I had learned of a new cafe which had opened in Crondall. (just on the edge of Odiham). I prefer not to stop at an Odiham town centre cafe with bikes, so rides around that area need careful planning to incorporate a refreshments stop. Hampshire doesn't have nearly enough cafes. So this was a good excuse to visit the newly opened Penncroft Cellar Door Cafe! 😊
The only problem with Hampshire, is that it's up and down, and up and down all over the place. So although I am very familiar with the area, cycling with hubby, I haven't led many Breeze Rides there, since it is challenging. But there are a core group of ladies, at peak cycling fitness ( after a summer of pushing them harder on a few hilly rides), so I thought it's now or never...... before they go into winter hibernation.
Route link (photo of route at end)
We met at Mattingley Church for our 30 mile loop. Rose, who didn't get a place on this weeks ride, got in touch to say that based on my ride description, she would plan a route to ride there with fellow cycling friends Jessica and Karen (both of whom I also now know), and hope to meet up with us at the Vineyard. (they started in Odiham) I therefore pre booked a table for 10. After recent punctures on rides, I also invited hubby to join us, since he might be handy. 😅 But also, he loves a new coffee stop.
We left Mattingley, passing West Green Gardens, and via Phoenix Green headed over the M3 to Winchfield. It was a grey morning with light drizzle at times, but never turned to rain. We took a right turn into Station Road, Winchfield, then left into Bagwell Lane, which passes the pretty St Mary's Church. Our average speed was 12.2mph at this point. I did check a few times if it was ok for everyone, and they said yes.... it wouldn't last.
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St Marys Church, Winchfield
(photo taken by John)
Kim, Linda, Me, Amanda T, Amy, Daphne. |
(I am learning watercolour painting, following an artist online, and this very church was one of the subjects we painted recently. People from all over the World follow this artist, who lives near this very church! Small world.)
We rode via the underpass to Odiham Canal, which thankfully was fine today. (A few of weeks ago it was flooded and we couldn't get through). We made a quick stop at the public loos in Odiham, and who should we bump into? Rose and the other 2 ladies! Nice to see them of course, but we were too big a group, so they set off again before us, heading for Greywell, then Upton Grey.
We nearly caught up with them as we came into Upton Grey, so held back a bit. Then just outside Upton Grey Manor House, we got stuck behind a truck anyway, so we thought "Perfect, that will widen the gap". At which point, we spotted them coming past the end of the junction!😂 Assuming they had taken a right rather than a left turn, we waited another few minutes, to let them get ahead again.
A dogleg over at the pond in Upton Grey, and now a bit more serious climbing, heading towards South Warnborough, on Lees Hill. I have only ever come the other direction on this road a handful of times.
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| Lees Hill as we leave Upton Grey heading to South Warnborough |
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| Views from Lees Hill |
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| Views from Lees Hill |
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| A little further on Lees Hill. |
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Up again!
(photo by John)
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| (photo by John) |
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| (photo by John) |
After lots of ups and downs, ranging from 10 to 13%, we dropped into South Warnborough.
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| just before our drop in to South Warnborough |
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| Views at our high point in South Warnborough. |
Next, straight across the main Alton/Odiham Road B3349, and immediately uphill on another tough climb on Froyle Lane. This lane eventually goes through the canopy of some pretty woodland, but all the leaves down of course. We regroup at the end after a couple of miles of uphill.
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| Ready for our final 10 miles back to the start. |
Nothing too hilly on our return loop, which was a pity in a way, since we could have done with a few hills to warm us up. It was 5 degrees, and a little more of a breeze than this morning. We rode mostly in 2 groups since busier roads as we headed back via Crookham, and Dogmersfield to Hartley Wintney and Mattingley.
Well done team! It was definitely one of the hillier routes we have done as a Breeze ride, climbing 1700 feet overall. But great scenery and lunch stop. We finished with an average speed of 10.8, which was pretty impressive considering all the climbs. And no punctures! Phew.
