Sunday, and after several days of coughing a spluttering, and icy conditions, we opted for ebikes today for a gentle ride to Binfield Heath to Bottle and Glass. It's been a few weeks since we have been able to cross the Thames at Sonning, due to flooding, followed by several days of ice. I am leading a Breeze ride that way on Wednesday, so was keen to check it out.
(that said, Storm "Isha" is arriving today, with very strong winds, and more rain, but hoping not enough rain to cause flooding all over again!)
In 9 degrees at 9.30, we headed over to Cantley then to Hurst to climb Sandford Lane. (which has also been closed a lot recently)
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| The field with the "White " horse at Hurst Lanes. 😂 |
From Beggarshill to Charvil then main road into Sonning. All very quiet this morning.
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| Since the lights were on red, I walked over Sonning Bridge to see the river levels. All looking normal again. |
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| Looking the opposite direction over Sonning Bridge. |
There were several thick patches of ice as we peddled through Sonning to Playhatch, but only off the roadside, so no problem. Any easy ride up Dundsden Hill using power today.
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| Bottle and Glass now have a teepee, instead of using the Barn. (weekends only I think) |
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| Lots of horses in this field as passed through Crowsley. Think I was spotted! |
Then to Sonning Common passed the very frozen pond, which had a flock of gulls walking on it. Looks weird when that happens. We carried on to Kidmore End Church junction, where 2 enormous Clydesdale horses turned into our lane. Then we went left towards Emmer Green.
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| One of several necessary nose blow stops today for both of us. Gloomy day. This is at Chalkhouse Green. |
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| Chalkhouse Green. This lane would been lethal with black ice a couple of days ago. |
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| Passing Lodden Brewery on Church Lane. |
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| Big contrast of light and dark on the two buildings. |
Dropping into Playhatch, a strong head wind now. We continued through Sonning all the way to Twyford X Roads, and dropped down Broadhiton. The wind was definitely increasing with some substantial gusts by the time we reached Hurst again near Dinton, infact we both used RED power most of way home from there, which is pathetic, but we were straight into wind. (But why not?) We finished in 11 degrees today. What a contrast from a couple of days ago!
Nice to be out again after a few days stuck indoors for me. My Monday ride tomorrow is now scuppered since Linda, just back from several weeks travelling, now tells me that her husband has covid. So not risking meeting up with her.
