we heading downhill at the end. That Spinach I suspect. |
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| I had to stop for this photo. The light was gorgeous. |
A lovely ride in glorious weather. Long may it continue!
John left me this morning (but not forever). He is in north Wales with photography friends, back Monday. We normally ride on a Sunday, and since Gill is also free on Sunday, we are going out for a ride. Andrea is also joining us. Similar weather is forecast for Sunday. 😎
