Monday ride, and I thought we would do something nice and easy. And since it's been dry, a few off road sections to ring the changes. Towards the end, we were all knackered! It's hard work on gravel and off road paths, since you never get a chance to freewheel! Back to hills on Wednesday for a rest.😂
Dave and Daphne each drove to Cantley, and Linda got a lift with Andy, who was also starting at Cantley on his U3A ride.
Over Carters Hill to drop down Billingbear Road, and into the track opposite. (well that was the route... which we all had in front of us.)
John and Dave got across whilst the ladies waited for a few cars. Then Daphne was first to go, but went left?! lol. She clearly wasn't paying attention to where the boys had gone. Linda and I crossed over and Daphne did a Uturn. 😉😅 We joined Ryehurst Lane, then a left out to join Howe Lane to Paley Street.
We pulled over to inspect the progress at the old Royal Oak Pub, which was demolished. The new signage calls it The BRAYWOOD. Interestingly, it will be run by the same owners as The Woodspeen, and The Boxford and others. Good food expected then, with an ex Woodspeen Chef in charge. Opening in November.
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| The BRAYWOOD. TO OPEN NOVEMBER |
We took a right turn into Sheepcoat Lane, then after a few yards on the main road, disappeared down Long Lane. Its a looooong time since I was down here, since it can be really muddy. Today it was fine. Phew. Once you go you're committed for almost a mile.
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| Emerging towards the end of Long Lane at this house. Name that plant? Persicaria Atrosanguinea. 😊( well done Linda) |
Daphne was by now complaining of a very painful shoulder (after wrestling with her grandson. Think he won.😂) Shame that this ride was not ideal for her sore shoulder. We continued, on tarmac, through Holyport to Bray, where we joined another track to cross the Thames on Monkey Island Lane.
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| Crossing at Monkey Island Lane to Dorney |
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| This bridge has several planks in pretty poor condition, which at some point will need to be replaced. |
Soon we arrived at Crocus garden centre at Dorney. We sat in the front garden area. Wokingham CC had been here yesterday and complained about the staff not making them feel very welcome. They couldn't have been nicer!
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| John's cake came with 2 forks. Dave wasted no time. No cake for anyone else. We are all watching our waists... atm. How long will it last? |
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| Variety of Sedum on offer at the nursery, which have been renamed Hylotelephium. |
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| You can sit through in this area, but with "takeaway" cups only. |
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| Yellow Achillea . Variety called Cloth of Gold |
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| I loved this upright pink Gypsophilla. The one I have already is a low growing, trailing variety. |
Fed, watered and discussions over, we joined the Jubilee River path towards Taplow. At one crossing point, where we went through a small car park area, a female driver was there with all 4 car doors open, with two bikes at the side. I thought a problem with the bikes so asked if she was ok? Not really.... she had just tried to drive under the height restriction barrier, with the bikes on the roof rack! Not only had she wrecked the bikes, but also the car roof and the barrier. Poor woman. Her day's plans over.
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| Wild blue Chicory plants along the Jubilee path. |
Normally on this loop we turn left on the A4 cyclepath and head to Braywick, but my route today took a little loop to take in Boulters Lock. This part was the "Kangaroo's Ear" 😂
Jubilee Lane joins Mill Lane passing the Old Mill building. The residential housing here is very tastefully done, with lovely planting too. We are required to WALK a section (although no one was there today, but a sign says No Cycling).
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| RAY family owned the Mill. Several roads around here and named Ray Mill. The mill was constructed in 1726 on the site of a previous mill, and continued to produce flour until the 1920s. |
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| The Boathouse pub, next to the bridge at Boulters Lock |
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| The Boathouse Entrance. |
On an information board as we crossed the bridge it mentioned SKINDLES, which is just off the A4 on the riverside. Some interesting history of the place, as a hotel, then night club, frequented by people ranging from Christine Keeler and John Profuma, to Live Bands such as the Rolling Stones. It was demolished in 2014, and reopenened on the site as a French Restaurant run by the late Michel Roux and his son Alain. Alain still runs it. Another one to try!
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| Cycling around the edge of Braywick Leisure Centre. |
To Kimbers Lane next to use the pedestrian bridge to cross the A404 and on quiet lanes to Woodlands Park/White Waltham.
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| Snowball Hill, White Waltham, with it's appalling road surface. |
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| Little Pony club, on Mire Lane, at West End. |
To Broadcommon Road, and a final push over the two motorway bridges back to Cantley.
So much for an easy ride today! John has just come back from shopping saying he needs a lie down.😂
Sorry if you all found it hard work too. Its nice to use some of these off road bits whilst its dry, but you get no chance to freewheel like you do on tarmac. Not free the next couple of Mondays, but see you later in August.
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| The KANGAROO ROUTE! |