Breeze to Herb Centre Sonning Common 28 miles

on

Yesterday's planned ride from Mattingley to Upton Grey was cancelled due to heavy rain forecast for the whole day. At least it did actually rain!  With that ride postponed until next Wednesday,  I offered a last minute local ride today to the Herb Centre in Sonning Common. (Sue already had a full ride going out to Shinfield.)

Yesterday's cancelled route was in part to allow Barbara to test out her new ebike on some decent Hampshire  hills, so I thought going up to Dunsden, then continuing to Sonning Common would also be a good test for her. 😉

Route link screen shot at end. 

I also asked if they minded me doing a little bit of filming today for the Breeze promo I am working on? No problem they said, so a few video screen shots for my photos today.

Great reflections at Hurst Pond today, with 3 tiny
cyclists approching!

Louise, Diane and Barbara joined me today.
(we weren't actually going this way. Just filmed them then headed to climb Broad Hinton)

After climbing Broad Hinton, we dropped down to Twyford X Roads, and left then all the way to cross the A4 in Charvil.  Just as we approached the A4 crossing, I could see a large group of cyclists in my mirror. About 10 at least, who passed us at the  roundabout. 

Into Sonning, where we crossed the bridge, and pulled in at The Mill to get any cars passed us. We then had a clear run almost all the way to Playhatch, without cars behind us. 

Playhatch to Dunsden, and Barbara is overtaking
Diane on the climb. Go girl! She enjoyed her power. 😊

Continuing to Binfield Heath, I got them to go back 100 yards to ride this
bit again, since the church with it's flowers was a nice shot for the film.

At Binfield Heath, a nice drop down, before the climb up to Crowsley on Sonning Common Road.

Sonning Common Road

At the Herb Centre, we sat inside since it was a bit cool still, but unfortunately we had some babies and toddlers making a bit of a noise on a table just near us. So not too relaxing!

A new recruit in the garden who has yet to buy her cycling kit!😂


Before we left, I thought the garden was looking so pretty, that it would make a good spot for the ladies "piece to camera" with their thought on Breeze rides. They were a bit nervous, so I suggested they all go together. We had a good laugh, but got some lovely words from each of them. Thanks ladies for being such good sports. (I am attempting to get more input from more riders over the next couple of weeks).

Action! 

Take 2!! 

Heading now to Emmergreen and back to Dunsden to drop 
downhill to Sonning. 

Our return loop was via Woodley to Beggars Hill Road and down Sandford Lane.  

At the bottom of Sandford Lane there are currently 3 way lights. Which were on RED. As we sat patiently behind a red car, with a young male driver, I heard him shout to the car in front of him "C'mon just Go!"  (his window was down) The lights were still on red so of course he was not going to go. 

I said to Louise, "Of course he can't go, the light are on red". The driver of course heard me. He looked straight at me in his wing mirror ... with attitude.  As the lights turned green he struck his whole arm out of his window,  with a not polite gesture with his finger. Charming.  Young male, hoody up, attitude. 😡 What IS the matter with drivers these days. 

Thanks ladies for joining me today for a very pleasant ride with just the 4 of us.