Breeze North Wokingham CAT ride - 23 miles

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So disappointing that I had to change the planned ride for today which WAS to be to Swyncombe Snowdrops, and Benson. But the forecast was too uncertain.  Breeze Champ Hazel A had the day off to do a "Volunteer day", and we arranged the ride a few weeks ago. With her assisting, we had a group of 8 ladies joining us.  But I made the call yesterday to stay local, incase we got wet.   I assumed a few would cancel.... but they all still wanted to come out to play. 

Previously, on dodgy weather days, we have ridden to Wargrave for coffee, and then faced a wet ride home, so today I planned a route of 23 miles, with coffee at 22, and at any point, we could abandon the route and just head home. 

Route link

It was the "PURRFECT " route  for the uncertain forecast today. 😅

The CAT route

There was a very light drizzle as we set off from Cantley with rain jackets on, but it all came to nothing after a few minutes. We wiggled through Hurst Lanes, along the CAT'S BACK, and I wondered about whether there might be any crochet items for Valentines Day at the pond?





Up Broadhinton next, and once over the railway line in Twyford, cut through Springfield Park, and with Amy now leading, rode around the back of Ruscombe church. We usually turn here into Castle End Lane, if heading to Wargrave, but today continued on the Waltham Road, all the way to Waltham St Lawrence 5 way X roads.   The road was completely empty! I had expected at least some traffic. 

We regrouped by a verge of daffodils in W. S. Lawrence. 

We saw a few groups of snowdrops enroute today, but not too many,
so, nice to see some daffodils out now too.

This lovely Great Dane passed me as I was setting up
my camera on the wall for our group shot.

Jeanette, Hazel, Rose, Linda, Daphne, Amanda T, Amy, Sandra, Kim, Me
in Waltham St Lawrence. 

I told the ladies at this point that we were following an animal route today, and were about to make the LEFT EAR. 😂 We nipped around the back of the Old Bell Pub into the quiet Halls Lane, before rejoining the main road once more, now changed name to Broadmoor Road.

(A note to Rose, following our chat enroute. Basically the road between Waltham St Lawrence and White Waltham, but for your friend.... the B3024😂)

We completed the top of the cats head, then reaching White Waltham, we made the RIGHT EAR of the cat by doubling back on ourselves to climb up passed White Waltham Church to Waltham Place. 

The right of the FACE was up over the M4, and into Howe Lane, just as far as the roundabout, where we turned right towards Beenham Heath, and approached the 5 way junction of WSL from the other side. With the face complete, we used Plough Lane and Hungerford Lane to Shurlock Row to achieve the FRONT of the cat. Jeanette now leading we continued through Shurlock Row, and up Billingbear Lane over Carters Hill.

20 mile point at  Billingbear.

A long downhill of course on Carters Hill, then a right turn onto Forest Road for about half a mile to coffee stop at The Farm Cafe, Ashridge.

A very accommodating and welcoming young man seated us at tables for 6 and 4, and within no time, we were all served. 

Shared half and half with another rider. 
Chelsea Bun and delicious Apple cake.

Kim set off back to Cantley and home, a few minutes
ahead of the rest of us, so a quick photo with not everyone in, at The Farm Cafe. 

With out rain jackets off.  We had both been to 
Stolen Goat sale last year. 😉

So, considering the disappointment of missing out on our planned day out in the Chilterns, everyone really enjoyed "the Cat" ride.  We could  do it all in reverse next time there is rain forecast! 

I'm on Nannie duties next week, but will offer a ride the following week.